Trainline Shares its Top 10 Romantic European Train Routes

What could be more romantic than traveling through Europe's cities? soaking up the charm of the countryside while doing so. Eighty-nine percent of Americans find rail travel romantic, with the main reasons being the opportunity to enjoy the countryside together, travel at a slower speed, and have time to talk without interruptions, according to a recent survey1 conducted by Trainline, Europe's top train ticket booking app.

To help those planning European escapes this summer, Trainline has curated a list of Top 10 Romantic Train Routes2, based on those most booked by American couples. Routes that made the list include:

1. Madrid to Barcelona: Catch a flamenco show in Madrid before boarding a train to Barcelona to stroll through Park Güel and check out Gaudí's acclaimed architecture throughout the city (Under 3 hours via Trainline)
2. Rome to Florence: Explore the romantic streets of Trastevere and Rome's ancient ruins before taking a train to Florence to bask in the abundance of Renaissance art and architecture (Under 2 hours via Trainline)
3. Madrid to Seville: Walk through Madrid's stunning Retiro Park before hopping aboard a train to Seville for a boat ride along the Plaza de España (Under 3 hours via Trainline)
4. London to Paris: Enjoy city views from a quiet ride on the London Eye before departing for an evening stroll along the Seine River in Paris (Under 3 hours via Trainline)
5. Rome to Naples: Meander through Villa Borghese before catching a train to Naples to share a slice or two of its famous Neapolitan pizza (1 hour via Trainline)

A chance to win an epically romantic trip across 2 cities in 24 hours

To help more Americans experience the romance of rail travel firsthand, Trainline is giving one couple a chance to win a 24-hour curated itinerary along one of the routes on the list. Their journey will start with an overnight stay and breakfast in bed at a luxurious London hotel. The couple will then be whisked away for an afternoon and evening in Paris via first-class rail tickets courtesy of Trainline. There, they'll soak in every minute of romance the city has to offer with a couple's photoshoot to mark the moment, a private dinner experience at Michelin-starred Lucas Carton, capped off with a Champagne boat ride on the Seine.

The idyllic itinerary was inspired by what Americans find most romantic about traveling overseas with their partner:

• 67% of coupled-up Americans said traveling with their partner helps them feel more connected.
• Enjoying meals and taking in the culinary scene ranked as the top thing American couples look forward to while traveling together.
• All (romantic) roads lead to Paris. Paris was ranked as "most romantic" and the top city Americans would want to get engaged in. The London to Paris route is also among the most-booked by couples using the Trainline app2.

"There's a reason traveling by train through Europe inspires notions of romance and connection – it's the only mode of transport that allows people to pay attention to nothing more than the experience and their travel companions. For decades, Trainline has fostered these connections by making it easier than ever to book train tickets to and from Europe's most iconic destinations. We wanted to go above and beyond for one lucky couple this year to show just how magical rail travel as a couple can be," said Jody Ford, CEO of Trainline.

For a chance to win this most romantic of trips, visit Trainline.com and share who you would most like to take the trip with.

Romantic travel trips from one of "Love Island's" most beloved couples

To further inspire those looking to create their own romantic rail-inspired escape, Trainline has enlisted the help of two people who know more than a bit about love: reality TV stars and real-life couple Alex and Olivia Bowen. Alex and Olivia found fame – and each other – as contestants on the U.K. version of "Love Island," which has seen a surge in viewership across the U.S. In addition to surprising the winning couple with a special sendoff from London, the Bowens will be working with Trainline to share tips and advice for other couples finding romance overseas.

"We've always found train journeys in Europe to be incredibly dreamy. There's just something about gliding past gorgeous landscapes, seeing quaint villages whizz by, and sharing little moments together with no distractions. For us, a train journey is all about those uninterrupted moments. We love that we can plan out our next adventure or reminisce about old ones. It almost feels like a date on the go," said Alex and Olivia Bowen.

"Since we travel by rail so often, we've learned a few tips and tricks along the way. Tip number one? Booking a rail journey via Trainline from London to Paris is a must! It's so unique to zip through the countryside, then suddenly realize you're actually going under the sea in a train—like, how mad is that?! You pop out the other side, and before you know it, you're surrounded by the rolling French countryside, all leading you straight into the heart of the ultimate city of love. We can't wait to help give someone a similar experience through our partnership with Trainline," they said.

Trainline offers routes from over 270 rail and coach operators in 40 countries, including the UK, Italy, France, and Spain, and Americans can buy their tickets in dollars for convenience. With Trainline, it is easier than ever for travelers to buy the best train ticket for their journey and budget, while having access to smart, real-time travel info on the go throughout Europe.

To learn more, and enter for a chance to win Trainline's Romance by Rail experience, visit Trainline.com.

SOURCE Trainline