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The Man in Seat 61

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Breakfast in London, dinner in Barcelona

There's no need to fly within Europe.  It's surprisingly easy, quick and comfortable to travel by train from London to almost anywhere:  Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Prague, Helsinki, wherever.  The difficult bit is finding out how to do it and where to buy tickets.  That's where Seat 61 comes in.

This website explains the best routes, train times & fares from London to major destinations all over Europe, and between major European cities.

It explains the best way to buy tickets for your specific journeys, whether you live in the UK, mainland Europe, the USA, Australia, wherever.

Train times & tickets

If your journey starts in the UK , select your destination country in the upper drop-down box to see the best routes, train times, fares & how to buy tickets.

If your journey starts in another European country , select the city where your journey starts in the lower drop-down box - if it isn't listed, select one nearest to it in the same country.

Return to this page for general information & advice about European train travel.

Planning your trip

How to buy tickets, luggage, bikes, dogs & cars, about specific trains & routes, station guides, how to check train times.

If you only remember one European train travel resource

Apart from seat 61 of course - make it int.bahn.de .  This has an excellent online timetable for the whole of Europe, probably the most useful European train travel resource on the net.  Ask it for Palermo to Helsinki or Lisbon to Moscow and you'll see what I mean.  These tips may help:

Place names

It recognises English-language place names & prompts with station or city names.

If you don't know which station to select

The safest option is to select the plain city name, often in capitals, for example PARIS or BERLIN.  The system will work out which is the relevant station for your journey.

If it only offers specific stations, try to select the main station in that city, which may be shown as main station or (in Italy) Centrale , in the Netherlands as Centraal , in Germany or Austria as Hauptbahnhof, Hbf or HB (= main station in German), Hlavni in Czech or Glowny (Gl.) in Polish.

In Brussels, Brussels South Station is the main station, also known as Brussels Midi or Brussel Zuid .  In Barcelona, select Barcelona Sants .  In Verona, select Verona Porta Nuova .  In Turin, the main terminus station is Torino Porta Nuova , but the TGV trains to/from Paris use Torino Porta Susa , which many trains leaving from Porta Nuova heading for Venice or Rome also call at.  In Venice, Venice Santa Lucia is on the Grand Canal in central Venice, Venice Mestre is on the mainland.  In Lisbon, select Lisbon Santa Apolonia .

It only holds data for the main rail operators

Plus some smaller operators, not for all trains everywhere.  Notably it does not cover:

- Some private open-access operators such as Italo in Italy.

- The Circumvesuviana Railway, Naples-Herculaneum-Pompeii-Sorrento.

- Euskotren in Spain, operating narrow gauge local trains between Hendaye, San Sebastian & Bilbao.

- FEVE in Spain, who run narrow gauge local trains along the north coastal towns.

- Spanish suburban routes including Barcelona to Latour de Carol and Barcelona to Portbou & Cerbère.

- It doesn't always hold complete or 100% accurate data for the Balkans or Greek domestic trains.

For British train times it's better to use www.nationalrail.co.uk as this will show any engineering work alterations.

Timetable changes in June & December

It usually holds data only until the next Europe-wide timetable change , which happens twice a year at midnight on the 2nd Saturday in June & December.  So don't be surprised if it shows no trains running in late December if you ask it in August, that's beyond the December timetable change.  Data for dates after the December timetable change usually starts to come online by mid-October and isn't 100% reliable until early December.  Also note that data for French, Italian & Spanish trains will only be held for the next few months, not for the whole timetable period.

This system is very good, but some railways (typically the Spanish, Hungarians, Polish & Balkan railways) can be late in supplying data, and data can be unreliable in some parts of the Balkans, for example.  If you get strange results you can try the railway operator's own website instead, for example www.renfe.com for Spain or www.ose.gr for Greece.  There's a complete list of rail websites on the useful links page .

You can adjust transfer time

By default the system allows the minimum time to change trains, whether changing into a local train that runs every 30 minutes or into a sleeper train which you can't afford to miss.  It won't suggest impossible connections, it always allows enough time to walk from one train to the other if the first train is on time, but it doesn't take into account the possibility of the first train running 20 minutes late. 

It's a good policy to allow more time for transfers, so click in the From box to open the details panel, then change Transfer time from Normal to (say) at least 40 minutes .

On a through ticket you're legally entitled to later onward travel if a delay means a missed connection ( more info on that here ), but with separate non-refundable train-specific tickets the risk is yours so you should allow more than the minimum, see more about how long to allow for connections here .

You can specify a route or add stopovers

Click Stopovers to set one or two via stations if you want to find journeys via a particular route.  By adding a duration in hours and minutes you can specify stopovers at these stations.

Fares & tickets

int.bahn.de will show train times for virtually any journey in Europe, but will only show fares and sell tickets for journeys to, from or within Germany, plus a few cross-Germany routes such as Belgium/Netherlands to Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Czech Republic.  To check fares for other journeys, see the How to buy European train tickets page .

DB Navigator is a free online train timetable app for all of Europe, the app version of the German Railways all-Europe online timetable at bahn.de.  It provided a journey planner, train details, and calling points, though it needs a WiFi or mobile data connection.  To download, go to int.bahn.de/en/booking-information/db-navigator (please let me know if that link stops working).

Railplanner is a free offline train timetable app that you can download onto your phone to check train times & train calling points on the move without the need to be on WiFi or to use mobile data .  It's blisteringly quick and covers almost all the train covered by the DB Navigator app.  The whole European timetable sits on your phone, with updates automatically downloaded every month.  It's created with Eurail and Interrail passholders in mind, but is useful for anyone. Download for iPhone or Android at www.eurail.com/en/plan-your-trip/rail-planner-app - please let me know if the link stops working!

Station arrivals & departures

Click here & enter a station to check scheduled train departures or arrivals at almost any station across Europe.  This is an online equivalent of the printed departure posters displayed at stations.  It shows real-time information for stations in Germany if you pick today's date, but for 'real time' information in other countries, see the real-time section below .

The European Rail Timetable

The world-famous European Rail Timetable is the train traveller's bible, with route maps and up-to-date timetables for trains, buses and ferries for all European countries, plus trains in Asian Turkey and Russia including the Trans-Siberian railway, ferries to North Africa & the Mediterranean islands.

Published since 1873, it had just celebrated 140 years of publication when Thomas Cook pulled the plug on their entire publishing department, and the August 2013 edition was the last to be published by Thomas Cook.  The good news is that the dedicated ex-Thomas Cook team set up a private venture and a reborn European Rail Timetable continues to be published.  Remarkably, the timetable has now survived its parent company, as Thomas Cook collapsed in 2019.  What does it contain?

Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu for around £16.99 with shipping worldwide.

If you live in the UK you can also buy from www.amazon.co.uk , it's eligible for Amazon Prime next-day delivery.

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How to check fares & buy tickets

This section has turned into a bit of an essay .  If you just want to know how to buy tickets, skip this section, go to the How to buy tickets page , select a specific journey and I'll tell you how to book it.  If you're interested in how European train booking works (or doesn't), read on.

Reality check:  No single website sells tickets for all trains in all countries

Although you can look up train times almost anywhere in Europe using int.bahn.de , there isn't a single website that can show fares & sell tickets for every European train in every country.

So you can't go to europeanrailways.com (there's no such site) and buy a Stockholm to Alicante ticket (there's no such ticket).  It's perfectly possible to travel by train from Stockholm to Alicante, but we're talking 6 trains run by 5 different operators ticketed with at least 4 separate tickets.  Ah, I see from the look on your face that realisation is beginning to dawn...

Each country has its own national operator with its own website

Each national train operator has its own website and its own ticketing system.  Then there are various private operators, either genuinely independent such as Italo , Regiojet or Leo Express , or pseudo-independent such as TGV-Lyria created by the relevant national rail operator(s) to run specific international routes.

In fact, Europe has over 50 different rail operator websites selling train tickets for their own trains, even before considering third-party ticket resellers.  You need to use the right website for the right journey.  So which is the relevant operator for your journey?

If you go to the How to buy tickets page , select your starting city, and on the next page select your destination, you'll find my advice on how to book that specific route.

However, as a rule of thumb, if there's a named operator such as Eurostar or Regiojet you'd go to that operator's website, in this case Eurostar.com or Regiojet.com.  If it's a normal international train jointly run by the relevant national rail operators, your starting assumption should be to use the national rail operator website for the country where your journey starts, then check the one where it ends.

The pseudo-independent operators can also be booked at the owning national operator sites

Eurostar is owned by French Railways (SNCF) and others, and Eurostar tickets can also be bought at SNCF's website www.sncf-connect.com .  TGV-Lyria is owned by SNCF & SBB (Swiss Railways) and can also be booked at www.sncf-connect.com or www.sbb.ch.  The national operator sites can of course book other trains in their respective countries too, in connection with Eurostar or TGV-Lyria.  So London to Avignon by Eurostar & onwards French train can be booked as one transaction at French Railways www.sncf-connect.com , for example.  It can be useful to know that!

International trains can usually be booked at the national operator website at either end

For international journeys, your starting assumption is to book them at the national rail operator website for the country where the journey starts.  But if a train can be e-ticketed, you can also book using the destination country's national train operator website.

For example, Berlin-Prague trains are run jointly by German & Czech national railways, and can be booked at either German Railways int.bahn.de or Czech Railways www.cd.cz with print-your-own tickets.

Now it gets interesting, as this is one of the routes where each partner operator manages advance-purchase price levels independently.  So the price at bahn.de might be €39 (with cheaper €19 & €29 tickets sold out), whilst €19 tickets remain available for the same train at cd.cz.  It pays to check both!

In fact, even the fixed-price full-flex fare can differ between partner operators.  As I write this, Austrian Railways (ÖBB) charge €64 for a full-flex on-the-day ticket from Vienna to Prague, but even if you were in the ÖBB ticket office at Vienna Hbf, it'd be cheaper to whip out your phone and buy exactly the same ticket for the same trains from Czech Railways for €42.

But a word of warning:  Check ticket delivery carefully if buying from the operator at the destination end.  For example, Austrian Railways oebb.at issues print-your-own tickets for Vienna-Venice trains so can be used for either direction.  Trenitalia.com can also book these Vienna-Venice trains, but you must collect a hard-copy ticket from a Trenitalia ticket machine or ticket office in Italy - not much help if you're starting in Vienna!

There are exceptions to this rule, of course.  The Paris-Milan Frecciarossas enter France on an open-access commercial basis, so can only be booked at Trenitalia.com, not SNCF-connect.com.  Whilst the competing Paris-Milan TGVs enter Italy on an open-access commercial basis and can only be booked at SNCF-connect.com, not Trenitalia.com.

Some trains aren't bookable online at all

Another reality check:  Slovenian, Croatian, Bulgarian & Turkish railways don't sell international tickets online, for example.  Trains between Slovenia or Croatia & Germany can be booked online in either direction at German Railways int.bahn.de .  Trains between Slovenia or Croatia & Austria can be booked online in either direction at Austrian Railways www.oebb.at .  But the only way to buy tickets from Ljubljana to Zagreb or Zagreb to Belgrade or Sofia to Istanbul, is at the station.

Longer journeys often need to be broken down into stages

Many international journeys involve a change of train, often this means a change of operator.  Operator websites may not be able to sell tickets for such journeys.  Nice to Milan can't be booked at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com , because SNCF can't access prices or tickets for the Trenitalia train between Ventimiglia & Milan (Ventimiglia is the border station where you change trains).  And the Trenitalia website can't book you from Nice to Milan either, because it can't access prices or tickets for the SNCF train between Nice & Ventimiglia.  You need to book Nice-Ventimiglia at www.sncf-connect.com and Ventimiglia-Milan at Trenitalia.com .  Two tickets, two bookings, on two different websites, such is the reality of Europe's rail network in the 21st century.  But there are two specialist retailer sites that resolve this.

Introducing www.raileurope.com & www.thetrainline.com

Two ticket retailer websites deserve a special mention, www.raileurope.com & www.thetrainline.com .  These connect to multiple operators, allowing tickets for trains across much of western Europe to be booked in one place.

They have their own journey planning logic, so (for example) they can work out a suitable journey from Nice to Milan using an SNCF train from Nice to Ventimiglia and a Trenitalia train from Ventimiglia to Milan, they then source the Nice-Ventimiglia ticket from SNCF and the Ventimiglia-Milan ticket from Trenitalia, and add them together to provide you with a Nice-Milan journey as one seamless transaction.

I often recommend www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com as they allow you to book tickets together in one place for journeys that would otherwise require multiple bookings on different websites.  They are designed for international users, so happily accept overseas payment cards (some national train operator sites struggle) and are written in plain English (some national rail operator sites slip back into local language or use poor English translations).  The downside is that they charge a small booking fee, but it's often worth paying that.

Raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com currently connect to the following national railways: Great Britain (National Rail), France (SNCF), Spain (Renfe), Italy (Trenitalia), Germany (Deutsche Bahn), Austria (ÖBB).  They also both connect to private operator Italo .  www.thetrainline.com also connects to Swiss Railways (SBB), the Benelux ticketing system (SNCB, NS & CFL) and private operators Regiojet & Westbahn .

Raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com come as close as you'll get to a pan-European train booking site, but even they don't yet connect to the Portuguese, Czech, Slovakian, Slovenian, Croatian, Hungarian, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Bulgarian, Turkish, Greek, Romanian, or Polish Railways ticketing systems.  So for a €15 Lisbon-Porto ticket you still need to go to Portuguese Railways www.cp.pt and the only place you'll find a €21 Prague-Budapest ticket is Czech Railways www.cd.cz.  You get the picture?

More about who Thetrainline are .  More about who Raileurope are .

Incidentally, you might also come across Omio.com .  Omio has similar connectivity, but at the time I write this it doesn't have any journey planning logic.  So although it can sell you a Nice-Ventimiglia ticket using its connection to SNCF if you ask it for Nice to Ventimiglia, and it can sell a Ventimiglia-Milan ticket using its connection to Trenitalia if you ask it for Ventimiglia to Milan, if you ask it for Nice to Milan it will say there are no trains (and will suggest a flight) because it lacks the capability to plan the journey itself and combine multiple tickets.  It also says there are no trains for journeys where it lacks the necessary connectivity.  For example, Omio says there are no trains from Budapest to Zagreb and suggests a bus, but you can easily buy a train ticket from €19 from Hungarian Railways at www.mavcsoport.hu .  So it's important to understand a site's limitations.  Omio does have some extra connectivity, for example it connects to Swedish Railways sj.se so can be useful to book Swedish trains if sj.se rejects your credit card, and to Portuguese Railways cp.pt which no other site does.

So which website should you use to buy tickets?

Don't worry!  On seat61.com I'll tell you the right website(s) to use for any given European journey (well, almost).  Go to the How to buy European tickets page and select your starting city.  On the next page, select your destination city.  I'll then explain the different ways you can make that specific journey and which website(s) to use to buy tickets.

To check fares & buy tickets in one country

You can check fares & (usually) buy tickets for domestic journeys at each country's national rail website, see the links page for a complete list .

To check fares & buy tickets for international journeys

The national rail websites listed above sometimes sell international tickets to neighbouring countries as well, but often only in a limited way, for example tickets for direct trains.  However, you'll find detailed advice on how to book specific international journeys on the How to buy European tickets page .  Here are some general rules of thumb.

Rule-of-thumb 1, try www.raileurope.com & www.thetrainline.com .

These connect to the British, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Austrian, Benelux systems and can easily book journeys including multi-operator journeys to, from and within those countries.

Be aware of their limitations:  You still need to use other sites for journeys not covered, for example they don't connect to the Portuguese, Norwegian, Finnish, Croatian, Bulgarian, Czech or Hungarian ticketing systems.  They also charge a small booking fee, you can avoid paying any fee by buying direct from train operator websites, using the following rules of thumb.

Rule-of-thumb 2 , if you know that the train you want is run by a specific operator, go to that operator's website:

- www.eurostar.com for Eurostar trains between London & Paris, London & Brussels or anywhere in Belgium.

- www.tgv-lyria.com or www.sncf-connect.com for TGV-Lyria high-speed trains between Paris & Switzerland.

- www.regiojet.com for Regiojet trains between Vienna & Prague or Prague & Bratislava.

Rule-of-thumb 3 , otherwise, simply go to the national train website for the country where your journey starts.  Although there are many exceptions to this rule, as you can see below:

- For journeys starting in London : 

   www.eurostar.com for Eurostar to Lille, Paris, Brussels or anywhere in Belgium.

   www.nsinternational.nl or www.b-europe.com for journeys to Rotterdam, Amsterdam or anywhere in Belgium or the Netherlands.

   www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com for journeys to anywhere in France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Milan, Turin, Germany. 

- For journeys starting in Paris & France :

   The French Railways site www.sncf-connect.com sells many journeys from Paris & French cities to neighbouring countries.

   For journeys from Paris to Germany, it's better to use German Railways int.bahn.de .

   For journeys from Paris & France to Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria it's better to use www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

- For journeys starting in Brussels, Bruges or Belgium :

   The Belgian Railways international site www.b-europe.com will handle journeys to neighbouring countries.

   For journeys from Belgium to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Czech Rep. it's better to use German Railways int.bahn.de .

   For the Nightjet sleeper from Brussels to Vienna it's better to use Austrian Railways www.oebb.at or www.thetrainline.com .

- For journeys starting in Amsterdam & the Netherlands:

   The Dutch Railways international site www.nsinternational.nl will handle journeys to neighbouring countries.

   For journeys to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Czech Rep., Sweden it's better to use German Railways int.bahn.de .

   For the Nightjet sleeper train from Amsterdam to Munich, Innsbruck & Vienna use Austrian Railways www.oebb.at or www.thetrainline.com .

- For journeys starting in Switzerland :

   The Swiss Railways site www.sbb.ch can book journeys to neighbouring countries, for example Paris.

   For journeys to Paris you can also use French Railways www.sncf-connect.com , it's worth checking prices there too.

   For journeys to Italy, it's better to use Italian Railways www.trenitalia.com as SBB can't sell Trenitalia's cheap fares beyond Milan.

   For journeys to Germany, Benelux & Denmark it's better to use German Railways int.bahn.de .

   For journeys to Austria you'll often find cheaper prices at the Austrian Railways site www.oebb.at .

   For the sleeper train from Zurich to Prague sleeper, book using Czech Railways www.cd.cz as Sbb.ch can't sell it.

   For the sleeper trains from Zurich to Vienna, Budapest, Hamburg & Berlin use Austrian Railways www.oebb.at or www.thetrainline.com .

- For journeys starting in Italy :

   The Italian Railways site www.trenitalia.com can book many international trains from Italy, but not the French-run trains Milan-Turin-Paris.

   For journeys from Milan or Turin to Paris, use French Railways www.sncf-connect.com .  Add connecting tickets from other cities at www.trenitalia.com .

   It's better to use Austrian Railways www.oebb.at for Venice-Vienna day & sleeper trains, Rome-Florence-Vienna/Munich sleeper trains.

- For journeys starting in Germany : 

   German Railways int.bahn.de sells through tickets to most neighbouring countries. 

   For travel to Austria, it's often cheaper to use Austrian Railways www.oebb.at , so check this too.

   For travel to Prague, it's often cheaper to use Czech Railways www.cd.cz , so check this too.

   For Nightjet sleeper trains within Germany & to Switzerland & Austria, it's better to use Austrian Railways www.oebb.at .

- For journeys starting in Austria:

    Austrian Railways www.oebb.at can book journeys to most neighbouring countries.

