As European travel continues to evolve, new insights from Rail Europe highlight a clear shift in how North American tourists are exploring the continent. Entering 2026, booking data from 2025 paints a picture of travellers from the United States and Canada increasingly favouring rail as their preferred mode of transport, driven by flexibility, scenic appeal, and the desire for deeper cultural immersion.
With nearly half of Rail Europe’s digital traffic originating from North America, the region remains a powerful driver of demand for train travel across the continent. These travellers are moving away from rigid, single-destination holidays and embracing journeys that allow them to experience multiple cities, landscapes, and cultures in a single trip.
Multi-City Rail Journeys Gain Momentum
One of the most prominent trends revealed in the 2025 data is the growing popularity of multi-city itineraries. North American visitors are increasingly designing trips that connect several destinations rather than focusing on one major city. Europe’s extensive rail network, linking tens of thousands of stations and hundreds of operators, enables seamless movement between iconic capitals and lesser-known towns.
Cities such as Barcelona, Paris, Rome, London, and Vienna continue to serve as major gateways, but travellers are increasingly using them as starting points rather than final destinations. Rail travel allows visitors to transition smoothly across borders, often without the stress associated with airports, making it easier to explore neighbouring countries within a single itinerary.
The Appeal of Scenic and Slower Travel
Scenic rail routes are playing a growing role in travel decision-making. North American tourists are showing strong interest in journeys that offer panoramic views, relaxed pacing, and the opportunity to appreciate Europe’s diverse landscapes. Trains through alpine regions, lakeside corridors, and vineyard-lined valleys are no longer seen as simple transport, but as an integral part of the travel experience.
This preference reflects a broader shift toward slower travel, where the journey itself becomes as meaningful as the destination. Rail offers uninterrupted views, comfortable seating, and city-centre arrivals, allowing travellers to remain engaged with their surroundings throughout the trip.
Lesser-Known Destinations Step Into the Spotlight
While Europe’s major capitals remain popular, 2025 saw notable growth in demand for smaller and less crowded destinations. Towns such as Annecy, Bordeaux, Lucerne, Bolzano, and Zermatt have captured the attention of North American travellers seeking authenticity and tranquillity.
These destinations offer a blend of history, local culture, and natural beauty, often without the congestion associated with larger cities. Rail access plays a crucial role in their rising popularity, making it easy for travellers to add these stops to broader itineraries without complex logistics. Countries such as Switzerland, France, and Italy have particularly benefited from this trend, thanks to efficient rail connections that link rural charm with urban hubs.
Booking Behaviour Reflects Flexibility and Confidence
Rail Europe’s data also reveals changing booking behaviours among North American travellers. Spontaneity is on the rise, with a significant share of bookings made within a week of departure. This suggests growing confidence in Europe’s rail systems and a willingness to plan trips closer to travel dates.
Solo travel continues to gain traction, supported by the safety, convenience, and simplicity of rail journeys. Cross-border trips are also increasing, as travellers take advantage of interconnected networks that make moving between countries straightforward and time-efficient.
Seasonal preferences are shifting as well. A growing proportion of trips are now planned for cooler months, reflecting a desire to avoid peak summer crowds and high temperatures. Shoulder seasons offer more availability, calmer stations, and a more relaxed pace, aligning well with rail travel’s flexible nature.
Spain and France Remain Rail Powerhouses
Spain and France continue to dominate rail bookings from North America. In Spain, the Barcelona–Madrid route remains a standout performer, accounting for a significant share of rail revenue from US and Canadian travellers. High-frequency services, competitive pricing, and fast journey times make this corridor particularly attractive.
France remains a central anchor for rail travel, with Paris serving as both a destination and a gateway to other regions. Increasing interest in cities such as Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, and Nice reflects travellers’ desire to experience regional diversity. High-speed services allow visitors to cover long distances in short timeframes, making it easier to explore multiple French regions within one trip.
Sustainability Shapes Travel Choices
Environmental awareness is increasingly influencing travel decisions. Rail travel, widely regarded as one of the most sustainable transport options, aligns well with the values of eco-conscious travellers. North American tourists are showing greater interest in reducing their environmental footprint while still enjoying comprehensive European experiences.
Trains offer lower emissions per passenger, efficient energy use, and reduced congestion compared to road and air travel. For many travellers, choosing rail is both a practical and ethical decision, reinforcing its appeal in a changing travel landscape.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Rail-Led Exploration
Rail Europe’s 2025 insights point to a future where rail plays a central role in how North American visitors experience Europe. Continued expansion of cross-border routes, improved digital booking tools, and growing awareness of lesser-known destinations are expected to further strengthen this trend.
For travellers, this means greater freedom to design personalised journeys that prioritise experience over speed. For destinations, it offers opportunities to attract visitors beyond traditional hotspots, supporting more balanced and sustainable tourism growth.
As Europe’s rail networks continue to evolve, North American tourists are clearly embracing trains not just as transport, but as a gateway to richer, more connected, and more meaningful travel experiences across the continent.
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