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10 unforgettable train journeys across Europe under 50 euros

Europe’s extensive rail network makes it easy to travel comfortably and affordably while taking in stunning landscapes.
Explore Europe’s wonders by train – affordably – Europe offers an extensive and efficient railway network spanning over 230,000 kilometers, making it possible to explore diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and charming villages at surprisingly low costs. Budget-friendly routes take travelers through breathtaking regions such as the Douro Valley in Portugal, the Swiss Alps, and the Amalfi Coast. Many scenic journeys cost less than 50 euros, allowing adventurers to witness world-class views without breaking the bank. From coastal rides to alpine routes, Europe’s vast rail system provides endless possibilities for affordable and unforgettable journeys.
Explore Europe’s wonders by train – affordably – Europe offers an extensive and efficient railway network spanning over 230,000 kilometers, making it possible to explore diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and charming villages at surprisingly low costs. Budget-friendly routes take travelers through breathtaking regions such as the Douro Valley in Portugal, the Swiss Alps, and the Amalfi Coast. Many scenic journeys cost less than 50 euros, allowing adventurers to witness world-class views without breaking the bank. From coastal rides to alpine routes, Europe’s vast rail system provides endless possibilities for affordable and unforgettable journeys.

While many dream of luxury train journeys like the Orient Express, some of the most scenic routes can be enjoyed for less than 50 euros. From Alpine vistas to Mediterranean coastlines, these journeys prove that affordable travel doesn’t mean compromising on the experience.

Budget-friendly adventures await

These 10 train journeys prove that you don’t need a luxury budget to experience Europe’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures. For less than 50 euros, travelers can embark on unforgettable rail adventures that rival the most luxurious routes. Whether exploring coastal gems or alpine villages, these affordable rides showcase the best of Europe without breaking the bank.


Porto, Portugal – A historic coastal city with around 231,000 inhabitants in the city proper and over 1.7 million in the metropolitan area. Known for its iconic Ribeira district, colorful houses, and the majestic Dom Luís I Bridge, Porto offers much more beyond its famous port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Explore the Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Visit the Palácio de Cristal gardens, offering panoramic views of the Douro River, or discover the hidden tunnels beneath São Bento Station, a relic of Porto’s past. For a unique experience, check out the lesser-known Foz district, where the Douro meets the Atlantic, offering stunning sunsets and tranquil walks. Photo by Daniel Seßler on Unsplash
Porto, Portugal – A historic coastal city with around 231,000 inhabitants in the city proper and over 1.7 million in the metropolitan area. Known for its iconic Ribeira district, colorful houses, and the majestic Dom Luís I Bridge, Porto offers much more beyond its famous port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Explore the Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Visit the Palácio de Cristal gardens, offering panoramic views of the Douro River, or discover the hidden tunnels beneath São Bento Station, a relic of Porto’s past. For a unique experience, check out the lesser-known Foz district, where the Douro meets the Atlantic, offering stunning sunsets and tranquil walks. Photo by Daniel Seßler on Unsplash

Porto to Pocinho, Portugal (€12–€15)

Train company Comboios de Portugal (CP) Route Porto – Peso da Régua – Pinhão – Pocinho


  • Porto A vibrant city known for its historic Ribeira district, port wine cellars, and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.

  • Peso da Régua The heart of Portugal’s wine region, offering panoramic views of the Douro Valley.

  • Pinhão Famous for its terraced vineyards and charming riverside setting.

  • Pocinho A quiet endpoint surrounded by vineyard-covered hills and traditional villages.

Lucerne, Switzerland – A charming lakeside city with around 82,000 inhabitants, renowned for its medieval Old Town, Chapel Bridge, and stunning views of Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus. Beyond these iconic landmarks, Lucerne hides lesser-known gems. Visit the Bourbaki Panorama, a massive circular painting depicting the French army’s retreat into Switzerland in 1871. Explore the hidden Glacier Garden, showcasing fossilized palm leaves and potholes formed during the Ice Age. For a unique adventure, discover the Musegg Wall, where you can walk along nine of its original towers, each offering a different view of the city and surrounding landscape. Photo by Tom Bradley on Unsplash
Lucerne, Switzerland – A charming lakeside city with around 82,000 inhabitants, renowned for its medieval Old Town, Chapel Bridge, and stunning views of Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus. Beyond these iconic landmarks, Lucerne hides lesser-known gems. Visit the Bourbaki Panorama, a massive circular painting depicting the French army’s retreat into Switzerland in 1871. Explore the hidden Glacier Garden, showcasing fossilized palm leaves and potholes formed during the Ice Age. For a unique adventure, discover the Musegg Wall, where you can walk along nine of its original towers, each offering a different view of the city and surrounding landscape. Photo by Tom Bradley on Unsplash

