How do you travel to your vacation destination? Most people either drive or fly. Often, there is a more sustainable—more relaxed—solution: Take a train! 

Naturally, you will need a vacation destination that is easily reachable by train. And if this is possible, you can also save CO2 emissions. In comparison: The distance from Berlin to Munich (504.80 km) saves 273.6 kg of CO2 per person. Especially for short distances, traveling by train is significantly more eco-friendly—and you won’t be traveling much longer.

From West to East, we present a few European destinations that are ideal for your car-free vacation.

Relaxed on vacation in Paris

A former monastery and now a boutique hotel, Hôtel Le Pavillon, is a true insiders’ tip for its garden and terrace. When you want to explore France’s capital at leisure, this is the place to stay: the Le Pavillon is close to the Eiffel Tower and easily accessed by public transportation links from all major train stations and from the airport. It has a convenient location in the center of the city, with easy access to many of the city’s attractions. For example, the Musée d’Orsay, Montmartre, the Opera, the Louve or Boulevard Hausmann are all within easy reach with no need to change trains. If you prefer pedaling on your own, the nearest bike rental station is just a few steps away. 

But cities aren’t the only places perfect for a car-free vacation: Beneath the Matterhorn, the town of Zermatt is car free—so it is obvious to travel by train. Above all because you can see some sights at a leisurely pace on the journey through the Vispertal valley itself. These include, for instance, the highest mountains in Switzerland: Täschhorn, Dom and Weisshorn. 

Sustainable transfer to the hotel 

CERVO Mountain Resort will pick you up with the electric cab directly from the train station in Zermatt and take you to the hotel. From there, you can head straight to the slopes or to hiking and biking tours.

Just outside the village center is the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt.  The skiing and hiking region Sunnegga/Rothorn is reached comfortably with the elevator to the valley station, which is situated just above the hotel. You can also get to the Matterhorn Express or Gornergrat by bus.

In South Tyrol, Italy, you are more likely to travel by train. Bolzano is very well-connected to the Central European train network. From Bolzano’s railroad station, the Rittner cable car can be reached by foot in just about five minutes. A trip on the Rittner cable car is a unique experience on your vacation: You have the city of Bolzano at your feet, the picturesque vineyards along the slopes, and the wooded Mendel Ridge on the one side and the rugged peaks of the Dolomites at the other horizon. A grandiose view! After 950 altitude meters and a drive of only twelve minutes, the journey ends in Oberbozen on the Rittner high plateau. 

Enjoy impressive views in South Tyrol

When you travel to the APIPURA Hotel Rinner, you switch to the Rittner narrow gauge railroad just a few meters further on. The ride takes you past manicured meadows, dark forests and a stunning panorama of South Tyrol’s iconic mountain Schlern. The Rinner is located just a few steps from the stop. 

In the Austrian Alps, getting there by bus and train is no problem either. For example, the Summit Lodges in Pfunds are easy to reach from the Landeck-Zams train station. You can  take the bus from here to Pfunds. In summer, the SummerCard Basic allows you to use the bus from Landeck to Nauders for free. 

There is a somewhat similar offer in the popular resort of Sölden. The Ötztal Summer Card, included in the accommodation price, lets you ride the bus for free in the whole Ötztal. And thanks to the super location of The Peak, you can quickly get to anywhere by foot: The village center can be easily accessed in 15 to 20 minutes and several hiking, biking and skiing trails start right in front of the door. The LENI MOUNTAIN in Sölden provides the same—both for the apartment house and for the chalet.

Although Leutasch is not as well known as a vacation region, it does offer you the same option: If you vacation at the Naturhotel Aufatmen, you can use all the buses in the region free of charge during your vacation. The team will assist you to choose your connections. With the bus stop directly at the door and free arrival and departures from the station, you will always have a safe bet here.

Uncomplicated connections to the public transport system

For the Outside, mobility is a crucial part of sustainable travel. Coming from the North, the Outside can be easily reached via the main train station in Kitzbühl. From there, you can take the direct bus or travel by shuttle service. Your guest card allows free use of most public transportation in the area. In case you bring an e-bike, you can recharge it for free at the hotel.

Also perfect for winter sports enthusiasts among you: In the winter, a ski bus stops in front of the Outside regularly and brings all slope and cross-country skiing fans to the ski area in 3 minutes. 

The La Subida is on the border of Italy and Slovenia, approximately 25 km from Monfalcone and the Gulf of Trieste. For your arrival, though, that’ not a problem: the team is happy to pick you up at the nearest station! The estate, with its pool and its renowned Trattoria, has been built with much attention to detail, based on the model of a farmhouse settlement. 

When you spend your vacations there, be sure to take a trip out to the nearby “Laghetti rossi” Nature Reserve, home to a colorful world of waterfowl.

By bus to an island

The Eco Aparthotel The Dreamers’ Club is situated on the island of Korçula, just off the coast of southern Dalmatia. Now, you are probably wondering: By train to an island? Well, that’s not quite possible, of course, but you can get to Split or Dubrovnic easily by train or Flixbus. Then you can cross over from there to Korçula town by catamaran: an unusual start to your vacation. From there, Eco Aparthotel’s six studios are only a 10-minute bus ride away. There’s even a public bus that goes from Dubrovnik onto the island. 

It is easy not to use the car on the island: Get around the island by using the bikes available to rent directly from the hotel. From the Dreamers Club you can ride on many beautiful cycling paths along the coast or in the surrounding vineyards. However, you have plenty of reasons to simply relax at your accommodation: the beach and turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea are just 50 meters away. You can also unwind in the garden on sun loungers or over a drink and tapas.

Have you already traveled by bus and train on vacation? We’d love to hear about your experiences.

You might also be interested in this: Dog-friendly vacation in Germany and Austria

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