High-speed trains
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Want to get there really fast? How does up to 300 kilometres per hour sound? Europe has a wide network of high-speed trains that take you quickly to your destination. High-speed train services only stop at major cities. The trains offer comfortable 1st and 2nd class cars and good catering services.
Many European high-speed trains are included in the Interrail Pass, but the reservations for these trains are not included in your Pass. Reservations for high-speed trains are often mandatory and need to be booked in advance. Your reservation will guarantee you a seat. You can book your seat for most high-speeds trains up to 3 months in advance.
List of High-Speed trains in Europe
Alfa Pendular
(Portugal)
The Alfa Pendular travels down the coast of Portugal, from Braga to Faro and stopping at Porto, Coimbra and Lisbon. Within less than 6 hours, you can make your way to the other side of the country, while enjoying the excellent facilities on board.
Altaria
(Spain)
The Altaria high-speed train connects the Spanish capital Madrid to southern Spain in a matter of hours. This train travels to Algeciras (where you can connect by ferry to Morocco), Granada, Cartagena and Murcia. Altaria trains offer spacious reclining seats, as well as audio and video outlets.
Alvia
(Spain)
Spanish Alvia high-speed trains cover large distances at speeds of up to 250 kilometres per hour. As well as connecting major cities across Spain this train also offers all the modern comforts, including spacious reclining seats with plenty of legroom, fold-away tables, as well as audio and video outlets.
AVE
(Spain)
The AVE is a modern high-speed train in Spain, renowned for its punctuality and short travel times between cities across the vast Spanish countryside. You can expect comfortable reclining seats, video screens in each car, a café/bar, along with great onboard service. This is the relaxed, comfortable and fast way to travel across Spain.
Euromed
(Spain)
The Euromed travels along the Mediterranean coast from Barcelona to Alicante stopping at Tarragona, Castellon and Valencia. You can expect excellent onboard services and a travel time of under 5 hours. The Euromed is a convenient and relaxed way to explore the east coast of Spain.
Eurostar
(The Netherlands - Belgium - France - Great Britain)
The high-speed Eurostar is the best option for a trip to London from Amsterdam, Brussels or Paris. With short travel times, this train will transport you via the Channel Tunnel to the heart of London. Travel under the water while enjoying all the comforts of a modern high-speed train.
ICE
(Austria - Germany - France - Switzerland - Netherlands)
ICE trains connect all major cities in Germany and many cities in neighbouring countries. This modern high-speed train, with hourly services, offers among other things air-conditioned cars, plenty of leg room, video screens and audio systems. The ICE will get you pretty much anywhere in Germany and is a great way to travel to other countries, such as Austria, Denmark, France and Switzerland.
Le Frecce
(Italy)
Le Frecce trains (formerly known as Eurostar Italia) are a network of modern high-speed trains connecting many cities across Italy. Travel with Le Frecce for a speedy connection to the heart of many cities in Italy such as Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, Verona and Naples. With three types of Le Frecce trains you are assured a fast connection not only to the popular cities in Italy but also to smaller towns across the Italian countryside.
Railjet
(Hungary - Austria - Germany - Switzerland)
Railjet (RJ) high-speed trains operate between Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary and Switzerland. Railjet trains are state of the art, taking train travel to the next level by offering high-speed with maximum comfort, outstanding onboard facilities and excellent services. Reaching speeds of 230 kilometres per hour. Railjet transports you in style throughout Austria and to the neighbouring countries of Germany, Switzerland and Hungary.
Renfe-SNCF
(Spain - France)
The Renfe-SNCF en Cooperación is an international high-speed train that connects Spain and France. It's one of the fastest ways to travel from Madrid and Barcelona in Spain to cities like Paris, Marseille and Lyon in France.
SJ
(Sweden)
The Swedish SJ high-speed trains are designed specifically for the Scandinavian terrain and travel at a top speed of 200 kilometres per hour. These trains offer a high level of comfort and can transport you swiftly to the center of many cities in Sweden such as Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. These high-speed trains also travel directly to Copenhagen (Denmark) via the longest road and rail bridge in Europe - the stunning Öresund Bridge.
SuperCity
(Czech Republic)
The high-speed SuperCity train is a great option for exploring the major cities in the Czech Republic. The newest addition to the Czech Railways fleet these modern pendolino trains journey through the heart of the Czech Republic from the beautiful historic capital of Prague to the eastern city of Ostrava and also can connect to Austria and Slovakia in the south.
TGV
(France)
The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) high-speed trains can reach speeds of up to 320 kilometres per hour. They are one of the fastest trains in the world and the most efficient way to explore the regions of France. The cities of Paris, Lyons, Bordeaux, Marseille, Strasbourg and Nantes are just hours apart when travelling by TGV. In addition to the numerous domestic routes, the international TGV trains connect Paris to Luxembourg city (Luxembourg), Lille to Brussels (Belgium), Paris to Turin and Milan (Italy) and Paris to Figueres (Spain).
TGV Lyria
(France - Switzerland)
The TGV Lyria is an international high-speed train that connects France and Switzerland. This is one of the fastest trains in the world, ready to take you on a trip through some of the greatest scenery in Europe.
Thalys
(France-Belgium-Germany-Netherlands)
Thalys is an international high-speed train connecting France (Paris), Belgium (Brussels), Germany (Cologne) and the Netherlands (Amsterdam). The great advantage of travelling with the Thalys is the reduced travel time between cities allowing you even more time to explore the cities you visit.