4 of the most exciting new train routes launching in Europe this year

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There’s nothing that screams Europe more than hopping on a high-speed train, whizzing past medieval towns and green fields of campaniles, crossing international lines like they were nothing.

You see, on this side of the world, traveling from country A to country B is as effortless as driving from upstate New York to New Jersey:

More often than not, there are usually no customs checks when traveling within the Schengen area.

Taking the train is not only a scenic way, but it is also truly the An Hassle-free option, especially if you avoid airports like the plague.

If you’re planning to visit the Old Continent this year and are feeling the pull of the railway renaissance, here are 4 of the most exciting new routes launch in the coming months:

Paris, France to Munich, Germany

Although there Are ways to travel by rail from the French capital to Munichthe largest city in the Southern Bavaria region, it’s not exactly suitable for travelers who want to avoid multiple transfers and are looking for faster, more efficient ways to avoid flying.

This year both the French SNCF and the German Deutsche Bahn are working together Finally launch a direct service between both cities.

The current average travel time varies from 6 to 7 hours, including transfers in Stuttgart or Frankfurt. This will be the case with the new high-speed train reduced to just 4h40bringing it closer to the total travel time of air travel (including transfers to and from and waiting at airports).

Tickets include two bags at no extra cost, and the good news is that they will be just as affordable as the cheap Ryanair flights. Tickets average $40 to $50 when booked in advance, while last-minute seats sell for $150-180.

London, England to Stirling, Scotland

This spring a new Lumo train will hit the rails from London Euston, just a stone’s throw from the world famous Regent’s Park, all the way to Stirling, a underrated storybook gem in the heart of Scotland.

Stirling is best known for Stirling Castle, a medieval fortress on a prominent hill and previously the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the National Wallace Monument, a free-standing tower dedicated to the Scottish knight. It is one of Britain’s most picturesque medieval towns.

With the new express trains it only takes 5h12 to cover the 420-mile distance from the British capital to the Scottish city of 94,000, and surprisingly, tickets aren’t shockingly expensive as some might have expected.

There’s no point in sugarcoating it, British train operators are run by a literal mafia: it’s often cheaper to fly to Spain than travel between different zones in London, let alone travel all the way from the English capital to the far north of Britain.

However, the seats on these Lumo trains will be available from only €37 to €50 ($50.50 – $68) one way, booked a few months in advance. Off-peak, last-minute averages are your usual €97 – €100 ($132 – €136).

As with train travel in Britain, make sure you plan accordingly.

From Tallinn, Estonia to Riga, Latvia

For the adventurous travelers who finally feel confident enough to explore the secret Europe that lies east of Berlin, there is one new railway line that runs from Tallinnthe capital of Estonia, to Rigaits Latvian counterpart.

A UNESCO World HeritageTallinn’s Old Town is a cobbled medieval maze of towers, dotted with churches, archway-covered alleys and quiet corners, without the usual bustling hustle and bustle seen elsewhere in Europe.

Riga feels less like an open-air museum, and more like a fast-growing Baltic port city that revolves around a timeless historic center: think a unique mix of medieval architecture, Art Nouveau facades, and Soviet-era concrete giants.

Despite being only 330 kilometers apart, tourists traveling between these two underrated capitals have resorted to the popular LUX buses, which are comfortable enough; they even come with backrest screens and free Wi-Fi!

Still, with the usual hectic traffic, major detours and road closures in winter, the Elron train will be one important game changer for travelers who have been clamoring for more reliable transport connections for years, not to mention the fact that strangers won’t fall asleep on your shoulder.

Departure from Tallinn is scheduled for 2:50 PM, while arrival in Riga is at 8:46 PM, for a total of 6 hours. The average fare is $34 for a one-way trip.

Basel, Switzerland to Malmö, Sweden

If you’re not in a hurry to go anywhere this spring, and going to sleep in Central Europe and then waking up in Scandinavia sounds like a nice idea, take a look at:

From April 15, EuroNight will run a direct night train three times a week from Basel, in northeastern Switzerland, all the way to Malmö, Sweden’s third largest city, via Copenhagen in Denmark.

If you’re wondering why you should bother at all, since these aren’t regular destinations, Basel just so happens to be one one of the most beautiful historic towns on the river iIn Switzerland, with a vibrant Rhine life, a well-preserved medieval center and an unparalleled international scene.

Although it is located entirely within Switzerland, it is located right at the point where Switzerland, France and Germany meet, and you can walk seamlessly from Basel to any of its neighboring countries in just a few minutes.

Malmö is no different: a rapidly developing port city With a striking red moated castle and a cobbled historic center, it is just a 21-minute train ride from Denmark’s capital. Just like Basel, it feels like the meeting point between two (or more) worlds. Do you see a running theme here?

The total travel time is 16 hours, but again, you won’t even feel it because you will be sleeping most of the time, and couchette Tickets usually start from $70.

Speaking of multi-country travel, you might want to check out these 3 short train journeys that connect two neighboring countries in less than 60 minutes.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior head writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60 countries to his name (and is currently weaving stories from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.