Europe Rail Travel Guide 2026 | Explore 6 Popular Destinations with the Eurail Global Pass

Are you eager to visit multiple European countries without the hassle of airport security checks and luggage restrictions? For those of us in Hong Kong and Taiwan, traveling by train across Europe is undoubtedly the most romantic and elegant way to explore. Imagine sitting in a comfortable train carriage, gazing out at the flowing Alps and the stunning Côte d'Azur, and by the time the train arrives at its destination, you find yourself in the heart of another country’s city! This time, Kinnso has crafted a remarkable itinerary that spans several European nations. With just one ticket in hand, the Eurail Global Pass allows you to effortlessly navigate between some of the world's most enchanting cities. Let’s embark on this delightful European rail journey together!

Our journey begins in the flower city of Paris. When you arrive here, you absolutely cannot miss one of the most iconic structures of modern times—the Eiffel Tower. To truly experience the charm of this iron tower, you have two distinctly different options. If you’re feeling energetic, why not challenge yourself to climb the 704 steps by foot, breathing in the cool air while enjoying the breathtaking views of the French capital unfolding beneath you? Alternatively, if you prefer to conserve your energy, taking the elevator to the top is also an excellent choice. Whether during the day or at night, the tower has its own unique allure. After sunset, consider choosing a restaurant along the Seine River with a great atmosphere, order a glass of red wine, and indulge in the romantic pace that is uniquely Parisian. Additionally, the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica are all must-visit spots that deserve your time and attention.

Since you’re in Paris, don’t miss the chance to visit the Palace of Versailles, which is just a 12-minute drive from the city center. This magnificent palace, which served as the main residence of the royal family from 1682 until the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789, represents the pinnacle of luxurious French art. Stepping into Louis XIV's opulent bedroom or strolling through the meticulously maintained geometric gardens, you can truly feel the grandeur of the royal court. If you’re interested in Queen Marie Antoinette, it’s highly recommended to visit her enchanting estate, which she created to escape the formalities of court life.

Travel Tip: When traveling between Paris and the Palace of Versailles, we strongly advise against using your Eurail pass! The one-way ticket for the TER regional train costs only about 6 euros (approximately HKD 51 / TWD 208). Purchasing local tickets directly will save you valuable "Travel Days" on your pass, allowing you to reserve your pass for longer international journeys, which is much more cost-effective!

Leaving Paris behind, we board a comfortable high-speed train (reservations required, journey takes approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes) directly to the Dutch capital, Amsterdam. Upon arriving in this city, renowned for its canals, stepping into the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family once hid offers a profound historical experience. The museum showcases interviews with Anne's father and provides a deep record of World War II's impact on the Netherlands. Standing by the picturesque Prinsengracht canal, with sunlight glistening on the water's surface, one can truly appreciate how deeply Anne yearned to glimpse the free and ordinary lives of the Dutch people through the small attic window.

In addition to its historical tours, Amsterdam's vibrant art scene is equally captivating. The Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum are must-visit sanctuaries for art lovers. If you find yourself weary during the journey, consider having a picnic in the lush Vondelpark, or rent a bicycle and navigate through the Red Light District and the winding canal alleys like a local, immersing yourself in the unique, free-spirited atmosphere of the city.

After a leisurely 6.5-hour train journey from Amsterdam, we arrived in the story-filled capital of Germany, Berlin. Here, Checkpoint Charlie stands as an essential historical landmark. During the Cold War, the Berlin Wall ruthlessly divided the city into East and West for 28 years. Although only remnants of the 45-kilometer-long wall remain today, this checkpoint, which has witnessed countless stories of joy and sorrow, has been meticulously preserved. Adjacent to it, the Berlin Wall Museum provides a detailed account of the daring attempts people made to escape in pursuit of freedom, showcasing a variety of extraordinary stories that are sure to leave you in awe.

Today's Berlin has transformed from the scars of its past into one of Europe's most vibrant avant-garde art centers. You can admire graffiti created by artists from around the world on the remaining sections of the wall at the East Side Gallery; stroll through the majestic Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of German unity; or visit the architectural masterpiece of the Reichstag building and the contemplative Holocaust Memorial. This city perfectly blends its profound history with modern trends.

