2026 Guide: Best Routes Between Top European Cities - Travel Expert

Traveling across Europe in early 2026 is defined by a massive expansion in high-speed rail and new entry requirements for the United Kingdom. Whether you are hopping between the tech hubs of Germany or the coastal capitals of Iberia, choosing between train and plane now depends more on time-efficiency than just cost.

Major Route Highlights & Travel Times

Connecting the cities on your list is easier than ever with integrated rail networks, though flights remain the dominant choice for long-distance northern routes.

• The German Triangle (Berlin, Hamburg, Munich):
  • Berlin to Hamburg: The ICE high-speed train is the standard, taking approximately 2h 20m. Frequent daily departures make this a commute-style link.
  • Berlin to Munich: Use the ICE Sprinter for a direct city-center-to-city-center trip in just under 4 hours.
• Spain’s High-Speed Corridor (Madrid & Barcelona):
  • The AVE, Iryo, and Ouigo services connect these cities in roughly 2.5 hours. This route is a prime example of where rail has largely replaced air travel due to speed and convenience.
• The Scandinavian Connection (Stockholm & Copenhagen):
  • Crossing the Oresund Bridge by train takes about 5 hours for direct services. While flights are faster (~1h 15m), the rail journey is highly scenic and drops you at Copenhagen Central.
• Accessing Monaco:
  • Monaco does not have its own airport; most travelers fly into Nice (NCE). From Nice, the regional TER train takes only 25 minutes (approx. €5) to arrive in the heart of Monte Carlo.
• The Eurostar Hub (London, Paris, Amsterdam):
  • London to Paris: Remains a steady 2h 15m journey.
  • Paris to Amsterdam: High-speed Thalys (now part of Eurostar) takes about 3h 20m.

Essential 2026 Travel Tips

• UK Entry Requirements: Starting February 25, 2026, many non-visa national travelers (including those from the EU and USA) must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. Ensure you apply at least 72 hours before your trip to London.
• Night Train Resurgence: Look for the expansion of European Sleeper routes. By March 2026, new night services are slated to link Paris and Berlin, allowing travelers to save on a night’s accommodation while moving between capitals.
• Portugal Travel Advisory: Be aware that labor negotiations in the Portuguese aviation sector may cause intermittent disruptions at Lisbon Airport through early 2026. Always confirm your flight status 24 hours in advance.
• Booking Strategy: High-speed rail tickets (like Eurostar or Renfe) work like airline pricing—booking 3–4 months in advance can save you over 60% compared to walk-up fares.

At-a-Glance: Train vs. Plane in 2026