There’s something special about exploring Europe by train. You can watch the scenery change outside your window, arrive right in the heart of a city and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. And when you combine train travel with a cycling holiday, you have a wonderful way to discover more of Europe at your own pace.
Whether you're looking to avoid domestic flights, prefer a more relaxed way to travel between destinations, or simply love the idea of combining two great ways to explore, there are plenty of cycling holidays that work well with Europe's rail network.
We've picked out ten European cycling holidays that offer good opportunities for train travel. Some have railway stations close to the start and finish, while others include a local transfer or incorporate train travel into the itinerary itself.
Here are ten to put on your list.
Cycle Tour and Train Travel.
Travel to and from your next cycling vacation by train1. Sweden's Coastal Kattegattleden
**Sweden | Helsingborg to Gothenburg | 8 days**
If you're looking for a cycling holiday with a particularly appealing rail connection, Sweden's Kattegattleden is a great place to start.
This self-guided adventure follows Sweden's first national cycle route, travelling north from Helsingborg to Gothenburg over six days of riding. Along the way, you'll discover charming fishing villages, little harbours, sandy beaches and beautiful stretches of the west coast. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for a coffee, enjoy a seafood lunch or simply take in the coastal scenery.
Getting there by train is straightforward. Helsingborg is connected to Copenhagen Airport by regional rail, making it a convenient starting point for international travellers. At the end of the ride, Gothenburg has excellent onward rail connections. See the tour FAQs for more detailed information on trains and travelling with your bike.
Pedal tour Sweden.
Enjoy a relaxed cycling vacation in Sweden2. Northumberland – Alnmouth
**England | Northumberland | 5 days**
For a taste of Britain's spectacular northern coastline, this guided cycling holiday is a lovely option. Based in the seaside village of Alnmouth, you'll spend five days exploring the Northumbrian countryside, quiet roads and coastal cycleways.
The region is rich in history, with impressive castles, pretty fishing villages and sweeping beaches. Highlights include Warkworth, Alnwick and Dunstanburgh Castles, as well as the famous fishing village of Craster. Weather and tides permitting, there's also the possibility of visiting the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
One of the attractions of this tour is that the logistics are made easier for train travellers. The tour includes scheduled station collections and drop-offs, so you can travel by rail to Alnmouth and connect with the group transfer.
Discover northern England by bike.
Participate in a guided cycle tour with good rail links3. Castles on the River Loire
**France | Loire Valley | 8 days**
The Loire Valley is one of France's most celebrated cycling regions, and for good reason. Think grand châteaux, riverside villages, vineyards and beautiful countryside, all connected by mostly flat bike paths and quiet roads along the Loire and Cher rivers.
This self-guided eight-day tour takes in some of the region's most impressive sights, including Chenonceaux, Chambord and the historic towns of Tours and Chinon. There's also plenty to enjoy off the bike, with wonderful regional food, wine and charming accommodation along the way.
The tour starts and ends in Blois, France which is easily reached by train - in fact, it's a 3 hour train journey from Paris to Blois. The first night's hotel, where you'll head on arrival is across the street from the Blois-Chambord train station (Gare de Blois-Chambord) so an extremely convenient location.
Bike tour the Loire Valley.
Take a train ride through France to join this self-guided tour4. Bike Trip in Champagne
**France | Reims and Épernay | 5 days**
A cycling holiday in Champagne offers a wonderful combination of gentle exploration, beautiful scenery and, of course, opportunities to discover the region's famous sparkling wine.
Beginning in Reims, this self-guided tour takes you through rolling countryside, vineyards and charming villages. Along the way, you'll have the chance to visit champagne producers, explore historic sites and discover the chalk cellars where some of the world's best-known champagne is made.
Reims is particularly convenient for rail travellers, with train services, including high speed trains, from Paris Gare de l'Est. The tour begins and ends in Reims, making this one of the simpler options for a train-based cycling break. It's a lovely choice if you'd like to add a few days in Paris before or after your ride.
Experience Tasting and Cycling in Champagne.
Take the train from Paris to this fascinating region5. Cycle from Florence to Rome
**Italy | Florence to Rome | 8 days**
What could be better than exploring the heart of Italy by bike, with two of its most iconic cities at either end?
This cycling holiday takes you through the landscapes of Tuscany and Lazio, discovering beautiful hilltop towns, historic villages and the quieter side of central Italy. It's a wonderful way to experience the countryside between Florence and Rome, rather than simply travelling straight between the two cities.
And here's an added bonus for train lovers: rail travel is already built into the tour itinerary. You'll take a train from Florence to Arezzo at the beginning of the cycling journey, and another from Poggio Mirteto into Rome at the end. So you can enjoy the experience of travelling by train as part of the holiday itself.
With major railway stations at both ends, it's also a convenient option for extending your travels in Italy.
Beauty and History combined with Cycling.
Take the train to Italy for a wonderful cycling vacation6. Lisbon to Porto via the Historic Interior
**Portugal | Lisbon to Porto | 8 days**
This is a guided cycling holiday for those who want to discover a different side of Portugal. Rather than following the coast, the route heads inland through historic villages, rugged landscapes and some of the country's most beautiful countryside.
