At the moment I need to convey you my information to the perfect prepare journeys from London to Europe. From capital cities to stunning cities, there’s no scarcity of rail journeys you’ll be able to take from the UK capital to the continent. Whether or not you’re keen on exploring iconic city hubs or discovering off-the-beaten-path locations, there’s a visit to Europe you’ll need to take. I’ve included a map, too.
Prepare Journeys from London to Europe
One of the best prepare journeys from London to Europe vary from main cities to mountain cities. Some provide medieval partitions and cobbled streets, whereas others are recognized for his or her up to date cool.
No matter you’re fascinated by, these European rail getaways will get you within the temper to journey and encourage your upcoming adventures.
I’ve been to all of the locations on my listing and I can personally suggest them. They’re not solely a few of my favourite journey locations, but additionally a number of the finest locations to go to in Europe. I’m certain you’ll take pleasure in them as a lot as I do.
Suggestions for Prepare Journeys from London to Europe
Earlier than you begin studying by way of my listing of locations to journey, there are some things you are able to do to maximise your time and finances.
First, keep in mind there’s a time distinction between London and the continent. If you happen to can, attempt to catch the primary prepare of the day so you’ll be able to benefit from your time while you arrive.
In your return, attempt to e-book the final prepare of the night time because you get an hour again en route. That can let you get essentially the most out of your closing day in Europe.
Second, do not forget that costs rise the nearer you get to the date you journey. Attempt to plan forward or benefit from fare gross sales to avoid wasting extra of your journey finances for while you’re in Europe.
Third, keep in mind that in Belgium you’ll be able to journey at no cost to any station within the nation after you arrive in Brussels on the Eurostar. That makes it a pretty prospect to discover each the capital and lesser-visited cities like Ghent and Mechelen.
Fourth, you probably have a short while in Europe, attempt to e-book a lodge or different lodging someplace central.
That can let you maximize your time doing the stuff you need to within the vacation spot, and prevent from spending half your journey touring to and from the station. You possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here.
Fifth, issue within the time of 12 months you’ll be touring to Europe from London. Days are quick within the winter, so that you’ll have to be ready to do actions that require daylight in a compact period of time.
Quite the opposite, touring in the summertime months will imply you’ll take pleasure in daylight throughout your complete go to. You possibly can test dawn and sundown instances earlier than you e-book your journey to learn the way a lot solar you’ll see (or not) throughout your keep.
1. Paris
First on my listing of the perfect prepare journeys from London to Europe is Paris. With direct Eurostar trains from the UK capital, the Metropolis of Gentle is simply 2 hours and quarter-hour away.
You’ll have loads of time to see the primary points of interest whether or not you’re taking a day journey to Paris from London otherwise you spend extra time attending to know the town. You possibly can even take a full-day tour from London.
The French capital is beloved for all the pieces from its delicacies to its tradition. It has style for purchasing lovers, museums for artwork aficionados, and picture-pretty streets for individuals who like to wander.
Whereas the Metropolis of Gentle is finest explored over the higher a part of every week (or extra), you’ll be able to see the highlights on a weekend journey from London.
You possibly can take a look at my London and Paris itinerary for concepts in the event you’ll be visiting each cities in a single journey. Highlights embody visiting well-known landmarks just like the Eiffel Tower, absorbing the scene on the Seine, and strolling round areas like Montmartre.
If this prepare journey sounds good to you, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain right here. You may also check out my information to the perfect space to remain in Paris for my high picks for lodging.
2. Venice
Venice is one other of the perfect prepare journeys from London to Europe. It’s excellent in the event you love luxurious journey, because the rail journey is run by the enduring Venice Simplon-Orient-Categorical.
After taking the Eurostar to Paris, you’ll board the attractive sleeper prepare on your onward journey to Italy. With classic carriages, cabin stewards, and formal costume for dinner, the expertise will whisk you again to the golden age of journey.
Once you arrive in Venice, you’re in for a deal with. With its maze of canals and fairy-tale bridges, this metropolis does romance like London does rain. You possibly can see the highlights on my Venice itinerary.
A moonlit gondola trip and a Bellini with a view are simply the issues to acquaint you with the town, and there’s no higher option to spend a day than wandering by way of the labyrinth of facet streets.
If this journey appeals to you, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain right here. My favourite luxurious lodge in Venice is The Gritti Palace. It’s a neighborhood legend, and it’s price a splurge. You possibly can e-book a room right here.
