Train & Rail Tours in Central Europe
4.5 stars on(7,938 reviews)- Choose from 13 Central Europe tours
- 19 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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10 best train tour packages in Central Europe
Compiled by

MelissaCentral Europe travel expert at TourRadar
- Berlin to Budapest
- Amsterdam to Budapest Rail Explorer
- Berlin to Budapest by Train (Summer, 9 Days)
- Bohemian Europe Group Rail Tour (18-35)
- Europe Christmas Markets: Budapest to Zagreb
- Berlin to Budapest by Train (Winter, 9 Days)
- Eastern Express
- Alps 2 Coast of Croatia Drive & Beach Holiday: Pre-set sat-nav guided
- Prague to Budapest Rail Explorer
- Cruise & Rail: Grand Alpine & the Enchanting Danube (2025) (Passau to Venice, 2025)
Berlin to Budapest
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Saw and learnt lots. Would definitely recommend this trip.”
Makayla, traveled in April
Trains roll from Berlin through Dresden's picturesque Labe Valley. Comfortable carriages with amenities continue to Prague, then onward to Bratislava and Budapest. Central station transfers and scenic routes through four countries included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,470
15% Off- US$1,250You save $220
Amsterdam to Budapest Rail Explorer
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Itinerary is great, tour is well run with good excursions and optional.”
Mandy, traveled in April
Rail connections link Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Vienna's Westbahnhof through scenic routes passing Dresden and Prague, offering comfortable train travel and convenient city-center arrivals.
Duration 11 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary Age Range 10 to 75 year olds Operator Expat Explore Travel From $2,755
15% Off- US$2,345You save $410
Central Europe's finest cities unfold by train, from Berlin's historic center to Budapest's thermal baths. The Castle District of Prague, Vienna's State Opera House, and scenic rail routes connect each destination, while expert guides lead city tours.
Duration 9 days Destinations Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Contiki From $2,509
20% Off- US$2,007You save $502
Bohemian Europe Group Rail Tour (18-35)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Going on a tour has been great for meeting new people who I hope to stay in touch with in the future, and it means that we grew to trust each other and had loads of fun!”
Samantha, traveled in September
The extensive rail network of Central Europe stretches from Berlin to Split, passing through Prague's historic station and Vienna's grand terminals. The route continues via Budapest's impressive railway hub and Ljubljana's charming platform before reaching Croatia's coastal destinations.
Duration 20 days Destinations Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Euroventure Travel From $2,946
5% Off- US$2,799You save $147
Rails link Central Europe's festive cities, from Budapest's Christmas markets to Graz's 14 holiday venues. Modern trains connect Ljubljana's riverside celebrations and Zagreb's illuminated winter wonderland.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
5% Off- US$2,195
Central Europe's rail network spans from Berlin to Budapest, offering scenic rides through Bohemian landscapes to Prague. The route continues to Vienna's grand stations and concludes along the Danube Valley. Modern trains provide comfort across 1,200km of diverse terrain.
Duration 9 days Destinations Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Contiki From $1,945
20% Off- US$1,556You save $389
Eastern Express
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Everything was planned for us and worked out perfectly. We will definitely consider this again.”
Keith, traveled in November
Central Europe's capitals connect by rail. First-class options run from Berlin's Hauptbahnhof to Prague (4 hours) and Budapest Keleti (6.5 hours), showcasing scenic countryside views throughout.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary Age Range 8 to 69 year olds Operator Interrailing Packages From
20% Off- US$834
Prague to Budapest Rail Explorer
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This trip was magical! It had all the perfect elements. The only detail that wasn't *perfect* was the hotel in Vienna.”
Larisa, traveled in December
Efficient rail connections link Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. Comfortable 4-5 hour journeys offer scenic views of the Czech and Austrian countryside, arriving at conveniently located city-center stations.
Duration 8 days Destinations Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary Age Range 10 to 75 year olds Operator Expat Explore Travel From $1,930
24% Off- US$1,465You save $465
The Golden Eagle Danube Express winds through Austria's Semmering Pass and Slovenia's Julian Alps. Luxury rail travel extends from Zürich to Lake Como, passing picturesque Lake Achen before reaching Venice.
Duration 15 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia Age Range 16 to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
24% Off- US$20,698
What our customers ask about Train & Rail Tours in Central Europe
What's the typical length and pace of Central European rail tours?
Central European rail tours generally run between 8 and 15 days with stops lasting 2 to 3 nights in key cities like Prague Vienna and Budapest. The Berlin to Venice route takes 15 days and covers 9 cities including stays at notable properties like the Sacher Hotel in Salzburg and Ambasador Hotel in Split. The spacing allows visitors to explore each destination without feeling rushed. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The pace was perfect - we had enough time to really explore each city while the train journeys themselves were comfortable and scenic."
What are the must-see landmarks included in Central European rail tours?
The standard itinerary covers key architectural and historical sites across major cities. In Prague visitors explore the Charles Bridge and Castle Complex. Vienna's stops feature St. Stephen's Cathedral and the State Opera House while Budapest highlights includetion. Berlin's program typically covers the East Side Gallery and Brandenburg Gate. A TourRadar traveler noted, "The walking tours in each city were very educational and I found the historical information fascinating. Our guide's knowledge of landmarks like the Prague Castle and Budapest Parliament was incredible."
What type of accommodation can I expect on train tours through Central Europe?
Accommodations range from well-appointed 3-4 star hotels like the Vienna House Andel's in Berlin to character-filled boutique properties such as the Prinzhotel in Rothenburg. The hotels are chosen for their proximity to train stations and major attractions. Prague often features stays in historic buildings within the Old Town district. As one TourRadar reviewer noted: "The hotels were all centrally located which made it easy to explore each city and the Falkensteiner Castle Hotel in Velden was particularly memorable."
When is the best time to take a train tour through Central Europe?
Peak travel season runs May through September offering mild temperatures and extended daylight hours. Spring months (April-May) bring comfortable weather and smaller crowds in popular spots like Prague and Budapest. Winter tours from November to March showcase festive Christmas markets particularly in Vienna where the Rathaus becomes a holiday destination. As noted by a TourRadar reviewer: "We went in May and had perfect weather for exploring cities and enjoying scenic rail journeys through the Alps and countryside."
What are the meal arrangements on Central European rail tours?
Tour packages typically cover daily hotel breakfasts and select group dinners that showcase regional specialties like Viennese schnitzel or Hungarian goulash. Dining venues often include distinctive locations such as Prague's Medieval Tavern or traditional wine taverns in the Wachau Valley. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The included breakfasts were excellent and our guide recommended great local restaurants for other meals - we particularly enjoyed the traditional dinner at Habibi & Hawara in Vienna."
What are the most scenic train routes in Central Europe?
The route through the Labe Valley connecting Dresden and Prague offers views of riverside castles and dramatic rock formations. The Semmering Pass in Austria features engineering marvels with 16 viaducts and 15 tunnels. The Vienna to Lake Bled section cuts through the Julian Alps while the Croatian coastal route provides continuous Adriatic Sea views. As one TourRadar traveler noted about the Dresden-Prague route: "The train journey was gorgeous with beautiful scenery the whole way through the valley."