7 Ways To...Ride The Rails Into Europe

WITH THE ARRIVAL OF EUROSTAR’S DIRECT AMSTERDAM SERVICE, EUROPE IS WITHIN INCREASINGLY EASIER REACH BY RAIL. WE’VE SELECTED SEVEN ROUTES THAT MAKE A MOCKERY OUT OF EXPENSIVE, ARDUOUS AIR TRAVEL

- Sarah Barrell

1 // DUTCH DIRECT

Hop aboard the new direct Eurostar route from London to Amsterdam which, when it reaches full service this month, whisks passengers from the UK, straight to the Netherlands’ capital in just under four hours (price to be announced). eurostar.com

2 // MAINLINE TO THE MED’

Since launching in 2015, Eurostar’s London Marseille service means it’s possible to ride the rails from London direct to the shores of the Med. Trains run five times weekly during peak holiday months, less often in spring and autumn, and infrequently in winter. Travel via Lille is easier, with a same station change, while Paris involves a cross-town transit, between Gare du Nord and Gare du Lyon — it offers a better choice of fares and departures, plus travel on impressive double decker TGVs. London-Marseille from around £120 return. Book from anywhere in the UK in one ticket (you can usually print it at home) via: loco2.com

3 // THE TRAIN TO SPAIN