The Coastal Train Trips to Take This Summer—For Awe-Inspiring Views With No Driving Required
There’s something deeply satisfying about watching cliffs, beaches, and fishing villages roll by—without white-knuckling a steering wheel on a cliff-hugging highway. Summer 2026 is peak coastal train season: longer daylight hours, midnight sun in the north, and sparkling turquoise water in the south.
Instead of circling for parking or sitting in traffic on scenic roads, you can stretch out in an air-conditioned carriage and let the coastline come to you. These are the coastal train journeys I genuinely recommend this summer if you want cinematic views, easy logistics, and zero driving stress.
Key Takeaways
- Italy’s Cinque Terre train: 20 minutes end-to-end, from €5 per ride or €19.50/day with the Cinque Terre Card.
- California’s Pacific Surfliner: 351 miles total, 2h 50m LA–San Diego, from $35 one-way.
- Norway’s Rauma Railway: 114 km (71 miles), 1h 40m, from NOK 249 (~$23) one-way.
- Portugal’s Cascais Line: 40 minutes, €2.40 each way from central Lisbon.
- Nice–Ventimiglia: 50 minutes along the Riviera, €8.20 one-way on SNCF.
1. Cinque Terre, Italy — The Mediterranean Classic
If you try to drive the Cinque Terre in summer, you will regret it. Limited parking, narrow switchbacks, and ZTL fines make the train the obvious winner. The rail line hugs the Ligurian coast through tunnels carved into cliffs, popping out to postcard-perfect views between villages.
The Cinque Terre Express connects La Spezia to Levanto, stopping in all five villages—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. In summer 2026, trains run up to three times per hour in each direction.
Why It’s Perfect in Summer 2026
June through September means warm swimming weather (sea temperatures around 22–24°C / 72–75°F) and long golden hours over pastel harbors. Trains typically operate from about 5:00 am until around midnight in peak season, giving you flexibility to linger for sunset aperitivo in Manarola.
The full stretch from Monterosso to Riomaggiore takes roughly 20 minutes. Compare that to 45–60 minutes by car—if you find parking.
Costs & Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time (Monterosso–Riomaggiore) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Train | €5 one-way | 20 min | No seat reservations |
| Cinque Terre Card (train) | €19.50/day | Unlimited | Includes hiking trails + WiFi |
| Car | €30+ parking/day | 45–60 min | Stressful, limited access |
Buy tickets via Trenitalia.com or in the Trenitalia app. If you use paper tickets, validate them before boarding to avoid fines.
Insider Tips
- Arrive before 9:00 am to explore Vernazza before cruise-day crowds build.
- Base yourself in La Spezia for better value (NH La Spezia from ~€180/$195 per night in July versus €320/$350+ inside the villages).
- Best sunset stop: Manarola. Grab a cone of fried seafood from Il Porticciolo (around €12/$13).
If you’re debating rail passes for Italy and beyond, read our breakdown of Interrail vs point-to-point tickets in 2026 before committing.
2. Pacific Surfliner, USA — California Without the Highway 1 Stress
The Pacific Surfliner runs 351 miles (565 km) from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. The most scenic and popular stretch is Los Angeles to San Diego: nearly two hours of ocean views during the 2h 50m journey.
In summer 2026, service is fully restored after past coastal erosion disruptions, with about 12 daily departures between LA and San Diego.
Why It Beats Driving
| Option | Cost (LA–San Diego) | Time | Stress Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Surfliner | From $35 | 2h 50m | Low |
| Car (I-5) | $25 gas + parking | 2–4h | High in summer traffic |
| Flight | $89+ | 1h flight + airport time | High hassle |
Coach seats are unreserved but guaranteed with your ticket. Business class typically runs $70–90 one-way and includes a snack, beverage, and priority boarding. Book via Amtrak.com or the Amtrak app.
Best Stops
San Clemente Pier: The station is steps from the sand. Expect about 1 hour 20 minutes from LA Union Station. Fish tacos at Bear Coast Coffee run roughly $18 for two tacos and a drink.
Santa Barbara: About 2h 30m north of LA. Red-tile roofs, palm-lined beaches, and Stearns Wharf sunsets just a 10-minute walk from the station.
Pro tip: Sit on the west side of the train (left side heading south) for the best coastal views.
3. Rauma Railway, Norway — Fjords, Waterfalls, Midnight Sun
The Rauma Railway is Norway’s most cinematic short rail journey. It runs 114 km (71 miles) between Dombås and Åndalsnes in about 1 hour 40 minutes, threading through steep valleys and alongside the emerald Rauma River.
Summer means near-endless daylight—expect usable light until 11:00 pm in June and early July.
What You’ll See
Trollveggen (Europe’s tallest vertical rock face), the dramatic Kylling Bridge, and waterfalls fed by melting snow. Commentary is often available onboard during peak season.
Tickets start at NOK 249 (~$23/€21) one-way via sj.no. Booking in advance secures the lowest fares, especially in July.
