There's nothing quite like the thrill of watching a train speed out of a tunnel, flooding your senses with light and air. For many, trains have become the new planes, with 2025 seeing a 7% rise in UK train travel and more Europeans than ever opting for rail journeys.
As I embark on my slow-train journey through the Swiss Alps to Italy, I'm struck by how easy it is – almost disorienting, at times. We drift from one country to another, crossing borders with ease and speed that belies the picturesque scenery unfolding outside. Gone are the sweaty airport security checks; instead, we encounter polite immigration officers who seem more interested in our life choices than scrutinizing our documents.
I set off from London, and before I know it, I'm sipping coffee at a charming station café, feeling like I've hit three countries in less than a day – UK, France, and Switzerland. Outside, the French countryside gives way to Swiss hills, all shrouded in white winter light. The fields seem suspended in mid-freeze, as if bracing for the full impact of spring.
As we roll into Zurich, I catch my first glimpse of the majestic Alpine peaks. This is the thrill of train travel: watching the scenery shift and change with each passing mile. We board one of the historic trains – the IR46 – which takes us on a scenic route through some of Europe's most breathtaking landscapes.
We spend three hours gazing out of the window, watching as the tracks snake their way through the Alps via the famous Gotthard spirals. It's like stepping into an oil painting – vertiginous gorges, frothing rivers, and snow-capped peaks that stretch on forever. We stop for lunch in the charming town of Andermatt, where we indulge in delicious Swiss cuisine and a glass (or two) of Ticino red wine.
As the day wears on, we catch our final glimpse of Italy – clear skies and terracotta-hued towns – before crossing into Switzerland once more. By dusk, we find ourselves at Lake Como, mercifully free from high-season crowds. We take a leisurely stroll around the lake's perimeter, admiring the ornate street lamps and the golden lights that dangle like lost jewels up to the hillside town of Brunate.
The next morning, we pack up our belongings and head back into Turin, one of Italy's underappreciated cities. We're greeted by a vibrant, easygoing student population, united beneath historic porticos that run unbroken for over 18km. We round out our first night with an apéritif at the classic Caffè Università, where the atmosphere is convivial and the pasta dishes are mouth-watering.
The next morning, we're up early to catch the TGV back to Paris. As we drift in and out of sleep, we take one last glimpse of the Italian Alps before plunging back into the blackness of the Channel tunnel. Homebound and heady, we reluctantly leave behind the beauty of Europe's most famous landscapes.
Accommodation was provided by various hotels, each offering unique charm and character – from the charming B&B in Zurich to the luxurious NH Collection in Turin.
As I embark on my slow-train journey through the Swiss Alps to Italy, I'm struck by how easy it is – almost disorienting, at times. We drift from one country to another, crossing borders with ease and speed that belies the picturesque scenery unfolding outside. Gone are the sweaty airport security checks; instead, we encounter polite immigration officers who seem more interested in our life choices than scrutinizing our documents.
I set off from London, and before I know it, I'm sipping coffee at a charming station café, feeling like I've hit three countries in less than a day – UK, France, and Switzerland. Outside, the French countryside gives way to Swiss hills, all shrouded in white winter light. The fields seem suspended in mid-freeze, as if bracing for the full impact of spring.
As we roll into Zurich, I catch my first glimpse of the majestic Alpine peaks. This is the thrill of train travel: watching the scenery shift and change with each passing mile. We board one of the historic trains – the IR46 – which takes us on a scenic route through some of Europe's most breathtaking landscapes.
We spend three hours gazing out of the window, watching as the tracks snake their way through the Alps via the famous Gotthard spirals. It's like stepping into an oil painting – vertiginous gorges, frothing rivers, and snow-capped peaks that stretch on forever. We stop for lunch in the charming town of Andermatt, where we indulge in delicious Swiss cuisine and a glass (or two) of Ticino red wine.
As the day wears on, we catch our final glimpse of Italy – clear skies and terracotta-hued towns – before crossing into Switzerland once more. By dusk, we find ourselves at Lake Como, mercifully free from high-season crowds. We take a leisurely stroll around the lake's perimeter, admiring the ornate street lamps and the golden lights that dangle like lost jewels up to the hillside town of Brunate.
