How to Get to Europe Without Flying - 10 Best Places to Go

Start with the London–Paris Eurostar: a 2h15 ride that lands you in the heart of Europe without a flight. This route is reliable, comfortable, and increasingly popular among travelers who want to keep their carbon footprint lower while staying productive or relaxed en route. From there, you can continue by train to dozens of cities with a single pass or smart advance bookings. You’ll enjoy city-center terminals, faster check-ins, and fewer delays from weather.

From Plymouth, the available ferry options to Roscoff or Santander open a practical coastal route to the continent. Such sailings, followed by high-speed trains, are economical and let you sample the sea before hitting the rail network. Check the latest schedules because these services were adjusted post-pandemic and were subject to seasonal changes, making the plan flexible and opening additional place options depending on the year.

Other strong starting points include Amsterdam, Berlin, and Vienna, each with fast connections to the next stops. Their routes often pair comfortable night trains with daytime segments, which helps you control costs while keeping the pace steady. Some itineraries align with scenic rivers or historic towns, providing memorable first legs for your trip.

Rail passes, advance booking, and local tickets keep costs down. A Eurail or Interrail pass, paired with reserved seats on high-speed legs, can be economical for a multi-city plan. For the most savings, check official sites, compare routes, and write down a route that minimizes backtracking and total travel time.

What matters most is choosing routes that opens the most doors with the least backtracking. This route often means starting from a major hub and weaving through regional lines to reach green cities and coastlines. Some places are best reached by ferries or short bus hops, which adds flavor and reduces costs. Their combination creates a flexible framework for a multi-stop tour.

Written tips from travelers and guides help you plan: check visa rules when crossing borders, verify luggage limits, and confirm which trains require reservations. These details vary by country and season, but most routes are straightforward with a little planning. Start with a simple two-stop plan and add more as you gain confidence.

Rail routes, ferries, and practical planning for a multi-country trip

Recommendation: Start with a cost-effective rail-and-ferry loop: London to Paris by Eurostar, Paris to Amsterdam by high-speed rail, Amsterdam to Berlin, Berlin to Copenhagen, then Copenhagen to Stockholm by train and a Baltic ferry to Helsinki. This incredible route keeps travel times efficient, under a compact schedule, and leaves free time for wandering along the coast and for visits in each city. That setup puts you in control of the pace, and you yourself can decide how long to linger in each place. Travelers themselves can tweak details based on weather or interest.

Ticket strategy: Consider the types of passes and point-to-point fares. Compared with buying separate fares for every leg, a Eurail Global Pass or Interrail Global Pass can be cost-effective if you plan 4+ long legs in a two-month window. For this loop, keen travelers often pick a Global Pass plus flexible legs to fill gaps. Look for routes that have been explored by others to keep the route simple and traffic-light. Book popular high-speed segments early to secure seats.

Booking and logistics: Use Rail Planner, Trainline, or Eurail Planner to check available trains and times. Reserve seats on long legs when possible; many high-speed trains require reservations. Some passes include free reservation options on certain routes. Keep an offline backup of tickets and maps. Pack a small playlist to enjoy music on lengthy hops.

From portsmouth, affordable no-fly ferries connect to continental ports, offering a relaxed start to your route. If you prefer, Calais or Dunkirk provide quick rail connections into central Europe, followed by a beach stroll along the coast before the next city.

Alternatively, if a leg gets delayed, reroute along a parallel rail line to keep the core stops intact. This keeps the plan flexible and lets you add more visits or time for wandering in cities you love. With this approach, you stay in control and pick up extra memories.

Decide final anchors for your vacation, list must-see cities, and define how you want to pace each day. You are the driver of this trip, guiding every move and deciding when to linger or move on. With careful prep, you’ll enjoy a dynamic experience that feels free, yet structured enough to avoid backtracking.

Plus, you’ll discover more about Europe’s coastlines and states along this route, and you’ll compare notes with fellow travelers who have explored the same map. The plan remains flexible and available for tweaks as you go.

