With jet fuel prices climbing and border control queues stretching longer, British holidaymakers are increasingly looking beyond airports for their summer getaways - and travelling by train might be the answer.
New research reveals that nearly four in 10 Britons would be willing to swap planes for rail travel across Europe this summer.
European nations have been pouring billions into upgrading their railway networks, introducing faster services and more direct connections to support greener tourism.
Travel experts from Quotezone.co.uk ranked Europe's best rail destinations by value, accessibility and variety, with France coming out top in the 2026 Rail Travel Index.
The top route goes through the French Provence
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Europe's best rail destination
- France: £170 rail pass, connects Paris, Bordeaux, Nice
- Spain: £196 rail pass, connects Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga
- Italy: £171 rail pass, connects Florence, Rome, Milan
- Germany: £220 rail pass, connects Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt
- Austria: £171 rail pass, connects Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck
- Belgium: £144 rail pass, connects Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp
- Hungary: £112 rail pass, connects Budapest, Eger, Lake Balaton
- Netherlands: £246 rail pass, connects Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht
- Czech Republic: £112 rail pass, connects Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Brno
- Switzerland: £244 rail pass, connects Interlaken, Zermatt, Montreux
TRAVEL INSPIRATION
Spain came in second place with Europe's fastest trains, hitting 193mph. The Transcantábrico service runs alongside the Bay of Biscay, offering views of verdant northern coastlines and Andalusian olive groves.
Italy rounded out the top three, with the Cinque Terre Express hugging the dramatic Italian Riviera coastline. Travellers can also enjoy a more relaxed experience without rushing to arrive hours early, and once inside the Schengen area, passport checks typically happen during the journey rather than at stations. Further down the list is the cheapest option, the Czech Republic, where guests can visit Prague and more destinations.
Travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, Helen Rolph, said: "Rail holidays might just be the answer a lot of travellers are searching for this summer. As tensions at airports rise, many holidaymakers are seeking an affordable plan B to help them explore new destinations across Europe and still get a much-needed dose of sunshine.
"The rail network across Europe is impressive, with iconic scenery and thousands of miles of railway connecting some of the finest holiday spots with high-speed trains, affordable travel passes and reasonably priced local accommodation making it easy for travellers to explore multiple countries and experience several cultures in just one holiday.
In Spain, trains transport visitors to Malaga
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The cheapest option passes through Prague
| RAIL EUROPE"Our research aims to give holidaymakers a starting point to help them create a trip with a difference this summer that doesn't break the bank and avoids the potential for chaos at the airport."
For those planning a rail adventure, the experts shared some tips.
- Seat reservations on high-speed services typically cost around 10 Euros extra and can sell out quickly during summer, so booking early is wise.
- Double-check luggage rules between different train operators, as these can vary. Some trains split mid-journey and head to different destinations, so make sure you are in the right carriage.
- If departing from London via Eurostar, allow up to 90 minutes for security and border control. Families might want to splash out on private sleeper compartments for overnight journeys.
- Always check for strikes or engineering works beforehand, and remember that train doors often close a couple of minutes before departure.
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