Pack your bags and lace up those wanderlust shoes; we’re about to take a train journey that’ll zigzag through the heart of Europe, all along the mighty Rhine River.
You will be hopping from one jaw-dropping city to another, sipping on the finest wines and coolest beers, munching on delicious eats, and soaking up all the scenic beauty and rich history this region has to offer.
All aboard the Eurail express to explore the cities of the Rhine!
Image Credit: Getty Images, Aleksandar Georgiev. Image Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Wait, what’s the Eurail Global Pass and why would I want one?
The Eurail Global Pass is your all-you-can-ride ticket to Europe’s train party, where hopping on and off is part of the fun. Meaning, you can explore Zürich, Basel, Strasbourg, Frankfurt, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and more all on one ticket. Just a heads-up, though: some trains might ask for a small extra fee to book your seat, so keep that in mind.
Image Credit: Getty Images, SerrNovik. Image Location: Basel, Switzerland
The Rhine by train: your travel-ready Eurail Itinerary
Zürich to Basel: start with Swiss splendor
Our journey kicks off in Zürich. Think pristine lakes, swanky streets, and chocolate that melts in your mouth and not in your hand. Then, it’s a short hop to Basel. An art lover’s dream, the city boasts museums galore and a charming Old Town begging for a leisurely stroll.
The 54-minute ride from Zürich to Basel offers stunning Swiss landscapes to gaze at through the window.
Basel to Strasbourg: your French affair
Next, we glide into Strasbourg, where France and Germany have a beautiful love child. Wander through the storybook streets of La Petite France, and don’t forget to climb up the cathedral for awe-inspiring views.
The 72-mile journey from Basel to Strasbourg by train takes only 1h 18m.
And here’s a simple guide to Strasbourg train station.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Anton Petrus. Image Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Strasbourg to Frankfurt: high-speed and to the point
From Strasbourg, zip over to Frankfurt, a city that’s more than just banks and business. Check out the Römerberg historical market square, dip into the local Apfelwein culture, and maybe catch a skyline sunset that’ll knock your socks off.
Traveling from Strasbourg to Frankfurt is a breeze with Deutsche Bahn’s ICE trains—think less than two hours of cool, comfy, and connected travel, complete with snacks on tap and your gadgets always charged!
Get inspired by our list of the best things to do in Frankfurt.
Frankfurt to Bonn and Cologne: Rhine romance
Bonn, Beethoven’s birthplace, offers a melody of museums and a slice of serene Rhine-side charm. Then, it’s a short ride to Cologne, where the cathedral is not just a photo op; it’s a masterpiece that took over 600 years to complete.
Traveling from Frankfurt (Main) to Bonn can take as little as 1h 44m. And getting from Bonn to Cologne is even faster—from just 19 minutes.
Discover where to try the best German beer along the way!
Image Credit: Getty Images, frantic00. Image Location: Düsseldorf, Germany
Cologne to Düsseldorf: chic and cheeky
Düsseldorf awaits with its fashion-forward attitude, bustling Japanese district, and a riverfront promenade that’s perfect for a sunset stroll. It’s chic, it’s fun, and it’s unapologetically vibrant.
The train ride from Cologne to Düsseldorf is incredibly quick—from only 20m.
Düsseldorf to Utrecht and Rotterdam: Dutch delights
On to the Netherlands we go, Utrecht first throws you a curveball with canals that could rival Venice’s charm, all set against a backdrop of its historic yet hip streets. Not to be outdone, Rotterdam cranks up the tempo with avant-garde architecture that looks straight out of a sci-fi flick, a market hall buzzing with flavors, and a port life that keeps the city’s heart thumping.
The fastest Düsseldorf to Utrecht trains take as little as 1h 48m. Then, it’s only 37m to get from Utrecht to Rotterdam.
Read on to learn the top things to do in Rotterdam.
Rotterdam to Amsterdam: the grand finale
Finally, we hit Amsterdam, the perfect endnote to this Rhine adventure. With iconic canals setting the stage, the city’s blend of historic charm and modern buzz is unbeatable. Whether you’re here to marvel at masterpieces in the museums, bike along the waterfront, or wander through fairy-tale streets, Amsterdam wraps up the trip with the perfect mix of chill and thrill.
It takes only 39m to reach Amsterdam from Rotterdam by train.
If you’re hungry for more, find out where to see windmills near Amsterdam and how to plan the best day trips by train from the Netherlands’ capital city.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
FAQs: How to see the best cities of the Rhine by train
Are there any direct trains from Amsterdam to Frankfurt?
Looking for a speedy route from Dutch canals to German skyscrapers? The direct Amsterdam to Frankfurt train whisks you there in just under 4h.
Is the train route from Amsterdam to Zürich scenic?
Oh, that’s an understatement! The journey might be a bit longer, about 8 hours, but it’s packed with scenic delights that make it totally worth it. It’s a perfect way to see the changing landscapes as you cross borders. And if you hop on the night train from Amsterdam to Zürich, you can even skip paying for a hotel that night.
What’s special about Switzerland’s trains?
Swiss trains are like the gold standard of rail travel: punctual, clean, and with views that look like they’ve been photoshopped (but, trust us, they’re real). For a deep dive into the ultimate Swiss rail experience, check out this Eurail Pass Switzerland train travel itinerary.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Achim Thomae. Image Location: Rhine Falls, Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Can I visit the Rhine Falls by train?
Yes, and you absolutely should! Take a short train ride from Zürich to Schaffhausen and witness Europe’s largest waterfall in all its thundering glory.
What should I know about German trains?
German trains are your reliable buddy for exploring the Rhine’s cities. They’re efficient, comfortable, and cover pretty much every nook and cranny along the river.
Can I really get anywhere in the Netherlands by train?
Pretty much! The Netherlands might be small, but its train network is mighty. You can zip from the tulip fields in the countryside to the heart of Amsterdam without breaking a sweat. It’s like the whole country’s connected by an invisible spiderweb, but way more organized and a lot less sticky.
Grab your Eurail Pass to unlock the Rhine's treasures, where each stop tells its own story. And to keep your journey smooth, download the Trainline app for the latest schedules and your personal travel planner in your pocket.
Need more Eurail info? Check out our comprehensive guide to all things Eurail.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, iiievgeniy. Image Location: Strasbourg, France