5 Breathtaking European Journeys You Can Take Without a Car

By Sofa Ibrahim

Can’t drive? Don’t want to drive? Too anxious to even think about it?

I get it—because I’m you.

The idea of navigating unfamiliar roads, traffic rules, and tight parking spaces in a foreign country can be overwhelming. Personally, I’ve avoided the freeway in LA for years. I’ve taken side streets, begged friends for rides, Ubered, and leaned hard on Amtrak to get around. Driving anxiety is real—and expensive.

So when I travel, I look for beautiful, accessible experiences that don’t require me to get behind the wheel. And in Europe? That’s not just possible—it’s magical.

Thanks to Europe’s world-class train systems and seamless public transportation, you can explore stunning landscapes, charming towns, and remote corners of the continent—without the stress of driving. Whether you're solo, tired, anxious, or just want someone else to do the navigating, these five scenic routes prove you don’t need a car to see the best of Europe.

1. Take the Glacier Express through the Swiss Alps

This iconic Swiss train takes you on an eight-hour journey through snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and fairytale villages. It’s like riding through a postcard. The large panoramic windows make it easy to soak in every view without ever needing to steer or stop for gas.

2. Ride the Belmond Royal Scotsman through Scotland

Ready to splurge a little? This luxury train experience rolls through the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Think fine dining, cozy cabins, and cinematic views of lochs and glens—all while someone else drives. Yes, please.

3. Explore Cinque Terre by Local Train in Italy

These five colorful cliffside villages along the Ligurian coast are famously car-unfriendly—and that’s the point. A local train connects all five towns, making it easy to hop on and off for seaside strolls, lemon gelato, and photo ops galore.

4. Ride the Bernina Express from Italy to Switzerland

Another showstopper, the Bernina Express links Tirano, Italy to St. Moritz, Switzerland. It crosses the Alps on a UNESCO World Heritage route, gliding past glaciers, turquoise lakes, and stone viaducts. No car could ever compete with this kind of view.

Discover the Scottish Countryside on the Jacobite Steam Train

Harry Potter fans, this one's for you. The Jacobite Steam Train is the real-life “Hogwarts Express,” crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct and winding through moody Scottish landscapes. It’s enchanting even if you’ve never read the books.

A Few Notes from a Non-Driver

As someone who doesn’t drive, here’s what I love about train travel in Europe:

  • It’s relaxing. You can actually enjoy the scenery.

  • It’s great for neurodivergent kids—less sensory overload, and more opportunity to just watch the world go by.

  • You can walk around, stretch your legs, and even dine onboard.

  • It’s clean, safe, and affordable—especially when compared to renting a car, paying tolls, and filling up on gas.

Yes, it might be a little inconvenient to carry your bags or follow a train schedule. But honestly? It’s better than letting the fear of driving stop you from seeing the world.

And remember: you can always mix things up. Take a scenic train, then hop on a tour, cruise, or even a short local taxi ride. It’s all figure-out-able.

Want Help Planning a Scenic Train Trip?

If you're not sure where to start—or just want someone to map it out for you—I’d love to help. I offer travel planning services, especially for travelers who need car-free options. Fill out [this form] to get started!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Famous River Cruise Around The World for First Cruiser

By Sofa Ibrahim
Image
If you never ever been on a cruise and you are ready for an adventure beyond the shore, this blog is for you. Hello Travel Lovers,  My name is Sofia, I am a travel lover who has never considered to go on a cruise until I became a travel agent. I feel very ashamed to say this but I've always felt that cruise is for seniors. I looked down on taking cruise because I thought it was boring. As I earned my way to be a travel agent, I learnt that traveling on a cruise offers a complete different experience. It can equally fun and exciting as the land tours I did. Cruise holiday is for everyone - of any age and lifestyle. Cruise tour is chic. Cruise tour is fun. There is something for everyone and I am here to share what I've learned from my intense training about holiday on a cruise. There are two types of cruise - river and ocean cruise. River cruise are cruises that sail along the river, while ocean cruise are cruises that sail across the deep blue waters. As there are a lot of info...
Read more

Flying with Your Autistic Child: How to Plan Your First Flight Without the Overwhelm

By Sofa Ibrahim
Image
Flying on an airplane should feel like an exciting adventure. But if you're the parent of an autistic child, the idea of air travel can bring up a whole wave of anxiety. What if they have a meltdown at security? What if the plane is delayed and you’re stuck on the tarmac? What if... what if... what if? You’re not alone. I’ve been there. The fear is real—but with the right strategy, your first flight doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, it can be the beginning of something amazing. First, Let’s Talk About the Real Fear When most parents think about flying with their autistic child, the first concern isn’t the suitcase—it’s the uncertainty . Our kids often thrive with structure and predictability. Airports and airplanes? Not exactly known for either of those. The key is to make that first experience as calm, simple, and predictable as possible—for both of you. My Solution: Start Small, Start Smart Your first flight should be a practice flight , not a big international adven...
Read more

Week 1: Our Worldschooling Adventure - Learning on the Road with a Neurodivergent Child.

By Sofa Ibrahim
What is Worldschooling? At its heart, worldschooling is learning through travel—using the world as a classroom. For some families, it means exploring new countries while following a structured curriculum. For others, it’s about letting experiences guide the learning. For us, it’s a mix of both. How I Approach It I’m still old school when it comes to education. I believe in the power of pen and paper. There’s something about writing things down that helps imprint information—it anchors the lesson. Technology has its place, but I’m very much a notebook-and-pencil kind of learner, and I try to pass that along. I also believe in structure and repetition. That’s how I learned growing up in Singapore, where the pace and depth of learning always felt just right—until high school, when it sped up too much and I began to struggle. I eventually took night classes to get to college, and I saw first-hand the difference in workload, discipline, and support. That experience shaped how I now supp...
Read more