When most people think about train travel, speed is usually the star of the show. The French TGV, the German ICE, or even Spain’s AVE grab the headlines for breaking records. But what if I told you that sometimes the real magic lies in taking things slow? Yes, the slowest trains in Europe might not win awards for efficiency, but they often deliver something else entirely: breathtaking scenery, quirky charm, and a reminder that travel isn’t only about the destination.
Below, we’ll explore five fascinating rides that prove why the slowest trains in Europe deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
Why the Slowest Trains in Europe Are Worth the Journey
The slowest trains in Europe offer something that high-speed lines never can: the chance to actually see the world around you. Imagine leaning back in your seat while alpine meadows, rolling hills, or dramatic coastlines drift past your window at a relaxed pace. Instead of blurring into one endless streak, every detail becomes visible.
Moreover, these trains let you enjoy the rhythm of old-school travel. No rushing through security checks. No stress about missing a connection by seconds. You have time to breathe, snack on local treats, and even strike up conversations with fellow passengers. It’s like a moving window into a region’s culture and landscapes.
And let’s be honest—there’s something romantic about telling your friends you chose the slowest trains in Europe on purpose, not by accident.
1. The Glacier Express: A Star Among the Slowest Trains in Europe
If there’s one rail journey that perfectly sums up why the slowest trains in Europe are worth riding, it’s the legendary Glacier Express in Switzerland. Known as the “world’s slowest express train,” it takes almost eight hours to cover just 290 kilometers between Zermatt and St. Moritz. Yes, you read that right.
But what you get during those hours is priceless. The train snakes through the Swiss Alps, crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels. Snow-capped peaks, charming villages, and deep valleys appear right outside your panoramic windows. The pace means you can snap photos without rushing, sip wine without spilling, and actually feel part of the landscape rather than just passing it by.
Sure, you could drive the distance in less than half the time, but would you? On the Glacier Express, slow becomes luxurious, and every curve of the track tells a story.
2. Norway’s Rauma Line
Heading north, Norway offers another gem among the slowest trains in Europe—the Rauma Line. Running between Dombås and Åndalsnes, this ride takes just under two hours, but it feels like stepping into a living postcard.
The train glides along at a leisurely pace, allowing passengers to marvel at dramatic fjords, sheer cliffs, and the famous Kylling Bridge. The highlight? A front-row seat to Trollveggen, Europe’s tallest vertical rock face.
Because the train moves so slowly, you won’t miss a thing. It even stops briefly at certain viewpoints so travelers can grab that perfect photo. This is no rush-hour commute; it’s an invitation to let nature impress you one bend at a time. Once again, the slowest trains in Europe prove that speed isn’t everything.
3. Spain’s Feve Narrow-Gauge: A Hidden Route Among the Slowest Trains in Europe
Not all of the slowest trains in Europe are found in alpine regions. In fact, Spain’s northern coast offers a charming alternative. The Feve narrow-gauge trains run along rugged Atlantic landscapes between Bilbao, Oviedo, and Ferrol.
Covering the distance can take days if you go end-to-end, because the trains crawl along tiny tracks hugging cliffs and beaches. But that’s the point. You’re rewarded with views of fishing villages, green valleys, and crashing waves that high-speed routes ignore.
Even better, the trains pass through towns rarely visited by tourists. You can hop off, enjoy a seafood feast, and rejoin the next train at your leisure. Riding the Feve isn’t just transport—it’s immersion. It’s also living proof that the slowest trains in Europe sometimes lead to the most authentic experiences.
4. Italy’s Circumetnea: Volcanic Thrills
Italy also has its own candidate for the slowest trains in Europe, circling the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. The Circumetnea line runs for about 110 kilometers, but takes nearly four hours to complete. That’s plenty of time to admire the ever-changing scenery.
On one side, you’ll see fertile fields growing citrus, olives, and pistachios. On the other, you’ll catch glimpses of black volcanic rock and the dramatic silhouette of Etna itself. The train stops in tiny towns where life seems untouched by time.
The ride feels like stepping into a time machine. There are no shiny carriages or futuristic gadgets—just wooden benches, squeaky brakes, and locals chatting away. Yet that’s exactly why people fall in love with it. The Circumetnea shows why the slowest trains in Europe are often the most memorable.
5. Scotland’s West Highland Line and the Charm of the Slowest Trains in Europe
Last but not least, let’s talk about Scotland. The West Highland Line is world-famous thanks to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which Harry Potter fans will instantly recognize. But beyond the cinematic moment, it also counts as one of the slowest trains in Europe—and that’s a blessing.
The journey from Glasgow to Mallaig stretches over five hours, covering wild landscapes of moors, lochs, and mountains. The slow speed lets you savor the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Each curve of the track feels dramatic, as if you’re traveling through a land built for legends.
Unlike driving, where you’re stuck focusing on the road, here you can gaze out the window in awe. The West Highland Line reminds you that sometimes, the long way is the best way.
Conclusion: Slowing Down With the Slowest Trains in Europe
In a world obsessed with speed, it’s refreshing to remember that travel doesn’t always have to be fast. The slowest trains in Europe invite us to pause, breathe, and connect with the landscapes and cultures around us. Whether you’re gliding through the Swiss Alps, tracing the fjords of Norway, hugging the Spanish coastline, circling a Sicilian volcano, or crossing the Scottish Highlands, these journeys prove that slow travel is not wasted time—it’s time well spent.
So next time you plan a trip, consider swapping out the bullet train for one of these slow rides. Who knows? You might just discover that going slow takes you further than you ever imagined.