You may also go to Verona by prepare from London on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Categorical. If you wish to proceed your journey, there are departures from Venice to Vienna, Prague, Budapest, and Istanbul as effectively.
3. Bruges
Bruges is one other of the perfect prepare journeys from London to Europe. Whereas there are not any direct rail providers from the UK capital to Bruges, you’ll be able to take the prepare to Brussels and alter there at no cost rail providers to Flanders.
Bruges is full of fairly waterways and wander-worthy streets. This medieval metropolis in Belgium is price seeing for its picturesque squares, bell towers, and well-preserved historic middle.
If this appears like a journey you’d love, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Bruges right here. There’s a variety of lodging choices to select from.
4. Provence
Again in France, considered one of my high picks for prepare journeys from London to Europe is Provence. There are a number of simple connections you can also make after taking the Eurostar to Paris, together with Good, Marseille, and Aix-en-Provence.
There are seasonal connecting Eurostar trains from Brussels to Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, making it simple to achieve these locations by way of a fast switch after taking the Eurostar from London to Brussels. Good is only a quick trip from Marseille, too.
As soon as right here, there’s lots to do. Since I studied in Good once I was in faculty, I’ll begin with it. From the historic streets of Vieux Good to the well-known Promenade des Anglais, there’s lots to do on this a part of the French Riviera.
If you wish to go a bit additional afield, you’ll be able to lease a automobile, take a bus, or go on a tour to fairly villages in Provence like Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Saint Paul de Vence, and Eze.
You may also take a connecting prepare alongside the coast to locations like Monaco, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Antibes, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cannes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Ventimiglia in Italy.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to base your self in Good and select from any variety of day journeys by prepare, automobile, bus, or tour. There are heaps to select from, so you’ll be able to’t go improper.
In order for you one thing totally different within the area, you’ll be able to take the prepare to Aix-en-Provence. It’s an attractive metropolis with historic fountains, markets, and streets.
You may also take the prepare to Marseille. This bustling port metropolis has risen in reputation lately, and it’s an awesome choice for an city getaway.
If the South of France will get you excited to journey to Europe by rail, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain right here. From resorts to residences and villas, there are many choices.
5. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one other of my high picks for prepare journeys from London to Europe. There are direct Eurostar trains from London, and the journey takes 4 hours.
As soon as in The Netherlands, you may get your repair of slim homes, scenic canals, and world-class museums housed in stunning buildings.
It’s simple to stroll or cycle alongside Amsterdam’s waterways, absorb the colours within the floating flower market, and stroll by way of the Vondelpark. You possibly can see extra enjoyable issues to do on my Amsterdam itinerary.
The eating places and meals scene are thrilling, too. Don’t miss the Indonesian rijsttafel menus or the up to date cafes dotted all through the town. Sweets like stroopwafels are a should as effectively.
Amsterdam is legendary for its nightlife, too. Whether or not you go to a present, a bar, or a membership, you’ll be able to’t go improper. Whereas right here, be sure that to benefit from the chance to pattern genever, a well-known Dutch spirit.
If this rail journey sounds good to you, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain right here. I’ve loved a keep on the Amsterdam Marriott Resort. It’s in a central location close to the Rijksmuseum. You possibly can e-book a room right here.
6. Brussels
Brussels is without doubt one of the quickest and best prepare journeys from London to Europe. Like Paris, the Belgian capital advantages from direct rail providers to the UK capital. You will get right here in just below 2 hours, leaving you with loads of time to discover the town.
Brussels is underrated so far as European capitals go. I spent a summer time dwelling and dealing right here after faculty, and I had a good time attending to know the town. It’s nonetheless considered one of my favourite weekend journeys from London to Europe.
From the gorgeous buildings within the Grand Place to the slim streets lined with eating places, leafy parks and squares, historic purchasing arcades, and Artwork Nouveau buildings, this metropolis is stuffed with magnificence.
And that’s to say nothing of the world-class museums, well-known road artwork, and scrumptious meals and drinks (assume waffles, fries, chocolate, mussels, and beer and also you’ll get the thought).
It’s simple to see loads of the town in a day or a weekend in Brussels. Many of the sightseeing highlights are in a single compact space close to the Grand Place and the central prepare station. That makes it doable to do that journey you probably have a restricted period of time.
