Step 2, Hamburg to Zurich by Nightjet sleeper train.  This is a double-deck sleeping-car arrived at Zurich HB. Courtesy of DiscoverbyRail.com.

2-berth sleeper on the lower deck...		Stairs down to pair of lower compartments...		1 or 2-bed sleeper on lower deck with washbasin, viewed through window.  Set up as 1-bed.  Note how compact the compartment is...

Couchette car...		6-berth couchettes.		4-berth couchettes.

Step 3, Zurich to Milan, Verona or Venice by EuroCity train.  This is a Swiss-owned Astoro train about to leave Zurich HB.  More information about Zurich-Milan trains.

2nd class seats, arranged 2+2 across car width.		1st class seats, 2+1 across car width.  See larger photo.

The restaurant car on an ETR610...		Lunch in the diner?

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train on the Gotthard route.  On the Zurich-Milan Gotthard route you'll also pass the Zugersee & the Vierwaldstattersee in Switzerland, and if it's a train routed via Como, you'll glimpse Lake Como too.

Option 2, Copenhagen to Italy using the Hamburg-Innsbruck sleeper & the Brenner route - another time-effective option...

• Step 1, travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3 intercity train leaving Copenhagen at 11:26 and arriving Hamburg Hbf 16:02.

  Fares start at €27.90 in 2nd class or €47.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

• Step 2, travel from Hamburg to Innsbruck by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 20:29 and arriving Innsbruck Hbf 09:14.

  This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

  Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  Tip:  If you have a sleeper ticket and/or 1st class ticket for the onward train, you can use the ÖBB Lounge at Innsbruck Hbf between trains, with free WiFi and complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks & snacks.

• Step 3, travel from Innsbruck to Italy by EuroCity train, leaving Innsbruck Hbf 11:24, arriving Verona P. Nuova 14:58 & Bologna Centrale 16:20.

  The train travels through the lovely Brenner Pass, with a restaurant car for lunch, treat yourself!  See the Brenner Pass scenery video here.

  Change at Verona Porta Nuova for Venice.  Change at Bologna Centrale for Florence, Rome & Naples. 

  If you'd like a morning in Innsbruck, a later train leaves Innsbruck Hbf at 13:24 running via Verona direct to Venice Santa Lucia, arriving 18:25.

  Tip:  Don't risk a tight connection with the earlier 09:24 EuroCity to Verona, I'd play safe and stick with the 11:24.

  Fares from Innsbruck Verona or Bologna (or, on the direct train, Venice) start at €29.90 in 2nd class or €59.90 in 1st class.

  Onward fares from Bologna to Florence or Rome start at €19.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

• How to buy tickets...

  Step 1, book the Copenhagen-Hamburg train at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.

  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

  Step 2, book the nightjet sleeper from Hamburg to Innsbruck at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, a bit more fiddly, same prices).  Look for the train marked NJ (Nightjet) with 0 changes.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

  Step 3, now use www.thetrainline.com again to book from Innsbruck to Florence, Rome, Naples or anywhere in Italy.  This connects to both the German, Austrian and Italian ticketing systems so you can book this as one transaction all in one place.  You print your own ticket for the Austrian train and the Italian high-speed trains are ticketless, you just quote the reference on board.  Booking normally opens 120 days ahead, but it can vary.  There's a small booking fee.

Step 1, Amsterdam to Innsbruck by Nightjet sleeper train.  Above, a Comfortline sleeping-car on a Nightjet train at Innsbruck.  More information about Nightjet trains.

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo.  Video of deluxe room		The same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.		Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.		Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

Couchette car...		6-berth couchettes.		4-berth couchettes.

Step 2, Innsbruck to Verona, Bologna or Venice by Austrian EuroCity train.  This is the restaurant car on a EuroCity from Innsbruck arrived at Verona.  You don't need to book a table, just go along and sit down.  Dining on the move as the scenery glides by is one of the pleasures of travelling on trains like this...

Second class seats, mostly in 6-seat compartments with side-corridor like this, but some cars are open-plan saloons...				First class leather seats.  On a few trains you'll find 6-seat compartments too....

Mountains on the Brenner route...

Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads for Trento & Verona...

Watch out for hilltop fortresses...  See the Brenner Pass scenery video here.

Option 3, Copenhagen to Italy by daytime trains via the Gotthard route, with overnight stop in Frankfurt...

• Day 1, travel from Copenhagen to Frankfurt, leaving Copenhagen at 11:26, changing Hamburg Hbf, arriving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 21:00.

  You travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3 intercity train with free WiFi, Hamburg to Frankfurt by high-speed ICE train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Departure from Copenhagen is at 11:17 on certain dates.

  Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book at the German Railways website www.bahn.de and print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

• Stay overnight in Frankfurt.  Hotels next to the station with good or great reviews include the Flemings Express Hotel & Hotel Hamburger Hof, both of which I have stayed at and can recommend.  There's also The Frankfurt and the inexpensive Hotel Topas.

• Day 2, travel from Frankfurt to Milan by EuroCity train, leaving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 08:04 and arriving Milan Porta Garibaldi at 15:55.

  The train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  It's routed via the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world's longest railway tunnel.  But you still get excellent views of Swiss mountains and Swiss and Italian lakes, see the photos and video of the Gotthard route here.

  Fares from €39.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book at the German Railways website www.bahn.de and print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or smartphone.

• Day 2, now take a high-speed Frecciarossa train to Venice, Florence, Rome & Naples.

  For Venice, leave Milan Porta Garibaldi at 16:13 arriving Verona P. Nuova 17:28 and Venice Santa Lucia 18:42.

  For Florence, Rome or Naples, transfer from Milan Porta Garibaldi to Milan Centrale by train, taxi or on foot.

  A Frecciarossa leaves Milan Centrale at 16:58 arriving Florence SMN 18:50, Rome Termini 20:35, Naples Centrale 22:03.

  Fares to Venice or Florence start at €19.90 in 2nd (standard) class or €29.90 in 1st (business) class.

  Fares to Rome or Naples start at €29.90 in 2nd (standard) class or €39.90 in 1st (business) class.

  Book from Milan to Florence, Rome, Naples or any Italian destination at www.italiarail.com (they'll refund their small booking fee if you email them afterwards at seat61@italiarail.com) or www.trenitalia.com (requires Italian language place names).  It's ticketless, you just quote your booking reference on board.

• Tip:  If going to Florence, Rome or Naples, you may prefer to leave Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 08:50 by ICE, change at Bern onto a EuroCity train arriving Milan Centrale at 16:40 in time for that 16:58 Frecciarossa to Florence, Rome or Naples.  This involves an extra change, but avoids the station to station transfer in Milan.

  If so, book from Frankfurt to Florence, Rome or Naples at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) as this can book it all in one go.  Or book Frankfurt-Bern at www.bahn.de then Bern-Florence/Rome/Naples at www.italiarail.com (they'll refund their small booking fee if you email them afterwards at seat61@italiarail.com) or www.trenitalia.com (requires Italian language place names).

Option 4, Copenhagen to Italy by daytime trains via the Brenner route, with overnight stop in Munich...

• Day 1, travel from Copenhagen to Munich in one leisurely day...

  Leave Copenhagen at 07:26 by Danish intercity train, change at Hamburg Hbf onto an ICE train, arriving Munich Hbf at 18:39.

  Leave Copenhagen at 11:26 by Danish intercity train, change at Hamburg Hbf onto an ICE train, arriving Munich Hbf at 22:38.

  You travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3 intercity train with WiFi whilst in Denmark, but no catering so bring some food & drink.  Then by superb German ICE train from Hamburg to Munich with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Departure from Copenhagen is a few minutes earlier on certain dates, at xx:17 rather than xx:26.

  An altered timetable applies from 18 June to 21 August 2022:

  Leave Copenhagen at 05:26 by Danish IC3 intercity train, change at Hamburg Hbf onto an ICE train, arriving Munich Hbf at 17:02.

  Leave Copenhagen at 09:26 by Danish IC3 intercity train, change at Hamburg Hbf onto an ICE train, arriving Munich Hbf at 21:02.

  Leave Copenhagen at 11:26 by Danish IC3 intercity train, change at Hamburg Hbf onto an ICE train, arriving Munich Hbf at 23:03.

  Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  Buy a ticket the German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.

  You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

Stay overnight in Munich.  I suggest the Sofitel Munich Beyerpost, Eden Hotel Wolff, InterCity Hotel or (budget) the Pension Locarno, all right next to the station with good or great reviews.

• Day 2, travel from Munich to Italy by comfortable Austrian EuroCity train, leaving Munich Hbf every couple of hours.

  The 07:34 from Munich Hbf goes to Verona Porta Nuova & Bologna Centrale on Mondays-Fridays or to Verona Porta Nuova & Venice Santa Lucia at weekends, arriving 14:25.

  The 09:34 from Munich Hbf goes to Verona Porta Nuova and Bologna Centrale every day, change in Bologna for Florence, Rome & Naples, or change in Verona for Venice arriving 16:40.

  The 11:34 from Munich Hbf goes to Verona & Venice every day, arriving Venice Santa Lucia at 18:25.

  This is a wonderful ride on a comfortable spacious Austrian train with a proper restaurant car via the wonderfully scenic Brenner Pass, see the Brenner Pass video.

  Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  To buy tickets for a direct train from Munich to Verona, Bologna or Venice, use the German Railways website www.bahn.de (in €, no booking fee) or www.raileurope.com (in €, £ or $, small booking fee).  You print your own tickets.

