Germany’s central location makes it one of the best starting points for a European railway holiday. Direct international trains connect major German cities with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Czechia, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and Italy.
Interest in international rail travel continues to grow. Deutsche Bahn reported that more than 25 million passengers used its international long-distance connections in 2025. That represented an increase of almost one-third compared with 2019. 1
For travelers interested in European train travel 2026, the advantages are clear. Railway stations are generally located within city centers, luggage restrictions are often less complicated than airline rules, and a train journey can become part of the holiday itself.
However, international rail travel requires careful planning. Reservation requirements, ticket conditions, booking periods, and passenger protections can differ between countries. This guide presents some of the best routes from Germany and explains how to organize them effectively.
1. Berlin–Hamburg–Copenhagen
The new direct Berlin–Copenhagen connection is one of the most significant additions to European train travel 2026.
Direct ComfortJet services began operating on May 1, 2026. Two train pairs run throughout the year, connecting Berlin and Copenhagen in approximately seven hours. The trains continue through Dresden to Prague, creating a direct railway link between three European capitals. A seasonal overnight service is also planned for the summer timetable. 2
This route is suitable for travelers interested in combining:
- Berlin’s history and nightlife
- Hamburg’s harbor and cultural attractions
- Copenhagen’s cycling culture and waterfront neighborhoods
- Dresden’s architecture and museums
- Prague’s historic center
Deutsche Bahn currently lists up to ten daily services between Hamburg and Copenhagen, including direct and connecting options. Two daily ComfortJet services also connect Dresden and Berlin with Copenhagen. 3
2. Berlin–Dresden–Prague
The direct Berlin-to-Prague train is one of the easiest international journeys from eastern Germany. Services operate through Dresden, allowing passengers to create a two-country or three-city itinerary without flying.
Current timetable information lists eight daily services from Berlin through Dresden to Prague, with the journey taking approximately four hours and 15 minutes. Travelers leaving from Hamburg can also reach Prague directly in under six hours on selected services. 4
A practical itinerary could include:
- Two nights in Berlin
- Two nights in Dresden
- Three nights in Prague
Passengers interested in extending the journey can continue from Prague toward Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, or destinations elsewhere in Czechia.
The route is also attractive for scenery. Sections between Dresden and Prague follow the Elbe Valley and pass landscapes associated with Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland.
3. Munich–Salzburg–Vienna
Munich is a convenient starting point for railway holidays in Austria and Central Europe. Travelers can combine Bavaria with Salzburg’s historic center, Austria’s lake regions, and Vienna’s museums, markets, palaces, and cafés.
Deutsche Bahn lists more than 50 direct daily services collectively operating between Germany and Austrian destinations. Promotional Super Saver Europe fares from Munich to Vienna can begin at €19.99 when the lowest allocation is available. 5
A seven-day itinerary might include:
- Two nights in Munich
- Two nights in Salzburg
- Three nights in Vienna
Travelers with additional time can continue from Vienna to Budapest, Bratislava, Ljubljana, or Zagreb. When building a multi-country itinerary, compare a complete point-to-point booking with the cost of an Interrail Pass.
4. Berlin or Frankfurt–Amsterdam
Amsterdam is accessible from several German cities without flying. Current services include six daily ICE connections from Berlin through Hanover to Amsterdam, completing the journey in under six hours. Seven daily ICE services also operate from Frankfurt through Cologne to Amsterdam. 6
This creates several useful itinerary combinations:
- Berlin–Hanover–Amsterdam
- Frankfurt–Cologne–Amsterdam
- Düsseldorf–Utrecht–Amsterdam
- Cologne–Amsterdam–Brussels
Travelers using digital international tickets at Dutch stations should retain access to the ticket’s barcode because it may be needed to open platform gates.
Germany-to-Netherlands Super Saver Europe fares can begin at €19.99 on selected shorter routes, but the lowest prices are limited and tied to specific trains. Flexible tickets generally cost more but provide greater freedom when plans change. 6
5. Frankfurt or Cologne–Brussels
Belgium is a practical destination for travelers departing from western Germany. ICE services connect Frankfurt and Cologne with Liège and Brussels, making it possible to organize a short international city break without an airport transfer.
Deutsche Bahn currently lists eight daily ICE 3neo connections to Brussels. Promotional international fares can begin at €19.99 when available. 7
Brussels can also serve as a base for visiting:
- Bruges
- Ghent
- Antwerp
- Leuven
- Rotterdam
- Lille
- Luxembourg
When combining Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, avoid changing accommodation every night. Staying two or three nights in each main city usually creates a more manageable holiday.
6. Frankfurt or Stuttgart–Paris
High-speed ICE and TGV services make France another strong option for European train travel 2026.
