Top European holiday destinations to travel by train from London

From Eurostar canal journeys to overnight trains that take you across many countries while you nap, train travel across the region has never been easy. As summer approaches, take advantage of the railways to reach some of Europe's top destinations.

Here's our guide to some of the best sites in Europe that you can reach within 24 hours by train from London.

Paris, France

The French capital has been a great city to visit by train since the launch of Eurostar in 1994. Nowadays, trains from St Pancras International will get you there in around two hours and 16 minutes, making it a potential destination for day trips, as well as a great place to spend the weekend. As a transportation hub, it also serves as the changing destination for many of the other cities on this list, with easy travel to the rest of France, Belgium, Spain and more.

From the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower, explore the city's different "neighborhoods" for a chance to admire world-famous landmarks, galleries and museums while wandering the city streets. Haussmann's nineteenth-century architecture adds to the city's unique style and romance, while the world-famous gastronomic scene offers everything from fine dining to familiar desserts.

How to get to Paris by train

Eurostar organizes up to 17 services per day from St Pancras to Gare du Nord. Tickets start at £78 for the return and offer deals including hotels and train travel. Eurostar.com.

Berlin, Germany

With the launch of the new night rail lines launched by the Dutch-Belgian railway company European Sleeper in May 2023, it suddenly became easier to reach Berlin by train. The German capital is another modern European destination, whether you are a party lover or a history buff. Of course, many visitors choose to experience both during their visit, so time can be spent trying to enter the city's strict nightclubs, or stroll through the remaining parts of the Berlin Wall.

While other sites such as Checkpoint Charlie or Brandenburg Gate attract thousands of tourists, it's a good idea to simply wander through some of the city's diverse neighborhoods. Mitte is the heart of the city, although Kreuzberg and Princelawer Berg are other great options for an afternoon stroll.

How to get to Berlin by train

The night sleep train departs from Brussels, with departures at 7.22pm local time on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and arrives at 6.48am the following morning. The company has aligned its schedules with the arrival of Eurostar, which means that the change should be easy enough.

Prague, Czech Republic

The European Sleeper route adds two stops in 2024: Dresden and Prague. This will make travelling from the UK (and certainly Brussels) much easier, but until it launches, you'll have to travel with Deutsche Bahn from Brussels to Frankfurt, and then to Prague. Whatever your travel method, when you arrive you will find one of the best capitals in Europe.

The focal point of the city is its magnificent old town, filled with winding cobbled streets and dozens of options for drinking and dining. The Old Town Square is in the heart of the city, while Wenceslas Square is just five minutes away. Across the river, on a hill overlooking the city, lies Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world.

How to get to Prague by train

Your best bet is to travel by Eurostar train to Brussels (starting at £78 round trip), change venue and go to Frankfurt. From Frankfurt, trains in Nuremberg or Regensburg may change before arriving in Prague, with an average total journey time of 14-20 hours (depending on the time you depart London.) Final station ticket fares start at £48 per person.

Barcelona, Spain

With trains running daily from Paris, Barcelona is an easily accessible city from the UK. TGV operates express trains that take just over six hours, meaning you can easily have breakfast in London and end the day with cocktails opposite the Sagrada Familia. Spain's second rebellious city is Madrid's cosmopolitan cousin, where European and Spanish influences blend to form a unique and eclectic destination.

Ideal for holidays, the sprawling city leads straight to the coast, where long stretches of golden sand and warm sea meet beach bars and bustling nightclubs. There are more tourist sites than you can cover in a single weekend – from Gaudí's buildings to the Olympic Park in Montjuïc – but what sets the city apart from other European destinations is the quality and scope of the things you can do. Whether you're watching football matches at Camp Nou, or spending an afternoon touring the Picasso Museum, many of its sites and activities are among the "best-in-class" across Europe.

How to get to Barcelona by train

One of the easiest flights on the list, and can be done in a day if you leave early – the average flight time is around 12 hours, including waiting times and changeovers. After leaving the Eurostar in Paris from the North station (du Nord), cross the city to the Lyon (De Lyon), where six-hour trains depart for Barcelona three times a day. Prices for the second stop start at £44.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

While the train to Amsterdam takes much longer than flying, take this opportunity to see the magnificent countryside scenery of northern France and Belgium. You'll arrive at Amsterdam Central Station, where you can exit the station and head straight to the city centre.

The Dutch capital's scenic canal network – supported by endless rows of seventeenth-century houses – steals the spotlight in this exceptionally walkable (and bicycled) city, while its parks, such as Vondelpark and Oosterpark, offer many pleasant green areas. The Red Light District attracts hundreds of visitors every day, while historical sites and museums, including the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum are among other worthwhile attractions.

How to get to Amsterdam by train

Amsterdam can be reached in just under four hours on the Eurostar. Like all other Eurostar direct services, return ticket prices in Standard Class start at £78. Eurostar Com