The best thing about travelling in Europe? Being able to hop from one city (or country!) to another, in under an hour, is up there. And with train tickets starting at less than a tenner, there’s really no reason not to…

Copenhagen to Malmo

Or the other way around

Zip across the iconic Oresund Bridge from Copenhagen to Malmö for the perfect Scandi day trip. Visit the adorable Christmas markets, sip on warm glögg and munch on saffron buns, while twinkling lights set the festive mood. Oh, and since you’re crossing over to Sweden, this trip also comes with ‘I saw two countries in one day’ bragging rights.

Berlin to Dresden

Swap edgy Berlin for fairytale-like Dresden when you hop aboard a two-hour train ride. This dinky but dreamy city is so different from Berlin, you might even feel like you’re in a different country. Brimming with baroque relics, Dresden’s old town features gorgeous palaces and castles – just don’t forget to look up…

Pisa to Florence

Or the other way around

Forget long travel days – this breezy ride takes you from the Leaning Tower to the heart of the Renaissance in just 1.5 hours. Florence is basically an open-air museum, with jaw-dropping art, historic streets and mouthwatering Tuscan food that you’ll be thinking of long after you’re back home. Need we say more?

Vienna to Bratislava

Or the other way around

Vienna to Bratislava in less than an hour? Yes please. One moment you’re sipping a coffee in the Austrian capital, and the next, you’re wandering through the charming streets of Slovakia’s largest city. Think medieval castles, quirky museums and riverside bars that won’t break the bank. Pro tip: order some dumplings. They’re as good as you think.

Porto to Lisbon

Portugal’s two coolest cities are connected by a speedy 2.5-hour train ride – it’s a no-brainer, right? Depart from Porto’s train station (make sure to swing by the so-called most beautiful McDonald’s in the world on your way there) and arrive in Lisbon. Here, spend the day exploring historic tram-lined streets, taking pics of the colourful, tiled streets and consuming an unholy amount of pastel de nata.

Budapest to Vienna

Or the other way around

Why settle for one iconic European capital when you can have two? Leave Budapest’s steamy thermal baths behind and roll into Vienna, the land of elegant palaces and top-tier coffee culture. Hit up a classic café, stroll along art-filled streets and pop into a museum or two before returning to the Pearl of the Danube.

Salzburg to Innsbruck

Or the other way around

A train ride through the Alps? Say less. In just two hours, go from Salzburg’s Mozart-filled streets to Innsbruck’s snow-capped fairytale setting. Ride the funicular for next-level mountain views, explore the charming Old Town and breathe in that crisp, fresh alpine air.