Best rail and ferry routes into Europe from major hubs

Take the London to Paris Eurostar as your anchor: approximately 2h 15m, city-center stations, and zero airport hassles. This option loves travellers who value speed and comfort, and it sets up fast onward connections to Brussels (about 1h 22m) and Amsterdam (roughly 3h 20m) on the region’s high-speed network. If you want a complete loop that avoids air travel, this option doesnt require flying.

From there, you can expand to western Europe via rail: Paris to Amsterdam in approximately 3h 20m on the high-speed network, or hop to Brussels in about 1h 22m for a compact rail mini‑tour. These routes are explored by many travellers who travelling with luggage and a flexible schedule appreciates reliable daytime and evening departures, plus straightforward transfers that keep your road-free start simple.

For a true self-drive option, the Eurotunnel Shuttle (Folkestone to Calais) takes roughly 35 minutes in your car. You sit in your vehicle during crossing and roll into a seamless road leg that takes you beyond to Belgium, the Netherlands, or Brittany. This is ideal if your plan includes a road component, and it pairs well with a sailboat-facing coast or rural stays along the western coastline.

Maritime connections broaden the picture. Dover to Calais crosses in about 90 minutes; Southampton to Le Havre or Cherbourg runs 5–7 hours and often includes free Wi‑Fi and comfortable lounges, while Plymouth to Santander spans around 20 hours with cabin options for a relaxed overnight leg. Vessels ferry your car and passengers with your gear, so you can keep your choice of pace and still wake up in a new city.

Coaches and long‑distance buses fill gaps when you want to trim costs. FlixBus operates links from London to Paris and onward to Amsterdam, with travel times around 7–9 hours depending on traffic. Bus routes give you a very affordable way to link major hubs if you’re travelling light, and you’ll find free Wi‑Fi and power outlets on many services as you move between cities.

To optimize the mix, keep a leger of routes in your notes and be ready to adjust for weather, ferry capacity, or rail maintenance. If you want a charter feel, you can combine rail with private vessel options or arrange a sailing leg as a supplement, offering a sailboat‑styled finish to your trip along the western coast. Your plan can evolve from a straightforward rail‑and‑ferry spine to a broader, flexible circuit that stays beyond the most common paths.

Lille, France: how to reach by train and quick city highlights

Take a high-speed train from Paris Gare du Nord to Lille Europe in about 1 hour; book in advance to lock in lower prices and start your visit with minimal travel time. If you arrive from Brussels, trains operate every 20–40 minutes and reach Lille Europe or Lille Flandres in roughly 35–40 minutes, a fast option that keeps you connected to the city core.

From Cologne (Köln), you can ride to Brussels and then Lille, a smooth option that often totals 2–3 hours with one transfer; this route shows how transportation networks increasingly link distant hubs without flights. For a broader loop, Amsterdam or other Dutch cities connect through Brussels with similar timings. From ireland, many travelers look at routing via London or Paris to Lille, then continue to the city center by tram or foot.

Information from the rail operators (SNCF, SNCB, Deutsche Bahn) helps you compare trains that operate on the same day, and sales or advance-purchase discounts can cut the cost. The no-fly approach is practical here: you can assemble a multi-stop trip that stays on rails, keeps you in control of schedules, and minimizes long waits at airports. plus, Lille’s stations are well connected to metro and bus lines for a quick city start. that said, plan for a short stop in transit cities if you’re building a longer Europe rail itinerary.

Paris → Lille Europe: around 1h; frequent TGV/Eurostar departures; expect €20–€45 with advance booking; Lille Europe connects directly to the metro and tram network.
Brussels → Lille Europe or Lille Flandres: about 35–40 minutes; many departures daily; ideal if your hotel is closer to the Grand Place area or you’re continuing by train toward the north.
Cologne → Brussels → Lille: roughly 2–3 hours with a transfer; good for a scenic rail route that stays off flights.
Amsterdam → Brussels → Lille: roughly 3 hours total; convenient if you’re combining a Dutch stop with a fast connector to Lille.