  To buy tickets for journeys which involve a change of train (meaning any journey to Florence, Rome or Naples, or to Venice on a departure which isn't direct), use www.raileurope.com, clicking More options, entering Verona Porta Nuova (or if you want the 09:34 from Munich and you're heading for Florence, Rome or Naples, Bologna Centrale) with a stopover duration of 45 minutes to ensure a robust connection.  www.raileurope.com connects to both the Trenitalia and DB systems so can source both tickets either side of Verona or Bologna as one transaction.  You print your own tickets for the Austrian train or can show it on your smartphone, for Italian high-speed trains it's ticketless, you just quote the reference on board.  Easy!  Booking for the German/Austrian train opens up to 6 months ahead.  Onward Italian trains normally open 120 days ahead, but this can vary.

Step 2, Munich to Venice by Austrian EuroCity train.  This is the restaurant car on a EuroCity, arrived at Verona.  You don't need to book a table, just go along and sit down.  Dining on the move as the scenery glides by is one of the pleasures of travelling on trains like this.  More photos & information about these EuroCity trains.

Second class seats, mostly in 6-seat compartments with side-corridor like this, but some cars are open-plan saloons...				First class leather seats.  On a few trains you'll find 6-seat compartments too....

Mountains on the Brenner route...

Back to top

Copenhagen to Barcelona, Madrid & Spain from €114...

Option 1, Copenhagen to Barcelona & Spain with overnight stop in Paris...

• Day 1, travel from Copenhagen to Paris in a day as shown in the Copenhagen to Paris section above.  Book this as shown.

• Stay overnight in Paris, see suggested hotels near the Gare du Nord & Gare de Lyon.  How to cross Paris by taxi or metro.

• Day 2, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 10:14 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 16:54.

  The 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.  It's a scenic and comfortable journey, click here for the sights to see on the way.

  Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or www.sncf-connect.com (in €, more fiddly, but no fee).  Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.

• Day 2, now take an onwards high-speed train from Barcelona Sants to Madrid, Seville, Malaga, Valencia, Alicante or anywhere else in Spain.  Same-day connections are possible to Madrid, Valencia, Alicante, I'd allow at least 40 minutes between trains in Barcelona.

  For Cordoba, Seville & Malaga, stay overnight in Barcelona & travel onwards next day, see suggested hotels near the station.

  Fares from Barcelona to Madrid start at around €35.

  Buy onward tickets in Spain at either www.raileurope.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or Spanish Railways own site www.renfe.com (in €, much more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards see advice on using it first) or www.petrabax.com (easy to use, in $, small mark-up).  Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but it can vary.

Step 1, Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3.  This is an IC3 at Hamburg Hbf.  The yellow stripe above the windows indicates first class, located at one end of both 3-car units.  More about the Copenhagen-Hamburg journey.

2nd class seats on a IC3 train.  Larger photo.		An IC3 train from Copenhagen at Hamburg.

Steps 2 & 3, Hamburg to Mannheim & Mannheim to Paris by ICE with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  This is an ICE3 (class 407) at Paris Gare de l'Est.  More information about ICE trains.

Restaurant car...		Lunch in the restaurant car, with an Erdinger Weissbier...

2nd class seats...		1st class seats...

Step 4, Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex with cafe-bar, power sockets & free WiFi. More about Paris-Barcelona TGVs.

Cafe-bar on upper deck in car 4 (or 14), serving tea, coffee, wine, beer, snacks & microwaved hot dishes.		2nd class seats, on upper deck with a mix of tables for 4 & unidirectional seating.  360º photo..

1st class seats on upper deck, club duo on the left, club quatre on the right. 360º photo.		A TGV Duplex at Barcelona Sants.  The red near the door indicates 1st class, pale green indicates 2nd class.

Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees...  One of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline on the right all the way from Perpignan to Girona, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canigou.  More photos of what to see on the Paris-Barcelona train journey.

Option 2, Copenhagen to Barcelona & Spain with overnight stop in Cologne...

• Day 1, travel from Copenhagen to Cologne on one of these two departures...

  Leave Copenhagen at 07:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, and arrive Cologne Hbf at 16:50.

  Leave Copenhagen at 11:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, and arrive Cologne Hbf at 20:50.

  You travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3 Intercity train with free WiFi in Denmark, no catering so bring your own food & drink, then Hamburg to Cologne by Intercity train with bistro car or ICE with restaurant car.  Departure from Copenhagen is a few minutes earlier on certain dates, at xx:17 rather than xx:26.

  An altered timetable applies from 18 June to 21 August 2022:

  Leave Copenhagen at 09:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, and arrive Cologne Hbf at 18:50.

  Leave Copenhagen at 11:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, and arrive Cologne Hbf at 20:50.

  Leave Copenhagen at 13:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, and arrive Cologne Hbf at 22:50.

  Fares start at €39.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.

  You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

• Stay overnight in Cologne.  The good & inexpensive Ibis Hotel Köln-am-Dom is ideal as it's part of Cologne Hbf itself, with an entrance to the left of the main station entrance - many of its rooms have a cathedral view.  Also near the station with good reviews are the Breslauer Hof Am Dom, Hotel Domspitzen, CityClass Hotel Europa am Dom, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom.

• Day 2, travel from Cologne to Paris by high-speed Thalys train, leaving Cologne Hbf at 08:44 and arriving Paris Gare du Nord around 12:10.

  Thalys trains have 3 classes, a cafe-bar, free WiFi & power sockets at all seats, see the guide to Thalys.

  Fares start at €35 in 2nd class or €79 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or using the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, more fiddly, no fee).  Booking normally opens 120 days ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your smartphone.

  Cross Paris by taxi or metro to the Gare de Lyon.

• Day 2, travel from Paris to Barcelona by high-speed TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 15:12 & arriving Barcelona Sants at 21:54.

  This afternoon Paris-Barcelona TGV should run all year round, but due to covid-19 it will only run from 14 June to 30 September 2022.

  The 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Book an upper deck seat for the best views.  It's a scenic and comfortable journey, click here for the sights to see on the way.

  Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class.  Again, fares vary like air fares, so book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or using the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, more fiddly, no fee).  Booking normally opens 120 days ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your smartphone.  It's sometimes cheaper to split the booking at Perpignan, see the advice here.

• Stay overnight in Barcelona.  Hotels close to Barcelona Sants station with good or great reviews:  Hotel Barcelo Sants (4-star, great reviews, directly above Barcelona Sants station itself, recommended), AC Hotel Sants by Marriott (4-star, just 50m from the station), Hotel Catalonia Roma (3-star), Hostal Baler (2-star), Hotel Transit (1-star), Meeting Point Hostel (inexpensive private rooms & dorm beds).

• Day 3, take an onward high-speed train from Barcelona Sants next morning, check times & book at www.raileurope.com.  Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but it can vary.

  For Madrid:  AVE-S103 high-speed trains link Barcelona Sants with Madrid Atocha every hour or two in as little as 2h30 from €35.

  For Cordoba & Seville:  Take the direct AVE-S112 high-speed train leaving Barcelona Sants at 08:30 arriving Cordoba 13:11 & Seville Santa Justa at 14:04.  Fares start at €45.  Alternatively, spend a morning in Barcelona and take the 15:45 AVE S112 high-speed train to Cordoba & Seville.

  For Malaga:  Leave Barcelona Sants at 08:30 by AVE-S112 high-speed train and change at Cordoba onto a high-speed AVE/Avant train arriving Malaga Maria Zambrano at 14:56.  Alternatively, spend a morning in Barcelona and take the direct 15:45 AVE S112 high-speed train to Malaga.

  For Granada:  Take the direct AVE S112 high-speed train leaving Barcelona Sants at 08:30 arriving Granada at 14:52.

  For Valencia & Alicante:  EuroMed trains link Barcelona with Valencia & Alicante regularly through the day, for example one leaves Barcelona Sants at 08:15 Mondays-Fridays arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 10:55 & Alicante 12:45 or at 10:15 every day arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 12:55 & Alicante 14:48.  Fares from €23.

  For Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna & Vigo, there's a morning Alvia train to Galicia, see details here.

Option 3, Copenhagen to Barcelona & Spain with overnight stops in Hamburg & Marseille - avoids the need to change trains & stations in Paris...

• Day 1, travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3 intercity train, leaving Copenhagen at 15:26 and arriving Hamburg Hbf at 20:02.

  An altered timetable applies from 18 June to 21 August 2022, see the timetable here.

• Stay overnight in Hamburg.  The Hotel Reichshof Hamburg is just 200m from the station, features art deco-based design and gets great reviews.  Other hotels next to Hamburg Hbf with good or great reviews include (starting with the cheapest) the Hotel Continental Novum, Hotel Furst Bismarck, Hotel Europaischer Hof, Hotel Atlantic Kempinski.  If you're on a budget, private rooms in the A&O Hotel near Hamburg Hbf start at around £33 for one person or £49 for two people booked at www.hostelworld.com.

• Day 2, travel from Hamburg to Frankfurt by ICE train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 09:24 every day arriving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 13:00.

  The ICE train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Treat yourself to an early lunch...

• Day 2, travel from Frankfurt to Marseille by TGV Duplex, leaving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 13:57 every day arriving Marseille St Charles at 21:49.

  The impressive double-deck 320 km/h (199 mph) TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.

• Stay overnight in Marseille.  Inexpensive hotels with good reviews just outside Marseille St Charles station include the Ibis Marseille Centre Gare St Charles, Holiday Inn Express Marseille St Charles.

• Day 3, travel from Marseille to Spain by AVE train, leaving Marseille St Charles at 08:02 & arriving Barcelona Sants 12:34, Madrid Atocha 15:45.

  The AVE-S100 high-speed train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Enjoy great scenery across the South of France and around the southern end of the Pyrenees with superb views of Mt Canigou.

  Important: This train is suspended until 8 April 2022 due to covid-19, it will resume from 9 April.

• Day 3, change in Barcelona for Spanish high-speed trains to Valencia or Alicante, or the 15:45 direct AVE-S112 high-speed train to Cordoba, Malaga or Seville arriving in the evening.

• How much does it cost?

  Copenhagen to Hamburg starts at €27.90 in 2nd class or €49.90 in 1st class.