Interlaken to Lucerne, Switzerland (approx. €38)

Train company Zentralbahn Route Interlaken Ost – Meiringen – Lungern – Lucerne

  • Interlaken A popular gateway to the Swiss Alps, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

  • Meiringen Famous for the Reichenbach Falls, where Sherlock Holmes met his fictional end.

  • Lungern A picturesque village surrounded by alpine peaks and a pristine lake.

  • Lucerne A lakeside city known for its medieval Old Town, Chapel Bridge, and stunning mountain backdrop.


Pompeii, Italy – An ancient Roman city with an estimated population of around 11,000–15,000 inhabitants before it was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. While famous for its remarkably preserved ruins, Pompeii harbors lesser-known secrets. Explore the Suburban Baths, a more intimate bath complex with stunning frescoes, often overlooked by visitors. Discover the Villa of the Mysteries, with its vivid and mysterious frescoes depicting Dionysian rituals. Few know about the Amphitheater of Pompeii, the oldest known stone amphitheater in the Roman world, predating the Colosseum by over a century. Additionally, remnants of ancient street food stalls, known as thermopolia, provide a glimpse into the daily life of Pompeii’s residents. Photo by Cole Ciarlello on Unsplash
Pompeii, Italy – An ancient Roman city with an estimated population of around 11,000–15,000 inhabitants before it was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. While famous for its remarkably preserved ruins, Pompeii harbors lesser-known secrets. Explore the Suburban Baths, a more intimate bath complex with stunning frescoes, often overlooked by visitors. Discover the Villa of the Mysteries, with its vivid and mysterious frescoes depicting Dionysian rituals. Few know about the Amphitheater of Pompeii, the oldest known stone amphitheater in the Roman world, predating the Colosseum by over a century. Additionally, remnants of ancient street food stalls, known as thermopolia, provide a glimpse into the daily life of Pompeii’s residents. Photo by Cole Ciarlello on Unsplash

Naples to Sorrento, Italy (€4.50)

Train company Circumvesuviana Route Napoli Garibaldi – Ercolano – Pompei – Sorrento

  • Naples A bustling city rich in history, known for its lively streets and famous pizza.

  • Ercolano Home to the ancient ruins of Herculaneum, preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

  • Pompei The iconic archaeological site where Roman life was frozen in time by volcanic ash.

  • Sorrento A charming coastal town perched atop cliffs, offering views of the Bay of Naples.

Lake Bled, Slovenia – A breathtaking glacial lake surrounded by the Julian Alps, with a population of around 8,000 inhabitants in the nearby town of Bled. At its heart lies Bled Island, home to the iconic Church of the Assumption, where legend says that ringing the church bell grants wishes. Beyond its famous landmarks, Lake Bled hides lesser-known treasures. Explore the Ojstrica Hill viewpoint, offering one of the most stunning panoramic views of the lake, yet often missed by tourists. Few know about the Pletna boat tradition, where local families have passed down the skill of rowing these wooden boats for generations. For a unique experience, visit the Bled Castle wine cellar, where you can bottle your own wine using traditional medieval techniques. Photo by Datingjungle on Unsplash
Lake Bled, Slovenia – A breathtaking glacial lake surrounded by the Julian Alps, with a population of around 8,000 inhabitants in the nearby town of Bled. At its heart lies Bled Island, home to the iconic Church of the Assumption, where legend says that ringing the church bell grants wishes. Beyond its famous landmarks, Lake Bled hides lesser-known treasures. Explore the Ojstrica Hill viewpoint, offering one of the most stunning panoramic views of the lake, yet often missed by tourists. Few know about the Pletna boat tradition, where local families have passed down the skill of rowing these wooden boats for generations. For a unique experience, visit the Bled Castle wine cellar, where you can bottle your own wine using traditional medieval techniques. Photo by Datingjungle on Unsplash

Ljubljana to Lake Bled, Slovenia (€5–€10)

Train company Slovenske Železnice (SŽ) Route Ljubljana – Medvode – Kranj – Lesce-Bled

  • Ljubljana Slovenia’s capital, known for its vibrant riverside cafes, historic bridges, and Ljubljana Castle.