Looking for a unique stop on the way? Lille’s area around the station is walkable, and the Old Town is reachable within a short ride. The captain-like efficiency of the trains (captains of the timetable, as it were) keeps connections tight and predictable, which helps when you’re juggling bags and city highlights. For travelers who love tapas or casual bites, the Vieux Lille area has bars and cafes where you can sample small plates after a day on the rails.

Vieux Lille: cobbled streets, Grand Place, and the historic Vieille Bourse set the tone for a walkable city center.
Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille: one of France’s premier museums, with a diverse range of European works and engaging temporary displays.
La Citadelle and park: a green refuge with scenic paths and canal views; a fave for a relaxed afternoon.
Wazemmes market: buzzing late into the afternoon on market days; try local cheeses, bread, and regional specialties, with tapas-style bites at nearby stalls.
Old Lille neighborhoods: mix of boutiques, bakeries, and architectural details that tell the city’s unique story.
Euralille area: contemporary architecture, shopping, and easy access back to the trains for onward travel.

Sample 10-city rail itinerary: pacing and route ideas

Start in Amsterdam, then move east on a single-loop path: Amsterdam → Brussels → Paris → Basel → Zurich → Munich → Vienna → Prague → Berlin → Copenhagen. This one-way sequence uses the most efficient routes and minimizes backtracking.

Plan about 2 hours of travel between most stops, with longer legs saved for the bigger jumps. Looking at the legs, most rides are around 1.5–4 hours, while Berlin to Copenhagen takes roughly 6.5–7 hours. If a day feels too long, break it with a nearby stop such as Hamburg or Lübeck and keep a relaxing rhythm. Travelling this way keeps you in the flow without rushing, and you can actually save time by choosing one-way tickets when plans change; the freedom to adjust mid-journey makes the trip more flexible. These routes cross several states of Europe, and the cities are located along a coherent corridor that keeps the pace steady, even if you fall into wandering mode for an evening or two. If you’re curious about distant scotia, this loop stays grounded in continental rail rather than far-off destinations. Start small, then widen your route as you gain confidence navigating timetable changes open to travellers who like to roam.

Amsterdam anchors the loop. Two nights here let you wander along the canals, peek into the Jordaan, and map the first leg to Brussels. The ride to Brussels runs about 1h15m–1h30m, so you have mornings free to explore and plan a light afternoon departure.

Brussels delivers waffles, design, and quick access to Paris. Stay 1–2 nights, then take a 1h20m–1h30m train to Paris. In the evening you can sample tapas at a lively bistro, a tasty bridge between Belgian and French cuisine.

Paris deserves at least 2 nights for a relaxed pace. The TGV Lyria to Basel takes about 3h05m, so you can start the day with the Louvre and end it with a Seine-side stroll. From here, the route to Basel opens a gateway to the Swiss classics located nearby in a compact, easy-to-navigate region.

Basel sits at the crossroads, with a 1-night stop allowing a Rhine walk. Basel to Zurich clocks in at roughly 0h55m. In Basel you can wander the Old Town, enjoy a riverside café, and prepare for the Swiss leg of the journey before continuing.

Zurich follows, a compact, relaxing city by the lake. One night gives you time to ride the tram, visit the lakefront and the old town, and sample a regional fondue. The ride to Munich is about 4 hours, so you can reach the Bavarian capital with an evening stroll in the English Garden.

Munich earns 2 nights for a Munich-focused stop: a day exploring the city center, a visit to Nymphenburg Palace, and a short side trip to a nearby village. The train to Vienna runs about 4–4h15m, depending on the service and connections you choose.

Vienna brings coffeehouse culture and imperial history. Two nights here let you soak in Schönbrunn and the old town, then continue to Prague on a 4h leg. Travelling through these cities keeps a steady rhythm and avoids fatigue, with plenty of chances to sit back and watch the landscape roll by.

Prague is a compact gem. Two nights let you explore the castle district, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square. The connection to Berlin takes about 4h15m, a longer stretch that rewards a relaxed lunch and a stroll along the river before arrival.