  Hamburg to Marseille starts at €39.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class

  Marseille to Barcelona starts at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class.

  Barcelona to Malaga or Seville starts at around €45.

  All these fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

• How to buy tickets...

  Step 1, use the German Railways website www.bahn.de to book from Copenhagen to Hamburg.

  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

  Step 2, now use www.bahn.de again to book from Hamburg to Marseille.

  This is important, make sure you change Duration of transfer from standard to at least 40 minutes before running the enquiry.  If you don't do that it'll put you on the 10:24 from Hamburg with a risky 8-minute connection in Frankfurt, one simple 10-minute delay and you're toast.  So make sure it books you the 09:24 with time for a coffee at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.

  Step 3, now book from Marseille to Barcelona at either www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, more fiddly, but no fee).  Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your smartphone.

  Step 4, book from Barcelona to other Spanish destinations at either www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (in €, much more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see advice on using it first).  Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but it can vary.  You print your own ticket.

The TGV Duplex from Frankfurt to Lyon, Avignon & Marseille, about to leave Frankfurt (Main) Hbf...

The cafe-bar on the upper deck in car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes...		2nd class seats, this is upper deck seating.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating.  360º photo.

1st class seats on the upper deck, a club duo on the left, a club quatre on the right. 360º photo.		The TGV to Marseille, boarding at Frankfurt am Main Hbf.  You enter on the lower deck, with 9 stairs up to top deck.

Back to top

Copenhagen to San Sebastian...

• Day 1, travel from Copenhagen to Paris in a day as shown in the Copenhagen to Paris section above.  Book this as shown.

• Stay overnight in Paris...

  Hotels near Paris Gare du Nord with good reviews:  Libertel Gare du Nord Suede (5 min walk from Gare du Nord, 2-star), 25 Hours Terminus Nord (formerly the Mercure Terminus Nord, now refurbished in a decidedly funky style, 3-star, directly across the road from the station);  Art Hotel (3-star);  Avalon Hotel (2-star);  Hotel Cambrai (1-star).

  Hotels near Paris Gare Montparnasse with good reviews:  Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse (150m from the station, 4-star);  Best Western Sevres Montparnasse (15 minute walk from station, 3-star);  La Maison Montparnasse (10 min walk from station, 2-star);  Hotel du Maine (5 min walk from station, 2-star).

• Day 2, travel from Paris to Hendaye by TGV Duplex Océane, leaving Paris Gare Montparnasse at 10:11 and arriving Hendaye 14:47.

  An earlier 07:11 departure is available on Mondays to Saturdays, arriving Hendaye at 11:47.

  The TGV Duplex Océane has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Hendaye is on the French side of the Spanish border.

  Fares start at €25 in 2nd class or €45 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, more fiddly, no fee).  French trains open for booking up to 4 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your smartphone.

• Day 2, transfer from Hendaye to San Sebastian by Euskotren metro, every 30 minutes, journey time 37 minutes...

  Simply walk out of Hendaye station and turn right, the little Euskotren station is in a corner of the main station forecourt.  Buy a ticket for €2.75 at the Euskotren station from the machines or staffed counter and hop on the next half-hourly Euskotren metro from Hendaye to San Sebastian Amara station, journey time 37 minutes.  See the Paris to San Sebastian page for more information, photos & tips.

Back to top

Copenhagen to Lisbon, Porto & Portugal...

• Day 1, travel from Copenhagen to Paris in a day as shown in the Copenhagen to Paris section above.  Book this as shown.

• Stay overnight in Paris, see suggested hotels near the Gare du Nord & Gare de Lyon.

• Day 2, travel from Paris to Barcelona by 320 km/h TGV Duplex leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 10:14 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 16:54.

  This double-deck TGV has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  It's a comfortable & scenic journey, see an account of the sights to see from the train on the way.

  Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class.  Fares work like air fares, so book ahead.

  Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.  Booking for the TGV opens up to 4 months ahead.

• Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Madrid by AVE high-speed train, leaving Barcelona Sants at 18:25 and arriving Madrid Atocha at 20:55.

  The AVE has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  More information about trains from Barcelona to Madrid.

  Fares start at €38 in Standard class or €45 in Comfort class.  Fares work like air fares, so book ahead.

  Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.  Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies.

• Stay overnight in Madrid.  The classic Hotel Mediodia is across the road from Atocha with good reviews, or try the NH Hotel Madrid Atocha or Only YOU Hotel Atocha, also across the road from the station.

• Day 3, travel from Madrid to Lisbon by daytime trains as shown on the Madrid to Lisbon page.

Back to top

Copenhagen to Andorra...

• Day 1, travel from Copenhagen to Paris in a day as shown in the Copenhagen to Paris section above.  Book this as shown above.

• Stay overnight in Paris. Hotels near Paris Gare du Nord with good reviews:  Libertel Gare du Nord Suede (5 min walk from Gare du Nord, 2-star), 25 Hours Terminus Nord (formerly the Mercure Terminus Nord, now refurbished in a decidedly funky style, 3-star, directly across the road from the station);  Art Hotel (3-star);  Avalon Hotel (2-star);  Hotel Cambrai (5 min walk from Gare du Nord, 1-star).

  How to cross Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare du Nord to other Paris stations.

• Day 2, travel from Paris to Toulouse by TGV, one usually leaves Paris Montparnasse at 11:11 arriving Toulouse Matabiau at 15:31.

  Fares start from €25 in 2nd class or €45 in 1st class.

  Have dinner in Toulouse...

• Step 3, travel from Toulouse Matabiau station to Andorra la Vella by bus, taking 4 hours, fare €33.  There are 3 services every day run by Andbus, check times at www.andorrabybus.com.  I'd allow at least an hour between train and bus in Toulouse, just in case of delay.  There's normally a bus leaving Toulouse Matabiau station (bus stand 15) at 20:00 arriving Andorra at midnight.

• How to buy tickets...

  Book from Copenhagen to Paris as shown in the Copenhagen to Paris section above.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.

  Book from Paris to Toulouse Matabiau at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (more fiddly, in €, but no fee).

  Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your smartphone.

  Buy the bus ticket at www.andorrabybus.com.

Back to top

Copenhagen to Hamburg...

• Direct Danish IC3 intercity trains link Copenhagen with Hamburg Hbf at 07:26, 11:26 & 15:26, see the timetable here.

• Fares start at €27.90 in 2nd class or €47.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

• Check times & buy tickets at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.

  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

• See the Copenhagen to Hamburg page for details.

Back to top

Copenhagen to Berlin...

Option 1, Copenhagen to Berlin by daytime trains...

• Several daily departures link Copenhagen with Berlin with one easy change in Hamburg:

  Leave Copenhagen at 07:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Berlin Hbf at 14:20.

  Leave Copenhagen at 11:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Berlin Hbf at 18:20.

  Leave Copenhagen at 15:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Berlin Hbf at 22:23.

  Take a good book, sit back and enjoy the ride.  You travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3 Intercity train with free WiFi whilst in Denmark, there's no catering car so bring your own food & drink. Hamburg to Berlin is by superb German ICE train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Departure is 9 minutes earlier on certain dates, at xx:17 rather than xx:26.

• An altered timetable applies from 18 June to 21 August 2022:

  Leave Copenhagen at 05:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Berlin Hbf at 12:20.

  Leave Copenhagen at 09:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Berlin Hbf at 16:22.

  Leave Copenhagen at 11:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Berlin Hbf at 18:20.

  Leave Copenhagen at 13:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Berlin Hbf at 20:20.

• Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

• Book at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.

  In the bahn.de search results, look for options with 1 change.  You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

  Tip:  If you'd like a few hours stopover in Hamburg, click Stopover, enter Hamburg Hbf and a specify the number of hours.

Step 1, Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3...  This is an IC3 at Hamburg Hbf.  The yellow stripe above the windows indicates first class, located at one end of both 3-car units.  More information about the Copenhagen-Hamburg journey.

2nd class seats on a IC3 train.  Larger photo.		An IC3 train from Copenhagen at Hamburg.

Boarding a Danish IC3 train at Hamburg Hbf...		1st class seats on an IC3 train.  Larger photo.

Step 2, Hamburg to Berlin by ICE.  Various types operate between Hamburg & Berlin, this is an ICE-T.  More information about ICE.

Table for two in 1st class, my favourite configuration.  There are also tables for four in both classes.		Lunch in the restaurant.  In 1st class you can choose to be served at your seat.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!

You can see into the cab at each end of the train.		Comfortable 2nd class seats on an ICE-T...

Option 2, Copenhagen to Berlin by Snälltåget sleeper train, daily April to September...

• Step 1, take a local train from Copenhagen main station to Høje-Taastrup, a local station just west of the city centre.  These run every 10 minutes or so taking 15 minutes.  Buy this ticket at the station.  Don't cut it fine when connecting with a sleeper train!

• Step 2, travel from Høje-Taastrup to Hamburg & Berlin by Snälltåget sleeper train...

  This is a summer-only sleeper train from Stockholm, Malmo & Copenhagen to Berlin, run by private operator Snälltåget (www.snalltaget.se).

  It runs every day from 7 April to 23 September 2022.  Dates after September will be released in due course.

  It leaves Høje-Taastrup at 23:06 and arrives Hamburg Hbf at 05:31 & Berlin Hbf at 08:58. 

  Check dates & times at www.snalltaget.se.

  The train has 6-berth couchette compartments & ordinary seats.  Couchettes can be booked individually in shared compartments, or you can pay a fixed price for a whole couchette compartment for private occupancy by 1-6 people, the same price for 1 to 6 people.

  Snälltåget has run a sleeper train between Malmö & Berlin twice a week in summer in previous years, in 2021 it was expanded to run direct from Stockholm & Malmö to Hamburg & Berlin, in 2022 it's further expanded to run daily for much of the year.