   For travel to Germany, also check German Railways int.bahn.de as they can occasionally be cheaper for the same train.

   For travel to Prague, check prices at Czech Railways www.cd.cz too as they can be cheaper than ÖBB for the same train.

- For journeys starting in Prague :

    Czech Railways www.cd.cz can book journeys to most neighbouring countries.

  For journeys between Prague & Brussels, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm also try German Railways int.bahn.de .

- For journeys starting in Budapest :

   Hungarian Railways www.mavcsoport.hu can book journeys to most neighbouring countries.

   For journeys to Germany, you can also check prices at German Railways int.bahn.de , but the Hungarians are usually cheaper.

   For journeys to Austria, you can also check prices at Austrian Railways www.oebb.at , but the Hungarians are usually cheaper.

   The sleeper trains from Budapest to Zurich & Munich can also be booked at www.oebb.at .

- For journeys starting in Slovenia or Croatia

  Zagreb or Ljubljana to Germany can be booked at German Railways int.bahn.de .

  Zagreb or Ljubljana to Austria can be booked at Austrian Railways www.oebb.at .

  Other international journeys (e.g. to Belgrade or Budapest) cannot be booked online, you have to go to the station.

- For journeys starting in Poland :

   Polish Railways haven't yet enabled online booking for international trains, except for than Berlin-Warsaw.

   You can book from Warsaw or Krakow to German cities at German Railways int.bahn.de and print out your ticket.

   The sleeper train from Warsaw & Krakow to Vienna can be booked at Austrian Railways www.oebb.at as you can print your own ticket.

   All other international tickets starting in Poland can be arranged through reliable ticketing agency www.polrail.com .

- For journeys starting in Copenhagen :

   Danish Railways www.dsb.dk can't sell international tickets.

   German Railways int.bahn.de can sell tickets from Copenhagen to Germany, Brussels, Amsterdam, Prague, Switzerland.

- For journeys starting in Stockholm & Sweden :

   Omio.com (formerly GoEuro) or www.sj.se can sell tickets to Oslo or Copenhagen or within Sweden. 

   German Railways int.bahn.de can sell tickets from Stockholm, Gothenburg & Malmo to anywhere in Germany.

   German Railways int.bahn.de can also sell tickets from Stockholm, Gothenburg & Malmo to Amsterdam, Brussels, Switzerland & Prague.

Rule-of-thumb 4 , break the journey down

I have lost count of the times I've advised travellers to split the booking and book each section of the journey, or if necessary, each individual train, at the relevant operator's website.

For example, int.bahn.de comes up with silly-money €246 prices if you ask it for Paris to Vienna, a journey which passes through Frankfurt, but it will happily sell you a Paris-Frankfurt ticket from €39 and a Frankfurt to Vienna ticket from €29 if you break the journey down.

Similarly, Prague to Venice can't be booked online anywhere, but the Czech Railways site www.cd.cz/eshop will happily sell you a Prague to Vienna ticket from €14 and Austrian Railways www.oebb.at will book the Vienna-Venice sleeper from €59 with couchette.

There are endless examples of this all over Europe, some creative thinking is often required!

Rule-of-thumb 5 , some trains cannot be booked online

Remember that some trains simply cannot be booked online so will need to be booked by phone or at the station.  For example Zagreb to Belgrade, Belgrade to Montenegro, or Sofia to Istanbul.

I'll say it again, for advice on which website to use for which specific European train journey, see the How to buy European train tickets page .

It matters whom you call!  Some agencies are better for some journeys than others because of the ticketing systems they use.

You'll find a list of agencies with advice on who to call on the How to buy train tickets by phone page .

Maps of the European rail network

Free online rail maps.

This free online rail map of Europe is a good basic overview of the extent of the European railway network. 

It's intended for people using a Eurail or Interrail pass so leaves out many routes in non-Interrail/Eurail countries such as Russia & Ukraine, and leaves out many smaller lines even in countries covered by these passes.

For more detail, try the zoom-able online map of European (and indeed, world) railways at www.openrailwaymap.org .

You can also try the Swiss Railways all-Europe online map at maps.trafimage.ch .  Zoom in for more detail.

For the best (and official) map of the British rail network , click here .

For an online map of the French rail network click here .

For an online interactive map of the German rail network click here .

For the best (and official) map of the Swiss rail network , click here .

But for a decent map of all European train routes, you really need to buy one of the printed rail maps listed below.

Rail Map Europe:  Buy here

Travellers' railway map:  buy here, rail atlas of europe by ian allan:  buy here.

Ian Allan Publishing do an excellent hardback rail atlas of Europe for around £21, available through Amazon.co.uk .  You can also buy it in the USA at Amazon.com .

Rail Atlas of Europe by M Ball:  Buy here

There's another highly-detailed European Railway atlas covering the whole of Europe, europeanrailwayatlas.com , price £24.95 in 122-page paperback book form covering 23,000 locations with free PDF version for your computer, tablet or phone.

Real-time train running information

Are the trains running on time?  Delays, incidents, strikes or disruptions?

London to Paris or Brussels by Eurostar

Changing trains in paris.

Train journeys from the UK into Europe often involve a change of train and station in Paris.  Eurostar arrives at the Gare du Nord , which is an easy 7 minute 500m walk from the Gare de l'Est but a metro or taxi ride from the other Paris stations including the Gare de Lyon .

See the Changing trains & stations in Paris page for advice on metro, RER and taxi travel, and an easy route guide.

The Paris metro website is www.ratp.fr .

If you want to spend some time in Paris, by all means take an earlier Eurostar on the outward journey or a later one on your return.  There are left luggage lockers at several Paris rail stations if you need to leave your luggage somewhere.

You can avoid the hassle of crossing Paris when travelling to many French destinations, by changing at Lille , see the London to France page .

Changing trains in Brussels

The ferry alternatives, london to paris by train & ferry.

London to Paris 'sleeper' option via Portsmouth-Caen:   There's an overnight train-ferry-train option where you can leave London Waterloo around 18:30, sleep in a comfortable cabin with en suite shower & toilet 22:45-06:45 on Brittany Ferries' overnight sailing from Portsmouth to Caen, then take a train from Caen to Paris St Lazare arriving around 11:05.  This is not a bad option if you need an alternative to Eurostar.  Times, fares & info for travelling from London & Portsmouth to Paris by overnight train & ferry are shown here .

London to Amsterdam by train & ferry

Uk to spain by ferry, other useful ferry routes.

DFDS Seaways ( www.dfds.com ) sail overnight from Newcastle to IJmuiden near Amsterdam, see the Newcastle-Amsterdam page .