  • Medvode A small town with beautiful riverside walks.

  • Kranj A charming medieval town with a scenic old town square.

  • Lake Bled A stunning glacial lake with an island, medieval castle, and breathtaking views of the Julian Alps.


Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany – A picturesque alpine resort town with around 26,000 inhabitants, renowned for its winter sports, charming Bavarian architecture, and proximity to Germany’s highest peak, Zugspitze. Beyond its popular ski slopes and hiking trails, Garmisch-Partenkirchen hides lesser-known gems. Explore the Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm), where turquoise waters cut through dramatic limestone cliffs. Visit the Wank Mountain, a quieter alternative to Zugspitze, offering panoramic views and fewer crowds. Few visitors know about the Riessersee Lake, a serene spot that once hosted ice hockey during the 1936 Winter Olympics. For history enthusiasts, the Ludwigstraße in Partenkirchen reveals a glimpse of ancient Roman trade routes that once passed through the region. Photo: G.C., Pixabay
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany – A picturesque alpine resort town with around 26,000 inhabitants, renowned for its winter sports, charming Bavarian architecture, and proximity to Germany’s highest peak, Zugspitze. Beyond its popular ski slopes and hiking trails, Garmisch-Partenkirchen hides lesser-known gems. Explore the Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm), where turquoise waters cut through dramatic limestone cliffs. Visit the Wank Mountain, a quieter alternative to Zugspitze, offering panoramic views and fewer crowds. Few visitors know about the Riessersee Lake, a serene spot that once hosted ice hockey during the 1936 Winter Olympics. For history enthusiasts, the Ludwigstraße in Partenkirchen reveals a glimpse of ancient Roman trade routes that once passed through the region. Photo: G.C., Pixabay

Munich to Mittenwald, Germany (€28)

Train company Deutsche Bahn (DB) Route:  – Tutzing – Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Mittenwald


  • Munich Bavaria’s lively capital, famous for its beer gardens, Marienplatz, and Nymphenburg Palace.

  • Tutzing A peaceful lakeside town on the shores of Lake Starnberg.

  • Garmisch-Partenkirchen A picturesque town known for its skiing and Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak.

  • Mittenwald A charming Bavarian village known for its violin-making tradition and alpine beauty.

Kalambaka, Greece – A small town with around 8,000 inhabitants, best known as the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Meteora monasteries, which are perched atop towering rock pillars. While most visitors come to admire the famous monasteries, Kalambaka hides lesser-known treasures. Discover the Natural History Museum and Mushroom Museum, showcasing local wildlife and offering mushroom-tasting experiences. Explore the hidden hermit caves of Badovas, where monks once lived in isolation long before the monasteries were built. Few tourists know about the Byzantine Church of the Dormition of the Virgin, a 10th-century gem with intricate frescoes, quietly tucked away in the heart of the town. For panoramic views, take a lesser-traveled hike to Psaropetra Rock, offering a breathtaking alternative to the crowded monastery viewpoints. Photo: Derek Winterburn, Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0
Kalambaka, Greece – A small town with around 8,000 inhabitants, best known as the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Meteora monasteries, which are perched atop towering rock pillars. While most visitors come to admire the famous monasteries, Kalambaka hides lesser-known treasures. Discover the Natural History Museum and Mushroom Museum, showcasing local wildlife and offering mushroom-tasting experiences. Explore the hidden hermit caves of Badovas, where monks once lived in isolation long before the monasteries were built. Few tourists know about the Byzantine Church of the Dormition of the Virgin, a 10th-century gem with intricate frescoes, quietly tucked away in the heart of the town. For panoramic views, take a lesser-traveled hike to Psaropetra Rock, offering a breathtaking alternative to the crowded monastery viewpoints. Photo: Derek Winterburn, Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0

Athens to Kalambaka (Meteora), Greece (€25–€30)

Train company Hellenic Train Route Athens – Piraeus – Larissa – Kalambaka

  • Athens Greece’s ancient capital, home to the Acropolis, Parthenon, and vibrant Plaka district.