  Fares start at 499 SEK (about €49) per person with a seat, 749 SEK (€74) per person with a reclining seat, or 2999 SEK (€295) for sole occupancy of a couchette compartment for any number of people between 1 & 6.

  See www.snalltaget.se for operating dates, times, fares & to buy tickets online.

The Snälltåget sleeper from Stockholm & Copenhagen to Berlin.  The train is shown at Stockholm Central about to make its very first departure!  Courtesy of Robert Enskog.

The Snälltåget sleeper train uses ex-German Railways couchettes, sold as a whole private compartment for up to 6 people.  Bedding is provided, toilets & washrooms are at the end of the corridor.  Photos courtesy of Snalltaget.

Back to top

Copenhagen to Cologne & Düsseldorf...

• Several daily departures link Copenhagen with Düsseldorf & Cologne with one easy change in Hamburg:

  Leave Copenhagen at 07:26, change at Hamburg Hbf onto an Intercity arriving Düsseldorf at 16:22 & Cologne Hbf at 16:50.

  Leave Copenhagen at 11:26, change at Hamburg Hbf onto an ICE1 train, arriving Düsseldorf at 19:22 & Cologne Hbf at 19:50.

  Leave Copenhagen at 15:26, change at Hamburg Hbf onto an ICE4 train arriving Düsseldorf at 00:22 & Cologne Hbf at 00:50.

  Take a good book, sit back and enjoy the ride.  You travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3 Intercity train with free WiFi whilst in Denmark, there's no catering car so bring your own food & drink. Hamburg to Cologne is by either Intercity train with bistro car or ICE train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Departure is 9 minutes earlier on certain dates, at xx:17 rather than xx:26.

• An altered timetable applies from 18 June to 21 August 2022:

  Leave Copenhagen at 05:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Düsseldorf at 14:22 & Cologne Hbf at 14:50.

  Leave Copenhagen at 09:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Düsseldorf at 18:22 & Cologne Hbf at 18:50.

  Leave Copenhagen at 11:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Düsseldorf at 19:22 & Cologne Hbf at 19:50.

  Leave Copenhagen at 13:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Düsseldorf at 22:22 & Cologne Hbf at 22:50.

• Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

• Book at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.

  In the bahn.de search results, look for options with 1 change.  You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

  Tip:  If you'd like a few hours stopover in Hamburg, click Stopover, enter Hamburg Hbf and a specify the number of hours.

Step 1, Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3...  This is an IC3 at Hamburg Hbf.  The yellow stripe above the windows indicates first class, located at one end of both 3-car units.  More information about the Copenhagen-Hamburg journey.

2nd class seats on a IC3 train.  Larger photo.		An IC3 train from Copenhagen at Hamburg.

Boarding a Danish IC3 train at Hamburg Hbf...		1st class seats on an IC3 train.  Larger photo.

2nd class seats.  Larger photo.		Step 2, ICE.  More information about ICE trains.

Restaurant car.  Larger photo.		Bar car.  Larger photo.

Boarding an ICE...		1st class seats.  Larger photo.

Back to top

Copenhagen to Frankfurt...

• Several daily departures link Copenhagen with Frankfurt with one easy change in Hamburg:

  Leave Copenhagen at 07:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 17:00.

  Leave Copenhagen at 11:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 21:00.

  Take a good book, sit back and enjoy the ride.  You travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3 Intercity train with free WiFi whilst in Denmark, there's no catering car so bring your own food & drink. Hamburg to Frankfurt is by superb German ICE train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Departure is 9 minutes earlier on certain dates, at xx:17 rather than xx:26.

• An altered timetable applies from 18 June to 21 August 2022:

  Leave Copenhagen at 05:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 15:00.

  Leave Copenhagen at 09:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 19:00.

  Leave Copenhagen at 11:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 21:00.

• Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

• Book at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.

  In the bahn.de search results, look for options with 1 change.  You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

  Tip:  If you'd like a few hours stopover in Hamburg, click Stopover, enter Hamburg Hbf and a specify the number of hours.

Step 1, Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3...  This is an IC3 at Hamburg Hbf.  The yellow stripe above the windows indicates first class, located at one end of both 3-car units.  More information about the Copenhagen-Hamburg journey.

2nd class seats on a IC3 train.  Larger photo.		An IC3 train from Copenhagen at Hamburg.

Boarding a Danish IC3 train at Hamburg Hbf...		1st class seats on an IC3 train.  Larger photo.

Back to top

Copenhagen to Munich...

Option 1, Copenhagen to Munich by daytime trains...

• Several daily departures link Copenhagen with Munich with one easy change in Hamburg:

  Leave Copenhagen at 07:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Munich Hbf at 19:03.

  Leave Copenhagen at 11:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Munich Hbf at 23:03.

  Take a good book, sit back and enjoy the ride.  You travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3 Intercity train with free WiFi whilst in Denmark, there's no catering car so bring your own food & drink. Hamburg to Munich is by superb German ICE train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Times may vary.  Departure is 9 minutes earlier on certain dates, at xx:17 rather than xx:26.

• An altered timetable applies from 18 June to 21 August 2022:

  Leave Copenhagen at 05:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Munich Hbf at 17:02.

  Leave Copenhagen at 09:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Munich Hbf at 21:02.

  Leave Copenhagen at 11:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Munich Hbf at 23:03.

• Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

• Book at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.

  In the bahn.de search results, look for options with 1 change.  You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

  Tip:  If you'd like a few hours stopover in Hamburg, click Stopover, enter Hamburg Hbf and a specify the number of hours.

Step 1, Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3...  This is an IC3 at Hamburg Hbf.  The yellow stripe above the windows indicates first class, located at one end of both 3-car units.  More information about the Copenhagen-Hamburg journey.

2nd class seats on a IC3 train.  Larger photo.		An IC3 train from Copenhagen at Hamburg.

Boarding a Danish IC3 train at Hamburg Hbf...		1st class seats on an IC3 train.  Larger photo.

Step 2, Hamburg to Munich by ICE-T.  More information about ICE-T.

Table for two in 1st class, my favourite configuration.  There are also tables for four in both classes.		Lunch in the restaurant.  In 1st class you can choose to be served at your seat.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!

You can see into the cab at each end of the train.		Comfortable 2nd class seats on an ICE-T...

Option 2, Copenhagen to Munich using the Hamburg-Munich sleeper train...

• Step 1, travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3 intercity train leaving Copenhagen at 11:26 and arriving Munich Hbf 16:02.

  A later connection is theoretically possible leaving Copenhagen at 15:26, but a 25 minute connection is too risky when catching a sleeper.

  From 18 June to 21 August 2022, a later departure is available, leaving Copenhagen at 13:26 and arriving Munich Hbf 18:02.

  Fares start at €27.90 in 2nd class or €47.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  Book this train at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.

  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

• Step 2, travel from Hamburg to Munich by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 20:29 & arriving Munich Hbf at 07:11 next morning.

  This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

  Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

Step 1, Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3.  This is an IC3 at Hamburg Hbf.  The yellow stripe above the windows indicates first class, located at one end of both 3-car units.  More information about the Copenhagen-Hamburg journey.

2nd class seats on a IC3 train.  Larger photo.		An IC3 train from Copenhagen at Hamburg.

Boarding a Danish IC3 train at Hamburg Hbf...		1st class seats on an IC3 train.  Larger photo.

Step 2, Hamburg to Munich by Nightjet sleeper train, seen here at Munich Hbf.

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo.  Video of deluxe room		The same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.		Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.		Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes...		4-berth couchettes...		Couchette car on the Munich-Amsterdam Nightjet.

Back to top

Copenhagen to anywhere else in Germany...

Option 1, Copenhagen to Germany by daytime trains...

• Direct Danish IC3 intercity trains link Copenhagen with Hamburg Hbf at 07:26, 11:26 & 15:26, journey time 4h36.

  An altered timetable applies from 18 June to 21 August 2022, see the timetable here.

  Change at Hamburg Hbf for connecting trains to anywhere in Germany, centre to centre with no check-in or trek to and from remote airports.

• Fares start at €27.90 in 2nd class or €47.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

• Check times & buy tickets at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.

  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

Step 1, Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3.  This is an IC3 at Hamburg Hbf.  The yellow stripe above the windows indicates first class, located at one end of both 3-car units.  More information about the Copenhagen-Hamburg journey.

2nd class seats on a IC3 train.  Larger photo.		An IC3 train from Copenhagen at Hamburg.

Boarding a Danish IC3 train at Hamburg Hbf...		1st class seats on an IC3 train.  Larger photo.

Option 2, Copenhagen to Hamburg or Berlin by Snälltåget sleeper train, twice a week March-September, daily in high summer...

• Step 1, take a local train from Copenhagen main station to Høje-Taastrup, a local station just west of the city centre.  These run every 10 minutes or so taking 15 minutes.  Buy this ticket at the station.  Don't cut it fine when connecting with a sleeper train!

• Step 2, travel from Høje-Taastrup to Hamburg & Berlin by Snälltåget sleeper train...

  The sleeper train runs on Wednesdays & Saturdays from 5 May to 29 September 2021, and every day 11 June to 5 September 2021.

  It leaves Høje-Taastrup at 22:45 and arrives Hamburg Hbf at 05:31 & Berlin Hbf at 08:52.  Check times at www.snalltaget.se as there's a later arrival in Berlin on certain dates.

  Private operator www.snalltaget.se has run a sleeper train between Malmö & Berlin twice a week in summer in previous years, and in 2021 it is being expanded to run direct from Stockholm & Malmö to Hamburg & Berlin, and for a longer operating period, too

  The train has ordinary seats, reclining seats, and 6-berth couchettes.  A fixed price is charged for a whole couchette compartment for private occupancy, the same price for 1 person or any number of people up to 6, unlike normal overnight trains berths are not sold individually.