The next morning, we pack up our belongings and head back into Turin, one of Italy's underappreciated cities. We're greeted by a vibrant, easygoing student population, united beneath historic porticos that run unbroken for over 18km. We round out our first night with an apéritif at the classic Caffè Università, where the atmosphere is convivial and the pasta dishes are mouth-watering.
The next morning, we're up early to catch the TGV back to Paris. As we drift in and out of sleep, we take one last glimpse of the Italian Alps before plunging back into the blackness of the Channel tunnel. Homebound and heady, we reluctantly leave behind the beauty of Europe's most famous landscapes.
Accommodation was provided by various hotels, each offering unique charm and character – from the charming B&B in Zurich to the luxurious NH Collection in Turin.
! It's so cool how trains are becoming a popular option for Europeans and UK folks alike. I mean, who needs planes when you can just chill out on a train and enjoy the scenery? 
And have you noticed how easy it is to cross borders now? 
Like, no more stressful airport security or dealing with tedious paperwork. Just smooth sailing (literally!) and some awesome views to boot! 
What's not to love about that?! 
is real! It's like a dream come true for many, and I can see why it's gaining popularity. The freedom of movement and the scenic views are unbeatable. I mean, who needs planes when you can enjoy the ride and take in the breathtaking scenery? 
The ease of border crossings and immigration processes is definitely a plus. It's almost like a stress-free vacation mode. But what really caught my attention was how this journey allowed me to experience different cultures and landscapes in such a short span of time. From the French countryside to the Swiss hills, and finally Italy's picturesque towns... it's like a culinary tour of Europe 
.
The delicious Swiss cuisine and Ticino red wine at lunchtime were the perfect accompaniment to our scenic ride. It's amazing how something as simple as traveling by train can be so memorable and enjoyable. Maybe it's time we start prioritizing train travel over air travel? 
I JUST LOVE HOW RAIL TRAVEL IS BECOMING MORE POPULAR IN EUROPE! IT'S LIKE, YOU GET TO SEE THE SIGHTS WITHOUT HURRYING THROUGH AIRPORT SECURITY 
️ AND IMMIGRATION 
. AND WITH THE TRAINS GOING SO FAST AND EASYLY ACROSS BORDERS, IT FEELS LIKE A WHOLE DIFFERENT TRAVEL EXPERIENCE 
. AND THE FOOD! OH MAN, THE SWISS CUISINE AND ITALIAN PASTA ARE TO DIE FOR 
. I MEAN, WHO NEEDS PLANE TRAVEL WHEN YOU CAN JUST SIT BACK, RELAX, AND WATCH THE SCENERY ROLL BY OUTSIDE THE WINDOW 
.
️
).
. I'm so down for more train travel adventures, especially if they come with a side of history and charm like this one did! The fact that we can move through borders so easily is also really cool – it feels like the world is getting smaller. Can't wait to see where my next train journey takes me 
train travel is defo back 
I mean, who needs planes when you can just chill on a train and watch the countryside go by? 
. And the best part is, you don't have to deal with airport security checks or long lines for immigration 
. Just smooth sailing from one country to another 
.
. I mean, i was in london, then france, then switzerland, and finally italy all within like 3 days 
. I mean, we're talking thousands of passengers crammed onto one train and then another...it's gotta be affecting the planet somehow 
Ah man, I'm so stoked to see trains getting more popular! 7% rise is crazy 
. And the best part? No more airport security checks and long lines! 
! And I love how you described it as "watching the scenery shift and change with each passing mile" 
. That's what train travel is all about, right? The thrill of the unknown and the breathtaking views at every stop 
The Gotthard spirals are insane 
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. And yes, it's even more convenient than going through airports with security checks 
. And Italy's got its own charm too, from Lake Como to Turin 
. You're not stuck in a plane seat or staring at a screen for hours; you get to see the countryside go by, have some coffee and snacks, and just relax 
. i'm definitely adding this to my bucket list, but not sure if it's worth splurging on those expensive trains 
.
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. I've heard their train network is insane 
. Who else loves train travel?