Underrated Routes: Eastern Europe by Rail
Eastern Europe offers some of the most authentic and visually striking train rides on the continent—without the crowds or price tags of their Western counterparts. These routes pass through medieval towns, lush mountains, and river valleys, offering slow travel at its best.
In this guide, we highlight seven underrated rail journeys that reveal the hidden soul of Eastern Europe. These aren’t flashy high-speed connections. They’re local, scenic, and incredibly memorable.
Underrated Routes: Eastern Europe by Rail
1. Belgrade to Bar Railway (Serbia–Montenegro)
Known as one of the most beautiful yet challenging railways in Europe, this line connects the Serbian capital Belgrade with the coastal town of Bar in Montenegro. The train crosses over 400 bridges and 250 tunnels, winding through the Dinaric Alps.
It’s an engineering marvel that remains largely under the radar for tourists.
| Route | Belgrade to Bar |
| Duration | ~11 hours |
| Scenery | Mountains, rivers, gorges |
| Highlight | Mala Rijeka Viaduct |
| Travel Tip | Bring snacks – few options onboard |
| Best Time | Late spring or early fall |
| Booking | Local rail sites or at station |
| Price | 25 USD / 23 EUR |
2. Košice to Čierna nad Tisou (Slovakia)
This rural route in eastern Slovakia offers wide-open views of flat farmlands, small villages, and Orthodox churches with golden domes. It’s quiet, atmospheric, and a great way to see a part of Slovakia most skip.
You’ll often share the ride with local families, workers, and students.
| Route | Košice to Čierna nad Tisou |
| Duration | ~2.5 hours |
| Scenery | Farmlands, forests, village life |
| Highlight | Authentic regional Slovak charm |
| Travel Tip | Buy ticket at station, cash accepted |
| Best Time | Late summer |
| Booking | ZSSK (Slovak Rail) |
| Price | 6 USD / 5.5 EUR |
3. Sofia to Septemvri (Bulgaria)
This journey gives you access to the famous narrow-gauge line up to Dobrinishte. From Sofia, the train travels through Bulgaria’s western interior—wooded hills, low peaks, and village stops.
It’s a slow ride, but one that gradually unveils Bulgaria’s pastoral charm.
| Route | Sofia to Septemvri |
| Duration | ~2 hours |
| Scenery | Hills, meadows, farmland |
| Highlight | Transfer to narrow-gauge Rhodope line |
| Travel Tip | Pair with mountain journey |
| Best Time | Spring or autumn |
| Booking | BDZ (Bulgarian State Railways) |
| Price | 5 USD / 4.5 EUR |
4. Zagreb to Split via Ogulin (Croatia)
An alternative to coastal buses or highways, this inland rail line carves through Croatia’s mountains and forests before arriving at the Adriatic coast.
It’s not a high-speed journey—but the vistas from the windows make it worthwhile.
| Route | Zagreb to Split |
| Duration | ~6.5 hours |
| Scenery | Forests, canyons, distant sea |
| Highlight | Mountain curves near Knin |
| Travel Tip | Daytime ride has best views |
| Best Time | Summer to fall |
| Booking | HŽPP (Croatian Railways) |
| Price | 30 USD / 28 EUR |
5. Lviv to Rakhiv (Ukraine)
This scenic ride through western Ukraine is a true mountain rail experience. Rakhiv is known as the highest city in Ukraine, and the train travels through the Carpathians to get there.
It’s a peaceful, slow journey ideal for lovers of nature and folk culture.
| Route | Lviv to Rakhiv |
| Duration | ~8.5 hours |
| Scenery | Carpathian mountains, rivers |
| Highlight | Traditional villages and pine forests |
| Travel Tip | No Wi-Fi or English signs – come prepared |
| Best Time | Summer or golden autumn |
| Booking | Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways) |
| Price | 10 USD / 9 EUR |
6. Pécs to Villány (Hungary)
A short ride through one of Hungary’s oldest wine regions, this route is ideal for a leisurely day trip. Vineyards stretch along both sides of the rail line.
It’s a favorite among locals for weekend tastings and harvest season visits.
| Route | Pécs to Villány |
| Duration | ~50 minutes |
| Scenery | Rolling vineyards |
| Highlight | Wine tastings at destination |
| Travel Tip | Visit during harvest festivals |
| Best Time | September–October |
| Booking | MÁV (Hungarian State Railways) |
| Price | 4 USD / 3.5 EUR |
7. Timișoara to Oravița (Romania)
This historic line is the oldest in Romania and features tunnels, bridges, and switchbacks built in the 19th century. The views stretch over lush valleys and rocky bluffs.
It’s slow and clunky—but full of character and ideal for railway history buffs.
| Route | Timișoara to Oravița |
| Duration | ~4.5 hours |
| Scenery | Valleys, tunnels, old stone bridges |
| Highlight | Semmering-style mountain track |
| Travel Tip | Bring water and patience |
| Best Time | Late spring or early autumn |
| Booking | CFR (Romanian Railways) |
| Price | 8 USD / 7.5 EUR |
Why Travel by Train in Eastern Europe
Train travel in Eastern Europe is more than a way to get from place to place—it’s a cultural dive into traditions, landscapes, and local rhythm. Many of these trains are part of everyday life for locals, which makes the experience more genuine and insightful.
They also provide a slower, more immersive way to connect with the region’s rich geography and history. Whether you’re hugging a mountain pass or crossing golden fields, there’s a sense of real discovery at every turn.
Real-Life Tip
Bring your own snacks, paper tickets (or screenshots), and plenty of patience. Eastern European rail infrastructure varies from country to country, and while trains are usually reliable, they’re not always fast or modern.
That’s part of the charm—embrace the unexpected, and you’ll remember the ride long after it ends.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some pitfalls travelers often face when riding rail in Eastern Europe:
- Assuming card payments work everywhere – cash is still king in many stations.
- Booking at the last minute – for rural or slow lines, availability may be limited.
- Expecting onboard services – bring water, snacks, and toilet paper.
- Overplanning connections – leave buffer time in case of delays.
Takeaway
Eastern Europe is a treasure trove of rail journeys that many travelers overlook. These underrated routes offer unforgettable views, warm local encounters, and a genuine taste of regional culture—all from your seat by the window.
Plan ahead, slow down, and let the rhythm of the rails introduce you to a quieter, richer side of European travel.