  Fares start at 499 SEK (about €49) per person with a seat, 749 SEK (€74) per person with a reclining seat, or 2999 SEK (€295) for sole occupancy of a couchette compartment for any number of people between 1 & 6.

  See www.snalltaget.se for operating dates, times, fares & to buy tickets online.

• Step 3, take an onward train from Hamburg or Berlin to anywhere in Germany.  I'd allow at least 1 hour between trains in Hamburg or Berlin, ideally a bit more.  Check times and buy a ticket at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.

The Snälltåget sleeper from Stockholm & Copenhagen to Berlin.  The train is shown at Stockholm Central about to make its very first departure!  Courtesy of Robert Enskog.

The Snälltåget sleeper train uses ex-German Railways couchettes, sold as a whole private compartment for up to 6 people.  Bedding is provided, toilets & washrooms are at the end of the corridor.  Photos courtesy of Snalltaget.

Back to top

Copenhagen to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck & Austria from €78...

Option 1, Copenhagen to Austria using the Hamburg-Vienna/Innsbruck sleeper train - the comfortable, time-effective option...

• Step 1, travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3 intercity train leaving Copenhagen at 11:26 and arriving Hamburg Hbf at 16:02.

  Fares start at €27.90 in 2nd class or €47.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this train at the German Railways website www.bahn.de and print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

• Step 2, travel from Hamburg to Vienna, Linz or Innsbruck by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 20:29 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 09:19 next morning with another portion going to Innsbruck, arriving Innsbruck Hbf at 09:14.

  Change at Wels for a railjet train to Salzburg, arriving Salzburg Hbf at 08:48.

  Each portion of this comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

  Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.

  Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

Step 1, Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3...  This is an IC3 at Hamburg Hbf.  The yellow stripe above the windows indicates first class, located at one end of both 3-car units.  More information about the Copenhagen-Hamburg journey.

2nd class seats on a IC3 train.  Larger photo.		An IC3 train from Copenhagen at Hamburg.

Step 2, Hamburg to Vienna or Innsbruck by Nightjet sleeper train.  More information about Nightjet trains.

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo.  Video of deluxe room		The same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.		Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.		Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes...		4-berth couchettes...		Couchette car on the Nightjet train...

Option 2, Copenhagen to Austria with overnight stop in Frankfurt...

• Day 1, travel from Copenhagen to Frankfurt, leaving Copenhagen at 11:26 by Danish intercity train, changing at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf 21:00.

• Stay overnight in Frankfurt.  Hotels next to the station with good or great reviews include the Flemings Express Hotel & Hotel Hamburger Hof, both of which I have stayed at and can recommend.  There's also The Frankfurt and the inexpensive Hotel Topas.

• Day 2, travel from Frankfurt to Austria on any train you like.

  The 06:21 ICE-T train from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf arrives Vienna Hbf at 12:45, but by all means enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take a later one, they run every 2 hours.

  The 06:54 from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf will get you to Salzburg Hbf at 11:59, but by all means take a later one, they leave regularly.

• Fares from Copenhagen to Austria start at €49.90 in 2nd class or €79.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

• Book from Copenhagen to any station in Austria at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.

  To build in the overnight stop in Frankfurt, click Stopover and enter Frankfurt (Main) Hbf in the via box and (say) 12:00 in the hh:mm stopover box.  Look carefully in the search results to find a journey that suits you, adjusting stopover duration to get the train you want from Frankfurt to Austria - a little trial and error is sometimes needed.  I've set up this link to bahn.de for you with the necessary parameters.

  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

Option 3, Copenhagen to Austria with overnight stop in Hamburg...

• Day 1, travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3 intercity train, leaving Copenhagen 15:26 & arriving Hamburg Hbf 20:02.

  An altered timetable applies from 18 June to 21 August 2022, see the timetable here.

Stay overnight in Hamburg.  The Hotel Reichshof Hamburg is just 200m from the station, features art deco-based design and gets great reviews.  Other hotels next to Hamburg Hbf with good or great reviews include (starting with the cheapest) the Hotel Continental Novum, Hotel Furst Bismarck, Hotel Europaischer Hof, Hotel Atlantic Kempinski.  If you're on a budget, private rooms in the A&O Hotel near Hamburg Hbf start at around £33 for one person or £49 for two people booked at www.hostelworld.com.

• Day 2, travel from Hamburg to Vienna, Salzburg or anywhere in Austria.

  For example, a direct ICE train with restaurant car leaves Hamburg Hbf at 08:02 every day, arriving Vienna Hbf at 16:45.

• Fares from Copenhagen to Austria start at €49.90 in 2nd class or €79.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

• Book from Copenhagen to any station in Austria at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.

  To build in the overnight stop in Hamburg, click Stopover and enter Hamburg Hbf in the via box and (say) 12:00 in the hh:mm stopover box.  Look carefully in the search results to find a journey that suits you, adjusting stopover duration to get the train you want from Hamburg to Austria - a little trial and error is sometimes needed.  I've set up this link to bahn.de for you with the necessary parameters.

  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

Back to top

Copenhagen to Malmö & Gothenburg...

• Copenhagen to Malmö...

  Öresund trains run from Copenhagen main station to Malmö Central every 20-30 minutes, journey time 39 minutes.

  No reservation is necessary or possible, just turn up, buy a ticket and hop on the next one.

• Copenhagen to Gothenburg...

  An Öresund train runs from Copenhagen to Gothenburg (= Goteborg Central) every hour through the day, journey time 3h53.

  No reservation is necessary or possible for these Öresund trains, you just turn up, buy a ticket at a fixed price and hop on the next train.

  You'll also see options involving SJ fast trains with a change of train & seat reservations, but it's easiest to stick with the Öresund trains.

• All these trains use the Öresund fixed link, a massive bridge-tunnel-bridge structure between Denmark & Sweden.  It's like flying a hundred feet above the sea, quite an experience...

• You can check train times and (if you like, to save time buying at the station) buy tickets online at www.sj.se (Swedish Railways, no booking fee, see my advice on using it here).

An Öresund Train (Öresundtåg) from Copenhagen to Malmö & Gothenburg, seen at Malmö Central station.  The train crosses from Denmark to Sweden on the 1999-built Öresund Link tunnel & road/rail bridge...

Back to top

Copenhagen to Stockholm from 254 SEK (€28, £22, $30)...

The Swedish government introduced border controls for entering Sweden in 2016.  Passport control for the direct Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 trains now takes place on board the train when it enters Sweden.  However, you should still turn up at Copenhagen station in good time for your train because the X2000 trains to Stockholm leave from platform 26, accessed via platforms 5 & 6, a fair walk from the station concourse.

Option 1, Copenhagen to Stockholm by daytime train...

• Every couple of hours, a comfortable 200 km/h (125 mph) tilting X2000 train links Copenhagen with Stockholm Central, with no check-in to worry about.  From city centre to city centre it takes little longer than flying, and it's a lot more fun & interesting.  These trains use the Öresund fixed link, a massive bridge-tunnel-bridge structure between Denmark & Sweden.  It's like flying a hundred feet above the sea, quite an experience.

• Fares start at around 254 Swedish Krona, about €28.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

• Check times & buy tickets at one of the following websites:

  Omio.com (formerly GoEuro.com) which links directly to SJ's ticketing system, same prices as SJ, quick & easy to use, small booking fee, no problem with overseas credit cards, you can pay in various currencies including Swedish Kr, £, € and $.

  SJ's own site www.sj.se, you pay in Swedish krona, no booking fee, you can usually choose a specific seat from a seating plan, but it can sometimes reject overseas credit cards.  For advice on using sj.se, click here.

  Whichever site you use, you print your own ticket or can show it on your smartphone.

  Tip:  Booking doesn't open a set number of days ahead:  Instead, SJ releases tickets in blocks 4 times a year, for example in early December for the period from early April to mid-June, in early April for the period from mid-June to mid-August and in mid-May for the mid-August to mid-December.  You can see the exact dates on www.sj.se on their FAQ page.

A Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train boarding at Copenhagen main station...		2nd class seats on an X2000 train from Copenhagen to Stockholm.

X2000 bistro car...		X2000 bistro car seating area...		Bistro self-service...

Snowy scenery from a winter train between Copenhagen & Stockholm. Courtesy of Radoslav Sharapanov

Option 2, Copenhagen to Stockholm by sleeper train - the time-effective option... 

• Step 1, take any evening Öresund train from Copenhagen to Malmö Central...

  You can take the 20:47 departure or the earlier 20:27, these trains run every 20 minutes, journey time 39 minutes.  Passport control takes place on board these trains at the first station in Sweden.  Or travel earlier and have dinner in Malmö.

  The train uses the Öresund fixed link, a massive bridge-tunnel-bridge structure between Denmark & Sweden.  It's like flying a hundred feet above the sea, quite an experience.

• Step 2, travel from Malmö to Stockholm by sleeper, leaving Malmö Central daily except Saturdays at 22:32 arriving Stockholm Central 05:55.

  The train has 1st class sleeping-cars with private 1 & 2 bed sleeper compartments with en suite shower & toilet, 2nd class sleeping-cars with shared single-gender 3-berth sleeper compartments with washbasin, one 2nd class couchette car with shared 6-berth compartments, and a seats car.

  Times may vary slightly, and remember there's no sleeper train on Saturday nights.  Expect to board shortly after 22:00.  On arrival in Stockholm, you can remain on board until 07:00.

• How to buy tickets...

  Buy tickets from Copenhagen to Stockholm as one transaction at the Swedish railways website www.sj.se, looking for the sleeper option.

  There are some great cheap deals available if you book in advance.  SJ.se sometimes rejects overseas credit cards, so if you can't get your credit card to work, first try alternative Swedish train booking site www.snalltaget.se, then try agency site www.acprail.com or call SJ telesales on +46 771 75 75 75 (touch tone 6 for English).