Over eight days, you'll discover medieval settlements, hilltop castles and national parks before reaching the spectacular Douro Valley, with its terraced vineyards and winding river.
The tour begins with a transfer from your own hotel in Lisbon into the interior, so you could opt for a hotel close to the train station, making an arrival by train easy and convenient. Lisbon and Porto are both major rail hubs, making it possible to incorporate train travel into a wider Portuguese itinerary. The tour itself also includes a scenic train journey and boat cruise through the Douro Valley before arriving in Porto.
Travel to Portugal for a Historic Bike Tour.
Train and bike this gem of a tour7. The Danube Cyclepath
**Austria | Schärding to Vienna | 8 days**
The Danube Cycle Path is one of Europe's great cycling routes, and this eight-day self-guided holiday is a wonderful introduction to it.
Starting in the pretty baroque town of Schärding, you'll follow the river downstream through beautiful landscapes, historic towns and the famous Wachau Valley before finishing in Vienna.
The riding is mostly flat, making this a particularly appealing option for those who enjoy a more leisurely cycling holiday. There are also opportunities to shorten some riding days using local trains or boats, giving you a little extra flexibility along the way.
Schärding is connected to the wider European rail network with frequent trains from Munich or Vienna airports, while Vienna offers excellent onward connections.
Explore the Danube by Bike.
Leisurely riding and beautiful scenic views8. Norfolk Rebellion Way
**England | Norwich circular route | 7 days**
Norfolk is a wonderful part of England to explore by bike, with its big skies, peaceful countryside, historic villages and beautiful coastline.
This seven-day guided cycling holiday follows the Rebellion Way, a 373km circular route starting and finishing in Norwich. Along the way, you'll discover the Norfolk Broads, traditional market towns, coastal scenery and sites associated with the region's fascinating history, including the stories of Boudicca and Robert Kett.
Norwich is well connected by train, with services from London and other parts of England. Even better, the tour includes scheduled transfers to and from Norwich railway station, making arrival and departure particularly straightforward.
Sublime English Beaches!
You might not expect to see it, but you'll find some stunning beaches in this part of the UK9. Romantic Road & Bavarian Lakes
**Germany | Augsburg circular route | 8 days**
If castles, lakes and picturesque Bavarian towns sound like your idea of a perfect cycling holiday, this one deserves a closer look.
Beginning and ending in Augsburg, this eight-day self-guided tour takes you through some of Bavaria's most beautiful landscapes. You'll pass sparkling lakes, historic towns and impressive architecture, with highlights including Andechs Monastery, the charming artist town of Murnau and the famous Neuschwanstein Castle.
Augsburg Hauptbahnhof (Augsburg Hbf), the city's main railway station, is a major railway hub, with convenient connections from Munich and other German cities. The hotel you'll head to on arrival is a 15-minute walk or a short tram/bus ride from the train station.
Ride Germany's Perfect Cycle Paths.
Immerse yourself in the fairytale beauty of the Romantic Road10. Plazaola Greenway: Pamplona to San Sebastián
**Spain | Pamplona to San Sebastián | 5 days**
For something a little different, head to northern Spain and the beautiful landscapes of the Basque Country and Navarre.
This five-day self-guided cycling holiday follows much of the Plazaola Greenway, taking you through lush valleys, Atlantic forests, mountain villages and a remarkable series of old railway tunnels. The route covers approximately 120km over three days of cycling, with a gentle overall descent towards the coast.
The tour begins in Pamplona and finishes in San Sebastián, both of which have connections to Spain's wider transport network. Barcelona to Pamplona on the train is approximately 4 hours, whilst Madrid to Pamplona is about 3.5 hours.
It's a lovely way to discover a quieter corner of Spain, finishing in one of the country's most celebrated food destinations.
Bicycle Tour Spain.
Train across Europe to enjoy a bit of a different Spanish cycle tourCan you take a cycling holiday in Europe without hiring a car?
Yes. Many European cycling holidays can be reached using a combination of international and regional trains, with local transfers where necessary. The best options are tours that start and finish near major railway stations or include transfers.
Can you take your own bicycle on European trains?
Often, yes, but bicycle policies vary considerably between rail operators and individual services. Some trains require bicycle reservations, some have limited spaces, and restrictions can vary between countries and services. If you'd rather avoid the extra logistics, many of our cycling holidays offer the option of hiring a bike at your destination.
Do cycling holidays include transfers from railway stations?
Some do, while others require you to arrange your own connection. A tour may be well connected by rail without the hotel being right beside the station. Check the individual tour details before booking.
A few things to consider when planning a train-based cycling holiday
Travelling by train can be a wonderful way to get around Europe, but a little planning goes a long way.
The good news is that you don't need to travel entirely by train to enjoy a more relaxed, train-friendly cycling holiday. Sometimes a short transfer is all that's needed to connect a great cycling route with Europe's extensive railway network.