A grand rail tour threading together cities and towns across Europe offers incredible potential for a vacation like no other. Made possible by a vast high-speed rail network and passport-free travel in 29 countries that makes traveling across borders by train in Europe easy.
Visit London, Paris, and Amsterdam in one trip. Or embark on a cultural adventure that gently rolls through the continent’s long and interconnected history.
Where airplanes limit possibilities, trains open them up.
The Convenience of Cross-Border Train Travel in Europe
Cross-border train travel in Europe is low on logistical headaches, big on adventure. Air travel equals lost hours in out-of-town airports, hanging around for flight announcements and luggage.
Trains, on the other hand, have space to stretch and views to savor while rolling across international boundaries. From breakfast in Paris to lunch in Brussels, or morning coffee in Vienna followed by an evening plate of goulash in Budapest, trains are the only way to effortlessly hop around the continent.
To help you plan a vacation with more layers than a Parisian mille-feuille, we’ve identified the key points to consider when traveling across borders by train in Europe.
How Cross-Border Train Travel Works
High-speed rail networks connect major cities across borders with impressive efficiency.
Thalys services connect Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne.
The French TGV network extends from France into Switzerland, Italy, and Spain.
Germany’s ICE trains reach Austria, Switzerland, and beyond.
Even the UK is easily reached via the Channel Tunnel and Eurostar trains.
Major hubs like Paris Gare du Nord serve as international gateways where dozens of trains arrive and depart daily from neighboring countries. Peek at our most popular European rail tours and you see there really are few limits on where trains can take you in Europe.
The Schengen Area and Rail Travel in Europe
The Schengen Agreement is a game-changer for traveling across borders by train in Europe.
Twenty-nine countries have eliminated internal border controls, meaning trains can cross international boundaries without stopping. You might not even realize you’ve entered a new country until you step off the train, unless you pay close attention to the signs at stations.
It’s a domestic journey that skips across borders and cultures. France, for example, is bordered by eight countries, all readily accessible by train from Paris. It’s a pattern repeated across Europe, making rail travel the ultimate ticket to see more.
Documents and Requirements for European Rail Travel
For Schengen Area travel, the current Entry and Exit System (EES) allows visitors from visa-exempt countries like the USA, Canada, and the UK to enter any Schengen Area country for 90 days (in a 180-day period) as a tourist.
Details are recorded upon entry, and you can then move freely between member countries. Bad news for passport stamp collectors, as this system will replace passport stamps. But great news for travelers with limited vacation time.
Your passport should have at least six months’ validity remaining. While trains within the Schengen Area rarely check documents, you must carry valid identification at all times. Random checks do happen, so keep your passport handy.
** Over the course of 2026, the EU is rolling out the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Similar to the US ESTA, this will require visaexempt visitors to obtain an electronic authorization before traveling to Europe. You can read more on the official ETIAS website.
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory but highly recommended. Coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and luggage issues provides peace of mind when crossing multiple countries.
Customs considerations apply to goods, not passengers, on most European routes. Within the EU, there are no customs checks on personal items for personal use.
Traveling between EU and non-EU countries means potential customs declarations for restricted items, outlined in rules covering consumer goods you can carry.
Logistics of Traveling Across Borders by Train in Europe
Customs-free borders and Europe’s modern trains ease travel around the continent.
But there are things to plan for when traveling across borders by train in Europe:
Currency – The Euro is used in 21 European countries, with Bulgaria joining the fiscal party in 2026.
For countries with other currencies, like Poland, Switzerland, and the UK, a credit card is all you need. Grab some local cash at ATMs, typically found at major rail stations.
Language Barriers – One clear sign you have crossed an international border is a language change. Happily, English is widely used as a second language in tourist hotspots, including on station signage and with onboard train announcements along
tourist routes.
Time zones – Time may occasionally shift during cross-border train travel in Europe. Trains crossing from France to Switzerland, for example, don’t change time zones; those traveling from the UK to France move forward an hour.
Arrival times on your ticket and on timetables will match the local time. Consider this when traveling across borders by train in Europe.
Ticket types and reservations – these differ between countries and even between competing rail operators in the same country. However, trains that cross borders have their own tickets that cover the entire journey.
High-speed international and intercity routes typically require advance booking, especially if you want to cut costs as dynamic pricing is is standard.
Regional services in many places operate on a first-come, first-served basis and can be purchased on the day of travel.
Luggage – Another win for trains over airlines. No restrictive weight limits means you don’t need to count the pounds, or metric kilos, as you collect souvenirs. Storage space is provided in every carriage, meaning you can be reunited with your luggage in moments, with zero possibility of it being sent to the wrong destination.