  You print your own ticket or can show it on your smartphone.  The ticket allows you to take any Öresund train from Copenhagen to Malmo, not just the one shown when you book, so by all means take an earlier one and have dinner in Malmo.

  Alternatively, you can easily book the Malmo-Stockholm sleeper train at Omio.com, overseas cards no problem, but it will only book a seat or couchette in a 6-berth compartment, not a sleeper.  You first need to book Malmo to Stockholm and look on the last page of the search results for the overnight train.  Book that, then add a Malmo to Copenhagen ticket.  You can pay in £, €, $ or Krona, there's a small booking fee, you print your own ticket or can show it on your smartphone.

The overnight sleeper to Malmö, about to leave Stockholm Central. Courtesy of Andrew Henry.

1st class sleeper with en suite shower & toilet, shown in day mode (above left) and night mode set up as a single with upper berth folded against the wall (above centre).  Courtesy of Discoverbyrail.com.  Click the images for larger photos...

6-berth couchettes - the economy option.  Larger photo.		The sleeper at Malmo Central.  This is the sleeping-car with private 1 or 2-berth compartments with en suite shower & toilet.  Courtesy of Ivor Morgan...

Back to top

Copenhagen to Oslo & Norway...

Option 1, Copenhagen to Oslo by train - the overland daytime option...

• You can travel from Copenhagen to Oslo by train with just 1 change:

  Copenhagen depart 05:27 Mondays-Fridays, change Gothenburg Central (arrive 09:20, depart 10:15) arrive Oslo Sentral 13:51.

  Copenhagen depart 09:27 daily, change Gothenburg Central (arrive 13:20, depart 14:15) arrive Oslo Sentral at 17:51.

  Copenhagen depart 13:27 daily, change Gothenburg Central (arrive 17:20, depart 18:10) arrive Oslo Sentral at 21:51.

  You travel on the hourly Öresund train from Copenhagen to Gothenburg Central, these trains use the Öresund fixed link, a massive bridge-tunnel-bridge structure between Denmark & Sweden.  It's like flying a hundred feet above the sea, quite an experience.  You then travel from Gothenburg to Oslo on a comfortable Norwegian intercity train.

  Check times for your date of travel at www.sj.se, for English change the Swedish flag to a UK flag & enter Köbenhavn H to Oslo S.

• The fare is €79 on all departures if bought at www.sj.se.

• Buy tickets at the Swedish railways website www.sj.se (no booking fee, see my advice on using it here) or at competing Swedish ticketing website www.tagbokningen.se (English button top right, small booking fee), or (if you have any problems) agency site www.acprail.com.

  You pay online and collect tickets from the Swedish Railways (SJ) ticket machines installed at Copenhagen main station or (for journeys involving only SJ trains) you print your own ticket.  If you can't get your credit card to work on any of these sites, simply call SJ telesales on +46 771 75 75 75.

• Tip:  It can be cheaper to split the booking to take advantage of cheap fares for the Norwegian train when booked with the Norwegians.

  First go to the Norwegian Railways website www.vy.no and book from Goteborg C to Oslo S looking for a cheap Minipris fare.  You can choose to load your ticket into the Vy app, or download it in PDF format which you can either print out or simply show on your smartphone or laptop.

  Then go to the Swedish website www.sj.se (no booking fee, see my advice on using it here) or www.tagbokningen.se (English button top right, small booking fee) and add a ticket from Copenhagen to Gothenburg Central.  You print your own ticket.

• Tip:  You'll also see journeys with 2 or 3 changes taking a  bit longer.  These involve SJ (Swedish Railways) trains rather than an Öresund train plus a Vy (Norwegian Railways) train, so SJ can offer cheap advance-purchase fares from as little as €20 in 2nd class or €34 in 1st class.  Check for your date of travel at www.sj.se.

Step 1, take an Öresund Train from Copenhagen to Gothenburg. One is seen here at Malmö Central station.  The Öresundtåg crosses from Denmark to Sweden on the 1999-built Öresund Link tunnel & road/rail bridge.

Step 2, take a Norwegian train from Gothenburg to Oslo...  This is the Norwegian train from Gothenburg to Oslo, arrived at Oslo central.  Photos courtesy of Ivor & Ines Morgan.		Vy Komfort class on the train to Oslo.

Option 2, Copenhagen to Oslo by ferry - the luxury overnight option...

• A luxurious overnight cruise ferry sails from Copenhagen to Oslo every night, leaving Copenhagen at 14:15 and arriving in Oslo at 09:15.

  The ships on this route are the Crown Seaways & the Pearl Seaways, with restaurants, bars, cinema and sauna.  All passengers travel in comfortable private cabins, even the standard cabins come with en suite shower & toilet and satellite TV.  To travel in luxury, treat yourself to DFDS's famous Commodore Class, some suites with private balconies with sea view.

  Make sure you're on deck in the morning when the ferry sails up the scenic Oslo Fjord, a stunning way to arrive in Norway.  You'll see coast on either side of the ship from about 06:30 and she enters the narrow part of the fjord by about 07:00.

• Fares start at around €120 for 1 person travelling solo including private standard cabin, or €120 for 2 people travelling together sharing a 2-berth standard cabin.  Given the cost of Scandinavian hotels, this is a bargain.

• See www.dfds.co.uk for times, prices & to buy tickets online. 

• In Copenhagen the ferry terminal is about 4 km (3 miles) from Copenhagen main station, see map of Copenhagen showing DFDS ferry terminal.

  Taxis are available or you can take an 8-minute suburban train ride from Copenhagen main station to Nordhavn station from where it's a 10-minute 750m walk to the ferry terminal, easy enough even with luggage.  There's also a DFDS shuttle bus from Norreport station, see www.dfds.co.uk.

  At the DFDS ferry terminal, you can check yourself in at the self-service check-in machines just inside the entrance.  You enter your booking reference, scan your passport, and it produces your boarding pass/cabin key.  You then pass through a fairly nominal customs check and walk onto the ferry.

• In Oslo you can walk from the ferry terminal the city centre in 15-20 minutes or you can take a taxi.  I'd allow at least 90 minutes between the ferry's arrival and any onward train from Oslo Sentral.  See map of Oslo showing ferry terminal.

The huge DFDS luxury overnight cruise ferry Crown Seaways berthed at Oslo...  Courtesy of Ivor Morgan.

The ferry is a floating hotel, with cabins, suites, restaurants, bars and entertainment.  The Pearl Seaways even features an outdoor jacuzzi but reportedly her sister ship Crown Seaways lacks this.  Courtesy of Andrew Leo.		1, 2, 3 or 4 berth standard cabin on the Crown Seaways with shower & toilet and satellite TV.  Larger photo.  Courtesy of Ivor Morgan.

Commodore Class suite with double bed on board the DFDS superferry to Oslo.  Courtesy of Andrew Leo.

Scenery in Oslo Fjord on the voyage to Norway...  Courtesy of Ivor Morgan.

Back to top

Copenhagen to Helsinki & Finland...

• Step 1, travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm by fast & comfortable X2000 train...

  The journey takes around 5h and costs from €28 booked at Swedish Railways www.sj.se.  Allow plenty of time in Stockholm for transfer to the ferry terminal and for the ferry check-in, I'd start by checking ferry times first and work backwards to arrange a suitable train.

  These trains cross from Denmark to Sweden on the Öresund fixed link, a massive bridge-tunnel-bridge structure between Denmark & Sweden.  It's like flying a hundred feet above the sea, quite an experience.

  You can also travel to Stockholm overnight using the Malmo-Stockholm sleeper train, daily except Saturday nights, see above.

• Step 2, travel from Stockholm to Helsinki by ferry...

  Two companies run overnight cruise ferries from Stockholm to Helsinki, book these online at www.tallinksilja.com or www.vikingline.com.

  However, it's cheaper to take the shorter sea crossing from Stockholm to Turku in Finland, then an Intercity train to Helsinki main station.  Silja Line & Viking Line compete on this route too, with each operator running an overnight ferry and a daytime ferry.

  Step 1, book the Stockholm-Turku daytime or overnight ferry at either www.tallinksilja.com or www.vikingline.com.

  Step 2, buy a Turku-Helsinki train ticket online at the Finnish Railways website www.vr.fi.  You'll find a train leaves Turku Harbour station (= Turku Satama) right next to the ferry terminal, shortly after the ferries arrive.

  The Stockholm to Helsinki journey is explained in more detail on the Trains from Stockholm page.

Step 1, Copenhagen to Stockholm by X2000 train, seen here at Copenhagen main station...		2nd class seats on an X2000 train from Copenhagen to Stockholm.

X2000 bistro car...		X2000 bistro car seating area...		Bistro self-service...

Snowy scenery from a winter train between Copenhagen & Stockholm. Courtesy of Radoslav Sharapanov

Step 2, Stockholm to Helsinki by luxurious overnight ferry...  Sail direct from Stockholm to Helsinki by overnight ferry, a true floating hotel.  Two operators, Silja Line & Viking Line compete with almost identical timings.  Above, the massive Silja Symphony towers over the Silja Line terminal in Helsinki.  Photos courtesy of Discoverbyrail.com

Viking Line's Gabriela sails out of Stockholm en route to Helsinki.  Courtesy Jeremy Nicholls.

Back to top

Copenhagen to Prague from €37.90...

Option 1, Copenhagen to Prague in a single day...

• Step 1, travel from Copenhagen to Berlin, leaving Copenhagen at 07:26 and arriving Hamburg Hbf at 12:04.

• Step 2, travel from Hamburg to Prague by EuroCity train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 12:51 arriving Prague Hlavni at 19:35.

  You travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3 Intercity train with free WiFi whilst in Denmark, there's no catering car so bring your own food & drink. Hamburg to Prague is by Czech EuroCity train with restaurant car, power sockets and free WiFi.  In summer when it's light this is a lovely scenic ride along the Elbe River valley south of Dresden, see the scenery photos and video here.  See suggested hotels in Prague.

