From Switzerland’s magnificent panoramic trains and journeys across the Norwegian fjells to the legendary Orient Express route to Istanbul: rail tours allow you to see and experience more while travelling at a relaxed pace.

We have specialised in fully organised rail holidays since 2002. Choose from over 70 carefully planned itineraries, with reserved seats where available and small, carefully selected hotels near the station, for a worry-free journey by train.


Fully organised rail tours with HappyRail – everything arranged:

• Specialists in fully organised rail holidays since 2002, including independent and escorted group tours
• Rail travel to and from any station in the UK included (selected tours start and finish at London St Pancras or a UK ferry port)
• Travel along some of the most beautiful railway routes in Europe
• Reserved seats – window seats where possible
• Small, carefully selected hotels within walking distance of the station
• Comprehensive travel documents, clearly organised by day and available offline in the HappyRail app
• Support while you travel
• Real rail experts: we travel the routes ourselves and regularly visit the accommodation
• SGR insolvency protection on all rail tours

What exactly is a rail tour?
A rail tour is a fully organised multi-destination journey by train. From your departure station in the UK until you return, you travel comfortably and at a relaxed pace, enjoying the scenery and visiting several destinations without having to arrange everything yourself.

RAIL TOURS BY REGION

Switzerland
Switzerland is Europe’s ultimate rail destination. Our fully organised rail tours feature famous panoramic trains such as the Glacier Express and Bernina Express. Mountain passes, lakes and Alpine landscapes provide constantly changing views throughout your journey.

The Alps: Switzerland, Austria and Italy
The Alps are ideal for touring by train. Choose from unique multi-country journeys between the Allgäu and Engadin regions or classic rail tours through Austria and Switzerland, including our Swiss Panorama rail tour. For even more variety, combine the Alps with Italy and the Dolomites on journeys such as the Monti e Mare rail tour.

Southern Europe and the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean is surprisingly well suited to rail touring. Explore the Cinque Terre by train, travel between Rome, Milan and Venice aboard the Frecciarossa, or enjoy a beautiful tour through Andalusia. Discover northern Spain aboard regional trains along its rugged coastline, combine Spain and Portugal, or travel to islands such as Sicily and Corsica.

SCANDINAVIA

Norway
Norway is best explored by train and boat. Highlights include the Bergen Railway, Flåm Railway and Ofoten Railway, with optional extensions aboard Hurtigruten. Norway can also be easily combined with Sweden and Finland.

Sweden
Routes such as the Inlandsbanan take you through forests, past lakes and into Lapland. Night trains, the Northern Lights and combinations with Norway and Finland make Sweden a wonderfully varied rail destination.

EASTERN EUROPE

The Baltic States
Travel from Berlin to Helsinki via Warsaw, Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn, combining historic cities with expansive landscapes. Modern trains, overnight journeys and routes away from the usual tourist trail make the Baltic States ideal for adventurous rail travellers.

Japan
Japan is one of the world’s best countries to explore by train. Travel aboard the Shinkansen, use regional railway lines and experience iconic routes connecting ultra-modern cities with traditional temple towns. Our Japanese rail tours include all the main highlights, from Tokyo and Kyoto to destinations further afield.

Booking a rail tour
Our most popular destinations include Scotland, Norway and Switzerland: outstanding rail destinations known for their dramatic landscapes and picturesque towns.

You can also explore our rail passes and reservations, city breaks by train and complete range of fully organised rail tours.