Traveling by train in Europe is an experience in itself. It’s relaxing, you can see beautiful parts of the countries you travel through and it can also be a great way to meet people. It can also be a lot cheaper and faster than traveling by air, especially if you have luggage with you.
While it’s mostly an ideal way to get from place to place, there can be some minor hiccups with the system.
Below is a basic guide to train travel in Europe and tips for avoiding pricey mistakes or confusion!
Spontaneously Explore Europe By Train
Throughout Europe, domestic trains (traveling entirely within a single country) don’t require a reservation, so it can be easy to wake up and decide you want to hit a new city. Just arrive at the station before the train leaves, purchase a ticket and climb aboard!
Having said that, especially during tourist season, trains can fill up and last minute tickets can be expensive.
Depending on the country you are departing from, make sure you check for availability online. One of the best resources for checking train schedules is Bahn.de (be sure to download their app on your phone for train travel planning on the go).
You can view the schedule of nearly every train in Europe and book European trains online. Alternatively, for booking, you can visit the national rail website for whatever country you’re traveling in.
Check train times online and book international train travel in advance if possible.
Avoid Annoying Airline Hassles
While flying can be faster, there are pains that come with it. Long security lines, cramped seating, baggage fees and an inability to socialize are all annoyances that are avoided with Europe train travel.
European trains are known for their punctuality – on time over 90% of the time. You can bring what you can carry (and more if you really want to), there are no pesky liquid restrictions, you have room to move around, there are sleeper carriages for long journeys and you can be social with your neighbors.
It’s also perfectly acceptable to bring food onboard, so don’t forget the wine and cheese!
Which Train and What Track?
Airports are pretty easy to navigate. Upon check-in, you know exactly what gate to go to and there are numerous signs to guide you there. Trains, however, can be a little more confusing. There are so many trains going through Europe 24/7 with multiple trains passing on the same track minutes apart.
Make sure you know exactly what track your train is arriving on and the train number as a train to Madrid may arrive 10 minutes before your train to Paris and, before you know it, you’re in Spain. If you’re ever unsure, there is typically always someone at an information desk who can help.
And don’t be shy! Locals and staff are often very friendly and willing to help out as well.
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Eurail Pass
If you plan to travel extensively by train, consider getting a Eurail Pass. The pass is valid for a specific period and allows you to take certain trains if seats are available, while some trains are only eligible for a discount.
Saving money with a Eurail pass is debatable, but local trains within a certain country are typically quite inexpensive and easy to book last minute.
To determine if a Eurail Pass is worth the money, I recommend comparing the prices of individual tickets with the cost of the pass based on your travel plans.
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Cancellations
The weather is often a major contributor to why flights are often delayed or even canceled. This is another very annoying and almost too frequent inconvenience with flying. Trains usually are free of these hassles and get you to your destination on time regardless of the weather!
However, European railways are known for their strikes. Be sure to pay attention to the news and ask around if there is word of a strike on the verge of taking place. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about it if there is. In case it does happen, buses are usually available, but I also suggest Bla Bla Car for shorter trips.
It’s a ride-share program that is very cost-effective.
Using Your Train Ticket
Now that you have your train ticket, what are you supposed to do with it? Many train tickets need to be validated (stamped with time/date) before boarding the train since they’re open tickets for train travel between two destinations and not for a specific train or time.
There are machines at the station, usually located on the train track.
You just stick your ticket in and the machine stamps it. You could receive a fine if that train conductor sees that you neglected to do so and they will think you are trying to ride for free.
Try to avoid the “I’m a silly tourist and didn’t know that rule” moment even though they will likely let it slide if you do forget.
Also, most trains have assigned cars for 1st and 2nd class so make sure you know what car (and often times seat) you are assigned. It’s not fun being booted out of your seat after you’re all settled in or worse, asleep!
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Overall, it is fun and easy to discover Europe by train! Be sure to do a bit of pre-planning and enjoy the ride!
What tips would you add to this list? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments below!
I have questions abut overnight trains in Europe. Is there food included, or to purchase? Are showers available?
Hi Tana! I believe in some spaces you can purchase food (I’m not sure what is available since COVID). I would definitely recommend heading to a grocery store beforehand and bringing your own food if possible.
I personally have not seen showers available on the trains I’ve been on, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. I imagine it would depend on the train line and what class ticket you’re purchasing. If it’s a budget trip, I don’t think you’ll have shower access on an overnight stretch. I hope that helps!
I am planning a month long trip in Portugal, Spain, France and Italy. I am wondering if all trains are running their international routes? I was looking at the train station website in Lisbon and it said all international travel had been suspended because of COVID. Does anyone have any current information?
Hi Yvonne! That sounds lovely. And I really don’t know — things are changing all the time so you’ll want to refer to the individual country websites and train sites to see what the latest update is. You may also want to join the TBA Travel Tribe on FB and see if any of the ladies there have more current info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/947813952040668/