  An altered timetable applies from 18 June to 21 August 2022.

  Leave Copenhagen at 05:26, change at Hamburg Hbf,  arriving Prague Hlavni 17:35.

  Leave Copenhagen at 09:26, change at Hamburg Hbf,  arriving Prague Hlavni 21:35.

• How much does it cost?

  Copenhagen to Prague starts at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

• To buy tickets...

  Buy a ticket at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.

  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

  Tip:  If you'd like to stop off for a couple of hours in Hamburg or Berlin, click Stopover, enter Hamburg or Berlin and specify the number of hours.  In Berlin, the Reichstag & Brandenburg Gate are just 10-15 minutes walk from Berlin Hbf.

Option 2, Copenhagen to Prague with overnight stop in Hamburg - a time-effective option...

• Day 1, travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3 intercity train, leaving Copenhagen at 15:26 & arriving Hamburg Hbf at 20:02.

  An altered timetable applies from 18 June to 21 August 2022, see the timetable here.

Stay overnight in Hamburg.  The Hotel Reichshof Hamburg is just 200m from the station, features art deco-based design and gets great reviews.  Other hotels next to Hamburg Hbf with good or great reviews include (starting with the cheapest) the Hotel Continental Novum, Hotel Furst Bismarck, Hotel Europaischer Hof, Hotel Atlantic Kempinski.  If you're on a budget, private rooms in the A&O Hotel near Hamburg Hbf start at around £33 for one person or £49 for two people booked at www.hostelworld.com.

• Day 2, travel from Hamburg to Prague by Czech EuroCity train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 06:48 & arriving Prague Hlavni at 13:35.

  Or you can leave Hamburg Hbf at 08:51 and arriving Prague Hlavni at 15:35, or there are later trains.

  This is a lovely scenic ride along the Elbe River valley south of Dresden, see the scenery photos and video here.  The trains have free WiFi and an elegant Czech restaurant car serving meals, snacks, beer & wine.

• How much does it cost?

  Copenhagen to Prague starts at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

• To buy tickets...

  Book from Copenhagen to Prague or any Czech station at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.

  To build in the overnight stop in Hamburg, click Stopover and enter Hamburg Hbf in the via box and (say) 12:00 in the hh:mm stopover box.  Look carefully in the search results to find a journey that suits you, adjusting stopover duration to get the train you want from Hamburg to Prague - a little trial and error is sometimes needed.  I've set up this link to bahn.de for you with the necessary parameters.

  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

Step 1, Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3.  This is an IC3 at Hamburg Hbf.  The yellow stripe above the windows indicates first class, located at one end of both 3-car units.  More information about the Copenhagen-Hamburg journey.

2nd class seats on a IC3 train.  Larger photo.		An IC3 train from Copenhagen at Hamburg.

Step 2, Hamburg to Prague by EuroCity train, seen here calling at Berlin Hbf...

2nd class seats in classic compartments...		1st class seats in an open-plan car...

So civilised!  A meal in the Czech restaurant car as the Berlin-Prague express snakes along the beautiful Elbe river south of Dresden.  Most Berlin-Prague trains use Czech carriages like this, a few use Hungarian air-conditioned carriages.  See more photos, tips & info for the Berlin to Prague train ride.  Photo courtesy of Philip Dyer-Perry.

Option 3, Copenhagen to Prague with overnight stop in Berlin - another time-effective option...

• Day 1, travel from Copenhagen to Berlin, leaving Copenhagen at 15:26, change at Hamburg Hbf & arrive Berlin Hbf at 22:23.

  You travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3 Intercity train with free WiFi whilst in Denmark, there's no catering car so bring your own food & drink. Hamburg to Berlin is by superb German ICE train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Departure is 9 minutes earlier on certain dates, at xx:17 rather than xx:26.

  By all means take the earlier 11:26 from Copenhagen, change at Hamburg Hbf & arriving Berlin Hbf 18:02 and spend a pleasant evening in Berlin, Berlin Hbf is just 10 minutes walk from the Reichstag or 15 minutes walk from the Brandenburg Gate.

  An altered timetable applies from 18 June to 21 August 2022, see the Copenhagen-Berlin section.

• Stay overnight in Berlin.  The 3-star InterCity Hotel (my favourite) or Meininger Hotel are right next to Berlin Hbf, a 10-minute walk from the Reichstag or 15 minutes from the Brandenburg Gate, relatively inexpensive with good reviews.  The Steigenberger Hotel is more upmarket, also right next to the station with great reviews.  If you want to push the boat out, the famous & historic Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate.  If you're on a tight budget, the cheaper Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or see www.hostelworld.com.

• Day 2, travel from Berlin to Prague by EuroCity train on any train you like, see the timetable here.

  The 07:16 from Berlin Hbf will get you to Prague Hlavni at 11:35 with breakfast in the restaurant car as you glide along the scenic Elbe river valley, see the scenery photos and video here, but by all means have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and take the 09:16 or 11:16, they leave every two hours.

• How much does it cost?

  Copenhagen to Prague starts at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

• To buy tickets...

  Book from Copenhagen to Prague or any Czech station at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.

  To build in the overnight stop in Berlin, click Stopover and enter Berlin Hbf in the via box and (say) 12:00 in the hh:mm stopover box.  Look carefully in the search results to find a journey that suits you, adjusting stopover duration to get the train you want from Berlin to Prague - a little trial and error is sometimes needed.  I've set up this link to bahn.de for you with the necessary parameters.

  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

Option 4, Copenhagen to Prague using Copenhagen-Berlin sleeper - summer-only...

• Step 1, travel from Copenhagen to Berlin by Berlin Night Express sleeper train as shown above.  This runs twice a week March-September, daily in high summer.

• Step 2, travel from Berlin to Prague by comfortable EuroCity train with restaurant car leaving Berlin Hbf at 11:16 arriving Prague Hlavni 15:35.

  This is a lovely scenic ride along the Elbe River valley south of Dresden, see the scenery photos and video here.  By all means stop off in Berlin and catch a later train to Prague, they leave every 2 hours, see the Berlin-Prague timetable here.  Berlin's Reichstag & Brandenburg Gate are just 15 minutes walk from the station.  See suggested hotels in Prague.

Back to top

Copenhagen to Bratislava & Budapest from €63...

Option 1, Copenhagen to Bratislava & Budapest with overnight stop in Berlin...

• Day 1, travel from Copenhagen to Berlin, leaving Copenhagen 15:26 by Danish intercity train, change at Hamburg Hbf arriving Berlin Hbf 22:23.

  You travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3 Intercity train with free WiFi whilst in Denmark, there's no catering car so bring your own food & drink. Hamburg to Berlin is by superb German ICE train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Departure time is at 15:17 rather than 15:26 on certain dates.

  By all means take the earlier 11:26 from Copenhagen, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Berlin Hbf 18:02 and spend a pleasant evening in Berlin, Berlin Hbf is just 10 minutes walk from the Reichstag or 15 minutes walk from the Brandenburg Gate.

  An altered timetable applies from 18 June to 21 August 2022, see the Copenhagen-Berlin section.

• Stay overnight in Berlin.  The 3-star InterCity Hotel (my favourite) or Meininger Hotel are right next to Berlin Hbf, a 10-minute walk from the Reichstag or 15 minutes from the Brandenburg Gate, relatively inexpensive with good reviews.  The Steigenberger Hotel is more upmarket, also right next to the station with great reviews.  If you want to push the boat out, the famous & historic Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate.  If you're on a tight budget, the cheaper Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or see www.hostelworld.com.

• Day 2 until 11 December 2021 & from 1 September 2022, travel from Berlin to Bratislava or Budapest on the comfortable EuroCity train Hungaria, leaving Berlin Hbf at 09:16 and arriving Bratislava Hlavna 17:50 & Budapest Nyugati at 20:20.

  The Hungaria uses Hungarian Railways' latest air-conditioned cars with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  There's a Hungarian restaurant car serving inexpensive meals with beer or wine, and there's lovely scenery along the Elbe River valley between Dresden & Prague, see the photos & video here.  A day well spent!

  Fares start at €39.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this train at www.bahn.de.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket, but in this case it cannot be shown on a mobile device.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings at any time.

  Tip:  It's slightly cheaper to book from Copenhagen to Budapest as one transaction from €49.90, using the Stopover feature to build in a 10-hour overnight stopover in Berlin.  However, in this case you end up with tickets by post, posted to you for a small extra fee.  they can take up to 2 weeks to arrive.  I'd book as shown above to get digital tickets that can be printed.

• Day 2 from 12 December 2021 until 31 August 2022, travel from Berlin to Vienna by ICE-T, leaving Berlin Hbf at 10:04 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 17:45.  This is an air-conditioned German ICE-T train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

  For Bratislava, travel from Vienna to Bratislava by hourly regional express train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 18:16 arriving Bratislava Hlavna 19:23.

  For Budapest, travel from Vienna to Budapest by railjet train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 18:42 and arriving Budapest Keleti at 21:19.  The railjet has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  It also offers business class (= premium first).

  Tip:  If you have a 1st ticket you can use the ÖBB Lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains with complimentary tea, coffee & WiFi.

  Fares from Berlin to Bratislava or Budapest start at €46.90 in 2nd class or €59.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares so book ahead.

  Buy tickets at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.

  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.

Step 1, Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3...  This is an IC3 at Copenhagen.  The yellow stripe above the windows indicates first class, located at one end of both 3-car units.  More information about the Copenhagen-Hamburg journey.

2nd class seats on a IC3 train.  Larger photo.		An IC3 train from Copenhagen at Hamburg.

The Berlin-Budapest Hungaria. Courtesy of David Frankal. Photos below courtesy of Siddhartha Verma.

2nd class seats on the Hungaria.  Larger photo.		Restaurant car on the Hungaria.  Larger photo.

