In 2025, the US and Canadian markets accounted for nearly half of Rail Europe’s “sessions,” with travelers opting for multi-city trips, scenic routes and smaller destinations, the company said, noting that the trend points to the growing popularity of cultural experiences and traveling at a more leisurely travel pace.
The most booked destinations for North American travelers included Barcelona, Brussels, Edinburgh, Florence, London, Madrid, Paris, Rome and Vienna, which Rail Europe said underscores “the role of rail as one of the simplest and convenient ways to move between Europe’s major cultural centers –without the stress of airports or the limitations of domestic networks.”
Destinations exhibiting the most robust growth included Annecy and Bordeaux, France; Bolzano, Italy; Budapest; and Lucerne and Zermatt, Switzerland.
“A few clear patterns defined travel behavior in 2025,” Rail Europe said. “American travelers continued to turn to rail for the flexibility it offers when moving around Europe.”
“One-way tickets were the norm, with many travelers combining several journeys into a single booking to build multi-city itineraries,” the company added. “Last-minute booking also played a significant role: More than one in four booked within seven days of departure.”
Conversely, travelers booked earlier – 60 to 90 days in advance – for summer trips.
“Solo travel remained consistently high, while cross-border journeys continued to gain momentum throughout the year,” Rail Europe said.
Additionally, approximately 28% of travelers planned rail voyages in off-season months to avoid crowds, heat and higher prices.
“Rail Europe expects, during 2026, continued growth in cross-border routes, distinctive lesser-known destinations and itineraries that prioritize connection, discovery and a more personal way of experiencing Europe by rail,” the company said.
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