Overland is much better than flying for so many reasons.

Whether you prefer ferries or the Eurostar, European train holidays from London and other stations in the UK are going to boom in 2025.

I’m keen to book a budget-friendly train trip to Europe for myself and Mr D. but am currently at the research stage.

I love train travel research but in case you don’t, I thought I’d share my initial ideas with you.

Previous train trips to Europe

Last year I travelled to and from Paris by train and ferry in April and back from Sweden to London by train in July. The Sweden trip gave me the opportunity to compare flying with train travel because I flew out and caught the train back.

The train was by far my preferred travel method.

I love train adventures in the UK and overseas.

So I’m keen (and I mean KEEN) to organise another European train travel experience. I have my spreadsheet at the ready and am looking at a 10-day trip for two adults sometime in April.

I’m initially going to plan the trip from London via Paris or Brussels (which will probably include the Eurostar).

I love Paris and am hoping to include in it my itinerary.

I’m looking for a train ride with fantastic views and a destination that’s slightly out of the ordinary. Hopefully with opportunities to do a bit of walking and swimming. as well as general sightseeing and local food appreciation.

I’m looking for the best budget train holiday in Europe!

Updated European train routes for 2025

Once of the great things about the resurgence of European leisure train travel is that year on year, more train routes are opening up and improving. I’ll try to keep an eye on this for you as the year progresses.

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New luxury European train travel experiences are popping up all the time but I’ve ignored them for now as I’m looking for a more affordable approach to Europe by train. One that more of my followers can get on board with (pun intended).

I’ve chosen three favourites, but there are plenty more.

Here’s where European train holiday enthusiasts might be going in 2025.

And please excuse the lack of photos. This trip is still in the planning stage.

Paris to the Auvergne (around 4 hrs)

£52 single, standard

Known for mountains, agriculture, blue cheese and Michelin tyres, the Auvergne is one of France’s most remote regions.

Sounds good to me…

Clermont-Ferrand (3.5 hours from Paris) is a city famous for its Chaine de Puys volcanoes and the dark volcanic spires of its impressive cathedral but this lesser-known French train route extends to several smaller but equally fascinating towns.

• Issoire for hiking trails and rooftop views
• Le Lioran for mountain lifts and ski resort fun
• Aurillac for riverside accommodation and walks

Vilnius to Riga (4 hrs)

£20 single, standard

Travel from Lithuania to Latvia on this Baltic capital to capital special. Two spectacular cities and not a long trip between them but the journey to Vilnius from Paris takes over 24 hours. If you have time you could make some fantastic stop-offs along the way.

Sounds like a dream trip…

• Berlin for Cold War history and street culture
• Warszawa for Baroque palaces and Chopin
• Vilnius for cobbled streets and urban art
• Riga for architecture and great coffee

Brussels to Venice (sleeper)

This new 2025 sleeper route between Brussels and Venice only launched on February 5th so timetables and prices haven’t been finalised yet.

I’ll be watching this space… you should too.

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Current timings suggest a departure from Brussels around six in the evening, arriving in Venice by five the next afternoon.

This European Sleeper night train to Venice is set to be one of Europe’s most popular sleeper train routes and its timely morning arrival in Innsbruck will make it a great option for two centre train holidays.

The best European train journey planners

If you’ve ever used an Interrail ticket for your European travel, you’ll be aware that Interrail don’t update their Rail Planner app timetables every day.

In other words, the Interrail app is great for pre-planning but if you want to get real-time train information when you’re actually travelling in Europe it’s best to use a local travel app for the countries you are visiting.

In 2024 I used these Europe journey planner apps:

• SNCF Connect for trains in France
• DB Navigator for trains in Germany (and beyond)
• IDF Mobilities for public transport around Paris
• SL for public transport around Stockholm

The Man in Seat 61 recommends the DB Navigator website for train travel across the whole of Europe. He’s far more experienced than I am and I’m inclined to agree.

Once we’ve decided which train journey to Europe to take, I’ll update you with more details. I’m looking forward to planning accommodation and travel as well as the best places to eat as we whizz across Europe.

Bon voyage!