The book spec

Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide

KEY FACTS - Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide

Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide
New, fully updated 17th edition
ISBN: 978-3-945225-03-5
Publication date: 12 April 2022. Reprinted with minor updates and amendments in September 2022 and July 2023.

by Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries

Download a high-resolution image of the book cover.

Research, writing, design and layout by hidden europe editorial bureau (Gardner & Kries GbR) in Berlin, Germany

Published by hidden europe publications

Printed and bound by GraphyCems of Villatuerta (Navarra) Spain

Distribution by CBL Distribution of Birmingham, England. Contact CBL at or call +44 121 608 3950.

Colour maps on inside front and back covers by David McCutcheon FBCart.S. of DVD Maps

Extent: 544 pages (paperback)
Size: 135 x 216 mm
Weight: 600 g
UK List Price: £18.99

32 colour images
12 black and white images
50 sketch maps of the routes
3 overview maps in full colour (inside front and back covers)

© 2022, 2023 Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries

About the book

Whether you are making a long grand tour or just planning a couple of weekend breaks, Europe by Rail is the perfect guide. The book describes 50 key routes in detail. Together, they span mainland Europe and the British Isles. Each route can be followed in its entirety or used as a building block in a longer itinerary. Beyond the main routes you will find worthwhile excursions well off the beaten track.

Written by two highly experienced travellers, Europe by Rail contains useful tips about how to plan your journey, what tickets to buy and where to stop off along the way. There are special sections for holders of rail passes, including Interrail and Eurail, as well as information on night trains. The country guide summarizes key information about travelling by train through each of the four dozen countries listed. Apart from being full of good advice and up-to-date information, Europe by Rail is also a great read. With its nicely opinionated style and lots of cameo accounts of travel history, there’s plenty here for armchair travellers too.

About the authors

Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries are Berlin-based travel writers and the editors of hidden europe magazine. Their work for media across Europe highlights the variety of European life and landscapes.

What's new in this 17th edition of Europe by Rail

The 17th edition now contains 50 rail routes. Among the edition's highlights are:

  • Improved Swiss and French coverage
  • New routes to Germany, Slovakia and Romania
  • UNESCO World Heritage rail routes
  • High-speed routes for those in a hurry
  • Slow diversions for those who like to dawdle
  • Classic Alpine journeys
  • Better coverage of ferries and shipping links
  • Information on Europe’s new night trains
  • Updated Eurail and Interrail pass information

The authors, Susanne Kries and Nicky Gardner, can be contacted by email at editors [at] europebyrail [dot] eu or via the website's online contact form. The authors are available for media interviews, and can be approached directly.