Should you go 1st or 2nd class?

2nd class is absolutely fine for most travellers.  There's no need to pay for a 1st class ticket to travel in comfort these days, especially on the fast modern air-conditioned express trains.  So if you're on a budget, don't bother with 1st class unless you are offered prices that make it silly not to upgrade.

For most of us, 2nd class is the norm unless the Company is paying.  If you're visiting Europe from overseas, rest assured that there are very few peasants and chickens in 2nd class these days.

What more do you get in 1st class? 

First class gets you wider seats, plusher seats, more leg and elbow room, and fewer passengers per coach.  In most cases, assume that is all.  Luggage room is the same, perhaps with fewer passengers per coach using it, but this is not a sensible reason for paying a 1st class fare as there's always room for luggage in any class.

On a few premier trains including Eurostar , Spanish AVE trains & Lyria , some 1st class fares include an at-seat service of food & drink, but these are the exceptions.  Unless you're told otherwise, you should assume that a 1st class ticket simply gets you a nicer seat with more leg and elbow room, surrounded by more business travellers with laptops and fewer families with kids.  On German ICEs and Austrian railjets , food & drink is not included but in 1st class a steward will take orders and serve you at your seat, in 2nd class you have to go to the bistro or restaurant car.

Tables for two & solo seats:   First class cars generally have seats arranged 2+1 across the width of the car (two seats abreast, then the aisle, then one solo seat), hence the wider seats with more elbow room compared to 2+2 seating in 2nd class.  So in a typical first class car you'll find face-to-face tables for two and solo seats as well as tables for four - if you're a couple, facing each other across an intimate table for two, both of you getting a seat that's both window and aisle, is a key advantage of going 1st class.  As is booking a solo seat if you're travelling alone, a seat that's both aisle and window, where you aren't sitting next to anyone else.

Train seat numbering plans :  Click here for train seating plans

1st class can be an affordable treat

Don't decide until you see the price!  Most train operators have airline-style variable pricing, you might find 2nd class costs €40 and 1st class only €45 because of the way the price quotas have worked in each class.  In which case you'd be crazy not to pay an extra €5 to upgrade!

On sleeper trains, class is irrelevant

On sleeper trains, whether you have a 1st or 2nd class ticket is almost irrelevant, as your comfort depends on the type of sleeping accommodation you pay for:  Seat, couchette, or sleeper.  A 2nd class couchette is more comfortable (and more secure) than a 1st class seat.  A 2nd class sleeper is more comfortable than a 1st class couchette (where such things exist).  In fact, on most routes only a 2nd class ticket is now needed for a 2-bed sleeper.  On nightjet sleeper trains , for example, all accommodation is now classified as 2nd class, even deluxe sleepers with shower.  The options for travelling on overnight trains are explained here .

Should you make a seat reservation ?

Local, suburban & regional trains in most countries don't have seat reservations.  You just get on and sit where you like, like the London Underground or New York Subway.

Long-distance trains in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Sweden & Poland are usually all-reserved and every ticket comes with a seat reservation automatically included, free of charge.  The same goes for international trains to, from or between these countries including Eurostar , TGV-Lyria , Paris-Barcelona TGVs , Paris-Milan TGVs , Paris-Milan Frecciarossas and Paris-Germany TGV/ICE trains .  Such trains often don't have any displays showing which seats are reserved and which free because it's assumed that all passengers have a reserved seat.

Long-distance trains in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark & much of central Europe are usually reservation optional .  You can travel without a reservation (the risk is you may have to stand at busy times) or you can pay a small fee to reserve a seat.  If you don't have a reservation you can sit in any empty unreserved seat - an electronic display above each seat (or on older trains, a little printed slip in a slot) show which seats are reserved.

Making a short journey mid-week in February as a solo traveller I might not bother making a reservation, especially if I'm joining at the station where the train starts so will have my pick of the seats.  But if you're making a long journey or travelling on a busy Friday or Sunday afternoon or travelling with your family or in a small group, I strongly recommend making a reservation to be sure of a seat.  You are usually offered the option of adding a seat reservation when buying a ticket online, if you fail to add one you can sometimes make a separate seat reservation only booking later, the German, Austrian & Czech railway websites can do that, but not all websites.

Forward-facing seats

I know from experience that American visitors in particular (if you'll forgive me for saying so) are obsessed with facing forwards.  Europeans less so, as we are used to trains with half the seats facing one way, half the other, and we know that it's no big deal as trains run smoothly on rails - think cruise liner restaurant, where half the diners are going backwards at 18 knots without noticing!

On most European trains you cannot specify which way your seat faces.  The reservation system knows the carriage seat layout, but it cannot predict which way round the train will enter service that day.  Indeed, on some routes the train reverses en route, for example on a journey from Rome to Venice, seats which are backward-facing from Rome to Florence will be forward-facing from Florence to Venice as the train changes direction at Florence SMN which is a terminus.  Similarly, trains from Zurich to Innsbruck, Salzburg & Vienna change direction at Buchs, before the Austrian border.

There are a few cases where a forward-facing seat can be requested.  Some operators including Eurostar keep their trains a particular way round, for example on Eurostar car 1 is always at the London end, car 16 at the Paris end.  You can often select your seat from a seat map when you book such trains direct with the relevant operator, the direction of travel is often indicated on the plan so you can see which seats face which way.  On a few TGV routes in France a clever dual numbering system allows the correct set of numbers to illuminate depending which way round the train is, which in turn allows the reservation system to offer a choice of forward-facing seat if you book at www.sncf-connect.com or www.thetrainline.com .  In the UK, we have traditionally had a much simpler low-tech system.  Two seats facing each other have the same number, say 15, the one facing is 15F and the one going backwards is 15B.

Remember that on trains where reservation is optional (domestic trains in Benelux countries, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, and much of Eastern Europe) you can sit where you like, and if you find your reserved seats not to your liking just sit elsewhere.  However, in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, all long-distance trains are all-reserved so you usually have to stick with your reserved seats.

My favourite arrangement in first class on most European trains is a face-to-face table for two.  Both of you get a window seat, and both an aisle seat, and one seat is always facing forwards.  My wife usually gets that!  It also means you get the full length of a window to look out of, not half a window.

Which side of the train?

On some routes the best scenery is on a particular side of the train, for example the left hand side going south along the Rhine Valley from Cologne to Mainz, or the right hand side from Switzerland into Austria through the Arlberg Pass.  I try and mention which side to sit on the relevant pages of this site, if it matters.

However, many reservation systems won't let you choose which side of the train to sit as the train or carriage could enter service either way round.  Only in some cases is direction of travel shown.  On trains where reservation is optional (domestic trains in Benelux countries, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, much of central Europe) you can sit where you like so can move if your reserved seat is on the 'wrong' side.

