How much time is spent actually traveling on trains?

The time on trains varies depending on your route. In Italy, trips between major cities are pretty manageable - Rome to Florence takes about 1.5 hours, while Venice to Milan is around 2.5 hours. If you're doing something like the Swiss Glacier Express, you'll spend about 8 hours on the train, but that's part of the experience. As one of our TourRadar travelers put it: "The train rides were comfortable and the perfect length to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed."

What types of trains are used on train tours through Europe and Switzerland?

You'll travel on modern trains across Europe, including the famous Glacier Express in Switzerland and fast trains throughout Italy and France. The Glacier Express is special - you'll ride in trains with big windows that cross 291 bridges and climb up to 6,700 feet (2,044m) in the Swiss Alps. In Italy, the fast trains connecting Venice, Florence and Rome are smooth and quick, usually getting you there in 2-3 hours. Our TourRadar travelers consistently mention how comfortable these trains are.

What are the typical accommodations like on a train tour?

You'll stay in comfortable 3 to 4-star hotels picked because they're close to train stations and city centers. For example, places like the Welcome Piram Hotel in Rome or Hotel Campanile in Venice Mestre make it easy to get to and from the trains. Here's what one TourRadar traveler said: "Hotels were in good location from train station with excellent breakfasts and clean, comfortable rooms."

What's the best season for train tours in Europe?

These tours run all year, but most people travel between April and September. If you want to avoid crowds but still get nice weather around 68°F (20°C), try going in spring (April-May) or fall (September-October). Summer (June-August) is busy but gives you more daylight hours to explore.

What's the best time of year to take a train tour?

It really depends on where you're going. Switzerland is great in summer (June-September) when you can see the mountains clearly. Japan is popular when cherry blossoms bloom (March-April) or when fall colors appear (October-November). One of our TourRadar travelers shared: "We took the Switzerland tour end of April/first of May and got to see both snow in the mountains and spring flowers in the valleys."

How physically demanding are train tours?

You'll need to be comfortable walking with your luggage between stations and hotels, and some stations don't have elevators. Plan on walking about 3-6 miles (5-10km) each day while exploring cities. Weather can be a factor too - Italian summers can hit 95°F (35°C), while German winters can drop to 30°F (-1°C). As one TourRadar traveler mentioned, "be prepared for lots of walking and managing your luggage through busy stations."

What's the best time of year for train tours in Europe?

May through September is peak season, with temperatures around 75°F (24°C) - perfect for sightseeing, but expect more crowds. March-April and October are quieter with mild 60°F (16°C) weather. Winter trips (November-February) are cooler at about 40°F (4°C) but offer special treats like Christmas markets. One TourRadar traveler noted: "shoulder season travel means fewer tourists and better rates while still enjoying good weather."

