Europe’s rail network is often presented as the ideal mode of transportation for traversing the continent. With its potential to offer sustainable, scenic, and efficient travel, it stands as a cornerstone of the EU’s environmental goals. Yet, for many travelers, the reality of navigating Europe’s trains is a frustrating paradox: a labyrinth of complexity and costliness that undermines its appeal. The promise of rail travel in Europe is alluring. Trains connect historic city centers, bypassing the hassle of distant airports and the tedious rituals of security checks.