First class lounges at stations

There are first class lounges at some major stations, usually with complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks or even beer and wine, plus WiFi and charging points.  Sometimes the lounge is for anyone with a first class ticket (which may or may not include first class Eurail or Interrail passes), in other cases the lounges are only for holders of the most expensive premium-fare first class tickets or who have that train operator's frequent traveller loyalty card. Here's a quick guide:

Eurostar business lounges at London St Pancras, Paris Nord & Brussels Midi

Eurostar has a business lounge opening off the departures hall after security at London St Pancras , Paris Nord & Brussels Midi with complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine & spirits, beer and snacks.  The lounge has toilets, free WiFi and charging points.  The London and Paris lounges also have a free cocktail bar, open afternoon until evening.

The business lounges are open to holders of Business Premier tickets or holders of Eurostar's top-tier Carte Blanche loyalty card.  They are not open to holders of Standard Premier tickets or railpass holders. 

Paris & France

Anyone with any 1st class ticket for TGV-Lyria trains from Paris to Switzerland can use the SNCF Salon Grand Voyageur at Paris Gare de Lyon in Hall 3 with free WiFi, hot drinks and water.

Apart from this, the Salon Grand Voyageur is only open to travellers with SNCF loyalty cards or the most expensive full-price 1st class Pro tickets.  You can use it with any 1st class ticket if you have a Eurostar Carte Blanche loyalty card.

All the other major Paris termini and many big city stations across France have an SNCF Grand Voyageur lounge with free WiFi, hot drinks and water, but these are only for passengers with SNCF loyalty cards or the most expensive full-price 1st class Pro tickets.  You can use them with any 1st class ticket if you have a Eurostar Carte Blanche loyalty card.

Brussels & Belgium

Eurostar (formerly Thalys) has its own lounge at Brussels Midi, only for Eurostar (formerly Thalys) passengers who have the most expensive Premium class tickets.  Not open to holders of Comfort class (= regular 1st class) tickets or to railpass holders.

Apart from this there is no first class lounge at Brussels Midi , but I consider the bar at the Pullman Hotel to be the best VIP waiting room for the price of a beer.

Amsterdam & the Netherlands

There is an NS International Lounge at Amsterdam Centraal at the western end of platform 2 and there are similar lounges at Schiphol & Rotterdam Centraal .  You can use these lounges with any type of 1st class international ticket including 1st class Eurail & Interrail passes.

Follow the signs for NS International Lounge, check www.nsinternational.nl for opening times.  Tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks available. 

Switzerland

Unfortunately, SBB closed their first class lounges at Zurich & Geneva at the end of 2016, citing lack of use.

Trenitalia has Freccialounges at major city stations.  These are only for holders of the most expensive Executive class tickets or who have Trenitalia's own frequent-traveller loyalty card.

Competitor Italo also has lounges at major city stations, branded Club Italo.   These are only for holders of the most expensive Club class tickets or who have Italo's own frequent-traveller loyalty card.

There is a Renfe Sala Club lounge at Madrid Atocha , Madrid Chamartin , Barcelona Sants , Malaga Maria Zambrano, Seville Santa Justa, Cordoba, Valencia, Alicante, Girona, Zaragoza Delicias, Valladolid and several other stations. 

The Sala Club is open to anyone who has paid the Premium fare, or who has a 1st class ticket for an international AVE (but not TGV ) to France.  Typically open from 06:00 to 22:00 every day.  You can use them from 2 hours before your train leaves until departure.

Tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer and snacks available.  For details search www.renfe.com .

There are DB Lounges at major stations, but only for holders of the most expensive DB Flexpreis tickets.  You cannot use the lounges if you have a 1st class Sparpreis or Super Sparpreis ticket or Eurail or Interrail pass.

They don't admit holders of tickets for regional trains or trains operated without DB involvement such as Eurostar (formerly Thalys) , Nightjet , European Sleeper or the Munich-Prague trains .

However, if you have a Eurostar Carte Blanche loyalty card you can use a DB Lounge with any ticket.

There are lounges at Berlin Hbf , Bremen, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main Hbf , Frankfurt Flughafen , Hamburg Hbf , Hanover, Cologne Hbf , Leipzig, Mannheim, Munich Hbf , Nuremberg, Stuttgart.  Typically open 07:00-21:00 daily, follow signs for DB Lounge , search int.bahn.de for opening times.

There are ÖBB Lounges at Vienna Hauptbahnhof , Vienna Meidling , Linz, Salzburg , Innsbruck , Graz & Klagenfurt.

These Austrian lounges are really useful because you can use them for up to 90 minutes before or after your journey with almost any type of 1st class ticket or with a ticket for any type of sleeper for Nightjet or EuroNight trains and with a 1st class Eurail or Interrail pass.

There's one exception:  You can use the lounge with a 1st class DB Sparpreis or Flexpreis fare, but not with a Super Sparpreis fare.

Typically open 06:00-21:00, for details see www.oebb.at & search for ÖBB Lounge .  Tea, coffee, soft drinks, snacks & free WiFi available.

Budapest & Hungary

Budapest Keleti has an excellent business lounge on platform 9 , open 06:00-21:30 daily.  This lounge is really useful as it can be used by anyone with a 1st class international ticket to, from or via Budapest, or a single or double sleeper ticket, or a 1st class Eurail or Interrail pass with a reservation for a train that day.  Unfortunately, there's no lounge at Budapest Deli or Budapest Nyugati.

Prague & the Czech Republic

CD (Czech Railways) has a lounge at Prague Hlavni with newspaper and free WiFi, but it's also open to 2nd class passengers with tickets for the higher categories of train such as EuroCity and SuperCity so it's more upmarket waiting room than 1st class lounge.  The excellent Fantova Kavárna upstairs in the historic station hall makes a better VIP waiting lounge for the price of a cup of coffee.

PKP Intercity used to have poorly-advertised lounges at Warsaw Centralna & Krakow Glowny , but strangely closed them in 2014 due to lack of users.

Copenhagen & Denmark

DSB Danish Railways have DSB1 lounges for first class passengers at Copenhagen , Aarhus and Odense.  Open Monday-Friday only.  Passengers with 1st class tickets for SJ trains to Stockholm or Intercity trains to Germany can also use it.  For details search www.dsb.dk and use Google Translate.

Stockholm & Sweden

SJ have a first class lounge at both Stockholm Central & Gothenburg Central open to all first class ticket holders   It's open Monday-Friday only morning until mid-evening, for details see www.sj.se .

