Rail Europe Sees Major Growth in Multi-City Bookings and Cross-Border Travel in 2025: All You Need To Know

Published on December 17, 2025

In 2025, Rail Europe reported a significant surge in bookings from North American travellers, with destinations across Europe seeing a marked increase in popularity. This data points to evolving travel habits, with multi-city trips, scenic train routes, and a focus on lesser-known destinations becoming dominant preferences. North American travellers are increasingly choosing train travel for its flexibility, cultural immersion, and the opportunity to explore Europe at a slower pace.

According to Rail Europe’s analysis, nearly 50 percent of all sessions on their platform came from the US and Canadian markets, highlighting the growing interest in rail travel as a convenient and relaxed way to move between Europe’s cultural hubs. Cities such as Barcelona, Brussels, Edinburgh, Florence, London, Madrid, Paris, Rome, and Vienna were among the top booked destinations, showcasing rail’s role in connecting major cultural centres without the stress of airport queues or the limitations of domestic transport networks.

The Rise of Lesser-Known European Destinations

In addition to major cities, Rail Europe noted a surge in bookings to lesser-known European gems. Annecy and Bordeaux in France, Bolzano in Italy, Budapest, and Lucerne and Zermatt in Switzerland all saw notable growth in traveller interest. These cities offer rich cultural experiences, stunning scenery, and a more relaxed pace, allowing travellers to connect deeply with local cultures and traditions away from the bustling tourist crowds. Rail Europe’s emphasis on these destinations reflects a broader industry trend towards experiential travel, where the journey becomes just as important as the destination itself.

This shift towards slow travel and hidden gems also supports the growing demand for sustainable travel experiences. As rail travel becomes increasingly seen as an eco-friendly alternative to flying, it provides an opportunity for travellers to reduce their environmental impact while exploring Europe’s most beautiful, off-the-beaten-path locations.

Booking Patterns: Flexibility and Spontaneity on the Rise

Rail Europe’s data highlights some fascinating booking trends in 2025. One of the most notable findings is the rise of last-minute bookings. Over one in four travellers booked their rail journeys within seven days of departure, embracing spontaneity and the flexibility that rail travel offers. This is in contrast to summer travel, which saw bookings made 60 to 90 days in advance, indicating a more traditional planning approach for peak season trips.

The trend toward one-way tickets also emerged as a strong preference, with many travellers opting for multi-city itineraries. This highlights a growing interest in creating personalised travel experiences rather than sticking to rigid, round-trip bookings. The ability to combine several journeys into a single booking offers greater flexibility, making it easier for travellers to explore different regions of Europe without the constraints of fixed itineraries.

Solo Travel and Cross-Border Journeys

Solo travel continues to be a major trend in 2025, with many travellers choosing to explore Europe independently. This aligns with the broader trend of individual discovery and cultural immersion, with rail travel providing a relaxed, safe, and enjoyable way to traverse Europe alone.

Additionally, cross-border rail journeys have gained significant momentum, especially in regions such as the Benelux countries, Germany, Austria, and the Swiss Alps. Rail Europe anticipates that this will continue into 2026, as travellers look for seamless ways to visit multiple countries with ease. Whether it’s the scenic trains of Switzerland or the Eurostar linking the UK with mainland Europe, cross-border routes are becoming an increasingly popular choice.

Off-Season Travel: A Strategy for Avoiding Crowds

Another notable trend is the rise of off-season travel, with approximately 28 percent of rail travellers opting to journey during less crowded months. Travellers are increasingly seeking to avoid the high costs, sweltering heat, and large crowds associated with peak travel seasons. Off-season rail journeys allow for a more relaxed experience, offering quieter, more intimate views of Europe’s scenic landscapes and cultural landmarks.

These off-season months often present an opportunity to explore iconic destinations like Paris, Rome, and Vienna with fewer tourists, offering a more authentic and peaceful experience. Rail Europe’s insights reveal that travellers seeking to avoid the rush of summer are booking more flexible rail passes, which provide access to multiple routes and destinations throughout the off-season.

What’s Next for Rail Travel in 2026

As rail travel continues to evolve, Rail Europe forecasts continued growth in cross-border routes and a greater focus on lesser-known destinations in 2026. The trend towards cultural discovery, slower travel, and sustainable tourism shows no sign of slowing down, with rail offering a unique way to experience Europe in a more personal and meaningful way. For travellers looking to explore Europe’s hidden gems, rail travel provides the flexibility, comfort, and sustainability needed to make each journey unforgettable.

The data from Rail Europe’s 2025 travel trends underscores the importance of cultural experiences, multi-city itineraries, and off-the-beaten-path exploration. As rail continues to grow as a preferred mode of travel, it offers an exciting and eco-friendly way to discover Europe, one destination at a time.