Spain and France Shine as Top Destinations for North American Travelers Seeking Scenic Rail Adventures in 2025

Published on December 18, 2025

Spain and France have emerged as the top destinations for North American travelers in 2025, drawing those seeking scenic rail adventures across Europe. These two countries offer a perfect blend of iconic cities, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, making them ideal for travelers looking to explore at a relaxed pace. With efficient and scenic rail networks connecting major hubs to charming, off-the-beaten-path locations, Spain and France are becoming the go-to choices for those wishing to experience Europe’s beauty in a more immersive way. The appeal of seamless rail travel, combined with the opportunity to visit both well-known landmarks and quieter towns, has solidified their positions as prime destinations for North American rail travelers this year.

Most Popular European Destinations for North American Travelers

The top destinations for North American travelers in 2025 included iconic cities such as Barcelona, Brussels, Edinburgh, Florence, London, Madrid, Paris, Rome, Seville, and Vienna. These destinations reflect Europe’s major cultural epicenters, where travelers can access world-renowned landmarks, museums, and culinary delights. Rail travel, with its convenience and stress-free experience, has remained the preferred mode of transportation for navigating these cities, offering seamless connections and the ability to bypass airport delays.

Alongside these classic cities, less-explored destinations have gained traction in recent years. Cities like Annecy, Bordeaux, Bolzano, Budapest, Lucerne, and Zermatt saw a notable increase in bookings in 2025. These locations, known for their picturesque landscapes, alpine beauty, vineyards, and lakeside charm, provide a tranquil alternative to the busy urban centers. The slow pace of rail travel perfectly complements the leisurely exploration of these character-filled destinations.

Evolving Travel Behavior

North American travelers’ behavior in 2025 also revealed a strong preference for flexibility. One-way tickets became the norm, with travelers combining multiple routes into single bookings to create their own custom itineraries. This modular approach, which enables visitors to build personalized trips across borders, is increasingly popular among those looking for more than the traditional round-trip vacation. In fact, over 25% of rail bookings in 2025 were made within a week of departure, showcasing the growing trend toward last-minute planning.

For summer travel, advance planning was more common, with bookings typically made 60 to 90 days ahead of departure, in line with the booking windows set by rail operators. Solo travelers also remained a significant portion of the rail travel market, and cross-border journeys showed consistent growth, highlighting a strong desire to explore multiple countries in one trip.

With a network spanning more than 250 operators and 25,000 stations, Rail Europe offers North American travelers an easy and reliable way to book multi-city journeys and discover both famous and lesser-known destinations. This flexibility, combined with the scenic experience that rail travel provides, continues to appeal to those looking to connect more deeply with Europe’s diverse landscapes and cultures.

Regional Travel Highlights for 2025

While North Americans traveled widely across Europe, Spain and France stood out in terms of demand and the variety of routes selected, illustrating how travelers are combining iconic cities with quieter destinations on multi-city, cross-border journeys.

Spain

In 2025, rail remained central to North American exploration of Spain. The Barcelona–Madrid corridor alone accounted for almost half of all revenue from U.S. and Canadian travelers. This strong demand reflects the convenience of rail travel on Spain’s high-speed corridors, where multiple operators offer services. Rail Europe’s platform allows travelers to compare and book services from these different operators in one go, making it easier for them to plan their trips.

Beyond the major cities, there was growing interest in smaller, vibrant destinations like Granada, Seville, and Valencia. These cities, with their sunny climates, rich culinary traditions, and unique cultural vibes, offer a more relaxed alternative to the bustling cities, and are perfect for travelers seeking a deeper connection with Spain.

France

France continued to be a leading destination for North American travelers, with rail travel being central to both domestic and cross-border trips. Paris remained the top destination, but cities such as Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, and Nice also saw strong growth in 2025. The high-speed TGV routes, known for their speed, frequency, and ease of onward connections, continue to be an essential part of travelers’ long-haul itineraries, enabling them to explore both major cities and off-the-beaten-path regions.

Key Travel Patterns in 2025

Across both Spain and France, certain travel trends were consistent. A remarkable 94% of North American travelers preferred one-way tickets, opting for flexibility and multi-city routes over traditional round-trip travel. More than half (53%) combined multiple journeys into a single booking, highlighting a preference for customized itineraries. Furthermore, 26% booked their rail tickets within seven days of departure, which is higher than in other regions, showing that North American travelers are increasingly comfortable with spontaneous travel.

Seasonality also showed a shift in 2025. Approximately 28% of travelers opted to visit Europe during the cooler months, avoiding the summer heat, crowds, and rising prices. This trend is expected to continue as more travelers seek to enjoy Europe in a more relaxed and budget-friendly way during the off-peak seasons.

The Road Ahead for 2026

Looking to 2026, Rail Europe anticipates continued growth in demand for cross-border routes, lesser-known destinations, and multi-city travel. North American travelers are increasingly drawn to rail as a way to experience Europe at a slower pace, prioritizing discovery and connection over rushed sightseeing. With its ease of use, flexibility, and the ability to connect travelers with both famous and hidden gems across the continent, rail travel will remain a top choice for those looking to experience the richness of Europe in 2026.

Spain and France have become top destinations for North American travelers in 2025, offering scenic rail adventures through iconic cities and charming, lesser-known towns. Their efficient rail networks and breathtaking landscapes make them ideal for immersive, leisurely travel across Europe.

Whether exploring Europe’s iconic landmarks or discovering quiet, charming towns, North American travelers will continue to shape the future of rail travel as they seek deeper, more personalized ways of experiencing the continent. The growing trend of rail-led journeys across countries, cultures, and landscapes signals an exciting new era for European travel.