Valentine’s Day is often associated with romantic getaways, fixed plans and couple-focused trips. And, to a large extent, that was still the case last year. Rail Europe data from the 2025 Valentine’s period shows that bookings continued to concentrate around a small number of well-established rail journeys connecting major European cities, including London–Paris, Paris–Brussels, Paris–Amsterdam and Madrid–Barcelona — reinforcing the idea of Valentine’s Day as a predictable, classic escape.

At the same time, how people use these routes is beginning to evolve. Signals from booking patterns suggest a growing interest in more flexible ways of travelling — journeys that are less limited to a single return ticket and more open to combining several cities within one trip. This shift is also reflected in traveller behaviour on the platform. During last year’s Valentine’s period, nearly 9 in 10 travellers used Rail Europe to plan journeys that went beyond a single out-and-back itinerary, favouring more complex, multi-city trips — often built around those same major European rail corridors — with greater room for spontaneity as they travelled across Europe by train.

Against this backdrop, Rail Europe presents six rail journeys that reflect the different ways people choose to experience Valentine’s Day today — from trips that deliberately step outside the traditional romantic script to one option designed for couples who still want romance, just without the clichés.

Breakup travel: cities where no one asks “what about your partner?”

Paris – Lyon – Avignon

After a breakup, staying in one place and answering questions can feel exhausting. Paris offers anonymity, Lyon shifts the focus to food, and Avignon naturally slows the pace. Three well-connected cities that allow travellers to move on quietly and at their own rhythm.

Solo travel: moving without feeling out of place

London – York – Edinburgh

Travelling solo on Valentine’s Day feels entirely normal on this route. Frequent trains, central stations and walkable cities make York and Edinburgh especially comfortable for independent travellers who value ease over attention.

Best-friend Valentine: when conversation matters more than photos

Madrid – Valencia

Not everyone wants a romantic escape. Madrid works for long nights; Valencia continues the conversation the next day in the sun. A simple, direct journey that keeps logistics light and shared time at the centre.