Increasing number of Aussies choosing rail across all destinations. Image: Europeforvisitors.com

More Aussie travellers are looking to rail their way across Europe, according to new statistics which indicate a “dramatic” rise in the number of travellers choosing high-speed rail over flying.

Melbourne-based International Rail reported a 20 percent increase in rail travel business during 2012 compared to the same period last year.

The rise was achieved across all destinations, even Japan, which had returned to pre-tsunami levels.

International Rail chief executive Jonathan Hume added figures in Europe had been enhanced throughout 2012 by the introduction of overnight rail between Paris, Rome and Venice as well as cheap advance purchase tickets from Deutsche Bahn and Italian Railways.