  • Piraeus Greece’s largest port, connecting the mainland with the islands.

  • Larissa A lively city known for its ancient theater and relaxed ambiance.

  • Kalambaka Gateway to the UNESCO-listed Meteora monasteries, perched atop towering rock formations.

Monistrol de Montserrat, Spain – A charming village with around 3,000 inhabitants, nestled at the base of Montserrat Mountain and serving as the main gateway to the famous Montserrat Monastery. While most visitors pass through on their way to the monastery, Monistrol hides lesser-known gems. Explore the Old Bridge of Monistrol, an ancient stone bridge offering stunning views of the Llobregat River. Visit the Sant Pere Church, a historic parish dating back to the 14th century, often overlooked by tourists. Few know about the Camí de les Aigües, a scenic trail that provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valley. For a unique local experience, time your visit during the Festa Major de Monistrol, where traditional Catalan music and festivities fill the village with vibrant energy. Photo by Paula De la Pava Nieto on Unsplash
Monistrol de Montserrat, Spain – A charming village with around 3,000 inhabitants, nestled at the base of Montserrat Mountain and serving as the main gateway to the famous Montserrat Monastery. While most visitors pass through on their way to the monastery, Monistrol hides lesser-known gems. Explore the Old Bridge of Monistrol, an ancient stone bridge offering stunning views of the Llobregat River. Visit the Sant Pere Church, a historic parish dating back to the 14th century, often overlooked by tourists. Few know about the Camí de les Aigües, a scenic trail that provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valley. For a unique local experience, time your visit during the Festa Major de Monistrol, where traditional Catalan music and festivities fill the village with vibrant energy. Photo by Paula De la Pava Nieto on Unsplash

Barcelona to Montserrat, Spain (€25)

Train company  Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) Route: Barcelona Plaça d’Espanya – Martorell – Monistrol de Montserrat – Montserrat

  • Barcelona A cosmopolitan city famous for Gaudí’s architecture, vibrant markets, and beaches.

  • Martorell A quiet town with medieval bridges and industrial heritage.

  • Monistrol de Montserrat A picturesque village at the base of Montserrat mountain.

  • Montserrat Home to the famous Montserrat Monastery and stunning mountain landscapes.

Sucha Beskidzka, Poland – A picturesque town with around 10,000 inhabitants, located in the Beskid Mountains and known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. While the town is famous for its Renaissance-style Sucha Castle (known as the "Little Wawel"), it also hides lesser-known gems. Discover the Wooden Church of St. John the Baptist, a beautifully preserved 17th-century structure with intricate wood carvings. Few visitors know about the Beskid Mały hiking trails, which offer breathtaking views and a peaceful escape into nature. Explore the Old Market Square, where traditional Polish architecture blends with a quiet, timeless charm. For a unique culinary experience, visit a local inn and try «kwaśnica,» a traditional highland soup rarely found outside the region. Photo by konrad dobosz on Unsplash
Sucha Beskidzka, Poland – A picturesque town with around 10,000 inhabitants, located in the Beskid Mountains and known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. While the town is famous for its Renaissance-style Sucha Castle (known as the "Little Wawel"), it also hides lesser-known gems. Discover the Wooden Church of St. John the Baptist, a beautifully preserved 17th-century structure with intricate wood carvings. Few visitors know about the Beskid Mały hiking trails, which offer breathtaking views and a peaceful escape into nature. Explore the Old Market Square, where traditional Polish architecture blends with a quiet, timeless charm. For a unique culinary experience, visit a local inn and try «kwaśnica,» a traditional highland soup rarely found outside the region. Photo by konrad dobosz on Unsplash

Krakow to Zakopane, Poland (€7–€10)

Train company Polskie Koleje Państwowe (PKP) Route Krakow Glowny – Skawina – Sucha Beskidzka – Zakopane

  • Krakow Poland’s cultural capital, famous for its Old Town, Wawel Castle, and vibrant nightlife.

  • Skawina A small town known for its charming squares and proximity to nature.

