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Top scenic and city-to-city routes in your Eurail Pass
Glacier Express (Switzerland): St. Moritz – Zermatt
Ride the “slowest express train in the world” through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Panoramic windows reveal the Rhine Gorge, dramatic viaducts, and snow-capped peaks. The full journey takes about 8 hours and is a must for scenery lovers. Reservation required.
Bernina Express (Switzerland/Italy): Chur/St. Moritz – Tirano
This UNESCO-listed route climbs to the Bernina Pass, passing glaciers and alpine lakes before descending to palm-lined Tirano in Italy. The journey is stunning year-round, with vibrant colors in summer and snowy vistas in winter. Reservation required for the panoramic train.
West Highland Line (Scotland): Glasgow – Mallaig
Experience wild Scottish landscapes, lochs, and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct (of Harry Potter fame). The journey from Glasgow to Mallaig takes about 5.5 hours and is one of the UK’s most scenic rail rides. No reservation needed on ScotRail services.
Cinque Terre Coast (Italy): La Spezia – Monterosso – Levanto
Hop between the five colorful villages of Cinque Terre on regional trains that hug the dramatic Ligurian coastline. With a Eurail Pass, you can ride unlimited times in a day—perfect for exploring each village at your own pace.
Berlin – Prague (Germany/Czech Republic): Along the Elbe
Travel from Berlin to Prague along the Elbe River, passing sandstone cliffs and castles in Saxon Switzerland. The EuroCity trains on this route offer scenic views and comfortable travel, with no reservation required.
Plan your route with Eurail Pass
Single-country itineraries
Multi-country itineraries
Italy: 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Rome to Florence (Frecciarossa, 1.5hr). Explore Florence’s Renaissance art and climb the Duomo.
Day 2: Florence to Milan (Frecciarossa, 2hr). Visit the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Sforza Castle.
Day 3: Milan to Venice (Frecciarossa, 2.5hr). Wander Venice’s canals, St. Mark’s Basilica, and Doge’s Palace.
Day 4: Venice to La Spezia (4hr, regional). Explore Cinque Terre’s villages with unlimited regional train hops.
Day 5: La Spezia to Rome (4hr). Return to Rome, with time for the Colosseum or a final gelato.
This itinerary covers Italy’s top cities and coastlines, using high-speed and regional trains—all included with your pass (reservations required for Frecciarossa).
Switzerland: 5-Day Scenic Loop
Day 1: Zurich to Lucerne (1hr). Enjoy Lake Lucerne and the Chapel Bridge.
Day 2: Lucerne to Interlaken (2hr, GoldenPass route). Ride the GoldenPass Line through alpine meadows.
Day 3: Interlaken to Zermatt (2hr). Board the Glacier Express to St. Moritz for panoramic mountain views.
Day 4: St. Moritz to Tirano (Bernina Express, 4hr). Cross the Bernina Pass into Italy.
Day 5: Tirano to Zurich (regional/IC, 4hr). Return via scenic lakes and valleys.
Reservations are required for Glacier and Bernina Express; regional alternatives are available without extra fees.
Classic Explorer: 10 Days, 6 Countries
Day 1: London to Paris (Eurostar, 2.5hr, reservation required).
Day 2: Paris to Geneva (TGV Lyria, 3hr, reservation required).
Day 3: Geneva to Interlaken (GoldenPass, 3hr).
Day 4: Interlaken to Milan (EC, 3hr).
Day 5: Milan to Florence (Frecciarossa, 2hr, reservation required).
Day 6: Florence to Rome (Frecciarossa, 1.5hr, reservation required).
Day 7: Rome to Venice (Frecciarossa, 2.5hr, reservation required).
Day 8: Venice to Munich (Nightjet, overnight, reservation required).
Day 9: Munich to Berlin (ICE, 4hr).
Day 10: Berlin to Amsterdam (IC, 6hr).
This route combines iconic cities, high-speed trains, and a night train adventure. Plan ahead for reservations on Eurostar, TGV, and Nightjet.
Grand Tour: 15 Days, 10+ Countries
Day 1: Madrid to Barcelona (AVE, 3hr, reservation required).
Day 2: Barcelona to Paris (TGV, 6hr, reservation required).
Day 3: Paris to Lausanne (TGV Lyria, 4hr, reservation required).
Day 4: Lausanne to Zermatt (IC, 2hr).
Day 5: Zermatt to Venice (Glacier Express to Chur, then overnight to Venice, reservations required).
Day 6: Venice to Vienna (Railjet, 7hr).
Day 7: Vienna to Budapest (Railjet, 2.5hr).
Day 8: Budapest to Brasov (EuroCity, overnight).
Day 9: Brasov to Sofia (overnight).
Day 10: Sofia to Istanbul (Balkan Express, overnight, reservation required).
Day 11: Istanbul to Thessaloniki (day train).
Day 12: Thessaloniki to Bari (ferry, deck passage included with pass).
Day 13: Bari to Rome (IC, 4hr).
Day 14: Rome to Nice (via Milan, TGV, reservation required).
Day 15: Nice to Barcelona (TER + TGV, reservation required).
This epic journey covers Western, Central, and Eastern Europe, including a ferry crossing and multiple overnight trains. Reservations and advance planning are essential for smooth travel.
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Frequently asked questions about Eurail Pass itineraries
How do I choose the best Eurail itinerary for my trip?
Start by listing your must-see cities and regions, then check which routes are covered by the Eurail Pass. Consider travel times, reservation requirements, and how many travel days you’ll need. Use the Eurail Rail Planner app to map your route and check train schedules.
Can I visit both big cities and small towns with the Eurail Pass?
Yes, the Eurail Pass covers over 30,000 destinations, including major cities and many smaller towns. Regional trains let you reach off-the-beaten-path spots, while high-speed and international trains connect Europe’s capitals.
Do I need to reserve seats for every train on my itinerary?
No, most regional and intercity trains don’t require reservations—just hop on with your pass. However, high-speed, international, and night trains often require advance seat reservations for a fee. Always check reservation rules for your planned routes.
What’s the difference between Flexi and Continuous passes for itineraries?
A Flexi pass lets you choose specific travel days within a set period (e.g., 7 days in 1 month), ideal for travelers who want to spend several days in each city. A Continuous pass offers unlimited travel every day for a set duration, perfect for fast-paced or spontaneous trips.
Can I use the Eurail Pass for night trains?
Yes, night trains are included, but you’ll need to pay a reservation fee for a seat, couchette, or sleeper. For Flexi passes, both the departure and arrival days count as travel days if your journey crosses midnight.
How far in advance should I book reservations for popular routes?
For high-demand trains like Eurostar, TGV, and scenic routes, book reservations as early as possible—ideally 2–3 months in advance, especially in summer or during major events.
Are ferries or buses included in the Eurail Pass?
Some international ferries, like the Greece–Italy Adriatic crossings, are included or discounted for passholders. Most buses are not included, except for a few replacement or special routes. Always check the Eurail benefits portal for details.
Can I start my Eurail itinerary at any city?
Absolutely. The pass is valid for travel starting in any of the 33 covered countries. Many travelers begin at major hubs like Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Milan for easy international connections.
Is it possible to add spontaneous stops or change my itinerary mid-trip?
Yes, one of the Eurail Pass’s biggest advantages is flexibility. As long as you have valid travel days left and the train doesn’t require a reservation (or seats are available), you can change plans on the go.
What’s the best way to keep track of my Eurail itinerary and travel days?
Use the Eurail Rail Planner app to log your journeys, activate travel days, and store reservations. For paper passes, fill out your travel diary before boarding each train. Always carry your passport and pass for inspections.