The best 2-in-1 city breaks: Discover Europe and beyond without flying 🚆👀

Why choose 2-in-1 city breaks? Combining two (or more) cities in one trip not only maximises your travel experience but also embodies the principles of slow travel. This approach allows you to immerse yourself more deeply in each place, embracing the journey as much as the destination.

The benefits of no-fly travel? It's eco-friendly and reduces your carbon footprint, the journey will be more relaxing, allowing you to enjoy scenic routes and comfortable travel, and, lastly, you'll explore lesser-known areas between cities, providing you with a more authentic experience.

We've listed the top 2-in-1 no-fly city breaks in Europe and beyond below 👇

1. Paris to Brussels

Travel from the romantic streets of Paris to the cosmopolitan charm of Brussels in just 1 hour and 20 minutes by high-speed train.

Paris highlights: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Montmartre.

Brussels highlights: Grand Place, Atomium, Manneken Pis.

How to Travel

Train: Thalys high-speed train.

Experience: Enjoy the French countryside and Belgian landscapes along the way.

2. Vienna to Budapest

A 2-hour and 40-minute train ride connects the historic grandeur of Vienna with the dynamic spirit of Budapest.

Vienna highlights: Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Naschmarkt.

Budapest highlights: Buda Castle, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Parliament Building.

How to Travel

Train: ÖBB Railjet.

Experience: Marvel at the picturesque scenery along the Danube River.

3. Amsterdam to Rotterdam

Two of the Netherlands' most vibrant cities are connected with a quick 40-minute train journey (or in around 1 hour 15 minutes if you choose the slightly cheaper train).

Amsterdam highlights: Canals, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House.

Rotterdam highlights: Erasmus Bridge, Markthal, Cube Houses.

How to Travel

Train: Intercity Direct.

Experience: Contrast the historical charm of Amsterdam with Rotterdam's modern architecture.

4. Barcelona to Valencia

A 3-hour train ride brings you from the artistic hub of Barcelona to the coastal beauty of Valencia.

Barcelona highlights: Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Gothic Quarter.

Valencia highlights: City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia Cathedral, La Lonja.

How to Travel

Train: Renfe Euromed.

Experience: Enjoy stunning views of Spain's Mediterranean coastline.

5. Berlin to Prague

Journey between the vibrant streets of Berlin and the enchanting charm of Prague in just over 4 hours by train.

Berlin highlights: Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, Museum Island.

Prague highlights: Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square.

How to Travel

Train: Deutsche Bahn.

Experience: Enjoy scenic views of the German and Czech countryside.

6. Florence to Rome

Travel between the heart of the Renaissance and the Eternal City in 1.5 hours by high-speed train or around 2.5 hours with a slower, cheaper train.

Florence highlights: Uffizi Gallery, Florence Cathedral, Ponte Vecchio.

Rome highlights: Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain.

How to Travel

Train: Trenitalia Frecciarossa.

Experience: Relish the rolling landscapes of Tuscany and Lazio.

7. Copenhagen to Malmö

Discover the seamless connection between Denmark and Sweden with a 40-minute bus ride over the Øresund Bridge. You can get cheaper buses that take up to 1 hour 30 minutes.

You can also get a train, but it's significantly more expensive than the bus (from €29) for a similar length of time (30 minutes), so we think it's better value to take the bus.

Copenhagen highlights: Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, The Little Mermaid.

Malmö highlights: Turning Torso, Malmö Castle, Lilla Torg.

How to Travel

Bus: Bus4you or Flixbus.

Train: Öresundståg.

Experience: Cross the iconic Øresund Bridge with stunning views of the Baltic Sea.

8. Lisbon to Porto

Explore Portugal’s most captivating cities with a scenic 3-hour train journey. The journey is quite luxurious and costs from €29. However, there is an option to go by bus from 3 hours and 15 minutes, which will set you back from £5.50, so there's options no matter what your budget.

Lisbon highlights: Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Alfama District.

Porto highlights: Ribeira District, Livraria Lello, Porto Cathedral.

How to Travel

Bus: Flixbus, Alsa or Inters Portugal - Rede Nacional De Expressos.

Train: Comboios de Portugal Alfa Pendular.

Experience: Enjoy the beautiful coastal landscapes of Portugal.

... Now for some outside of Europe!

9. New York City to Washington D.C.

Travel between these two major U.S. cities in approximately 3 hours by train.

New York highlights: Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square.

Washington D.C. highlights: The White House, National Mall, Smithsonian Museums.

How to Travel

Train: Amtrak Acela Express.

Experience: Discover the diverse landscapes of the northeastern United States.

10. Sydney to Melbourne

A scenic 11-hour train journey connects these vibrant Australian cities.

Sydney Highlights: Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Harbour Bridge.

Melbourne Highlights: Federation Square, Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Zoo.

How to Travel

Train: NSW TrainLink XPT.

Experience: Experience the beauty of Australia's East Coast.