Train vs Cruise Excursion
| Option | Cost | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Rauma Railway (DIY) | $23–40 | Authentic, flexible |
| Cruise Shore Excursion | $150+ | Shorter, guided |
Stay overnight in Åndalsnes instead of rushing back. The Grand Hotel Bellevue averages around NOK 1,900 (~$175/€160) per night in July, and you can hike the Romsdalseggen Ridge the next morning.
4. Lisbon to Cascais, Portugal — Europe’s Best-Value Beach Train
Forty minutes. €2.40 (about $2.60). Direct access to Atlantic beaches. The Cascais Line is one of Europe’s best-value coastal rail trips.
Departures from Cais do Sodré station run roughly every 20 minutes from about 5:30 am until 1:00 am. The route follows the Tagus River before opening onto Atlantic views.
Why It’s Ideal in Summer
Lisbon regularly hits 30°C (86°F) in July and August. Cascais and nearby Praia do Guincho are breezier and often 5–8°C cooler.
| Option | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Train | €2.40 | 40 min |
| Uber | €25–35 | 35–60 min |
Use a Viva Viagem card (€0.50 reusable card fee). Load single tickets or day credit at station machines. No reservations required, but midday trains can be standing-room only.
Where to Eat
Mar do Inferno: Clifftop seafood near Boca do Inferno. Grilled sea bass runs about €24 ($26).
Skip the tourist-heavy cafés directly near Cascais station. Walk 10 minutes toward the cliffs for better views and calmer crowds.
5. Nice to Ventimiglia, France–Italy — Riviera on a Budget
This 50-minute TER regional train from Nice to Ventimiglia may be the best-value Riviera experience. The line hugs the Mediterranean, passing Villefranche-sur-Mer, Monaco, and Menton.
Tickets cost €8.20 (~$9) one-way via sncf-connect.com. No seat reservations are required, and trains run roughly hourly.
Why It’s Better Than the Bus
| Option | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Train | €8.20 | 50 min |
| Bus | €3 | 1h 30m+ |
The bus is cheaper but slower and inland. The train delivers uninterrupted sea views and avoids Monaco traffic bottlenecks.
Make It a Day Trip
Stop in Menton for lemon gelato and pastel old-town photos. Continue to Ventimiglia’s Friday market (8:00 am–4:00 pm) for Italian cheeses, olives, and focaccia.
How to Book Smart (and Save Money)
Coastal trains are popular in summer 2026. Some require reservations, others don’t.
- Book 2–4 weeks ahead for Amtrak and Norwegian routes to lock in lowest fares.
- Regional trains (Portugal, Cinque Terre, French Riviera) rarely sell out but expect crowding midday.
- Travel early or after 6:00 pm for fewer crowds and better light for photos.
- Download official rail apps (Trenitalia, Amtrak, SNCF Connect, SJ Norge) for mobile tickets and live updates.
Why Coastal Trains Win in Summer 2026
Summer traffic is worse. Parking is pricier. Coastal roads are congested and, in places like Cinque Terre and the Riviera, tightly restricted.
Meanwhile, trains offer air conditioning, bathrooms, Wi‑Fi on many routes, and panoramic windows—often at a lower total cost than renting a car once you factor in fuel, tolls, and parking fees.
Most importantly, you’re actually looking at the scenery instead of guarding your lane position. That alone makes coastal rail one of the smartest ways to travel this summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most scenic coastal train in Europe?
The Rauma Railway in Norway is arguably the most dramatic for sheer cliffs and waterfalls. For Mediterranean village views and easy hopping, the Cinque Terre line is the classic choice.
Are coastal trains crowded in summer?
Yes—especially in July and August between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Travel before 9:00 am or after 6:00 pm for fewer crowds, particularly in Cinque Terre and along the French Riviera.
Is it cheaper to rent a car instead of taking the train?
Usually no. Example: Lisbon to Cascais costs €2.40 by train versus €25–35 by Uber. In Cinque Terre, parking alone can exceed €30 per day—before fuel and tolls.
Do I need seat reservations for these routes?
Regional trains in Portugal, Italy (Cinque Terre), and France don’t require reservations. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner guarantees a seat with your ticket, while business class costs extra.
What’s the best seat for coastal views?
Check direction before boarding. For example, sit on the left side heading south from Los Angeles to San Diego for ocean views, and on either side in Cinque Terre where scenery alternates between tunnels.
Have a favorite coastal rail journey I missed? Share it with us—and start planning before peak July fares climb.
About the Author: redactor
Travel writer and founder of Discover Travel (distratech.com) — a blog covering travel, food & drink, and technology. With 250+ articles spanning Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa, I help travelers discover alternative destinations, hidden gems, and budget-friendly tips backed by real experience and data. Whether it's the best street food in Bangkok, Easter celebrations across Europe, or scenic train routes — I write to inspire smarter, more authentic travel.
