Europe’s coastlines offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, and what better way to experience these vistas than by train? From the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean to the rugged cliffs of the Atlantic and the fjord-carved landscapes of Scandinavia, coastal rail journeys provide a unique perspective on Europe’s diverse maritime beauty. These routes not only showcase stunning seascapes but also offer glimpses into charming coastal towns, historic ports, and pristine beaches, all while providing a comfortable and eco-friendly mode of travel.
Coastal rail routes of the mediterranean: from riviera to adriatic
The Mediterranean coastline is a tapestry of azure waters, picturesque villages, and ancient history. Train journeys along this storied sea offer travellers a front-row seat to some of Europe’s most iconic coastal landscapes.
Liguria’s cinque terre express: cliffside villages and azure waters
The Cinque Terre Express is a testament to Italian engineering and natural beauty. This short but spectacular route connects five colourful fishing villages perched precariously on the rugged Ligurian coast. As the train winds its way along the cliffs, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of terraced vineyards cascading down to the sea and glimpses of hidden coves accessible only by boat or foot.
The journey between the villages of Riomaggiore and Monterosso takes just 25 minutes, but it’s a visual feast that lingers in the memory long after. The train hugs the coastline so closely that at times it seems to be suspended over the water, offering unparalleled views of the Mediterranean’s sapphire expanse.
French riviera’s train des merveilles: monaco to tende
The Train des Merveilles, or “Train of Wonders,” lives up to its name as it climbs from the glamorous Côte d’Azur into the rugged Mercantour National Park. Starting in Monaco, the train offers panoramic views of the French Riviera before ascending into the Maritime Alps.
This journey is a study in contrasts, transitioning from sun-soaked beaches and yacht-filled harbours to dramatic mountain gorges and medieval perched villages. The route includes an impressive climb of over 1,000 metres in just 40 kilometres, showcasing the engineering marvel of this Alpine railway.
Croatia’s adriatic coast line: split to dubrovnik panorama
While Croatia’s coastal railway is not continuous, the sections that do run along the Adriatic offer spectacular views. The journey from Split to Ploče provides a stunning introduction to the Dalmatian coast, with the train skirting the edge of crystal-clear waters and passing through tunnels carved into coastal cliffs.
Passengers are treated to vistas of islands dotting the horizon, historic coastal towns, and lush Mediterranean vegetation. Although the line doesn’t reach Dubrovnik by rail, the journey sets the stage for the beauty that awaits further south along the coast.
Atlantic odyssey: scenic railroads along europe’s western shores
The Atlantic coast of Europe presents a different kind of beauty, with dramatic cliffs, windswept beaches, and a sense of wild, untamed nature. Train journeys along this coastline offer a unique perspective on the power and majesty of the ocean.
Portugal’s linha do douro: porto to pocinho wine country
While not strictly a coastal route, the Linha do Douro deserves mention for its spectacular river views and proximity to the Atlantic. Starting in Porto, known for its historic connection to the sea, the train follows the Douro River inland through the heart of Portugal’s wine country.
The journey offers breathtaking vistas of the Douro Valley, with its terraced vineyards and quaint quintas (wine estates) clinging to the steep riverbanks. As the train winds along the river, passengers are treated to ever-changing views of the water, sometimes placid, sometimes rushing over rapids.
Spain’s FEVE narrow gauge: bilbao to ferrol coastal adventure
The FEVE (Ferrocarriles de Vía Estrecha) narrow-gauge railway along Spain’s northern coast is one of Europe’s great hidden gems. This scenic route stretches for over 650 kilometres, hugging the coastline of the Bay of Biscay from the Basque Country through Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia.
The journey offers a mesmerising mix of sandy beaches, rocky coves, and charming fishing villages. The train often runs so close to the sea that passengers can almost feel the salt spray on their faces. This slow-paced journey allows travellers to soak in the beauty of Spain’s Green Coast , with its lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Ireland’s dublin to rosslare route: celtic sea vistas
The train journey from Dublin to Rosslare Europort in Ireland’s southeast offers a delightful introduction to the country’s coastal charms. As the train heads south from the capital, it soon runs alongside the Irish Sea, providing panoramic views of the coastline.
Highlights include the sweeping curve of Killiney Bay, often compared to the Bay of Naples, and the long stretches of sandy beaches in County Wexford. The route passes through charming seaside towns and offers glimpses of distant mountains, creating a quintessentially Irish coastal experience.
Nordic coastal marvels: fjords, archipelagos, and arctic landscapes
The coastal railways of Scandinavia offer some of the most dramatic and varied scenery in Europe. From deep fjords to endless archipelagos and Arctic wilderness, these journeys showcase the raw beauty of the Nordic coastline.
Norway’s bergen line: oslo to bergen fjord expedition
While not entirely a coastal route, the Bergen Line deserves mention for its spectacular approach to the fjord-indented west coast of Norway. This journey, often cited as one of the world’s most beautiful train rides, traverses the spine of Norway from Oslo to Bergen.
As the train descends from the high mountain plateau towards Bergen, passengers are treated to stunning views of fjords and coastal mountains. The final stretch into Bergen offers tantalising glimpses of the sea, setting the stage for exploration of Norway’s intricate coastline.
Sweden’s inlandsbanan: stockholm archipelago to arctic circle
The Inlandsbanan, or Inland Line, is a unique rail experience that takes travellers from the Stockholm archipelago in the south to the Arctic Circle in the north. While not strictly a coastal route, it offers unparalleled views of Sweden’s vast wilderness and numerous lakes.
The journey begins with views of Stockholm’s stunning archipelago before heading inland. As the train progresses northward, passengers witness the gradual transition from forested landscapes to the open tundra of the Arctic, culminating in the midnight sun phenomenon during summer months.
