By Elina Geller | NerdWallet If you’ve been dreaming about visiting Europe this summer and eating gelato in Italy or visiting the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia in Spain, good news: Airfare is down 8% compared to this time last year, according to Hopper’s 2024 Summer Travel Outlook. And once you’re in Europe, you may be able to save money if you travel by train. Traveling by train in Europe is convenient and sustainable.

Plus, some trains, like the Glacier Express in Switzerland, are designed to travel through scenic destinations so you can sightsee while you relax. If you’re considering incorporating train travel into your European itinerary , here’s what you need to know about getting around and how to save money on tickets. There are several train companies in Europe.

Some only offer regional train service, while others offer trains between countries. As you plan your trip, familiarize yourself with the train companies that serve your intended destination so you can determine if traveling by train makes sense for you. Here are some train companies that serve different countries in Europe: Eurostar trains travel between the U.

K., France, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany. (Although the U.

K. is not in Europe, it’s a popular destination on its own and often coupled with a European itinerary.) NS is the leading train company in the Netherlands.

Renfe is the national train company in Spain. Deutsche Bahn (DB) offers long-distance and regional trains in Germany. SNC.