Discover Europe without the stress of airports, long security lines, or cramped seating. Instead, board, relax, and enjoy the journey. Train travel is experiencing a real comeback and is becoming a relaxing alternative to flying for many routes. While flights often take more time than they save, train journeys usually start and end right in the city center.
The big advantage: The journey itself becomes an experience. Whether it’s a quick city trip, a spectacular panoramic route, or a longer adventure across Europe, many destinations are easily accessible from Germany and show how diverse and surprising a rail journey can be. TRAVELBOOK presents the most beautiful train connections, including travel time and approximate price levels, starting directly from major German cities.
Quick City Trips
These destinations are perfect for spontaneous getaways: vibrant cities with cultural diversity, culinary highlights, and iconic sights–ideal for a long weekend or even a day trip.
Paris, France
In Paris, the Metro offers a practical and traffic-free way to get from A to B
The “City of Love” stands for diversity, creativity, and a unique atmosphere. Besides world-famous landmarks, there is always something new to discover in charming neighborhoods and small cafes. Traveling by train allows you to relax and arrive directly in the heart of the city, quickly reaching your favorite spot without detours.
Direct connections: From Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Berlin
Travel time: 4 hours from Frankfurt, about 8 hours from Berlin
Highlight: Travel up to 320 km/h on the French high-speed line with the TGV
Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is considered the unofficial capital of the European Union and is one of the most international cities in the world. In addition to its political significance, the metropolis impresses with well-known landmarks and diverse cuisine. Trains from Germany arrive at a centrally located station with excellent public transport connections.
Direct connections: From Cologne, Frankfurt
Travel time: Under 2 hours from Cologne and 3 hours from Frankfurt
Highlight: Direct high-speed line from the German to the Belgian city center
Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck uniquely combines city and mountains. Whether sightseeing, shopping, or outdoor adventures, the Tyrolean capital offers a variety of experiences between urban flair and alpine nature in the summer.
Direct connections: From Munich
Travel time: Under 2 hours
Highlight: Extremely fast approach to the Alps with mountain views almost from departure
Basel / Zurich, Switzerland
Travel through picturesque landscapes and over impressive bridges in Switzerland, like here over the Landwasser Viaduct
In our neighboring country, these two cities uniquely combine urbanity and tradition: here, you can feel international flair, cultural diversity, and vibrant scenes. At the same time, Switzerland’s impressive nature is never far away, creating ideal conditions for active breaks between mountains, lakes, and green landscapes.
Direct connections: From many major cities like Hamburg, Cologne, Munich
Travel time: Under 3 hours from Stuttgart
Highlight: Proximity to the Rhine and Lake Constance offers varied landscapes
Panoramic Routes
On these routes, the journey itself becomes a highlight: You don’t just travel from A to B, but through some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes. With spectacular views of rivers, mountains, and impressive natural scenery directly from the train window.
Prague, Czech Republic
In Prague, visitors find a city that has it all: historical monuments, vibrant neighborhoods, and quiet parks. Located in the heart of Europe and well-connected, the Czech capital is ideal for a diverse getaway.
Direct connections: From Berlin or Dresden
Travel time: About 4 hours
Highlight: Elbe Valley route through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains–one of the most beautiful in Europe
Vienna, Austria
In Austria, pass by Lake Hallstatt with the backdrop of the Dachstein Mountains
Art, culture, and cuisine are closely intertwined in Austria’s capital. In Vienna, history and modernity come together in a unique way. Even the journey makes you eager for the destination: The route leads through varied landscapes from the edge of the Alps over wide river valleys to the Danube.
Direct connections: From almost all major cities in Germany
Travel time: 4 hours from Munich; at least 8 hours from Berlin
Price: Varies, starting at about 25 euros
Highlight: Many night trains allow travel while sleeping
Milan / Verona, Italy
The train station in Milan is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe
This train journey takes you over some of Europe’s most beautiful routes directly to northern Italy: first to Milan, where fashion, architecture, and one of Europe’s most beautiful train stations meet, and from there to Verona, a city full of history, charm, and Mediterranean lifestyle.
Direct connections: From Munich
Travel time: 5.5 hours to Verona and 8 hours to Milan
Highlight: Over the Brenner Pass to Italy–an iconic Alpine crossing
Budapest, Hungary
On the way to Budapest, diverse landscapes pass by as the Hungarian capital with its unique blend of history and modernity gradually unfolds. Divided by the Danube into Buda and Pest, the city impresses with stunning architecture and vibrant cuisine.
Direct connections: From Berlin or Munich
Travel time: 7 hours from Munich, 11 hours from Berlin
Price: 38 euros from Munich, night train from Berlin from 35 euros
Highlight: Landscape transition from Alpine foothills to the vast Puszta
Adventure Routes
On these routes, the train journey becomes a small adventure: They take you further afield, connecting multiple countries and offering entirely new perspectives on Europe. Whether heading to Scandinavia or the East, landscapes, cultures, and impressions change noticeably along the way.
Malmö, Sweden
The Öresund Bridge, connecting Denmark and Sweden, can be crossed in a 30-minute train ride. Cars travel on the top level, trains on the second.
Malmö delights with a relaxed atmosphere, short distances, and immediate proximity to the sea. The train journey takes you directly to the heart of the city–and from there, everything is close by. Several times a day, the EuroCity connects Germany via Copenhagen with southern Sweden. A side trip to the Danish capital is also a great option.
Direct connections: From Hamburg
Travel time: About 5.5 hours
Highlight: The Öresund crossing–train ride over one of Europe’s most spectacular bridges
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Dutch capital combines big-city flair with typical Dutch charm. Between canals, world-famous museums, and lively neighborhoods, history, art, and modern city life come together. With a mild climate and short train journey, Amsterdam is the ideal destination for a diverse city trip.
Direct connections: From Frankfurt, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Hanover
Travel time: 4 hours from Frankfurt, 6 hours from Berlin
Price: From 20 euros with DB, with a new Dutch provider from just 10 euros
Highlight: Typical polder landscapes and river deltas
Zagreb, Croatia
Bridges like the Solkan Bridge in Slovenia shape the journey through the lush green of Eastern Europe
In the northwestern capital of Croatia, modernity and tradition blend in a special way. Although often overlooked by tourists because it is not directly on the sea, the city offers numerous opportunities to visit historical buildings, markets, and museums. The nearby Jarun Lake also provides a chance to cool off.
Direct connections: Night train from Munich, Stuttgart
Travel time: About 10 hours from Munich and 14 hours from Stuttgart
Highlight: Via Graz or Ljubljana on lesser-known routes through Alpine foothills and Balkan landscapes
Barcelona, Spain
Alongside turquoise seas and orange groves: A train journey through Spain offers entirely new perspectives
Even this Spanish dream destination is reachable by train from Germany. The journey takes you across Europe to the Mediterranean. Upon arrival in Barcelona, you’ll find impressive architecture, vibrant culture, and relaxed beach life. The Catalan metropolis combines big-city flair with Mediterranean ease.
Direct connections: None yet–with a transfer in Paris from all major German cities
Travel time: About 12 hours from Frankfurt
Highlight: On a high-speed line through southern France to the Mediterranean region
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