There’s something undeniably romantic about exploring Europe by rail — watching landscapes shift from rolling countryside to grand cityscapes, all from the comfort of your seat. Travelling by train offers a slower, more immersive way to experience the continent, where the journey becomes just as memorable as the destination. From the elegant boulevards of Paris to the historic streets of Brussels and the canal-lined charm of Amsterdam, Europe’s rail network connects some of its most iconic cities with ease, style, and a touch of old-world glamour.
Our Europe by Rail collection is all about celebrating that experience, pairing unforgettable train journeys with equally special places to stay. Think boutique apartments tucked away in central neighbourhoods, design-led stays near major stations, and characterful retreats just a short ride from the heart of the action. Whether you’re planning a multi-stop adventure or a simple city-to-city escape, these stays make it easy to step off the train and straight into somewhere truly memorable.
Popular Europe by Rail Destinations
Why book a European stay with Coolstays?
- When you make a booking enquiry using our message system, you'll be chatting directly with the property owner, and you will book directly with them too.
- Coolstays do not charge commission or booking fees, so you know you are getting the best possible price.
- You'll also be supporting small business owners across the UK as every penny goes towards a booking with them.
Europe by Rail stays by property type
European breaks by property size
More information about Coolstays
Here at Coolstays we showcase a huge array of unique and unusual places to stay here in the UK, across Europe and around the world!
If you and your loved ones are fed up with spending hours looking for your next stay, then Coolstays really is the place for you.
Take some time and browse our growing portfolio of over 3,000 hand-picked, outstanding places to stay, each of which offers something truly quirky, noteworthy or stylish.
Our accommodation options are as wide and varied as you can imagine, including glamping options, like gypsy caravans, shepherd’s huts, tipis, yurts, tents and cabins; idyllic staycation choices, such as quirky treehouses, quaint cottage and rustic barn conversions; and a whole host of unique offerings, from windmills to lighthouses and buses to boats. You can even head to the continent with a number of fabulous, deluxe villas and outstanding city-break apartments.
So, if you want to escape the mass market and get off the beaten track, finding somewhere chic or unique, then you need to look no further than Coolstays!
Frequently Asked Questions
Europe by Rail refers to exploring multiple destinations across Europe using the continent’s extensive and efficient train network, rather than flying or driving.
Major cities like Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam are exceptionally well connected, with fast, direct routes between them via high-speed trains such as the Eurostar and Thalys.
Costs can vary, but booking in advance or using rail passes like Interrail or Eurail can make train travel a cost-effective and flexible option.
It’s recommended for high-speed and popular routes, especially between cities like Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, to secure the best prices and seat availability.
Train travel offers scenic routes, central station locations, fewer security hassles than airports, and a more relaxed, comfortable journey overall.
Paris to Brussels takes around 1.5 hours, Brussels to Amsterdam ????? 2 hours, making it easy to explore multiple cities in one trip.
Yes, Europe’s rail network is designed for seamless connections, making it simple to plan multi-stop itineraries across several countries.
Most major stations are located in or very close to city centres, allowing you to step off the train and quickly reach your accommodation.
Yes, trains are one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel, producing significantly lower carbon emissions than flying.
Stays close to train stations or within city centres are ideal, including boutique apartments, townhouses, and small hotels that make arrivals and departures easy.
