On the Train: From London To These 9 European Cities in Less Than a Day

Been thinking about taking an exciting city break? Maybe a long weekend with friends or a romantic escape with that special someone? Or how about a Christmas market extravaganza? Travelling by train isn’t just comfortable, convivial and scenic – it’s also really fast! With no long check-ins and services that run from city-centre straight to city-centre, train travel is often the fastest way to get where you’re going. Of course, there are no ‘hand luggage only’ fares, suitcase weight limits or liquid restrictions either. Just sit back, watch the world go by and admire the views as you speed to your destination! Consider these 9 European destinations - all under a day away from the UK!

1. BRUGES

The fairytale dreamland of Bruges perhaps needs no introduction. Cobbled lanes, gently meandering canals and the warm glow of lamplight in the evenings consolidate the pretty city as a favourite for romantics looking for a break from city life. One platform change in Brussels will see you in the heart of the Flemish capital in just 3 hours and 30 minutes. You can stop off and see the sights of Brussels en route, too, if you like. From there, it’ll be boutique chocolatiers, canal boat trips, exquisite architecture and traditional Flemish dining (with Belgian beer, perhaps!) until it’s time to catch the train home again. Enjoy a tour by canal boat, browse the shops for chocolate and lace or sample some hearty Flemish stew washed down with a glass of local beer on our Bruges City Break.

2. COLOGNE

It’s commonly known that Cologne has one of the finest cathedrals in the world, stunning views over the Rhine River, a tempting chocolate museum and plenty of regional dining with refreshing kölsch beer. What’s perhaps lesser known, though, is the fact that it’s incredibly easy to get there by train. With one change in Brussels, you could be marvelling at the gothic cathedral before you know it with a journey time of just 4 hours and 11 minutes by train. Arrive in style for the Rhine-side vistas on our Cologne City Break.

3. LYON

With a direct service running between London and Lyon in just 4 hours and 41 minutes, a city break to France doesn’t have to be in Paris (we do love Paris though – why not combine the two?). Lyon is the French foodie capital, and the cuisine here truly is second to none – trust us, we’ve tested it! A trip to a Lyonnaise bouchon is a must do for all eager food fanatics, while a leisurely amble to discover the distinctive architecture and riverside views at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône are the perfect way to work up an appetite. The city also enjoys a wonderful position near the Côtes du Rhone, Beaujolais & Burgundy wine regions – why not pick up a bottle to enjoy on the train home? (And, a bottle to drink at home too – there are no liquid restrictions on the train!) Our Lyon City Break captures all of the history and food on this picture perfect trip.

4. STRASBOURG

In just 5 hours and 17 minutes, find yourself relaxing canal side in historic Strasbourg, and admiring the intoxicating mixture of German Gothic architecture and French café society. Wander along the canals in the Petite France area and spend your evenings enjoying the local cuisine before returning to Paris by TGV and connecting with the Eurostar back to London. Our trip from London, Strasbourg City Break, will take you through the French countryside and give all of the relaxation you need.

5. AMSTERDAM

We love the winding canals, chilled-out café culture, masterpiece-rich museums and 880,000 bicycles of Amsterdam. What makes us love the city more, though, is the high-speed trains that serve its central station – meaning travelling from London is possible in just 4 hours and 37 minutes. With just one platform change necessary in Brussels, reaching Amsterdam by high-speed train is quick, comfortable and pleasant. You could be on an al fresco terrace, admiring tulips at a flower market, sailing down a canal on a boat trip or indulging your inner culture vulture at the Van Gogh museum before you know on our Amsterdam City Break. 

6. MARSEILLE

Head south through France by rail to the wonderful port city of Marseille. Delight in its tranquil squares, stepped streets, ancient forts and harbour-side industrial heritage. The city has experienced a resurgence of late, with visitors discovering the waterside charm of the bars and restaurants of the Vieux Port. Get there in 6 hours and 26 minutes and soak up the sun straight away on our Marseille City Break.

7. LUXEMBOURG

One of Europe’s most spectacular hidden gems, you’re sure to fall in love with Luxembourg, with its charming Old Town and the buzzing town square, the Place Guillaume II. A visit to one of the many famous museums, including the National Museum of History and Art, is a must. And the city’s annual Christmas market is one of the best-kept secrets during the winter season. Getting there is a breeze when you travel from London on our Luxembourg City Break, beginning with a short ride at 5 hours and 28 minutes.

8. REIMS

Just a quick hop from Paris, and just 3 hours 45 minutes from London St Pancras by train, fans of the finer things in life have long flocked to Reims for a weekend of le bon vivant. Of course, Reims is perhaps most famous for its deep roots in the heart of the Champagne region! Speak to us about booking cellar tours and tastings of everything from Moet to Tattinger and Veuve Clicquot – start by checking out our Reims City Break. Bubbles excluded, Reims boasts the gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dames, Palace of Tau and Basilica of San-Remi. All three are UNESCO World Heritage listed and important works of architecture that have long delighted visitors. What are you waiting for? 

9. ANTWERP

Antwerp is surprisingly accessible by train - in only 3 hours and 6 minutes you could be savouring delicious Flemish cuisine and admire Flemish architecture as you explore the Town Hall, the Cathedral and a range of interesting museums on our Antwerp City Break. See the dazzling diamonds at the Diamond Museum, marvel at the ships at the National Maritime Museum and say hello to the animals at the Antwerp Zoo.