On many European routes, the train rivals flying in door-to-door time, without security checks or airports far from the centre. It's also the most pleasant way to string together several cities on a single trip. Here's how to plan it well.
The Interrail pass: who is it for?
The Interrail pass (for European residents) or Eurail (for non-residents) gives access to a set number of train days over several months, across a wide network of countries. It pays off if you're planning at least three or four long-distance trips — for a simple return trip between two cities, standard tickets are often cheaper.
The finest routes for a city trip
- Paris - Brussels (under 1h30) — one of Europe's fastest connections, see what to do in Brussels.
- Vienna - Budapest (about 2h30) — two Danube capitals linked smoothly, see what to do in Budapest.
- Florence - Rome (1h30 on the high-speed train) — one of Italy's most scenic routes, see what to do in Florence.
- Prague - Vienna (about 4h, scenic) — crossing the Central European countryside.
Booking at the right time
Standard tickets (outside a pass) are often cheaper booked several weeks ahead, with prices climbing as departure nears, much like flights. Always compare the price of a single ticket against a pass before deciding.
Once your route is booked, the CityPlanner app helps you organise each leg of your multi-city itinerary, city by city.
