From Pasta to Pints: Trainline and Nicola Coughlan Put Europe's Best Grain-Based Bites on the Map

New Culinary Rail Index ranks European destinations where iconic grain and carb-based traditions are worth the journey by rail

NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ask American travelers what they remember most about a trip to Europe, and the answer is often something they ate: bread still warm from a neighborhood bakery, pasta they're daydreaming about months later or a pastry worth crossing the city to get. For generations, Europe's railways carried more than travelers, moving the ingredients, ideas and traditions that helped shape the continent's distinctive grain-based food and drink cultures. Now, Trainline, Europe's No. 1 train ticket booking app, is inviting travelers to board the Grain Train with a new Culinary Rail Index ranking 10 of Europe's top destinations for iconic grain and carb-based food and drink traditions, all easily explored by rail.

To bring the rankings to life, Trainline has partnered with Irish actress and food connoisseur Nicola Coughlan, who is sharing the destinations and dishes she would add to her own European itinerary.

"It makes me very proud to see Ireland near the top of the list, although anyone who has had Brown Soda Bread in Galway or a pint of Stout in Dublin may not be surprised," said Coughlan. "I'd happily plan a trip around both, and the best part is that the train makes the journey between one brilliant food stop and the next so simple."

Her full recommendations are available at Trainline.com.

The Culinary Rail Index: Top Routes & Dishes to Explore

To create the Culinary Rail Index, Trainline partnered with Irish-born chef, Hell's Kitchen winner and culinary analyst, Ryan O'Sullivan to evaluate 37 destinations across 11 European countries based on their grain-based food and drink traditions.

Destinations were scored equally across four criteria: reachable by rail, food and drink culture, historical significance and overall "worth the trip" appeal.

The result: the Culinary Rail Index, which ranks 10 European destinations on a 100-point scale, highlighting the iconic carb-based food and drink traditions that make each one worth the journey.

• Bologna, Italy (98%) – Tortellini en Brodo
• San Sebastián, Spain (96.5%) - Croquetas
• Naples, Italy (95%) – Neapolitan Pizza
• Rome, Italy (93.5%) – Cacio e Pepe
• London, United Kingdom (92%) – Salt Beef Beigel
• Dublin, Ireland (90.5%) – Stout
• Lyon, France (89.9%) – Paillasson Lyonnaise
• Galway, Ireland (87.5%) – Brown Soda Bread
• Barcelona, Spain (86%) – Paella
• Manchester, United Kingdom (84.5%) – Barm Cake

"Some of the most memorable meals you'll ever eat are grain-based, a perfect bowl of pasta in Bologna, croquetas in San Sebastián, pizza in Naples," said Hannah Randall, Country Manager at Trainline. "What makes rail travel so special is that you can experience all of these in a single trip, moving between food cultures as easily as you move between cities. At Trainline, we love that rail doesn't just get you somewhere, it opens up a whole journey of flavors."

Trainline Taste Guides

To help travelers turn the Index into bookable trips, Trainline has created a Taste Guide for each of the 10 featured European destinations.

The guides cover the signature grain-based dishes worth seeking out, train-friendly bites found station-side and local favorite spots. Each guide also includes practical rail information for continuing the journey to another featured destination.

Travelers can explore the full Culinary Rail Index, Nicola Coughlan's recommendations and the Trainline Taste Guides at Trainline.com.

To compare routes and start planning your next Grain Train journey, visit www.trainline.com.

Index Methodology

The Culinary Rail Index compares 37 destinations across 11 European countries to identify 10 cities with notable grain-based food and drink traditions. Destinations were scored equally across four criteria: Reachable by Train (25%), Food & Drink Culture (25%), Historical Significance (25%) and Worth the Trip (25%). Chef and Culinary Analyst Ryan O'Sullivan, with a bachelor's degree in culinary studies, reviewed the methodology and final ranking.

About Trainline:
Trainline is the leading independent rail and coach travel platform selling rail and coach tickets to millions of travelers worldwide. Via our highly rated website and mobile app, people can seamlessly search, book and manage their journeys all in one place. We bring together millions of routes, fares and journey times from more than 270 rail and coach carriers across 40 countries. We offer our customers the best value for their journey and smart, real-time travel information on the go. Our aim is to make rail and coach travel easier and more accessible, encouraging people to make more environmentally sustainable travel choices.

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SOURCE Trainline