Travelling overnight

Sleeper trains are a time-effective and romantic way to travel.  Huge distances can be covered while you sleep, using less daytime time than flying and often saving a hotel bill, too.

Forget about first and second class on sleeper trains, these terms become misleading.  The real classes on an overnight train are seat, couchette and sleeper.  In fact, all accommodation on nightjet sleeper trains is now technically 2nd class, even a deluxe single-bed sleeper with shower.  Although some operators still require a 1st class ticket for a single-bed sleeper.

Incidentally, trains don't have sterns or bows or port or starboard as they are not a ship.  They also don't have cabins , the correct term has always been a sleeper or couchette compartment .

Click for sleeper & couchette car berth numbering plans , this answers the typical worry We have berths 21 & 25, are we in the same 2-berth compartment?   Yes, you are!

...in a sleeping-car

A sleeping-car is the equivalent of a hotel :  A cosy bedroom, with comfortable beds, washbasin, and room service.  Sleepers come in 1, 2 & 3 berth varieties, depending on the route, whether you have a 1st or 2nd class ticket, and the price you want to pay.  For the daytime parts of a journey, the beds fold away to reveal a sofa.

If you are travelling alone and don't want to pay for a 1st class single room, you can normally book just one berth in a 2 or 3-berth room and share with other passengers of the same gender (though this is currently not possible in Italian domestic sleepers).

In addition to the normal lock, sleeper compartments have a security lock which cannot be opened from outside even with a staff key, so you'll be both safe and snug.  The most modern sleepers now have CCTV in the corridor, too.

On most sleeper train routes there are inclusive fares covering travel, sleeper & breakfast.  If you have an Interrail or Eurail pass, you can look up the additional cost of a sleeper on the Interrail & Eurail reservations page .

For more detailed information about what to expect when travelling by sleeper, see the Travelling by Sleeping-car or Couchette page or the information about specific sleeper trains, including:

- Nightjet sleeper trains linking Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland.

- Prague to Krakow sleeper train .

...in a couchette

A couchette is rail's answer to a youth hostel or pensione:   Economical and comfortable, it's an ordinary seating compartment for 4 or 6 people by day, with fold-out padded bunks for 4 or 6 people by night, each with sheet, rug & pillow which you arrange yourself.  Male and female passengers normally share the same compartment (although there are 'ladies only' compartments on most routes), and apart from removing shoes & jackets,  passengers do not normally undress.

A berth in a 6-berth couchette compartment costs around €20-€27 per berth per night, in addition to a 2nd class ticket or railpass.  A berth in a less-crowded 4-berth couchette compartment costs around €30-€37 per berth per night, in addition to a 2nd class ticket or railpass.

In addition to the normal lock, couchette compartments have a security lock or chain which cannot be opened from outside, even with a staff key, so you'll be quite safe.  1st class couchettes (4 berths per compartment) are rare, they pretty much only exist in on the few remaining French domestic overnight trains .

There's more detailed information about what to expect when travelling by couchette on the Travelling by Couchette or Sleeping-car page .  For more specific information, if your journey involves a nightjet, see the nightjet sleeper train page .  If your journey involves a French domestic Intercité de Nuit overnight train, see the Intercités de Nuit page .

...in a seat

Although it's the cheapest option, travelling overnight in an ordinary seat is a false economy.  It's not recommended however tight your budget, either for comfort or security, unless there's no other option.  There's no lock on the compartment door, and no staff on duty.  Think of it as the equivalent (almost!) of sleeping in a shop doorway.  Always budget for at least the couchette supplement for a comfortable night's journey. 

How early to be at the station?

There are some exceptions .  Major Italian stations now have a simple manual ticket check between concourse and platform circulating area.  In France some major stations have automatic ticket gates when boarding long-distance trains, scan the barcode on your ticket and they open, they're work until 2 minutes before departure.  But it's still nothing like air travel.

Train composition posters

Is there passport control before boarding, how long to allow for connections , it takes just minutes to change trains, if your onward train is a local one, if your onward train is all-reserved, if your onward train is a sleeper, if connecting out of a sleeper.

Example   You're catching the Cologne-Munich sleeper train, due to arrive in Munich at 07:10.  There are onward connections to Salzburg at 07:25 and 09:30, both with cheap fares available which are only valid on whichever specific train you choose.  Online systems and the European Rail Timetable suggest the 07:25.  But is this a safe connection?  No, it isn't.  Even this excellent sleeper train can arrive 20, 40 or 60 minutes late, and it pays to be on the safe side.  In this case I'd recommend booking the 09:30 and having a leisurely breakfast in Munich.

Through ticket or separate tickets?

Recommended connection times when changing stations in paris, travel tips, what happens if you miss a connection, if things go wrong ..., here's what you should know.

With a through ticket the international conditions of carriage (CIV) give you a cast-iron legal entitlement to travel on by later trains if a delay means a missed connection, so tight connections aren't necessarily a problem.

However, through tickets no longer exist for many journeys and you'll often be given separate tickets for each train.  Unfortunately, CIV protection only applies to connections within each ticket, not between tickets.

The good news is that rail staff will usually help you out if there's a delay, as connections between separate tickets and different operators are often covered by the Agreement for Journey Continuation (AJC) or RailTeam/HOTNAT , which I explain below.

If you miss a connection

If you are on a delayed Eurostar and you realise you're going to miss your onward connection, Eurostar train managers carry a HOTNAT / CIV stamp and will endorse your ticket.  They may walk through the train helping people with connections, or may announce that they are available in a particular car.  Similarly, staff on other European trains can usually endorse or stamp your ticket if their train is delayed.

Tip:  If crossing Paris by metro, buy a metro ticket in the Eurostar cafe-bar car to save vital minutes, you might still make your connection.

It's good to be aware of your rights under the international conditions of carriage or CIV and its limitations, and of AJC & HOTNAT .

An example...   I was travelling from London to Bordeaux on a Eurostar running 40 minutes late.  It looked like I would miss my connection in Paris, and naturally my onward ticket was train-specific & non-changeable!  An announcement was made that the train manager was in the bar car to help passengers with connections.  He stamped my ticket and told me to go to the ticket office at Paris Montparnasse to get myself rebooked on a later train.  In the event, I bought a metro ticket from the Eurostar cafe-bar to save time at the metro station (important tip!), I walked to the front of the train as we approached Paris, I had allowed a little more than the recommended minimum 60 minutes to cross Paris in any case, and I made my connection!

If you miss a Eurostar due to a delayed train

If you miss a connection in brussels, your rights:   civ conditions of carriage.

Unfortunately, this CIV missed connection protection only applies within a single contract for carriage, in other words, within one ticket.