  • Sucha Beskidzka Nestled in the Beskid Mountains, offering scenic views and outdoor adventures.

  • Zakopane A popular mountain resort known for hiking, skiing, and wooden architecture.


Bar, Montenegro – A coastal town with around 13,000 inhabitants, known for its mix of Mediterranean charm and Ottoman heritage. While Bar is famous for its bustling port and beautiful beaches, it hides lesser-known treasures. Explore the Old Town of Bar (Stari Bar), a partially ruined fortress with stunning views and echoes of its Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman past. Few visitors know about the Olive Tree of Mirovica, over 2,000 years old and one of the oldest olive trees in the world. Discover the King Nikola’s Palace, a 19th-century royal residence showcasing Montenegrin history. For a serene escape, visit the Skadar Lake Nature Reserve, a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, just a short drive from the town. Photo by Benjamin Nilsen on Unsplash
Bar, Montenegro – A coastal town with around 13,000 inhabitants, known for its mix of Mediterranean charm and Ottoman heritage. While Bar is famous for its bustling port and beautiful beaches, it hides lesser-known treasures. Explore the Old Town of Bar (Stari Bar), a partially ruined fortress with stunning views and echoes of its Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman past. Few visitors know about the Olive Tree of Mirovica, over 2,000 years old and one of the oldest olive trees in the world. Discover the King Nikola’s Palace, a 19th-century royal residence showcasing Montenegrin history. For a serene escape, visit the Skadar Lake Nature Reserve, a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, just a short drive from the town. Photo by Benjamin Nilsen on Unsplash

Belgrade to Bar, Serbia-Montenegro (€22–€30)

Train company Srbija Voz (Serbia) / Željeznica Crne Gore (Montenegro) Route Belgrade – Užice – Bijelo Polje – Podgorica – Bar


  • Belgrade Serbia’s lively capital, rich in history and vibrant nightlife.

  • Užice A gateway to Tara National Park, known for its mountainous landscapes.

  • Bijelo Polje A picturesque town on the Lim River in northern Montenegro.

  • Podgorica Montenegro’s modern capital with Ottoman and Yugoslav influences.

  • Bar A coastal town with beaches, historic ruins, and views of the Adriatic Sea.

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic – A UNESCO-listed town with around 13,000 inhabitants, renowned for its fairytale-like Old Town, winding cobblestone streets, and the majestic Cesky Krumlov Castle, the second largest castle complex in the Czech Republic. Beyond its famous landmarks, the town hides lesser-known treasures. Explore the Cloak Bridge, an architectural marvel that connects the castle’s courtyards and offers stunning views of the Vltava River. Few visitors know about the Graphite Mine, where you can take an underground tour and learn about the region’s mining heritage. Visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum, dedicated to the works of the Austrian painter who once lived in the town. For a peaceful escape, discover the Monastery of the Minorites, a quiet sanctuary often overlooked by tourists. Photo by Mike Swigunski on Unsplash
Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic – A UNESCO-listed town with around 13,000 inhabitants, renowned for its fairytale-like Old Town, winding cobblestone streets, and the majestic Cesky Krumlov Castle, the second largest castle complex in the Czech Republic. Beyond its famous landmarks, the town hides lesser-known treasures. Explore the Cloak Bridge, an architectural marvel that connects the castle’s courtyards and offers stunning views of the Vltava River. Few visitors know about the Graphite Mine, where you can take an underground tour and learn about the region’s mining heritage. Visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum, dedicated to the works of the Austrian painter who once lived in the town. For a peaceful escape, discover the Monastery of the Minorites, a quiet sanctuary often overlooked by tourists. Photo by Mike Swigunski on Unsplash

Prague to Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic (€8–€10)

Train company České dráhy (ČD) Route Prague Hlavní nádraží – Tábor – Veselí nad Lužnicí – Cesky Krumlov

  • Prague The heart of the Czech Republic, known for its Gothic architecture, Old Town Square, and Charles Bridge.

  • Tábor A charming town with medieval walls and rich Hussite history.

  • Veselí nad Lužnicí A scenic riverside town with a relaxing atmosphere.

  • Cesky Krumlov A UNESCO-listed town known for its fairytale castle, cobblestone streets, and vibrant culture.


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