Train & Rail Tours & Trips

Learn more

405 Results405 Result

View Map
Explorer
Italian Treasures: Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento Cruise by Rail
4.6 (30 traveler reviews)
"The accommodations were great and it was wonderful to have a breakfast provided every morning."
Janice, traveled in May
Destinations
Venice, Murano, Florence, Siena, Rome, Pompei, Sorrento,Capri+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, French
Operator
Meet and Greet Italy
Duration
12 days
From
NZ$9,652
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
5 days Golden Triangle Tour with Train/Rail Ride - Taj Mahal and Train Ride
4.9 (26 traveler reviews)
"Everyone involved is friendly, organised, knowledgeable and professional. How they can be so organised in a place like India is nothing short of miraculous."
Ian, traveled in February
Destinations
New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Golden Triangle
Operated in
English,German,Italian,French,Spanish+4 more
Operator
Joyful Holidays
50% Off
Duration
5 days
From $1,602
NZ$801
$319 now + easy payments of $61
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 17 Aug 2026
Pay today$319
21 easy payments$61
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 17 Aug 2026
Pay today$319
21 easy payments$61
View tour
View Map
Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
Explorer
Japan Essentials 9 Day - One Life Adventures
4.8 (315 traveler reviews)
"This was the perfect tour as a first time visitor to Japan and gave me a taste of the country - I'll definitely be coming back!"
Beth, traveled in May
Destinations
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
One Life Adventures
10% Off
Duration
9 days
From $2,735
NZ$2,462
$350 now + easy payments of $120
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 09 Aug 2026
Pay today$350
20 easy payments$120
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 09 Aug 2026
Pay today$350
20 easy payments$120
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Machu Picchu by Train: 2-Day, 1-Night Adventure
4.9 (76 traveler reviews)
"All the food was delicious for all meals. JJ does a great job setting expectations."
Elizabeth, traveled in July
Destinations
Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
TreXperience
10% Off
Duration
2 days
From
NZ$1,452
$340 now + easy payments of $44
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 16 Aug 2026
Pay today$340
25 easy payments$44
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 16 Aug 2026
Pay today$340
25 easy payments$44
View tour
View Map
Explorer
5-Day Vancouver to Rockies VIA Rail Adventure | Vancouver Departure
3.9 (14 traveler reviews)
"organized tour. The guide was excellent."
Dolores, traveled in June
Destinations
Vancouver, Jasper National Park, Banff National Park,Lake Louise,Yoho National Park,Calgary+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
West Coast CanadaAlbertaThe PrairiesCanadian RockiesIcefields Parkway+4 more
Operated in
English, Chinese
Operator
Calgary Tours
10% Off
Duration
5 days
From
NZ$2,172
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Eco-Comfort - Tour Of Italy By Train
4.5 (24 traveler reviews)
"The breakfast spread was rich and satisfying at each stay. The informative travel documents were exceptional."
Diane, traveled in August
Destinations
Venice, Florence, Siena, San Gimignano,Castellina in Chianti,Rome,Pompei,Vico Equense,Amalfi,Naples+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Flag Travel Holidays
10% Off
Duration
10 days
From
NZ$5,175
View tour
View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
In-depth Cultural
13-Day Japan Tour: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka & Beyond
4.4 (148 traveler reviews)
"This tour of Japan covers all the must sees! Great value for money."
Alexa, traveled in August
Destinations
Tokyo, Fujikawaguchiko, Kamakura, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara,Hiroshima,Osaka+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18-55
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
The Dragon Trip
20% Off
Duration
13 days
From $4,745
NZ$3,796
$271 now + easy payments of $257
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 10 Aug 2026
Pay today$271
20 easy payments$257
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 10 Aug 2026
Pay today$271
20 easy payments$257
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Europe by Rail Budapest to Milan
5.0 (66 traveler reviews)
"Effortlessly effervescent and full of sunshine. She really brought an unbeatable energy to this tour."
Harrison, traveled in October
Destinations
Hungary Austria Slovenia Italy
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
TruTravels
20% Off
Duration
11 days
From
NZ$3,255
$400 now + easy payments of $140
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 12 Aug 2026
Pay today$400
21 easy payments$140
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 12 Aug 2026
Pay today$400
21 easy payments$140
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Whole of Europe Group Rail Tour (18-35)
4.9 (16 traveler reviews)
"The hostels were way better than I expected with comfy beds, lockers, charging points etc. The activities were really good."
Destinations
England Netherlands Germany Czech Republic Hungary Austria Italy France Spain+4 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Euroventure Travel
20% Off
Duration
29 days
From
NZ$8,397
$890 now + easy payments of $471
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 18 Jul 2026
Pay today$890
17 easy payments$471
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 18 Jul 2026
Pay today$890
17 easy payments$471
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan: signature (4* hotels) low carbon tour by train
4.3 (14 traveler reviews)
"Everything was great, having hotels, trains and tours booked for us made everything so stress free."
Audrey, traveled in June
Destinations
Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Meet and Greet Italy
20% Off
Duration
9 days
From
NZ$3,211
$320 now + easy payments of $721
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 21 Dec 2025
Pay today$320
4 easy payments$721
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 21 Dec 2025
Pay today$320
4 easy payments$721
View tour
View Map
Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
Explorer
Icons of Italy: Venice, Florence, Tuscany and Rome Cruise by Rail
4.6 (41 traveler reviews)
"The trip was as flawless as he could make it. We were fortunate to have selected the tour."
Michael, traveled in October
Destinations
Venice, Florence, Siena, Rome
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Central ItalyTuscany+1 more
Operated in
English, French
Operator
Meet and Greet Italy
20% Off
Duration
9 days
From
NZ$6,106
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Jacobite Steam Train & The Great Glen
4.6 (14 traveler reviews)
"Fantastic history. Great views."
Staci, traveled in August
Destinations
Edinburgh, Forth Bridge, Dunkeld,Cairngorms National Park,Culloden,Fort Augustus,Fort William,Mallaig,Glencoe+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Highland Experience Tours
20% Off
Duration
2 days
From
NZ$810
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Italy By High-Speed Train
4.4 (94 traveler reviews) award winner
"The thoughtful planning by the staff made the journey seamless and enjoyable. From the diverse selection of hotels to the captivating tours, every aspect was meticulously organized."
Dennon, traveled in January
Destinations
Rome, Florence, Siena, Castellina in Chianti,San Gimignano,Venice+2 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Central ItalyTuscany+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Flag Travel Holidays
20% Off
Duration
7 days
From
NZ$3,201
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Alps By Bernina Train & Northern Lakes - 6 Days
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"Excellent choice of places to visit. Would recommend this tour to all my friends and acquaintances."
Ricardo, traveled in June
Destinations
Milan, Como, Bellagio, Bergamo, Sirmione, Riva del Garda,Lake Garda,Verona+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Northern ItalyLombardyItalian Lakes District+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Click Tours
36% Off
Duration
6 days
From $6,053
NZ$3,874
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Epic Japan: Speed Trains & Street Food
4.5 (23 traveler reviews)
"We had enough free time to do what we wanted and were encouraged to try things that were not the usual."
Destinations
Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
Duration
11 days
From $3,199
NZ$2,719
$700 now + easy payments of $127
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 08 Aug 2026
Pay today$700
22 easy payments$127
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 08 Aug 2026
Pay today$700
22 easy payments$127
View tour