Europe’s top five amusement parks accessible by train
Our top picks! Plus, take advantage of 49€ fares from Paris to Europa Park for a limited time only.
Add some excitement those lazy summer days with an adventure at one of Europe’s leading amusement parks. No need to fret over the logistics of your family holiday: it’s all accessible by train and dining and accommodation are available on site! So, you can truly enjoy quality time with your loved ones. Rub shoulders with people from all over the world, ride the most thrilling roller coasters and enjoy first-rate resorts. Plus, take advantage of 49€ fares from Paris to Europa Park for a limited time only. (More details below.) So, let’s get started!
Best amusement parks in Germany accessible by train
Home to over forty amusement parks (including Europe’s largest), Germany has mastered the art of family fun. Choose from movie, country, or wildlife-themed parks. A trip to Deutschland just wouldn’t be complete without a day or two at one of its signature parks. Here are our top picks.
Freiburg, Germany: Europa Park
Europa Park is the continent’s largest, so there are plenty of activities for children of all ages and adults, too! Direct TGV INOUI trains from Paris to Freiburg are now on sale for 49€. The park is divided into nineteen themed areas. Sixteen are creative re-imaginings of European countries (visit a replica of the Globe Theatre in England or dine at Balthasar Castle in Germany). The three remaining areas are dedicated to the Minimoys, Grimm’s fairy-tale forest, and jungle adventures. Take in a show, relax at one of the park's four-star resorts, or get an adrenaline rush on a waterslide. Europa Park’s location in the heart of the Black Forest just adds to the magic.
Popular journeys
Paris to Freiburg: 3 hours 1 minute
Zurich to Freiburg: 1 hour 46 minutes
Cologne, Germany: Phantasialand
After a 12-minute train journey from Cologne, you’ll find yourself in Phantasialand. A bit less overwhelming than the immense Europa Park, Phantasialand is a haven for those who love a thrill. Known for its roller coasters, including the award-winning Taron (the world’s second-fastest multi-launch coaster), which reaches speeds of up to 117 km per hour. Restaurants and experience hotels are located on the grounds (Charles Lindburgh, safari theme, and more) so the adventure can continue, even as the day comes to a close.
Popular journeys
Brussels to Cologne: 1 hour 34 mins
Amsterdam to Cologne: 2 hours 58 mins
Hamburg to Cologne: 3 hours 35 mins
Best amusement parks in France & Spain accessible by train
France and Spain and well-connected to each other (and other European countries) by rail, so its easy to stop over and discover their great theme parks. France has dozens of parks (most of which are accessible from Paris). Spain’s parks are often located in beautiful coastal areas, making it a snap to go from city to park to beach and back again. Here are our top picks.
Paris, France: Disneyland Paris
Averaging 10 million visitors a year, Disneyland Paris is by far most popular theme park in Europe. Easily accessible on the RER A (Regional Rail line A), the trip from central Paris takes about 45 minutes and drops you off at the park’s entrance. Take advantage of Disney Village before going inside—there’s plenty of shopping and dining to be had. Two themed areas, Disneyland Park (the original) and Walt Disney Studios, are at your disposal. Disneyland Park provides you with the classic Disney experience (Sleeping Beauty’s castle, It’s a Small World) and the Studios are more film-based (The Twilight Zone, Ratatouille). Don’t forget to take photos with your favourite Disney characters, check out the stellar parades, and try the Disney-themed snacks.
Popular journeys
London to Paris: 2 hours 16 mins
Brussels to Paris: 1 hour 22 mins
Amsterdam to Paris: 3 hours 1 min
Tarragona, Spain: Port Aventura World
Just outside of Tarragona (under an hour from central Barcelona), Port Aventura World is Spain’s largest amusement park and the third largest in Europe. It's known for its Dragon Khan coaster, which boasts one of the highest loops in history! Port Aventura itself is vast and has six worlds and forty rides, but it’s also adjacent to two other great parks. If you have time, check out Caribe Aquatic Park (perfect for those hot Spanish summers) and Ferrari Land, dedicated to the engineering and innovation of the famous Italian carmaker. They're all located near the Spanish coast, which means that you could round out your trip with some R&R at the beach!
Popular journeys
Barcelona to Tarragona: 45 mins
Valencia to Tarragona: 2 hours 1 min
Madrid to Tarragona: 2 hours 12 mins
Best amusement parks in the UK accessible by train
The UK’s theme parks offer up something for all kinds of holidaymakers. Spread across the country, you’ll find everything from Legoland to a combined theme park and zoo! Our favourite all-around theme park accessible by train is Thorpe Park Resort.
London, England: Thorpe Park Resort
If you’d like to explore the surrounding area after a city break in London, Thorpe Park might be just the ticket. One of the UK’s leading theme parks, it's accessible by train from central London in under an hour. Thorpe Park has a lot of superlatives: the UK’s fastest roller coaster (Stealth) and the first-ever winged roller coaster (the Swarm). It’s also got all the standard theme park amenities: dining, resorts, and great shows. While there are some options for the littlest revellers, Thorpe Park is more geared towards older kids and adults.
Popular journeys
Paris to London: 2 hours 17 minutes
Brussels to London: 1 hour 52 minutes
Edinburgh to London: 4 hours 1 minute
Europa Park sale terms and conditions:
Prices from 49€ per person for a one-way ticket in second class on TGV INOUI from Paris Gare de l'Est to Ringsheim/Europa Park (not including the shuttle from the station to Europa Park). Certain days on certain direct trains until seats at this fare are sold out. This offer cannot be combined with other SNCF sales or offers.
Sale dates: 19 to 29 June 2023
Travel dates: 17 July to 30 September 2023
After sales: Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged.
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