How fast do European trains go?

Are Eurail trains high-speed?

Ugh, Eurostar. London to Paris, right? That's fast, definitely high-speed. But is every Eurail train high-speed? Nope. That's a total misconception. Some are, some aren't. It depends. So annoying. I hate that.

ICE trains in Germany? Those are blazing fast. Seriously, like ridiculously quick. Much better than Amtrak, that's for sure. Remember that awful delay I had last year on Amtrak? Never again.

Eurail itself is just a pass, not a train type. A ticket, basically. Think of it like a plane ticket – doesn't mean every flight is a supersonic jet. It's frustrating. Why is this so confusing?

Key differences:

• Eurostar: High-speed, specific routes. London focus. Expensive, but worth it.
• ICE: High-speed, Germany. Efficient, reliable, usually on time (unlike that one time I...).
• Other Eurail trains: Variable speeds. Regional lines are slower. Expect delays. Prepare for it.

I need to book my trip to Rome this year. Must remember to check the specific train speed. Maybe I should just fly. It’s so much easier. Or is it? Nah, I’m stubborn. I'll stick to the train. But high speed only. Absolutely. 2024 is the year. I'm doing it!

How fast are the German trains?

Damn, German trains… Fast. Really fast.

ICE? That's the InterCityExpress. Think sleek, silver bullets.

They hit 300 km/h, sometimes. Crazy, right? On those special high-speed tracks. Other lines? Slower, of course. Still quick though. 230 km/h isn't bad.

My last trip, Munich to Berlin. Flew by. Too fast, almost. I missed the countryside blurring past. A fleeting glimpse.

The punctuality… usually reliable. But… delays happen. Always a gamble. Always some small irritation.

• Speed: Up to 300 km/h on high-speed lines; 230 km/h on others.
• Comfort: Generally comfortable, though it can get crowded. I prefer a seat by the window.
• Reliability: Mostly on time, but expect the occasional delay. Annoying, honestly.
• My experience: A recent trip was smooth. Other times, not so much. I hate when they are delayed. It ruins the day, you know?
• Cost: Pricey, especially if you book last minute. Learnt that the hard way last year, during my summer holiday.

This whole thing makes me wistful, for some reason. Need another trip. Maybe next year. I need a break.

What European country has the fastest trains?

When it comes to zippy trains in Europe, Switzerland is often touted as the place to be.

Sure, Germany boasts its ICE trains, and France flaunts its TGVs, but there's something about the Swiss efficiency. It's not just top speed; it's the punctuality, the scenery, and the darn clean carriages. I used to ride trains in Switzlerand so clean.

Switzerland might have captured the spirit of rail travel, focusing on the overall experience rather than sheer velocity. Do we really need to go that fast, anyway? Maybe slowing down is the real luxury.

The Gotthard Panorama Express is an experience.

• It's not about beating any speed records.
• It's about enjoying the views while trundling along at a perfectly respectable pace.
• Besides, the Swiss seem to have mastered the art of making even mundane journeys feel special.

Stadler, the Swiss rolling stock manufacturer, builds many fast trains. Their trains hit around 250 km/h outside Switzerland. The 11-car trainsets are nice.

How fast is the high-speed train from Berlin to Munich?

Man, that Berlin to Munich ICE train? Fast. I took it last July, a scorching hot day, remember sweating like a pig even with the AC. The whole trip felt crazy quick. I was there for a conference, super important. Almost missed my flight back, seriously freaking out. It felt like under four hours. Officially it's around 4 hours. Maybe 3:55? It was a blur.

Anyway, the train itself, sleek, modern, but seriously crowded. Small seats, felt cramped. But I got a window seat, that was nice, at least. The scenery was beautiful. Bavarian countryside, stunning. Rolling green hills. So beautiful. I was exhausted though, from running around.

Key things:

• Speed: Felt super fast. Definitely over 200 kph. I swear they were going at least 300. I didn't check the speed though.
• Comfort: Not the best. Overcrowded. Seats a little small for my tall frame. The AC worked though, bless that thing.
• Scenery: Amazing. Seriously worth the ride.

That ICE train, a big machine, I will say that. They use them for connections across Europe, a network I think. France, Austria, etc., all connected! That’s what the website said.

I would use it again, despite the slightly uncomfortable seating. I prefer trains to planes anyway.

How fast is the Euromed train?

Man, that Euromed train from Barcelona to Alicante in 2024? Fast. Really fast. I swear, it felt like 200km/h at times, maybe even faster on some stretches. The scenery though, wow. Pure Mediterranean bliss. Sun, sea, those little whitewashed villages... stunning.

I took it last August, a Tuesday, if I recall correctly. Needed a quick trip. The whole journey, a total escape. My seat was comfy. I could adjust it, you know, so I faced the sea the whole time. Bliss. Seriously, could have stayed there for days.

The speed was incredible. I was glued to my window, hardly blinking. The landscape zoomed by. Felt like a movie, honest. My phone's photo gallery is full of blurry pictures, lol. I was so busy enjoying the view! That's why I don't have any accurate speed readings unfortunately!

• Speed: At least 200km/h, felt faster.
• Comfort: Seats are awesome, adjustable.
• Scenery: Breathtaking Mediterranean views.
• Date: August 2024, Tuesday (I think).
• Route: Barcelona to Alicante.

I'd definitely take it again in a heartbeat. Seriously considering another trip next summer. This time I'll try to get some decent pictures. Maybe even a video. Need to remember to actually be less mesmerized by the view. The service was great too, btw. Nothing major to complain about there. Just amazing, that's all.

Does Portugal have a good train system?

Portugal's train system? A charming anachronism, really. Think of it as a vintage car – reliable, if a bit creaky. It gets you there, eventually. Air conditioning? A delightful surprise, like finding a twenty in an old coat.

Key Features:

• Romance over Rapidity: Speed isn't its strong suit. Expect scenic delays. Picture a leisurely Sunday drive, not a Formula One race.
• Functional, not Flashy: It works. Mostly. Like my old bicycle—a little rusty, but gets the job done.
• Surprisingly Comfortable (sometimes): Those AC moments are pure gold, believe me. Pure gold. My trip to Évora last summer was unexpectedly pleasant, thanks to the air conditioning.
• Scenic Routes: The views often compensate for the pace. Think postcard-perfect landscapes, not boring tunnels.

My Experience: My recent journey from Lisbon to Porto was...eventful. The train smelled faintly of oranges and old leather. The air conditioning was actually working! A miracle!

Improvements Needed: A few more express lines would be a dream. Maybe a little less reliance on that "vintage charm." But hey, slow travel has its merits, right? I personally appreciate the laid-back atmosphere.