Rail travel across Europe is experiencing a revival as travellers seek alternatives to flying and driving. The Guardian is asking readers to share their favourite train journeys, with the best submission winning a £200 voucher for Coolstays, a platform offering more than 3,000 independent properties worldwide.
The appeal highlights a broader shift in European travel patterns. Eurostar services across the Channel continue to draw passengers seeking convenience and comfort over short-haul flights. Meanwhile, longer continental routes spanning multiple countries attract travellers seeking slower, more immersive experiences. Tom Hall, Lonely Planet's editor, will judge entries, with winning tips published in the Guardian Travel section and website.
This initiative reflects genuine momentum in rail tourism. European rail networks offer advantages that appeal to today's travellers. Journey times remain competitive with air travel when factoring in airport procedures. Environmental consciousness drives demand, as trains produce significantly lower emissions per passenger than flights. Comfort levels on premium services rival business-class airlines, with dining cars, sleeping berths, and observation decks available on many routes.
Rail passes like Eurail and Interrail continue to offer flexible, cost-effective options for multi-country trips. Routes through the Alps, along Mediterranean coasts, and across historic regions combine transport with sightseeing. The Glacier Express between Switzerland's Zermatt and St. Moritz, the Bernina Express linking Switzerland and Italy, and Eurostar services remain travellers' standby choices, but regional trains offer equally rewarding experiences at lower costs.
The Coolstays partnership makes sense for rail-focused travellers. Many independent properties cluster near train stations in smaller European cities, making rail-based itineraries particularly practical. The £200 voucher incentivizes participation while promoting stays at accommodations outside mainstream hotel chains.
This competition taps into genuine traveller enthusiasm. As flight costs rise and