High-Speed Rail News: 2010 Top Ten Rail Routes in Europe
Who Doesn’t Love a List?
Why, it’s already weeks into 2011? Are we lagging behind? Hardly. It takes a while to analyze all those travel trends. And the big trend? More than half of the most passenger increases were in…ITALY.
Other than the unexpected strike, traveling by train in bellissima Italy has always been extremely easy and popular. From top to toe, the country is easily connected by rail lines. In just hours, go from fashion capital Milan to Ancient Rome. And thanks to the long-awaited Alta Velocità line, that journey has been cut to a mere 3.5 hours.
This new fleet of high-speed trains is a lovely compliment to Italy’s own line: Frecciarossa. For a few extra Euros, you can get to your destination a bit faster, allowing you to see more of what you came for. Journey times include Milan to Florence in a bit over two hours, Milan to Bologna is just over an hour, and Naples to Florence in about three hours.
In fact, the NUMBER ONE route for 2010 was Rome to Torino, thanks to the new “AV.” Looking for more travel inspiration? Here’s a breakdown of two through ten. Our hope is that one of these rail journeys peaks your interest (Swiss Alps, perhaps?) and you resolve to see more of the world for 2011.
This route is a stop on the gorgeous Golden Pass line that zips through the scenic Bernese Oberland. Also includes a stop at Jungfroujoch – the Top of Europe.
One is home to incredible opera and academia, the other, the birthplace of pizza. How could a traveler go wrong?
A surprising entry! These are the two biggest cities in Sweden – the former, more youthful in spirit than its staid capital counterpart.
Go from the capital of Switzerland to the capital of fashion in just three hours. This journey is tailored and timely.
La Spezia is the gateway to the gorgeous Cinque Terre coastline. Rugged and jagged, unlike a couture dress from Milan’s famed runways.
This is Spain at its least Spanish. One, the capital of Catalonia, the other, where you’ll find well-preserved Basque customs. Both offer wide boulevards and superb beaches.
Travel less than two hours on the incredibly high-speed TGV from one of the oldest regions in France to the City of Light.
Leaning toward a trip to Tuscany? Start with “The Last Supper” before heading south for your first glass of red.
10. Como to Zurich
Go from one sybaritic city to another in about three hours. Expect sparkling lakes, fine food and celeb sightings.
Ready to go? Pack those bags (go ahead, take more than one – it’s free!)