After bidding farewell to Berlin, we boarded a train heading towards Eastern Europe. Approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes later, we will arrive in the Czech capital, Prague. The magnificent Charles Bridge is undoubtedly the highlight of your visit to Prague! This bridge, constructed in the 14th century, spans the clear waters of the Vltava River, perfectly connecting the Old Town with the Castle District. Throughout the day, the bridge showcases two distinctly enchanting scenes: during daylight, it is bustling with street performers and throngs of tourists, while in the early morning and evening, it returns to a serene tranquility.

Travel Tip: Kinnso highly recommends setting your alarm to visit Charles Bridge at sunrise! At this time, you can avoid the crowds and experience the fairytale-like views of Castle Hill in peace. Climbing the 138 steps of the Old Town Bridge Tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire bridge, making it a must-capture moment during your trip. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll to Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral to enjoy a perfect day.

Our next journey takes us into the picturesque Alpine region. Starting from Prague, we will board a train heading to Salzburg, Austria. This city is not only the birthplace of Mozart but also the filming location for the classic Hollywood movie "The Sound of Music"! Amidst the rolling hills and crystal-clear lakes, you can explore the captivating story of the Von Trapp family, visit the birthplace of Mozart, and marvel at the majestic Hohensalzburg Fortress.

After a brief stop, we will continue our journey to the charming town of Füssen in Bavaria, Germany. Here lies the most photographed castle in the world – Neuschwanstein Castle. This enchanting castle, built in the 19th century by Bavarian King Ludwig II, is perched on a hilltop surrounded by towering mountains and shimmering lakes, creating a real-life fairy tale setting. The castle served as the inspiration for Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle. Be sure to walk to the Marienbrücke, where you can capture the most magical and complete panoramic view of Neuschwanstein Castle!

Leaving southern Germany, our train will take us through the magnificent Alps and into the vibrant land of Italy. Our first stop is the city of water, Venice. If you’re seeking a captivating journey, the labyrinthine canals of Venice are sure to enchant you. The best way to experience Venice is by taking a ride in a traditional gondola, gliding along the ancient Grand Canal while admiring the Renaissance architecture lining the shores; or you can head to St. Mark's Square to soak in the city's splendor and romance.

Next, a high-speed train will whisk us to Florence in just over two hours. This city of the Renaissance is a treasure trove of art, with Michelangelo's famous statue of David being a standout attraction. This 5.17-meter tall masterpiece is housed in the Accademia Gallery, showcasing the divine visage of the biblical hero. After that, we will continue our journey south to Rome. Stepping into the massive Colosseum, you can almost hear the cheers of spectators and the heavy breaths of gladiators from thousands of years ago. Don’t forget to visit the independent city-state within Rome—Vatican City. It’s recommended to take the local metro or stroll across the Ponte Sant'Angelo to reach your destination, bypassing the need for a Eurail pass. The dome of St. Peter's Basilica and its stunning frescoes will undoubtedly leave you in awe!

As our journey comes to a close, we depart from Rome and travel west along the stunning Mediterranean coastline. Along the way, we make a brief stop in Monte Carlo, Monaco. This location is a significant filming site for the James Bond series, symbolizing the pinnacle of elegance and luxury. For an entry fee of approximately €10 (around HK$85 / NT$345), visitors can step inside the Monte Carlo Casino, adorned with exquisite murals and sculptures, and even try their luck at the tables!

Finally, we board a train that takes us across the border into Barcelona, Spain. Here, we encounter the brilliance and eccentricity left behind by Antoni Gaudí—his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia. This Roman Catholic basilica, which has been under construction since 1882, is celebrated as "the most outstanding interpretation of Gothic architecture by an individual since the Middle Ages." Its grand façade and intricate natural details are sure to serve as the perfect exclamation mark on your European rail journey.

Travel Tip: While the Eurail Pass provides convenient access, it's important to note that for high-speed trains and cross-border night trains to countries like France, Italy, and Spain, you typically need to pay a reservation fee and book your seat in advance (not included in the pass). It is advisable to make reservations early using the Eurail official app or website before departing during peak season to ensure a smooth journey across these six popular destinations!