Mobile phone roaming – Mobile phone roaming is included in existing plans for EU citizens under a scheme called ‘Roam Like at Home’.
When visiting from outside the EU, check roaming packages and costs with your phone operator. Some offer European fixed price roaming packages, but make sure they cover all the countries on your itinerary. Non-EU countries (the UK, Switzerland, and Norway among them) may not be covered.
Power outlets and Wi-Fi – availability varies by country and train operator. Although common on high-speed rail services, not all international trains offer these amenities consistently. And regional services may not have either.
Popular International Rail Routes Across Europe
There are few limits on where you can visit in Europe by rail. But some routes showcase cross-border train travel in Europe at its finest, combining stunning scenery with efficient connections between iconic destinations.
Amsterdam to Paris via Brussels
Traveling from Amsterdam to Paris via Brussels crosses three borders. But until windmills and tulip fields fade into the vineyards and medieval villages of France, you might not even notice you’ve crossed borders.
The journey from the canals and museums of the Dutch capital Amsterdam to Belgian beers and sugary waffles in Brussels is fast and direct. As is the journey from the Belgian capital to ‘la Ville Lumière’, aka Paris, the City of Light.
You can fly between these cities, but you can visit all three cities in little over three hours by train, like on our Western Capitals Tour. More time to gaze at the Mona Lisa in Paris’s Louvre museum. Or to explore Amsterdam’s canals by boat and bike, or amuse young ones at the inimitable Atomium in Brussels.
London to Madrid via Paris and the Channel Tunnel
The Channel Tunnel opened in 1994, providing a high-speed rail link to Paris and other European cities.
Polish off a full English breakfast in the shadow of the Tower of London and in the afternoon practice your French at a bistro overlooked by the Eiffel Tower. With some of the world’s greatest museums, art galleries, restaurants, and much more on offer, these two cities are a wellspring of cultural escapades.
But as our popular London to Madrid rail tour illustrates, high-speed rail opens up the possibility to go from northern climes to the sunny delights of Spain. See Gaudí’s Familia Sagrada in Barcelona before enjoying the kinetic energy of the Spanish capital, Madrid, home to the Royal Palace and countless cultural diversions.
Berlin to Budapest via Prague and Vienna
This epic journey threads together four capitals of dizzying contrasts and features in our Historic Heartland tour.
It’s a journey from the absorbing history of the German capital, Berlin, to the traditional coffee houses of elegant Vienna.
A stop at the ‘Pearl of the Danube’ and Hungarian capital, Budapest, offers a peek at the grand imperial architecture of central Europe. Thanks to that interconnected rail network, you can squeeze in one more stop amid the spires and nightlife of one of Europe’s prettiest cities, Prague.
It adds up to an immersive yet unhurried vacation that showcases how cross-border train travel in Europe can take you beyond the ordinary.
Why Europe’s Trains Are Ideal for Multi-Country Trips
Pick through our rail destinations guide, and you’ll see a wealth of compelling destinations accessible by train. It’s not the only advantage trains have over flying when planning a multi-country European adventure:
City-center to city-center convenience eliminates the time and expense of airport transfers. Trains depart from and arrive at central stations, often within walking distance of major hotels and attractions.
High-speed rail travel is frequently the quickest and most efficient way to transit between cities, with many European capitals a few hours apart. If you’re looking for the best transit options in Europe, trains not only save time but also eliminate many complications.
The environmental benefits of trains are unbeatable, producing significantly fewer carbon emissions per passenger than flights.
Scenic journey experiences turn travel time into sightseeing time. Trains cut through picturesque landscapes, skipping past timeworn villages, vineyards, and chateaux, making the journey part of your travel story. It’s the definition of slow travel, at high speed!
Space and comfort make journeys a joy, rather than a grin-and-bear moment.
Stretch legs, visit the dining car, and recline in a seat designed for comfort. First-class options (the standard on most Rail Escape Tours) provide extra legroom, quieter compartments, and included meals on longer routes.
Luggage racks eliminate weight restrictions and excess baggage fees. Bring what you need, store it nearby, and access it throughout the journey. No wrestling bags through security or waiting at carousels.
Cultural immersion begins the moment you board. Overhear different languages, observe local travelers, and experience life as the locals do.
Rail Escape’s Cross-Border Travel Expertise
Rail travel is ideal for travelers who want to see more of Europe in one vacation.
We’ve covered the essentials of traveling across borders by train in Europe. Putting it together doesn’t need to be the biggest challenge. Rail Escape crafts international rail itineraries that turn complex multi-country journeys into seamless adventures. The best rail connections, fastest trains, and premium hotels in one package.
Connect with our specialists to plan an itinerary that flows smoothly across borders, allowing you to savor the moment without getting tied up in planning.