The direct Frankfurt–Paris journey takes approximately three hours and 40 minutes. Direct services also connect Frankfurt with Lyon and Marseille, while Stuttgart offers convenient connections to Paris. Seat reservations are included with tickets for the international high-speed services covered by Deutsche Bahn’s France offers. 8
Reservations are compulsory on high-speed ICE and TGV services to Paris and Marseille. Passengers cannot simply use a different reservation-required train because they hold a flexible ticket for the route; the reservation must match the selected service. 9
Travelers should book popular Friday, Sunday, summer, and holiday-period departures early.
7. Munich–Bolzano–Verona–Bologna
Travelers from southern Germany can reach northern Italy through Austria and the Brenner Pass. This route provides an alternative to flying and connects Munich with Alpine landscapes, South Tyrol, and major Italian cities.
Deutsche Bahn currently advertises six direct daily services between Germany and Italian destinations on this corridor. Promotional tickets from Munich to Bolzano can begin at €19.99, depending on availability. 10
Possible stops include:
- Innsbruck
- Brennero
- Bolzano
- Trento
- Verona
- Bologna
Seat reservations or additional pass supplements may be required, particularly for travelers using Interrail. Passengers should also check current construction work because engineering projects can affect cross-border services through the Alps.
8. Germany–Basel–Zurich–Interlaken
Switzerland is easily combined with western and southern Germany. Direct services operate from German cities to Basel and Zurich, while selected trains continue toward destinations such as Interlaken and Chur.
Deutsche Bahn lists more than 50 direct services per day collectively connecting Germany and Switzerland. International Saver Europe tickets are available from €24.99 on selected routes, such as Freiburg to Zurich, subject to availability. 11
Basel is a particularly useful railway gateway. From there, travelers can continue toward Bern, Lucerne, the Swiss Alps, or northern Italy.
Before booking, compare ordinary tickets, Saver Europe offers, Interrail, and Swiss public-transport passes. The best choice depends on the number of planned journeys rather than the advertised starting price alone.
Use Night Trains for Longer European Journeys
Night trains can combine transportation with one night of accommodation. Current overnight services from or through Germany serve more than 25 European cities and holiday regions, including Vienna, Zurich, Amsterdam, Brussels, Warsaw, Rome, and Tyrol.
Additional overnight routes connect Stuttgart and Munich with Zagreb, Budapest, and other Central European destinations. Prices vary according to whether passengers select a seat, couchette, or private sleeping compartment. 12
Book sleeping compartments early during summer, Christmas, Easter, and major events. Night-train reservations are compulsory, including for Interrail users.
Point-to-Point Tickets or Interrail?
Point-to-point tickets are generally suitable when the itinerary has fixed dates and only a few major journeys. Deutsche Bahn’s Super Saver Europe fares currently start from €19.99 for numerous international destinations, although some country-specific offers can begin lower. These tickets usually restrict passengers to the booked long-distance train. 7
Interrail may offer better value when travelers want to visit several countries or remain flexible. The Interrail Global Pass covers participating services in 33 countries, but reservation charges are not included. Reservations are required for many European high-speed services and all night trains. 13
Calculate the following before choosing:
- Total number of travel days
- Point-to-point ticket prices
- Reservation and pass-supplement costs
- Local transportation expenses
- Cancellation conditions
- Need for schedule flexibility
A rail pass is not automatically cheaper, especially when low-cost advance tickets are still available.
Protect International Connections
Whenever possible, purchase the complete itinerary as one through-ticket. Separate tickets can represent separate transportation contracts and may provide weaker protection when a delay causes a missed connection.
The Agreement on Journey Continuation can help passengers holding certain separate tickets issued by participating European railway companies. However, it does not cover every situation and does not apply to combinations deliberately purchased in separate booking processes, such as a Deutschlandticket combined with an international ticket. 14
Under EU rules, passengers facing an expected arrival delay of more than 60 minutes may have rights involving reimbursement, rerouting, or assistance. The precise protection can depend on the ticket, operator, service, and cause of disruption. 15
European Train-Planning Tips for 2026
Follow these steps before departure:
- Check the final schedule through the operating railway company.
- Book compulsory reservations immediately after buying a rail pass.
- Allow additional connection time at unfamiliar stations.
- Save tickets and reservations for offline access.
- Carry the identification document connected to your ticket or pass.
- Verify bicycle, pet, and luggage conditions separately.
- Avoid relying on the last connection of the day.
- Keep receipts when delays create additional expenses.
- Check planned construction and replacement-bus services.
- Compare the total journey cost rather than only the advertised fare.
Conclusion
European train travel 2026 gives travelers from Germany an extensive selection of direct and connecting routes. Berlin offers convenient services to Prague, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam, while Munich provides access to Austria and northern Italy. Frankfurt, Cologne, and Stuttgart are strong starting points for France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
The most successful railway holiday combines a logical route with realistic connection times, suitable reservations, and the right type of ticket. Travelers should book high-demand services early, protect important connections with through-tickets, and verify schedules shortly before departure.
With careful planning, traveling from Germany through Europe by train can be comfortable, flexible, and as memorable as the destinations themselves.