Option 2, Copenhagen to Bratislava & Budapest using the Prague-Budapest sleeper...

• Step 1, travel from Copenhagen to Prague, leaving Copenhagen at 07:26 by Danish IC3 intercity train, changing at Hamburg Hbf onto a comfortable EuroCity train with restaurant car & free WiFi arriving Prague Hlavni at 19:35.

  Have dinner in Prague, see suggested restaurant.

  An altered timetable applies 18 June to 21 August 2022, departure from Copenhagen is at 05:26 or 09:26, see the Copenhagen-Prague section.

  Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.

  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

• Step 2, travel from Prague to Budapest by sleeper train, leaving Prague Hlavni 22:34, arriving Bratislava Hlavna 05:54 & Budapest Nyugati 08:20.

  This has a comfortable Czech Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin and three deluxe compartments with en suite toilet & shower.  There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers, and morning tea or coffee is included in the fare.  There is a couchette car with 4-berth and 6-berth compartments.

  Fares start at €39 with a couchette, €49 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, €69 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or €80 in a single-bed sleeper.

  Book this train at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz.  Booking normally opens 90 days ahead.  You print your own ticket.

The Czech sleeping-cars from Prague to Budapest, boarding at Prague Hlavni platform 4...

Standard sleeper compartment, set up as a 2-berth, with the washstand open.  Each room can be used as 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Enlarge photo.		The same sleeper with berths folded away & seats folded out, blind up, washstand closed.		Standard sleeper compartments have a washstand with hot water, fresh towels, drinking water & soap.		Deluxe compartments are very similar, but with small en suite toilet & shower...

Option 3, Copenhagen to Bratislava & Budapest using the Berlin-Budapest sleeper - same timings as option 2, but with an afternoon in Berlin...

• Step 1, travel from Copenhagen to Berlin, leaving Copenhagen at 07:26, changing at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Berlin Hbf at 14:20.

  You travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3 Intercity train with free WiFi whilst in Denmark, there's no catering car so bring your own food & drink. Hamburg to Berlin is by superb German ICE train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Enjoy an afternoon in Berlin.  Departure is 9 minutes earlier on certain dates, at xx:17 rather than xx:26.

  An altered timetable applies from 18 June to 21 August 2022, departure from Copenhagen is at 09:26, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Berlin Hbf at 16:22, see the Copenhagen-Berlin section.

  Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.

  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

• Step 2, travel from Berlin to Budapest by sleeper train, leaving Berlin Hbf 18:43 & arriving Bratislava Hlavna 05:54 & Budapest Nyugati 08:20.

  This has a comfortable Hungarian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, and a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats,  In sleepers, morning tea or coffee is included in the fare.

  Fares start at €49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, €59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, €69.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, €88.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or €129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.

  Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, a bit more fiddly, same fares).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

A 2-bed double sleeper (above right) in the air-conditioned Hungarian sleeping-car on the Metropol from Berlin to Budapest. Each sleeper compartment has 3 beds and can be sold as a single, double or triple.  Sleeper compartments convert to comfortable private sitting room for evening use.  A light breakfast is included in the fare.  See larger photo.  See more photos of this type of sleeping-car. Interior photo courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler.

Back to top

Copenhagen to Brasov, Bucharest & Romania...

Option 1, Copenhagen to Romania using the Budapest-Bucharest Ister - the fastest option...

• Step 1, travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3 intercity train leaving Copenhagen at 11:26 and arriving Hamburg Hbf at 16:02.

  Fares start at €27.90 in 2nd class or €47.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.

  You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

• Step 2, travel from Hamburg to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 20:29 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 09:19 next morning.

  This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

  Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

• Step 2, travel from Vienna to Budapest by EuroCity train with restaurant car, leaving Vienna Hbf at 10:42 and arriving Budapest Keleti at 13:19.  Enjoy an afternoon in Budapest.

  Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class or €29.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, a bit more fiddly, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

• Step 3, travel from Budapest to Brasov & Bucharest by sleeper train Ister leaving Budapest Keleti at 19:10 and arriving Brasov at 09:23 & Bucharest Gara de Nord at 11:59 next day.

  This sleeper train Ister has an air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin and a Romanian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  There's wonderful almost Alpine scenery through the Carpathian mountains between Brasov and Bucharest, a real treat.  Ister is the ancient name for the Danube.

  Fares start at €39 with a couchette in 6-berth, €46 with a couchette in 4-berth, €69 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, €84 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or €162 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself.  All prices per person per berth.

  Book this train at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro.  Click EN top right for English.  Booking opens up to 90 days ahead.  For Bucharest type Bucuresti.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.

  You can also normally book at the Hungarian Railways website www.mav-start.hu, see my advice on using it.  For Bucharest type Bucuresti.  You show your ticket in the MAV app on your smartphone.  However, since MAV revamped its website in 2020, it can't book couchettes or sleepers, only seats, though this should be fixed at some point.

A 1, 2 or 3-bed sleeper with washbasin.  Larger photo.		The sleeping-car (vagon de dormit) on the westbound Ister at Bucharest.  Sleepers convert from beds to private sitting rooms for day use.  Courtesy of DiscoverByRail.

The vagon cuseta (couchette car) on the westbound Ister, boarding at Bucharest.  Couchettes convert from bunks at night to seats by day.  Courtesy of @AndyBTravels, DiscoverByRail.com .		4 or 6-berth couchettes.  Larger photo.

Option 2, Copenhagen to Romania using the Vienna-Bucharest Dacia Express...

• Day 1, travel from Copenhagen to Hamburg by Danish IC3 intercity train, leaving Copenhagen 15:26 & arriving Hamburg Hbf 20:02.

  Departure is at 15:17 on some dates.  An altered timetable applies from 18 June to 21 August 2022, see the timetable here.

Stay overnight in Hamburg.  The Hotel Reichshof Hamburg is just 200m from the station, features art deco-based design and gets great reviews.  Other hotels next to Hamburg Hbf with good or great reviews include (starting with the cheapest) the Hotel Continental Novum, Hotel Furst Bismarck, Hotel Europaischer Hof, Hotel Atlantic Kempinski.  If you're on a budget, private rooms in the A&O Hotel near Hamburg Hbf start at around £33 for one person or £49 for two people booked at www.hostelworld.com.

• Day 2, travel from Hamburg to Vienna by ICE train with restaurant car, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 08:04 every day, arriving Vienna Hbf at 17:45.

  Fares from Copenhagen to Vienna start at €49.90 in 2nd class, €79.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for cheapest prices.

• Book from Copenhagen to Vienna at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.

  To build in the overnight stop in Hamburg, click Stopover and enter Hamburg Hbf in the via box and (say) 12:00 in the hh:mm stopover box.  Look carefully in the search results to find a journey that suits you, adjusting stopover duration to get the train you want from Hamburg to Austria - a little trial and error is sometimes needed.  I've set up this link to bahn.de for you with the necessary parameters.

  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

• Day 2, travel from Vienna to Romania on the Dacia Express, leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:42 every day, and arriving next day in Simeria 07:36, Sighisoara 10:09, Braşov 13:26, Ploeşti 15:08 & Bucharest Nord at 15:47  (Day 3 from Copenhagen).

  The Dacia Express has a modern air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments with washbasin and several deluxe compartments with en suite shower & toilet.  It has a Romanian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments.

  A Hungarian restaurant car is attached between Vienna and Budapest, treat yourself to dinner with wine.  A bar-bistro is then attached in the morning between Arad & Bucharest, serving drinks, snacks and breakfast.  There's wonderful almost Alpine scenery through the Carpathian mountains between Brasov and Bucharest, a real treat...

  Fares start at €59 with a couchette in a 6-berth compartment, €69 with a couchette in a 4-berth compartment, €79 with a bed in a 3-berth sleeper, €99 with a bed in a 3-berth sleeper or €159 with a bed in a single-berth sleeper all to yourself.  All per person per berth.

  Book this train at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at.  Booking normally opens 90 days ahead.  In the search results, look for the direct train marked D with no changes.  You collect tickets from the ÖBB ticket machines or staffed counter in Vienna.

  You can also (as of 2022) book this train at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro.  Click EN top right for English.  Booking opens up to 90 days ahead.  For Vienna type Wien, for Bucharest type Bucuresti.  For Austria to Romania journeys you now print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone..  Tip:  Prices might be cheaper than on oebb.at, so check both sites!

The Dacia Express has one or at peak times two air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-cars, seen here at Bucharest.  You can check the train formation at www.vagonweb.cz.  Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom

Sleepers:  Each compartment can be sold as a single, double (as here) or triple.  Most compartments have a washbasin as shown, two compartments have a shower & toilet.  Beds fold away to form a private sitting room for day use.  Larger photo.				Couchettes:  4 & 6-berth, bedding is provided.  Larger photo.

The Dacia Express has one couchette car, seen here at Bucharest.  Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom.

Transylvania:  The Dacia Express crosses rural Transylvania.  Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom.

The Dacia Express en route to Bucharest...  Photo courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom.

Enjoy lunch and a beer in the bar car, as a bar-bistro is attached to the Dacia Express in Romania between Simeria & Bucharest.  Photos courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom & @_DiningCar.

The Carpathian mountains:  Almost Alpine scenery between Brasov & Bucharest...  Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom.

Option 3, Copenhagen to Romania with overnight stops in Berlin & Budapest - if you prefer daytime trains & hotels to sleepers...

• For Warsaw...

  Day 2, travel from Berlin Hbf to Warsaw Centralna in 5h30 on any Berlin-Warsaw EuroCity train you like.  Mondays to Saturdays the 05:43 from Berlin Hbf will get you to Warsaw Centralna at 11:42 with breakfast in the restaurant car.

  Or have a leisurely breakfast and take the daily 09:38 arriving 15:45.  By all means take a later train to have a morning in Berlin.

Back to top