Published on
December 24, 2025
There is something inherently romantic about European train travel. The rhythmic clack of the tracks, the blur of vineyards and alpine peaks, and the ability to step off a platform right into the heart of an ancient city—it’s an experience a budget flight simply can’t replicate. In 2025, American travelers fully embraced this “slow travel” movement, making it a record-breaking year for the Eurail Pass.
The Reigning Champions: Italy and Switzerland
If 2025 had a theme, it was the “Great Alpine-Italian Connection.” Two countries dominated the Eurail rankings this year, providing the perfect blend of high-speed efficiency and jaw-dropping scenery.
The number one most popular route for U.S. travelers in 2025 was the journey from Florence (Santa Maria Novella) to Rome (Roma Termini). This route remains the gold standard for a reason: it connects the cradle of the Renaissance with the Eternal City in under 90 minutes. It allows travelers to spend a morning admiring Michelangelo’s David and an evening dining on cacio e pepe in Trastevere without the stress of a rental car.
Switzerland followed closely behind, but with a focus on nature over urban sprawl. The lines from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen and Visp to Zermatt were the second and third most popular journeys. These aren’t just commutes; they are visual feasts. Whether it’s the 72 waterfalls of the Lauterbrunnen Valley or the first glimpse of the Matterhorn in Zermatt, these routes prove that for 2025 travellers, the journey really is the destination.
The “Buzzy” Hubs: London, Paris, and Milan
Rounding out the top five were the classic metropolitan hops. The Paris to London Eurostar connection held steady at number four, proving that the convenience of the Channel Tunnel remains unbeatable. Meanwhile, the Milan to Florence route claimed the fifth spot, serving as the primary artery for those exploring Northern Italy’s fashion and art capitals.
The Rise of the “Second-Tier” Destination
While the big cities drew the crowds, 2025 saw a fascinating surge in “off-the-beaten-path” travel. Small stations in Central Europe reported a massive spike in American visitors. Travelers are no longer just looking for the Eiffel Tower; they are looking for authenticity.
Stations seeing the most robust growth included:
- Amsterdam Zuid, Netherlands: Often used as a quieter alternative to the bustling Centraal station or a gateway to the Dutch countryside.
- Rheine and Mühldorf, Germany: Small towns that offer a glimpse into local Bavarian and Westphalian life.
- Bischofshofen, Austria: A stunning Alpine town in the Salzburg region that became a favorite for those seeking mountain air without the St. Moritz price tag.
- Bettembourg, Luxembourg: A tiny hub reflecting the growing interest in the “Green Heart of Europe.”
The “Bleisure” and “Solo” Boom
The profile of the Eurail traveler is changing. Rail Europe noted that solo travel remained consistently high throughout 2025. Additionally, the rise of “workations” has made the train the ultimate mobile office. With high-speed Wi-Fi and spacious tables, digital nomads are increasingly choosing a 4-hour train ride over a 1-hour flight to keep their productivity—and their sanity—intact.
What’s Coming in 2026: The Eastern Expansion
If 2025 belonged to Western Europe, 2026 is looking East. Eurail has announced significant infrastructure expansions that will likely shift the rankings next year.
The new Koralm Railway is set to revolutionize travel between Vienna, Graz, and Ljubljana, making the jump from Austria to Slovenia seamless. Furthermore, direct routes from Munich and Vienna to Zagreb, Croatia, are returning, opening up the Balkans to travelers who previously found the region difficult to navigate by rail. We are also seeing a tripling of services between Poland and Lithuania, connecting Warsaw and Vilnius for those ready to explore the Baltic states.
Conclusion: Why Rail Wins
In a world of “over-tourism,” the train offers a solution. It encourages travellers to stop at the small stations in between the famous ones. It reduces the carbon footprint of a European vacation. But most importantly, it restores the sense of wonder to travel. As we look toward 2026, the tracks are laid for even deeper discovery.
