European Rail Travel

TGV trains in a Paris railway station.

Unless you're touring the countryside, trains are the best way to travel around Europe. You can pick and choose from an astonishing variety of trains--from folksy, friendly local trains in rural areas to high-speed TGVs that whisk you between cities at speeds up to 300 km/h (186 mph). Best of all, you'll see Europeans at close range when you travel by train, instead of viewing the backs of their heads through a bug-spattered windshield.

In most European countries, being a train passenger is far more pleasant than it is in the U.S. Stations are centrally located, departures are frequent, and well-maintained railbeds provide a comfortable ride. Many trains have dining cars, and buffet carts serve drinks and snacks to travelers who forgot to buy refreshments in the station. Bottom line: For most travelers, common sense says, "Take the train and leave the driving to Jacques or Jane."

To plan your rail trip in Europe, see the country links at:

Europe Travel Planner: European Railway Timetables 

From Europe for Cruisers:

• Tour Europe by Ship
• European Cruise Guide 2012
• Costa: Western Mediterranean
• MSC: Eastern Mediterranean
• Holland America: Scandinavia
• More Cruising

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