Top 5 European holiday hotspots Britons can reach in as little as 1hr 20 by train

Travelling by train is a convenient and scenic way to see a new country, and many European countries are well-connected.

Many top destinations are also reachable by train from the UK, with experts naming the top five cities you can get to.

Paris takes roughly two hours and 24 minutes to get to from London, and was named as the top holiday option on the list, according to MoneySuperMarket.

Lille in France is the quickest to get to, however, with direct trains available in just over an hour from the UK's capital.

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Top 5 European holiday destinations to reach by train

1. Paris - approximately 2 hours 24 minutes
2. Amsterdam - approximately 4 hours
3. Brussels - approximately 2 hours 11 minutes
4. Lille - approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
5. Rotterdam - approximately 3 hours 30 minutes

All five destinations offer direct Eurostar connections from the capital. Train travel can be a scenic way to get around.

International train routes often land right in the centre of town, meaning Britons can get straight to exploring the city rather than spending time and money transferring from the airport.

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It is also often considered to be less stressful than navigating airports, security queues, and potential flight delays. Rising costs are another huge factor in many tourists' decisions to travel by train.

Fuel makes up around 20 to 30 per cent of what airlines spend to operate, and with prices climbing, ticket costs are creeping up.

Speaking of the benefits of rail travel, travel Insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, Alicia Hempsted, said: "With flight prices continuing to rise, many travellers are rethinking how they get away this summer.

"For those looking to avoid higher airfares and potential disruption, travelling by train can be a practical alternative that is often more affordable and less stressful.

"For those still hoping to enjoy a summer break without stretching their budget, rail-accessible destinations can be a great alternative. There's also the added convenience of arriving directly into city centres, avoiding lengthy airport transfers and giving travellers more time to enjoy their trip."

The research highlighted how flight prices have risen, making long-haul holidays less affordable. Flights from London to Melbourne have jumped by as much as 76 per cent compared to this time last year. Meanwhile, fares from Hong Kong to London have risen by up to 72 per cent year-on-year.

So it is no surprise British holidaymakers are rethinking their travel plans. Rail journeys are emerging as a more affordable and relaxed way to get abroad, and the numbers back this up.

Recent Google search data shows a sharp increase in interest in Eurostar, highlighting rising demand for rail-accessible holidays.

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