Trains have often been seen as an eco-friendly, carbon-neutral alternative to flying. However, in contrast to the notion that they are dull and unexciting, train travel can be a pleasant experience - convenient, budget-friendly, and just as much about the journey as the final destination.
With the introduction of a unified European booking platform for train tickets expected within the next couple of years, the rail recovery will truly gain momentum.
Commemorating the 200th anniversary of modern rail travel in 2025.
Look out the train window and observe some of the most breathtaking views and scenic routes across Europe.
To capture the ultimate Instagram photo opportunity, try riding the Little Yellow Train in France.
Le Petit Train Jaune - the little yellow train - provides a whimsical and distinctly quirky experience reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film.
Along its picturesque route, dating back to the early 1900s, the bright yellow train ascends to Bolquère, the highest station in the region. The scenic journey provides breathtaking vistas from both a viaduct and a bridge that spans an 80 meters-high chasm.
Experience enchanting scenery on the West Highland Line in Scotland.
Also known as 'the Harry Potter train', due to the Hogwarts Express being modelled on the large Glenfinnan Viaduct in Inverness-shire. The Victorian concrete building was constructed for £18,000 in old currency and now draws thousands of non-magical visitors annually.
The West Highland Line connects Glasgow to Mallaig in the Scottish Highlands, a gateway to the Isle of Skye. Featuring breathtaking views of lochs, mountains, and wildlife such as red deer, the route consistently ranks among the "most scenic travel routes."
For the steepest climbs, all along Norway’s Bergen line
The two largest cities that Norwegian adventurers frequent are Oslo and Bergen. The six- to seven-hour journey leads one up to the remote Hardangervidda plateau, providing views at elevations of over 1,200 metres.
This railway line, completed in stages between 1875 and 1909, comprises over 180 tunnels excavated from Norway's rugged gneiss rock formations.
It also gives you access to the Flåm railway, which is one of the steepest railway lines globally.
For the ultimate day trip experience, take the 'road to nowhere' of Portugal's Douro Line.
The Douro Line is a popular choice for those who enjoy a leisurely pace.
The real experience is about the adventure, not the final point (just don't be discouraged by the initial hour of ordinary towns - things get more interesting once you reach the river).
The route passes through the heart of wine country, providing numerous chances to stop at vineyards and traditional 'quintas', or wine estates. This trail takes three hours and twenty minutes to complete one way, making it ideal for a day trip.
Experience the charm of postcard-perfect scenery on England's historic Settle to Carlisle line
This 72-mile route in northern England provides numerous attractions and experiences for its users: passing through both the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines and continuing almost to the Scottish border.
The distant, outlying route is a gateway to England's small towns and villages, while the railway itself crosses multiple elevated bridges - including the historic Ribblehead.
You may wish to stop at numerous small, historic stations en route - many have been restored to resemble their appearance during the era of golden-age rail travel.
For breathtaking views of the Alps, take a trip on the Semmering Railroad in Austria.
The Semmering Line in Austria, often called the world's first true mountain railway, was the first railway to be adopted into UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Famous for its impressive engineering feats from the 19th century, the route traverses challenging Alpine terrain with loops, tunnels, and viaducts.
This 42-kilometer journey between Gloggnitz and Murzzuschlag is going to be a slow trip, featuring 16 viaducts, 15 tunnels, and 100 bridges along the way.
Experience the ultimate thrill of reaching great heights on Switzerland's record-breaking Bernina Line
Switzerland's Bernina Line, another UNESCO listed destination, is not far behind in terms of beauty: the Alpine route boasts one of the highest rail tracks in Europe and the steepest in the world.
You won't want to sleep during the trip. The Bernina Express travels over almost 200 bridges, Switzerland's oldest town, natural wonders such as gorges, manmade structures like viaducts, icy glaciers, and palm trees in the Italian town of Tirano.
For a €5 train ticket, one would likely be traveling on the Cinque Terre Line in the Italian Riviera.
Along the picturesque Italian Riviera coastline known as Cinque Terre, which is threaded like a strand of fairy lights, there are five charming towns: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.
Relax on a scenic journey from La Spezia Centrale to Stazione Ferroviaria di Levanto. This hop-on, hop-off train ride is ideal for soaking up swimming spots and savoring smaller meals.
For a city-to-seaside combination, it has to be Serbia and Montenegro's Belgrade to Bar.
The capital Belgrade has a railway line that was built in the 1970s, which terminates at Bar on the Adriatic coast in Montenegro, passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina along the way.
Along the way, the 11-hour journey, ranked one of the top 10 in Europe by CNN, takes travelers through Montenegro's Black Mountains, with monasteries seemingly precariously perched on mountain summits; national parks, lakes, brutalist architecture, and the meandering streets of Bar's historic town.
For travelers with differing tastes and preferences, this is the route to choose.
For nostalgia's sake, appreciate the Bohinj Railway from Slovenia to Italy.
In Italy, the route passes through Trieste and continues on to pass beneath Mount Kobla through a 6,327-metre tunnel, and over the Solkan Bridge - the world's longest stone railway arch.
Located on the list of potential UNESCO World Heritage Sites is the beautiful region of Nova Gorica, often referred to as Slovenia's "Garden of Eden." You may want to stop at Lake Bled to sample the area's famous cream pastries, or stay onboard to take in the lovely views of Vintgar Gorge.