Traveling in Northwest Europe...trains?

So I want to do some traveling in Europe between countries, (from like England to France to Italy). What's the best mode of transportation? I'm thinking trains 'cause I only really want to visit the large cities, (London, Paris, Rome). Maybe some of the small ones, but mostly the big ones.
Does anyone know of any websites that offer train tickets? Or even a website that says which trains to from what countries or whatever.
Thanks!

Yes, I would recommend purchasing your train ticket in advance - because you will save a lot more time and money. Eurail is the best choice, you can buy online or give them a call (your address must be outside Europe). Just figure out your itinerary, how many days of travelling ex. 6 days, and then select which type of rail ticket depending on which countries you will be traveling in, first or second class, etc. I used them last year to travel via train through Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. I gave Eurail a call (contact info on their website) ordered my tickets, they were couriered to me 2 business days later complete with train timetables across Europe.
http://www.eurail.com/

How to use the tickets. Just hop on your train, fill in todays date of travel, and the conductor will come along and either stamp it or sign it. He will also ask to see your passport.

Have a great trip!

Cheers,

Petra M, Vancouver

You have the choice of flying, taking the train or the bus.

If it is London, Paris and Rome only you best fly - see http://www.skyscanner.net

For a guide to the various Eurail passes, see http://www.ricksteves.com

You should also visit http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com and http://www.virtualtourist.com and other travel sites for more information. Read through their FAQ.

European train schedules can be seen through www.bahn.de - German Railways website, best search engine for train connections in Europe.

BTW, trains in Europe go to almost every hamlet there is. It is only the very small villages that are served by local busses only.

For bus you can do it on your own with http://www.eurolines.com or hitch up with http://www.busabout.com