From a vintage rail car twisting and turning through the Swiss Alpine mountains to the high-speed TGV hugging the coast of the Mediterranean, European rail travel offers an authentic experience that combines first-class comfort, city center service, and on-time reliability. Europe is calling, “All Aboard!.” Rail Europe is proud to offer first-class accommodations on most European trains and multiple premier classes of service on a selection of high-speed and overnight trains. Adding value and convenience to your vacation, you are able to choose electronic ticketing on the national rail networks of Great Britain, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, and on the Eurostar & Thalys trains.

With a first-class ticket, the journey begins with access to participating rail carrier train station lounges. Take advantage of this extra perk by relaxing in spacious lounge areas, checking your e-mail with free Wi-Fi, savoring complimentary refreshments, and much more. Once on board, you will be amazed that the comforts and amenities rival those of the best airlines’ business class offerings.

Here is a sampling of what you can expect when traveling in first-class style aboard European trains…

Choose between Prima & Club “Ambience” on Italo, Italy’s newest high-speed renaissance, where you will revel in the comforts of lux leather seats and attentive service. For those that expect more out of their journey, travel in Executive Class aboard Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa, complete with exclusive carriages that only seat eight passengers and offer at-seat meal service and open bar. Spain’s high-speed AVE train, a modern transportation marvel, is both sleek and comforting at the same time — elegant simplicity at its best. Eurostar, the high-speed “Chunnel” train that links London to Brussels, Paris, and the South of France, has its own first-rate service, Business Premier, which includes spacious seating, a 3-course meal, and at-station privileges. Switzerland’s scenic trains provide breathtaking panoramic views all from the comforts of first-class surroundings. Not to be outshined by other premier trains, Thalys, France’s TGV, UK’s Virgin, and Germany’s ICE trains offer generous accommodations, onboard amenities, and their own unique touches of first-class. Next time your travels take you to Europe, leave behind the hassles of roadmaps and airports, and welcome the smooth journeys of rail. And remember, train travel is more than getting from one place to another — it’s a destination unto itself.

Amenities inlcude

With Virgin, your Premier class ticket & 1st-class BritRail Pass include complimentary meals and drink midweek and free Wi-Fi.