Here are the 5 best eco-friendly train trips in Europe that are easy on the environment.
Route 1 - The Eurostar (London to Paris)
The Eurostar is the fastest way to get from London to Paris, and it's an excellent choice for those who want to limit their carbon footprint.
The train only takes two hours, so you can enjoy your journey and see different places along the way, like Dover and Calais. And what's more, this is one of the most comfortable trains you'll ever be on - there is plenty of legroom and even a bar car!
It doesn't hurt that they also serve fresh coffee onboard too! Once you get off at Gare du Nord in Paris, it is easy to get around by walking or public transportation.
Route 2 – The Talgo AVE (Barcelona to Madrid)
Spain's Talgo AVE trains offer a high-speed, eco-friendly alternative to flying between Barcelona and Madrid. The specially designed cars reduce wind resistance and provide greater comfort for passengers making them one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation!
The Talgo AVE trains seat four to six people per car and provide an experience much closer to passing than other types of train travel.
Talgo AVE trains have been running between Barcelona and Madrid for more than 10 years without any emission or noise pollution problems due to their innovative design and lower speeds (300 kph). The specially designed cars minimize wind resistance and provide greater comfort for passengers making them one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation!
This type of train is powered by natural gas, reducing its carbon footprint significantly compared with diesel or electric locomotives.
Route 3 – The TrenHotel Lausanne–Geneva (Lausanne to Geneva)
If you're looking for an eco-friendly way to get from Lausanne to Geneva, Switzerland, take the TrenHotel Lausanne–Geneva. This trip is perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy stunning views as they head from one city to another!
Not only does it offer a green way to travel, but it also provides travelers with a beautiful scenic route of mountains and Swiss countryside before arriving at Geneva's central station.
Route 4 – The Orient Express (Paris to Istanbul)
The Orient Express is a luxury sleeper service with a fascinating history of transporting VIPs such as Pablo Picasso and Marcel Proust to their destinations.
The route begins in Paris and travels through three countries before reaching Istanbul, passing through Western and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey.
This train includes an onboard chef who prepares meals for you during your trip! Orient Express trains have a few different classes depending on your preference: there's Premier class (with deluxe cabins), 1st class (with four-person compartments), or 2nd class (with six-person compartments).
There are two departures every week—Fridays from Paris and Sundays from Istanbul—and it typically takes 11 days to complete the journey.
Route 5 – City Night Line Berlin–Amsterdam (Berlin to Amsterdam)
The night trains offer an economical alternative to air travel and provide a more authentic experience for those who want to see what life is like in Europe! The City Night Line Berlin–Amsterdam is a sleeper express with two-bed compartments, a restaurant car, and offers Wi-Fi throughout the train.
The City Night Line Berlin-Amrosse is a popular route for tourists, as it offers picturesque views of some of Europe's most famous landmarks along the way, including Cologne Cathedral and Rotterdam Central Station.
