Eurail Pass – 6 Scenic European Countries to Explore by Train

If you’ve ever wanted to drift through Europe without juggling flight schedules or deciphering highway signs in a foreign language, the Eurail One Country Pass is a game-changer. It’s made specifically for non-Europeans and gives you the freedom to travel within one country on your own schedule, without the usual travel chaos. Here are six incredible countries where hopping on a train isn’t just a way to get around it’s part of the adventure.

Italy: Art, Ruins, and Riviera Views on Rails

Italy by train is pure romance. Whether you’re riding through Tuscany’s rolling hills, cruising along the Amalfi coast, or jumping from Rome to Florence to Venice, the Italy Pass gives you 3 travel days within a month starting at $158. The pass is digital, flexible, and ideal for 2 to 4 stops. You can activate it any time within 11 months and even get a full refund within 7 days if plans change. Just remember: for high-speed or overnight trains like the Frecciarossa or Thello, you’ll need seat reservations so book ahead.

France: Rolling Through Vineyards and Villages

The Eurail France Pass (starting at $84) turns your train window into a moving postcard. Glide from Paris to Provence, the Riviera to the Loire Valley, with a baguette in one hand and your itinerary in the other. France’s high-speed TGV network connects cities effortlessly, letting you explore everything from lavender fields to medieval castles without ever stepping off the rails. Every train ride here is a scenic experience and a reminder that getting there really can be half the fun.

Spain: Fast Trains and Flamenco Feels

With Spain’s AVE trains running up to 310 km/h, a Eurail Spain Pass ($184+) means you can breakfast in Madrid, lunch in Valencia, and still catch a flamenco show in Seville before bed. Spain’s rail network is modern, smooth, and surprisingly comfortable. From Barcelona’s modernist vibes to Granada’s Moorish magic, this pass unlocks a country full of energy, color, and coastal sunsets all without airport lines or long bus rides. But fair warning: Spanish train timetables are more like suggestions, so keep things flexible.

Sweden: Tranquil Tracks and Arctic Dreams

Sweden’s trains are about serenity. The Eurail Sweden Pass (from $184) connects Stockholm’s cool design scene with Arctic adventures in Lapland. Between cities, expect long stretches of pine forests, frozen lakes, and postcard-perfect villages. The real joy? Doing absolutely nothing while watching some of Europe’s quietest, most pristine landscapes roll by your window. It’s one of the few places where the train ride might actually outshine the destination.

Benelux: Three Countries, One Ticket

For those who want to squeeze the most into a short trip, the Eurail Benelux Pass (starting at $131) covers Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. These three compact, culture-rich countries make train-hopping feel like changing neighborhoods. One morning you’re in Amsterdam cycling past canals, by lunch you’re in Brussels eating fries and chocolate, and by sunset, you’re in Luxembourg staring at castle ruins. The distances are short, the trains are frequent, and the borders practically disappear.

Portugal: Coastlines, Codfish, and Comfort

Portugal is a dream for rail travelers looking for laid-back vibes and beautiful backdrops. With a Eurail Portugal Pass (starting at $100), you can explore Lisbon’s tiled alleys, Porto’s riverside wine cellars, or the sun-drenched cliffs of the Algarve all without a single flight. The trains are clean, scenic, and cover the country surprisingly well. It’s a relaxing way to soak in the views think crashing waves, golden beaches, and sleepy villages at your own pace.

Need-to-Know Before You Go

These passes are for non-European residents only. If you’re from Europe, you’ll need an Interrail Pass instead. Most high-speed and night trains require an extra seat reservation, so always check before boarding. First-class seats come with more space and fewer people, but second class is comfortable and budget-friendly. Passes are digital, valid for activation up to 11 months from purchase, and refundable if unused.