January 9th 2025.
In the year 2025, travellers will have even more reason to choose train travel over other modes of transportation. The train industry is experiencing a revival, with new routes being added across Europe. For instance, daily services between Paris and Brussels were launched in December 2024, and there are plans for a low-cost train connecting Amsterdam and Berlin later this year.
This increase in train routes is largely due to the growing trend of eco-conscious travel. A recent report from Booking.com revealed that 83% of travellers prioritize sustainability when planning their trips. As a result, train companies are stepping up their game to cater to this demand.
Luxury has also become a prominent feature in the train travel industry. High-end trains like the Britannic Explorer now offer on-board wellness suites and Michelin star menus, making train travel a truly luxurious experience. However, in 2025, there will also be bargains to be found, as European destinations offer incentives to visitors who choose to travel by train.
One such destination is Normandy, France. In spring 2024, they introduced the "Le tarif bas-carbone," which offers a minimum 10% discount on admission to 90 cultural sites and attractions. This discount is available to tourists arriving in the northern region of France by train, bus, or bicycle. It applies to museums, castles, parks, monuments, and even activities like canoeing, bike rental, and escape rooms. To take advantage of this offer, all you need to do is present a dated train ticket at any Normandy station.
To get to Normandy by train, you can take the Eurostar from London to Paris, and then hop on a direct train to locations such as Caen and Bayeux.
But it's not just France that's offering incentives for train travellers. Popular ski resorts in the French Alps, like Morzine and Via Lattea, have also joined in. Montagne Verte, an environmental not-for-profit based in Morzine, launched the AlpinExpress Pass, which offers exclusive discounts for those travelling by rail to the mountains. Similarly, Via Lattea resort has partnered with Trenitalia, Italy's state railway, to offer 25% off daily, two-day, and six-day ski passes until March 30, 2025.
To take advantage of these offers, simply show your train ticket at the designated ticket offices upon arrival. To get to Morzine or Via Lattea by train, you can take the Eurostar to Paris, then head to Gare de Lyon to catch a train to Bellegarde. From there, you can change trains and continue your journey to Cluses or Thonon les Bains, the closest stations to Morzine.
Sweden is also on board with incentivizing train travel. Award-winning holiday company Wild Sweden offers a "climate reward" on selected trips for visitors who travel by train from Stockholm to Luleå and back. This reward includes a free meal at Hotel Savoy in Lulea and free spa access. To claim this reward, simply email Wild Sweden with your travel details.
Another option for travellers to Sweden is Grand Trip Sweden, a rental property site that offers a special gift to those who arrive by train or electric vehicle. This could include complimentary kayak rental, a welcome basket, early check-in or late check-out, or a discount on future stays. To claim this offer, share your travel details with Grand Trip Sweden upon arrival.
To get to Sweden by train, you can travel from London to Brussels on the Eurostar, then catch a train to Cologne and change at Hamburg for a direct journey to Stockholm. There are also night trains available from Stockholm to Lulea.
In Girona, Spain, Mas Pelegri, an eco-hotel, offers guests £50 off a weekly stay if they arrive by train. This offer will be available from July 2023, coinciding with the launch of a new daily train service between Lyon in France and Figueres, Girona, and Barcelona in Spain. To get to Girona by train, you can travel from London to Paris by Eurostar, then change to Gare de Lyon for a direct train to Girona.
Switzerland, famous for its scenic rail journeys, also offers incentives for train travellers. With a Swiss Travel Pass, tourists can enjoy free entrance to over 500 museums and up to 50% off on most mountain railways. These passes can be purchased through the Switzerland Travel Centre website and offer unlimited travel for three, four, six, eight, or 15 consecutive days.
To get to Switzerland by train, you can take the Eurostar from London to Paris, then catch a train to Swiss locations such as Basel, Zurich, Geneva, and more.
If you choose to travel with Eurostar, you can also enjoy discounts on attractions in some of Europe's most popular cities. For instance, passengers heading to Paris can get 20% off the hop-on hop-off Tootbus and 10% off a Paris city pass. Eurostar tickets also offer discounts on city passes in Liege, Rotterdam, and Dusseldorf. Additionally, keen cyclists can get up to 20% off bike hire in Brussels, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, and Cologne. Eurostar also offers discounts for those heading on a skiing holiday, including 5% off ski equipment rental and transfers from the station to chalet.
To view the full list of Eurostar partner offers, visit their website. Do you have a story to share about your train travel experiences? Get in touch with us by emailing us.
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