It’s the picture-perfect, European summer, coming-of-age movie moment: you fly in, hop between countries by train, and live out that adventure you’ve always dreamed of.
The good news? It’s well within reach, easy and safe. Thanks to Europe’s rail resurgence, demand for eco-friendly and experience-packed travel is at an all-time high. New train routes, along with revived overnight services, effortless booking through trusted travel advisors and competitive fares are reshaping how we think about getting around – and perfect for young, seasoned and luxury travellers alike.
Luxury train travel is booming too, with the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (taking guests between glamourous cities like London and Venice or Paris and Verona), or the 7-day, 6-night Al Andalus train trip through Andalusia, Spain, both seducing guests with their old-world style and immersive experiences.
For Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa, the beauty of train travel lies in its slow, gentle, and immersive approach to life – and an ever-growing number of itineraries.
“The latest statistics from the European Commission show rail transport in the EU reaching a record 429 billion passenger-kilometres in 2023, up more than 11% from the previous year,” says Turner. “Europe’s expanding rail network is opening up multi-country holidays like never before, perfect for people who want to take their time, explore new destinations, and enjoy the journey as much as the final destination.”
Whether you’re backpacking across Europe or marking a milestone moment with a luxury train trip, Turner says open-jaw travel is the best way to get the most out of your trip.
“Gone are the days of retracing your steps, wasting hours in airports, or losing precious sightseeing time. With open-jaw routes and sparkling new night trains, South Africans are jumping at the chance to explore Europe the smart way: by rail.”
Open-Jaw Freedom
In open-jaw travel, you fly into one city, out of another. No need to circle back. Thanks to a web of high-speed connections, major hubs are just hours apart. Importantly, many airlines also have agreements in place, which means, structured strategically, open-jaw travel is on par with the cost of a round-trip.
Imagine flying into Paris, taking in the sights, then gliding by train through Brussels and Amsterdam, and finally jetting home from Berlin. That’s three countries, zero backtracking.
Popular city pairings like Rome to Florence or Vienna to Budapest are short, scenic and easy to add to an itinerary, making them firm favourites among South Africans planning their first rail trip.
Wondering about routes and connections? Flight Centre’s website has some serious inspiration, and their travel experts can help you stitch together the smoothest itinerary.
No Airports, No Hassle
New high-speed lines are making borders feel obsolete. Hop from Paris to Barcelona in under seven hours, or Berlin to Brussels in six. No three-hour airport check-ins and customs queues – just step on board, settle in, and watch the world speed by.
“For lots of our customers, it’s all about the simplicity,” Turner adds. “You skip the stress of airports and get straight to the stuff that matters.”
Night Trains: Hotels on Rails
Yes, the classic night train is back with new routes. The ÖBB Nightjet links Vienna, Venice and Paris, while the new European Sleeper connects Brussels, Berlin and Prague. Dream of falling asleep in one city and waking up in another? That’s your ticket – not to mention the bonus of skipping a hotel bill and gaining an extra day of adventure.
“Night trains bring back the magic of European travel, but with plenty of practical perks,” says Turner. “You save on hotels, see more. And with open borders by rail, it’s no surprise trains are fast becoming the top choice on the continent.”
What South Africans Need to Know
Tempting as it all sounds, there are questions: Do I need multiple visas? Is it tricky to book from South Africa?
The good news is that most of Europe’s big rail routes sit firmly in the Schengen Area, which covers 27 countries including France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands. One Schengen visa, and you’re free to cross borders by train.
The exceptions are the United Kingdom and Ireland, which are not in Schengen. If you want to include London or Dublin, you’ll need a separate UK or Irish visa.
“Chat to your travel expert about visas – and which embassy to apply through – as well as open-jaw routes, airline agreements, and any deals or promotions. They can walk you through exactly what’s needed so you won’t hit any snags.”
But her message is clear: combine flights with high-speed trains and scenic regional rail networks to build an unforgettable European itinerary that you will remember for years to come. Just relax and enjoy the ride!