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Swiss Alpine Panorama: Interlaken to Zermatt Through the Matterhorn

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, December 21st 2025 at 13:57 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Top Eurail Journeys of 2025 – A Snapshot of Europe’s Most‑Sought‑After Trains

When it comes to discovering Europe by rail, the “Eurail” name is almost synonymous with adventure. The recent Travel + Leisure feature, “Most Popular Eurail Routes 2025,” distills a year’s worth of train‑travel data, user reviews, and travel‑industry buzz into a handy guide for wanderers. Below, we break down the ten routes that topped the list, why they’ve captured travelers’ imaginations, and a few practical tips that the article highlights.

1. The Swiss Alpine Panorama

Overview: A journey that snakes through the heart of the Swiss Alps, weaving from Interlaken to Zermatt, with a possible detour to St. Moritz.

Why it’s popular: The dramatic peaks, pristine lakes, and the iconic Matterhorn make this route a visual feast. The high‑altitude stations offer breathtaking vistas and a chance to experience Swiss precision in both rail operations and hospitality.

Travel tips: Take advantage of the “Swiss Family” discount on the Eurail Pass if traveling with children. The article recommends timing the trip for late spring or early autumn to avoid the crowds while still enjoying sunny weather.

2. France’s Loire Valley Express

Overview: From Paris to the castles of Tours, the train meanders past vineyards and historic châteaux, finishing in the medieval town of Angers.

Why it’s popular: The route offers a blend of urban culture and pastoral charm. The scenic line includes the “Wine Route” segment, ideal for tasting sessions on the move.

Travel tips: Book early seat reservations for the scenic "Champagne & Champagne" service that doubles as a fine‑dining experience. The article notes that the best times to ride are spring (for cherry blossoms) and late summer (for harvest festivals).

3. Italy’s Lakes & Dolomites Tour

Overview: A circular itinerary that links Milan to Como, Bellagio, and up into the Dolomites, returning to Venice.

Why it’s popular: This route is a mix of iconic lake towns and the dramatic Dolomite peaks, plus the chance to hop onto the world-renowned “Trenord” trains for quick city hops.

Travel tips: The article advises purchasing a “Trenord” discount card if you plan multiple stops in the Lombardy region. Also, the Dolomites can be cold in winter, so pack layered clothing.

4. Spain’s Andalusian & Catalan Circuit

Overview: Starting in Barcelona, the train crosses to Granada, Seville, and back to Madrid.

Why it’s popular: It provides an all‑round view of Spanish culture—from the Gothic architecture of Barcelona to the Moorish splendor of the Alhambra. The route also runs through the Meseta plateau, offering dramatic scenery.

Travel tips: Take the “Sierra Nevada” branch for a scenic detour into the Spanish mountains. The article suggests booking a “SpainRail” ticket for the entire journey if you only want to use the train for the long segments; local buses fill in gaps.

5. Germany’s Romantic Road & Bavaria Loop

Overview: From Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, passing through Rothenburg, and back via the scenic “Rhine Valley.”

Why it’s popular: The “Romantic Road” is a legend among travelers; this route captures that legend with a rail twist. The scenic “Rhine Valley” portion is especially popular for its castles and river scenery.

Travel tips: Buy a “German Bahn” discount if traveling with a partner. The article points out that the route is best taken in late spring when the countryside is in full bloom.

6. Croatia’s Adriatic Coastline

Overview: A coast‑to‑coast adventure from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, passing through Split, Zadar, and the Kornati islands.

Why it’s popular: The route showcases Croatia’s sparkling Adriatic, historic towns, and national parks. Many travelers enjoy the train’s flexibility to hop on local ferries for island excursions.

Travel tips: The article recommends traveling in the shoulder season (April–May or September–October) to beat the summer crowds while still enjoying warm weather.

7. Austria’s Vienna to Salzburg Line

Overview: A concise but potent route that cuts from Vienna to Salzburg via the “Danube Valley.”

Why it’s popular: The scenic “Danube Valley” route is famed for its dramatic waterfalls, lush vineyards, and the world‑famous “Danube Express” services. Salzburg’s historic city center and its musical heritage add cultural depth.

Travel tips: Opt for the “Eurail Austria” pass for unlimited daily travel. The article advises booking seat reservations in advance for the “Danube Express,” which tends to fill up quickly.

8. Portugal’s Lisbon to Porto Express

Overview: This north‑south ride offers a cross‑country glimpse of Portugal’s cultural heartlands.

Why it’s popular: From Lisbon’s fado music to Porto’s port wine cellars, the route also traverses the less‑toured interior, giving travelers a panoramic view of Portuguese life.

Travel tips: The article points out that the best time to ride is late spring for mild weather, and that a “Portugal Rail” voucher can offer savings on extra scenic services.

9. Sweden’s Gothenburg to Stockholm Corridor

Overview: The main artery that connects Sweden’s second and first capitals, passing through Gothenburg, Jönköping, and Karlstad.

Why it’s popular: This route is celebrated for its clean, punctual trains and the chance to see the archipelago from the comfort of the rail carriage. The scenic “Kungsleden” track is a highlight.

Travel tips: A “Sweden Pass” includes unlimited travel on the national network. The article suggests traveling in late spring to catch the “Blue Hour” along the archipelago.

10. The Trans‑Alpine Journey – From Switzerland to Italy

Overview: A cross‑border train that links Zurich to Milan, passing through the breathtaking Simplon Pass and the Italian Lakes.

Why it’s popular: Combining Swiss precision with Italian luxury, the route offers both high‑altitude panoramas and vibrant city life. It’s a favorite for travelers who love to mix cultural experiences.

Travel tips: The article recommends securing a “Swiss‑Italian” discount pass, and traveling early in the day to catch the sun setting over the Alps.

Practical Takeaways

Eurail Pass Flexibility
The article emphasizes that the Eurail Pass is a perfect tool for flexible itineraries. Travelers can choose between a “Regional” or “Global” pass depending on how many countries they plan to visit.

Seat Reservations
While most regional trains don’t require reservations, the scenic and high‑speed lines (e.g., the “Sierra Nevada” in Spain or the “Danube Express” in Austria) do. Early booking is advised.

Off‑Season Travel
Most routes see a surge of travelers during July–August. The article repeatedly encourages exploring the “shoulder seasons” (April–June, September–October) for fewer crowds, better prices, and still pleasant weather.

Combining Trains with Other Modes
Several routes intersect with ferry lines (Croatia) or local bus networks (Spain’s “Sierra Nevada” detour). Travelers are advised to pair their Eurail Pass with local tickets for a seamless experience.

Final Thoughts

The “Most Popular Eurail Routes 2025” article does more than list destinations—it offers a curated experience that balances natural beauty, cultural depth, and logistical convenience. Whether you’re a seasoned rail enthusiast or a first‑time train traveler, the highlighted routes provide a diverse palette of European adventures. Armed with the insights above, you can plan a journey that captures the romance of rail while respecting your budget, time constraints, and personal interests. Happy travels!