Berlin offers museums and a modern history lens. Two nights here open options for day trips to nearby lakes or port towns, plus a vibrant dining scene. The ride to Copenhagen is around 6h45m, so plan a long lunch or a brief nap on board to stay fresh for the evening in a new city.

Copenhagen finishes the loop. Two nights let you wander Nyhavn, bike across the city, and test a cape-like southern coast trip to nearby Malmö across the Øresund Bridge. From here you can consider future journeys into the Baltic region or simply enjoy the port and harbour vibe; this stop emphasizes freedom and easy wandering, with nearby options always ready when you come back to the idea of more exploring.

Ticketing tips: passes, discounts, and booking tools

Get a Eurail Global Pass if you plan to traverse four or more countries within a month; for tighter itineraries, mix regional passes with point-to-point tickets to limit unused travel days. This keeps you flexible and cost-efficient on routes such as vienna to amsterdam, folkestone to paris, and dublin connections that require a ferry leg.

Choose passes with clear terms and look for discounts that apply to youth, seniors, or families; always check written details on the operator site or the booking tool. Political events can affect schedules, but the rail network continues to operate reliably; under this framework, prices vary by age, duration, and blackout days, and you can reduce costs by traveling on off-peak days and avoiding peak periods. With a pass, you still pay seat reservations on high-demand services, so budget for those when needed. This approach makes the plan easier to execute across the travel days you’ve written down and seen in the plan.

Use booking tools like Trainline, Omio, and Rail Europe to compare options side by side: duration, number of changes, and total price. Set price alerts for legs you plan to take, and search in multi-city mode to assemble a sensible sequence heading toward destinations such as folkestone, vienna, and the amalfi coast, while checking distances and travel times. The shown times are approximately accurate; you’ll see which trains require reservations or optional changes, and you can reach the best options quickly.

Plan with practicality: choose night trains to save on accommodations and cut daytime distance; for last-mile hops, a coach can bridge gaps where rails stop, especially toward amalfi towns via salerno. Consider fuel and road conditions for final legs; a rail-first approach reduces emissions and often adds comfort, with options to pause at scenic spots like dublin and fourvière as easy contrasts. This strategy makes the beauty of Europe more tangible and keeps the distances between cities manageable.

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Practical tips for comfort, packing, and border checks

Pack a 24-hour kit in a small daypack: spare shirt, compact rain layer, travel-size toiletries, meds, and a 20,000 mAh power bank; youre ready for delays and transfer changes.

Keep youre passport and documents handy in a water-resistant sleeve, with digital copies on your phone; serving as backups, they speed checks and reduce stress if lines form at a border post.

For comfort on long rides, bring a neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs; add a lightweight blanket for chilly rooms or a midnight stop. A few quick snacks–nuts, bars, and dried fruit–keep energy steady between meals and adventures.

Pack smart: roll clothes to save space, use packing cubes, and reserve a small bag for liquids (max 100 ml per item) to ease security checks at land borders. Distances between stops can vary, so keep a simple map or offline app handy to stay oriented.

Plan ticketing with care. FlixBus often offers the best prices for multi-leg trips; however, compare coach, rail, and charter options for your dates. Look for sales and flexible fares, and consider tours that align with your route to avoid missing opportunities. The benefits of booking ahead include better seat choices and smoother transfers, so you can enjoy the ride rather than chase schedules.

Border checks demand preparedness. Carry liquids in a clear bag, declare valuables if asked, and keep receipts for purchases that might be questioned; if you’re driving, have the rental papers, vehicle insurance, and a spare tire ready. When you reach a port or land border, a calm approach speeds the process and helps you stay on schedule.

After you cross, land at the next place with a quick rinse and freshen-up routine; view the countryside as part of your unique travel adventures. If you want extra support, hire a local guide or join a short tour at your first stop to get acclimated and maximize your time.

How to Get to Europe Without Flying – 10 Best Places to Go