Landing in Europe? The train from the airport might be the best part of your trip. Unlike the chaos of most American airports, European hubs have figured out how to move people efficiently. Here are the rail connections that make you actually glad you didn't take a taxi.
1. Zurich Airport → Zürich HB (10 minutes)
The gold standard. Step off your flight, follow the signs, and you're on a train to the city center in under 10 minutes. Trains run every 5-10 minutes, and the journey costs around CHF 7. It's so efficient it almost feels like cheating.
Pro tip: Your ticket is valid on trams and buses too, so you can continue to your final destination without buying another fare.
2. London Heathrow → Central London via Elizabeth Line (30-45 minutes)
The Elizabeth Line transformed Heathrow transfers in 2022. For just £12.80 (off-peak with contactless), you get a direct train to Paddington, Bond Street, Liverpool Street, and beyond. No more £25 Heathrow Express guilt—this is the civilized way to do it.
The catch: It's slower than the Heathrow Express (30-45 min vs 15 min), but at half the price and with more central stops, it's worth the extra time.
3. Oslo Gardermoen → Oslo Central (19 minutes)
The Flytoget (Airport Express Train) is Scandinavian efficiency at its finest: clean, quiet, WiFi-equipped, and fast. At 180 NOK (~$17), it's not cheap, but consider that a taxi would cost you 800 NOK and take twice as long in traffic.
Budget hack: The regular NSB trains cost half as much and only take 4 minutes longer.
4. Munich Airport → Hauptbahnhof (40 minutes)
The S-Bahn S1 and S8 lines connect the airport to central Munich every 10 minutes. At €13.60, it's reasonable for German standards. The trains are modern, and you're dropped right at the main station.
Don't miss: If you're staying near Marienplatz, take the S8—it's a direct shot to the heart of the old town.
5. Copenhagen Kastrup → Central Station (13 minutes)
Copenhagen's airport is practically in the city. The metro runs 24/7 (yes, even at 3am), and you're downtown in 13 minutes for 39 DKK (~$5.50). The train station is literally in the airport terminal—just follow the signs.
6. Amsterdam Schiphol → Amsterdam Centraal (15 minutes)
Schiphol is a train station that happens to have an airport attached. Trains to Amsterdam Central depart every 10-15 minutes, cost €6, and take 15 minutes. From there, you're connected to the entire Dutch rail network.
Heads up: Always check for engineering works on NS.nl—weekend disruptions are common.
7. Vienna Airport → Wien Mitte (16 minutes)
The CAT (City Airport Train) is fast and comfortable at €14.90 one way. But the real secret is the S7 S-Bahn—it takes 25 minutes but costs only €4.40 and drops you at the same station.
8. Stockholm Arlanda → T-Centralen (20 minutes)
The Arlanda Express is one of the fastest airport trains in Europe: 20 minutes to the city center. At 299 SEK (~$28), it's pricey, but book online in advance and you can find tickets for 149 SEK.
9. Helsinki Vantaa → Central Station (30 minutes)
Finland does trains well. The Ring Rail Line connects the airport to downtown Helsinki in half an hour for €5.50. Trains run every 10 minutes, and you can use the same ticket on buses and trams.
10. Geneva Airport → Gare Cornavin (7 minutes)
Yes, seven minutes. Geneva's airport is absurdly close to the city, and the train connection reflects that. Best part? If you're leaving Switzerland, you can get a free ticket from the machine in the baggage claim area.
The Takeaway
These European airport rail links prove that getting from the gate to the city doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. The common thread? Frequent service, clear signage, and integration with the broader transit network.
Next time you land in Europe, skip the taxi queue. The train isn't just cheaper—it's often faster and definitely less frustrating.