Traveling between Europe’s major cities by rail has become increasingly efficient in 2026, with the revival of night trains and the expansion of high-speed corridors. Below is a guide to the most essential connections between the cities on your list.
Top High-Speed & Scenic Routes
- London to Paris & Amsterdam: The Eurostar remains the premier link from the UK. London to Paris takes approximately 2h 16m, while the direct London to Amsterdam service takes around 4h.
- Paris to Barcelona: High-speed TGV/AVE trains connect these icons in about 6.5 hours. This route offers stunning views of the Pyrenees and the French coastline.
- Madrid to Barcelona: This is one of Europe’s busiest and fastest lines. AVE, Ouigo, and Iryo trains run nearly every 30 minutes, taking just 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Stockholm to Copenhagen: The SJ High-Speed train crosses the famous Øresund Bridge, connecting Sweden and Denmark in roughly 5 hours.
- Munich to Milan: Currently, this route usually requires a change in Innsbruck. It traverses the Brenner Pass, offering some of the most spectacular Alpine scenery in Europe. Journey time is approximately 7 hours.
New for 2026: Innovations in Rail
- Prague to Copenhagen Direct: Launching in May 2026, a new direct "ComfortJet" service connects Central Europe to Scandinavia via Berlin and Hamburg.
- The European Sleeper Expansion: Starting March 2026, a new night train links Paris to Berlin via Brussels. Additionally, a night service from Amsterdam/Brussels to Milan is scheduled to launch in June 2026.
- Berlin to Paris High-Speed: Accelerated daily day-train connections between Berlin and Paris (via Frankfurt) have seen increased frequency, bringing the travel time down to roughly 8 hours.
Navigating Tricky Connections
- Lisbon to Madrid: No direct train exists in 2026. The most reliable rail route is a 3-train combination via Entroncamento and Badajoz. This journey takes approximately 9–11 hours. Many travelers still prefer the 8-hour overnight bus for a direct link.
- Milan to Monaco: Most journeys require a quick change at Ventimiglia (the Italy-France border). Regional and Intercity trains run frequently along the Riviera, taking about 4.5 to 5 hours total.
- Stockholm to Germany: The SJ EuroNight and Snälltåget night trains offer direct sleepers from Stockholm to Hamburg and Berlin. While subsidies for some lines changed in mid-2026, private operators continue to serve this critical North-South link.
Practical Travel Tips
- Book Early: High-speed trains like the Eurostar and TGV use dynamic pricing similar to airlines. Booking 3–4 months in advance can save up to 70%.
- Seat Reservations: If you are using an Interrail or Eurail Pass, remember that high-speed and night trains almost always require a separate seat reservation fee.
- Station Logistics: Ensure you check the specific station. For example, trains to London from Paris depart from Gare du Nord, while trains to Barcelona depart from Gare de Lyon.
- Dining on Board: While most high-speed trains have cafe cars, the new "ComfortJet" (Copenhagen-Prague) and "Nightjet" (Germany/Austria) services offer upgraded dining with regional specialties.