Finland’s coastal route: helsinki to turku island hopping
The train journey from Helsinki to Turku offers a unique perspective on Finland’s southern coast and archipelago. As the train skirts the Gulf of Finland, passengers are treated to views of countless islands dotting the sea.
The route passes through charming coastal towns and offers glimpses of historic manor houses and churches. Near Turku, the train crosses bridges spanning parts of the archipelago, providing a sense of island-hopping by rail. This journey showcases the beauty of Finland’s coastal landscapes and its rich maritime heritage.
Balkan peninsula’s Adriatic-Ionian railway connections
The Balkan Peninsula offers some of Europe’s most underrated coastal scenery, with railways that provide access to stunning Adriatic and Ionian seascapes.
Montenegro express: bar to belgrade Coastal-Mountain contrast
The railway from Bar on Montenegro’s coast to Belgrade in Serbia is an engineering marvel that offers spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea before climbing into the mountainous interior. The coastal section of this journey provides breathtaking vistas of Montenegro’s rugged shoreline and the blue expanse of the Adriatic.
As the train leaves the coast, it ascends through a series of tunnels and viaducts, offering intermittent views of Lake Skadar, the largest lake in Southern Europe. This journey is a testament to the diversity of Balkan landscapes, transitioning from Mediterranean coastal scenes to dramatic mountain vistas.
Greece’s peloponnese circuit: athens to patras gulf journey
The railway journey from Athens to Patras offers a blend of ancient history and coastal beauty. As the train leaves Athens, it follows the coastline of the Saronic Gulf, providing views of the sea and distant islands.
The route skirts the historic Corinth Canal before hugging the northern coast of the Peloponnese peninsula. Passengers are treated to panoramic views of the Gulf of Corinth, with the mountains of central Greece visible across the water. This journey showcases the classical beauty of Greece’s coastline, steeped in mythology and history.
British isles coastal rail experiences
The British Isles offer some of Europe’s most varied and beautiful coastal rail journeys, from dramatic Scottish sea lochs to the rugged Welsh coastline and the picturesque shores of southwest England.
Scotrail’s west highland line: glasgow to mallaig sea lochs
Often hailed as one of the world’s great railway journeys, the West Highland Line from Glasgow to Mallaig offers unparalleled views of Scotland’s western coastline. The route takes passengers through the heart of the Highlands, skirting beautiful sea lochs and offering panoramic views of the Inner Hebrides.
Highlights include the horseshoe curve around Loch Awe, the approach to Fort William with Ben Nevis looming overhead, and the final stretch to Mallaig with views of the Isle of Skye. The journey is a visual feast of mountains, lochs, and islands that epitomises the wild beauty of Scotland’s west coast.
Wales’ cambrian coast line: pwllheli to aberystwyth seascapes
The Cambrian Coast Line offers one of the most scenic coastal rail journeys in the UK. Running from Pwllheli to Aberystwyth, the train hugs the coast of Cardigan Bay, providing spectacular views of sandy beaches, estuaries, and the Irish Sea.
Passengers are treated to vistas of Snowdonia’s mountains to the east and the wide expanse of the sea to the west. The journey includes crossing the Barmouth Bridge, a wooden viaduct that spans the Mawddach Estuary, offering breathtaking views in all directions.
England’s south west coastal route: exeter to penzance
The railway line from Exeter to Penzance in southwest England is renowned for its coastal views. The journey takes passengers along the famous South Devon sea wall at Dawlish, where the tracks run right alongside the beach.
As the train continues into Cornwall, it crosses viaducts with panoramic views of the coastline and passes through charming fishing villages. The final approach to Penzance offers stunning views of St Michael’s Mount rising from the sea. This route showcases the quintessential beauty of England’s southwest coast.
Technological innovations in european coastal train travel
As rail technology advances, coastal train journeys are becoming not only more scenic but also more comfortable and environmentally friendly. These innovations are enhancing the experience of coastal rail travel across Europe.
Panoramic carriages: swiss GoldenPass line’s VIP coaches
While not a coastal route, the Swiss GoldenPass Line’s innovative VIP coaches set a new standard for panoramic train travel. These coaches feature rotating seats that adjust to the direction of travel and large, curved windows that extend up into the roof, providing unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
This technology could potentially be adapted for coastal routes, offering passengers an even more immersive experience of seaside scenery. Imagine sitting in a panoramic carriage as it winds along the Mediterranean coast, with nothing but glass between you and the azure sea.
High-speed coastal routes: spain’s AVE Málaga-Barcelona
Spain’s high-speed AVE network includes a coastal route between Málaga and Barcelona that combines speed with scenic beauty. While not hugging the coastline for its entire length, this route offers intermittent but spectacular views of the Mediterranean.
The train reaches speeds of up to 310 km/h, allowing passengers to cover vast stretches of Spain’s eastern coast in a matter of hours. This blend of high-speed travel and coastal scenery represents a new frontier in rail tourism, making it possible to experience diverse coastal landscapes in a single day.
Eco-friendly locomotives: norway’s Battery-Powered trains
Norway is pioneering the use of battery-powered trains on some of its most scenic routes. These trains offer a quieter, more environmentally friendly way to experience Norway’s coastal and fjord landscapes.
The technology allows trains to operate on non-electrified sections of track, opening up possibilities for new scenic routes along the coast. As this technology develops, it could lead to more sustainable and immersive coastal rail experiences across Europe, allowing passengers to enjoy the beauty of the coastline with minimal environmental impact.
These technological advancements are not just improving the experience of coastal train travel; they’re also making it more sustainable. As railways continue to innovate, passengers can look forward to even more spectacular and eco-friendly ways to experience Europe’s diverse coastlines by rail.