If a prepare journey to Brussels sounds interesting, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain right here. I’ve visited many instances, and my high choose is the Hilton Brussels Grand Place. It’s in an awesome location close to Brussels Central Station. You possibly can e-book a room right here.
7. Zurich
Subsequent on my listing of prepare journeys from London to Europe is Zurich. After taking the Eurostar from London to Paris, you’ll be able to join for high-speed rail providers to the Swiss metropolis. The quickest providers arrive in round 7.5 hours.
As soon as in Switzerland, you’ll be able to absorb Zurich’s fairly church spires, bridges, and slim cobblestone lanes. There are nice boutiques within the metropolis, to not point out a giant lake. My Zurich itinerary will present you the highlights.
If taking the prepare from London to Switzerland appeals, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Zurich right here. I’ve loved an evening at Boutique Resort Helvetia, and I extremely suggest it. You possibly can e-book a room right here.
If you wish to journey elsewhere in Switzerland, you may also take the Eurostar from London to Paris and join for high-speed rail providers to locations like Geneva, Lausanne, and Basel.
8. Luxembourg
Luxembourg is one other of my favourite prepare journeys from London to Europe. The Grand Duchy is without doubt one of the smallest international locations on the continent, however the capital packs a punch. With a fairly outdated city and sweeping views, there’s loads to like.
Whereas there are not any direct trains from London to the Grand Duchy, you’ll be able to take a prepare to Brussels, from the place there are onward providers to Luxembourg Metropolis with a change en route.
The entire journey takes round 5.5 hours every method. I’ve carried out it earlier than, and it’s easy and simple.
As a result of Luxembourg is so small, you’ll be able to see loads of the capital on a day journey from London. From the medieval fortifications to the bridges spanning the gorges, it’s a scenic place to go to.
It’s price spending extra time within the nation, although. Not solely is it a protracted prepare trip for simply sooner or later, however there’s additionally extra to see than simply the capital. Locations just like the Mullerthal Area are recognized for his or her pure magnificence.
If you wish to spend an evening or extra, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Luxembourg right here. There are many choices, from resorts to residence leases and extra.
9. Avignon
Again in Provence, Avignon is subsequent on my listing of the perfect prepare journeys from London to Europe. After taking the Eurostar to France or Belgium, you’ll be able to hook up with a high-speed rail service to Avignon.
There are seasonal Eurostar providers to Avignon from London by way of Brussels, too. I’ve taken them twice and I really like how simple the journey is.
As soon as in Avignon, there’s lots you are able to do. This walled metropolis on the Rhone River is understood for its medieval streets and wealthy historical past.
Avignon was the seat of the Popes for a lot of the 14th century, and it has an enormous papal palace you’ll be able to tour. The town additionally has a mixture of all issues historic and fashionable, with outlets and eating places dotted all through pedestrianized streets.
My Avignon itinerary will present you the highlights. From enjoyable eating places to the well-known Pont d’Avignon bridge, there’s lots to like about this place. You possibly can even take a wine tour to Chateauneuf du Pape.
If you wish to take this rail journey, you’ll be able to e-book lodging in Avignon right here. I’ve stayed within the metropolis a variety of instances and my favourite is Resort La Mirande. It’s an attractive property with an acclaimed restaurant. You possibly can e-book a room right here.
10. Cologne
If you wish to go to Germany by rail, Cologne is my high choose for prepare journeys from London. You possibly can take the Eurostar from London to Cologne by way of Brussels. The journey takes round 5 hours.
There’s lots to see in Cologne. From the well-known cathedral to the historic streets, this metropolis has loads to supply guests. In the course of the festive season the Cologne Christmas markets are exhausting to beat.
If touring by rail from the UK capital to Germany appeals, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Cologne right here. There’s no scarcity of choices, from resorts to residence leases and extra.
11. The French Alps
Subsequent on my listing of the perfect prepare journeys from London to Europe is the French Alps. There are seasonal Eurostar providers from London to the mountains by way of Lille every winter.
The weekly Eurostar Snow prepare travels from London to the Alps by way of Lille from early December to early March. It stops in locations like Chambery, Albertville, Moutiers-Salins-Brides-Les-Bains, Aime-la-Plagne, and Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
From there you’ll be able to hook up with a shuttle to well-known ski resorts like Courchevel, Les Arcs, Val Thorens, Val d’Isere, and Tignes.
If that appeals, you’ll be able to e-book lodging within the French Alps right here. From chalets to resorts, there’s a variety of lodging on provide.
