Europe by Train: The Most Scenic and Efficient Interrail Itinerary for 2024
There is no more romantic or liberating way to experience the soul of Europe than by train. The rhythmic clatter on the tracks, the ever-changing tapestry of landscapes outside your window, and the seamless journey from city center to city center—it’s travel as it was meant to be. For 2024, the allure of a flexible, sustainable Interrail journey is stronger than ever.
This meticulously crafted 14-day itinerary is designed for the modern traveler, balancing iconic cities with breathtaking scenic railways, all while maximizing the efficiency of your Interrail Pass. Forget airport hassles and long security lines; your European adventure begins the moment you step aboard.
Why Choose an Interrail Pass in 2024?
An Interrail Pass (for European residents) or Eurail Pass (for non-residents) is your golden ticket. For 2024, it offers unparalleled flexibility with options for a set number of travel days within a period. For this itinerary, a 10-day Pass within 2 months is ideal, giving you the freedom to linger longer in places you love.
Pro-Tip for 2024: Many scenic trains, like the Glacier Express or Bernina Express, require a seat reservation for an additional fee, even with your Pass. Book these well in advance, especially for peak summer travel!
The Ultimate 14-Day Scenic Interrail Itinerary
This route forms a beautiful loop, connecting Northern European capitals with the majestic Alps and the glamorous Mediterranean coast.
Days 1-3: The Cultural Tapestry of Amsterdam
- Arrive in Amsterdam: Start your journey in this canal-laced city of bicycles and artistic masterpieces. Your Interrail Pass begins here.
- Day 1: Settle in by exploring the UNESCO-listed Canal Ring. Take a canal cruise for a unique perspective of the city’s gabled houses.
- Day 2: Immerse yourself in art at the Museumplein. Choose between the Rijksmuseum for Dutch Masters or the Van Gogh Museum for an immersive look at the post-impressionist genius.
- Day 3: Rent a bike and cycle through Vondelpark, or delve into history at the Anne Frank House (book tickets months in advance!).
Train Journey: Amsterdam to Berlin (approx. 6.5 hours)
A comfortable, high-speed ICE train whisks you across the North German Plain. Watch the Dutch landscape of windmills and fields gradually transform as you approach the dynamic German capital.
Days 4-5: The Edgy Heart of Berlin
- Day 4: Confront poignant history. Walk the East Side Gallery, a remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall turned into an open-air gallery. Visit the powerful Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.
- Day 5: Soak in the city’s vibrant energy. Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Kreuzberg or Prenzlauer Berg, and don’t miss the iconic Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag Building (register online for a free dome visit).
Train Journey: Berlin to Swiss Alps (approx. 8-9 hours)
This is a long but scenic travel day. Take an early ICE train to Zurich. From Zurich, you’ll embark on one of the most beautiful legs of your trip: a regional train deep into the heart of the Alps, bound for Interlaken. The final hours are a preview of the majesty to come, with glimpses of turquoise lakes and towering peaks.
Days 6-8: The Alpine Majesty of the Swiss Alps (Interlaken)
- Base: Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, is the perfect gateway for alpine adventures.
- Day 6: Ascend to the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. This is a full-day excursion and a highlight of any Swiss trip. The train journey itself, on the Jungfrau Railway, is a marvel of engineering, culminating at the highest railway station in Europe with breathtaking, year-round glacier views.
- Day 7: Choose your adventure. Take a cable car up to Grindelwald First for the thrilling “First Flyer” zipline, or take a leisurely boat cruise on the stunning Lake Brienz.
- Day 8: The Scenic Transfer – The Bernina Express to Italy. This is not just a train ride; it’s the main event. Board the Bernina Express bus from Interlaken to Chur, then the panoramic train to Tirano, Italy.
- The Scenery: Prepare to be awestruck. This UNESCO World Heritage route climbs over the Alps without the use of a cogwheel, passing glacier-fed lakes, dramatic viaducts (like the iconic circular Brusio Viaduct), and soaring mountain passes. It’s an unforgettable journey from the heart of the Alps to the sun-drenched valleys of Northern Italy.
- From Tirano to Lake Como: Disembark in Tirano and connect to a local Italian train heading to Varenna on the shores of Lake Como. Arrive in the evening and be greeted by the serene beauty of the lake.
Days 9-10: The Timeless Glamour of the French Riviera (Nice)
- Train Journey: Milan to Nice (approx. 5 hours). From Varenna, take a short train to Milan. Then, board a high-speed train to Ventimiglia, followed by a stunning regional train that hugs the coastline all the way to Nice. This final stretch along the Ligurian Sea is pure magic, with the Mediterranean sparkling on one side and colorful villages clinging to cliffs on the other.
- Day 9: Arrive in Nice. Stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, explore the winding alleyways of the Old Town (Vieux Nice), and climb Castle Hill for a panoramic sunset view over the Bay of Angels.
- Day 10: Use your Pass for a day trip. The short train ride to Monaco offers a glimpse of superyachts and the famous casino, or head in the other direction to the charming perfume town of Grasse or the artist haven of Antibes.
Train Journey: Nice to Paris (approx. 5.5 hours on TGV)
A mandatory high-speed TGV train requires a reservation but gets you to Paris swiftly. Enjoy the changing landscape from the sunny south to the pastoral fields of Burgundy and Champagne.
Days 11-13: The Iconic Grandeur of Paris
- Day 11: Indulge in the classics. Marvel at the Eiffel Tower, wander down the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, and feel the artistic wonder inside the Louvre Museum (home to the Mona Lisa).
- Day 12: Explore the bohemian charm of Montmartre. Visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for a stunning view over the city, and get lost in the place du Tertre, where artists paint and sell their work.
- Day 13: Dive into the Marais district for chic boutiques and historic architecture, or take a day trip to the magnificent Palace of Versailles (a short train ride away).
Train Journey: Paris to Amsterdam (approx. 3.5 hours)
Your final leg on a high-speed Thalys train brings your incredible two-week loop to a close, returning you to Amsterdam.
Day 14: Departure from Amsterdam
Enjoy a final Dutch breakfast before heading to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for your flight home, filled with a lifetime of memories.
Final Tips for Your 2024 Interrail Adventure
- Pack Light: You’ll be carrying your luggage on and off trains. A comfortable backpack or a small, wheeled suitcase is essential.
- Download Essential Apps: The Rail Planner app (official Interrail/Eurail app) is indispensable for offline timetables. Also, use local train operator apps (DB Navigator for Germany, SBB for Switzerland) for real-time info.
- Be Spontaneous: The beauty of an Interrail Pass is its flexibility. If you fall in love with a small alpine village, don’t be afraid to adjust your plans and stay a day longer.
Europe in 2024 awaits, offering a tapestry of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes best woven together by the timeless rhythm of the rails. Your scenic and efficient Interrail adventure is the journey of a lifetime. All aboard