12. Rotterdam
One other of my high picks for prepare journeys from London to Europe is Rotterdam. There are direct Eurostar providers from the UK capital to the Dutch metropolis, and the journey takes round 3 hours and quarter-hour.
As soon as in Rotterdam, there’s lots to do and see. From the foodie paradise of Markthal Rotterdam to the up to date structure of the dice homes, there’s loads to get enthusiastic about. You possibly can see extra on my Rotterdam itinerary.
If that appeals, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Rotterdam right here. I’ve been to the town a number of instances, and my high choose for lodging is the Rotterdam Marriott Resort. It’s in a central location proper by Rotterdam Centraal Station. You possibly can e-book a room right here.
13. Lille
Again in France, one other of the perfect prepare journeys from London to Europe is Lille. It’s considered one of my favourite under-the-radar cities in Europe, and it’s price a go to.
This northern French metropolis advantages from direct rail providers from London. It’s reachable on the Eurostar in simply over 1 hour and 20 minutes, that means you’ll be able to see lots in a short while. You possibly can even do it as a day journey from London to Europe.
But it surely’s price spending extra time right here, as there’s lots to see and do. As soon as on the town, Lille sightseeing highlights embody the Place du Normal de Gaulle with its stunning buildings, the scrumptious pastries within the patisseries, and the good outlets and boutiques.
If you wish to take this rail journey, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Lille right here. There are many choices, from resorts to residence leases and extra.
14. Lyon
Additionally in France, one other of my favourite rail journeys from London to Europe is Lyon. This metropolis is reachable on the Eurostar by way of Lille or Paris. The journey takes round 5 hours.
As soon as in Lyon there’s lots to do. It’s mentioned that if Paris is the center of France, Lyon is the abdomen. The meals scene right here is world-class, from wonderful markets to Michelin-starred eating places.
There’s nice sightseeing, purchasing, and alternatives for wandering in Lyon, too. The medieval a part of the town is stuffed with enticing streets that open onto leafy squares with cafes.
Up a wooded hill is the cathedral, and within the Croix-Rousse space you’ll discover eating places, unbiased boutiques and outlets, and nice views of Lyon.
If you happen to like getting outdoor, the Parc de la Tete d’Or is a large inexperienced area with a free zoo, a giant lake, an island with a steam prepare, and a deer enclosure. My Lyon itinerary can present you extra, too.
If a rail journey from the UK capital to the abdomen of France appeals, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Lyon right here. After I visited I beloved staying on the Cour des Loges. Housed in a former Jesuit faculty, it has the biggest inside Renaissance courtyard in Lyon. You possibly can e-book a room right here.
15. Bordeaux
One other of my favourite prepare journeys to Europe from London is Bordeaux. This metropolis might be reached from London by taking the Eurostar to Paris and connecting to a high-speed rail service to Bordeaux. The journey takes round 6 hours.
As soon as within the metropolis, there’s lots to do. From the gorgeous historic structure to the good outlets and scrumptious eating places, Bordeaux has lots to supply.
Sightseeing highlights embody Bordeaux Cathedral, the Place des Quinconces, and the Grand Theatre de Bordeaux. You possibly can see extra on my Bordeaux itinerary.
Lots of people come right here for the wine, too. There are world-class clarets to be discovered right here, and the world across the metropolis is rife with vineyards. You possibly can take a wine tour to go to a number of the highlights.
If you happen to’re feeling adventurous (and also you’re in fine condition), you’ll be able to even run a wine marathon right here. I did the Medoc Marathon with buddies as soon as, and it was enjoyable to decorate in loopy costumes and style the native vintages as we went.
If a rail journey from London to Bordeaux appeals, you’ll be able to e-book lodging right here. I’ve visited a variety of instances, and my favourite is Resort La Zoologie. This trendy place was as soon as the Institute of Zoology, and the foyer nonetheless retains traces of the signage. You possibly can e-book a room right here.
Map of Prepare Journeys from London to Europe
As promised, I created an interactive Google map of all of the locations I discussed on my listing. You possibly can see it right here. If you happen to click on on the pins, you’ll find my weblog posts about each.
You may also see a Eurostar route map right here. It should present you all of the locations you’ll be able to simply get to by rail from the UK capital.
Prepare Journeys from London to Europe
I hope you’ve loved this listing of the perfect prepare journeys from London to Europe, and that it’s impressed you to get out and uncover a number of the high locations to go to on the continent.
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