If you have a through ticket from A to C changing at B, your connection at B is protected if there's a delay.

But if you have a ticket from A to B and a separate ticket from B to C, your connection at B is not protected by the CIV as this is two separate contracts for carriage and CIV does not apply between contracts.  These days, many journeys have to be made using separate tickets.

For example, there are no through tickets between London and Germany, so if you book a journey from London to Berlin, even as one transaction on one website, you'll get a London-Brussels Eurostar ticket and a separate Brussels-Berlin DB (German Railways) ticket.  This is two separate contracts for carriage and CIV does not protect you for a missed connection in Brussels, between the two tickets.

The CIV were written when through tickets were the norm for almost all European journeys, these days many through journeys have to be made using multiple tickets.  Frankly, the CIV are no longer fit for purpose.  I have spoken at the EU Parliament in Brussels on the subject!

Railteam & HOTNAT

Agreement on journey continuation ( ajc ).

The signatories to the AJC are:

SNCF (French Railways), DB (German Railways), ÖBB (Austrian Railways), Trenitalia (Italian Railways), Renfe (Spanish Railways), SBB (Swiss Federal Railways), BLS (Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon Railway), CD (Czech Railways), SNCB (Belgian Railways), NS (Dutch Railways), CFL (Luxembourg Railways), DSB (Danish Railways), SJ (Swedish Railways), SZ (Slovenian Railways), ZSSK (Slovakian Railways). 

Eurostar signed up to the AJC in 2023, as did MAV (Hungarian Railways), PKP (Polish Railways), HZPP (Croatian Railways) & European Sleeper .

The AJC doesn't currently cover some open-access operators such as Italo, Westbahn, Regiojet, Leo Express.

To qualify for help under the AJC:

Both trains have to be run by signatories to the agreement.

You have to be making an international journey, not a domestic one.

You must have allowed reasonable period of time between trains, meaning at least the minimum applied by official journey planners.

You may need to get proof of the delay from the delayed operator, which they are obliged to give you.

Onward travel has to be on the same operator on the same route.  It is either the station staff or the train manager for the onward train you gives you permission, you should ask at the interchange station.

Remember that the AJC is a commercial agreement between operators, it's not a passenger right you can claim.  So politely remind staff about it if they don't seem to know about it.

A traveller's report

A traveller reports:   "I got to my local station and there were no trains going anywhere!  There had been an emergency that stopped all trains for half an hour or so in the early morning rush hour, just when I needed to get to London for the 8.30am Eurostar to Paris and TGV down to Toulon, with train-specific tickets all the way.  So what do you do?  I just went to the ticket office when I reached London - they had the emergency flagged up on their computer screens and just wrote me a docket/stamped and signed it and on I went.  At St Pancras, I did the same - went to the Eurostar ticket office and they stamped the unused tickets, issued new ones and off I went.   At Gare de Lyon, I went to the ticket office, showed them all the dockets, stamped, stapled and initialled tickets and again they just issued me a ticket for the next train."

Holidays & tours by train

Railbookers , railbookers.co.uk.

Railbookers can custom-make a holiday or short break by train to most European countries for you, with train travel & carefully-chosen hotels, for however long you like, leaving on any date you like.  If you tell them what you want, they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels and sort it all out for you.  They look after their customers well and get a lot of repeat business, so I've no hesitation in recommending them.

Byway, byway.travel

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating .  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, they'll book European trips for you as a package including hotels, starting from any British station.  Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

To see pre-configured packages from the UK to various destinations, use the journey planner on their website .

Tip:   First book a one-way outward journey to your destination city on your outward date.  Then change the direction of the arrow and book an inward journey on your return date.  The journey back to the UK can be from a different location if you like, for example if you plan to travel around a bit before your return to the UK.

Alternatively they can build a trip to your requirements, email them or use the contact form .  Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

General country guidebooks

People sometimes think a guidebook is an unnecessary expense, but it's a tiny fraction of what you're spending on your whole trip.  You will see and understand so much more if you have a decent guidebook.  For the independent traveller, I think the best ones out there are either the Lonely Planet or the Rough Guide.  Both guidebooks are excellent, and you won't regret buying one!

Click the images to buy at Amazon.co.uk or buy in the USA at Amazon.com

H otels in europe, backpacker hostels.

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about the backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of dorm beds or ultra-cheap private rooms in backpacker hostels in most European cities at rock-bottom prices.

Car hire comparison:  www.carrentals.co.uk

The award-winning website www.carrentals.co.uk compares many different car hire companies including Holiday Autos.  That means not only a useful price comparison, but a wider choice of hire and drop off location.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here .  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

City Guides .\33 a132798-3f3b-4585-954d-7e70cf863447{fill:#231f20}

Complete guide to train travel in europe | how to travel europe by train.

Our step-by-step guide to traveling Europe by train.

Transportation

Traveling by train is the quintessential way to tour Europe. It’s romantic. It’s inspiring. It’s super-efficient. It’s comfortable. Some might say it’s almost magical. And to those who don’t live in a country where train travel is prominent, it’s a little mysterious.

In this Complete Guide To Train Travel In Europe,  I’ll cover everything you need to know about traveling Europe by rail—including how to get the best price on train tickets, rail pass tips, understanding train schedules, tips for riding trains, how to navigate train stations, and advice for dealing with other issues you might encounter. By the end of this guide, you’re going to be a European train expert!

Quick Tip: Most train tickets are now electronic so you’ll want fast and reliable mobile data on your phone when traveling via train. Check out my guide on how to use your phone in Europe and our guide to the best SIM Cards and Data Plans for Europe .

The Pros and Cons of Europe Train Travel

Let’s start with a quick overview of the positives and negatives of train travel in Europe.

Advantages Of Train Travel In Europe

Here are all the things I love about riding the train in Europe:

• In contrast, traveling from the airport to the city can take anywhere from 20-60 minutes and costs between $10-$80.
• There are no lengthy check-in procedures or security screening for most train travel. You simply show up a few minutes before the train leaves, buy a ticket if you don’t have one, and hop on the train.
• There are no luggage weight limits or extra fees for multiple pieces of luggage—just make sure that you’re able to lift your bag onto the train.
• Most European trains now accept electronic tickets—you simply show your ticket on your phone. That means no waiting in ticket lines and it makes planning your train travel even easier.
• You can pretty much bring whatever you want on a train—including alcohol. So stop by the local grocery store and pick up some cheap food for the journey.
• Europe’s rail network is extremely vast so it is possible to travel to even small towns by train. Most destinations offer multiple trains a day. The most popular routes usually have multiple trains an hour so getting to where you want to go is rarely difficult.
• If you’re traveling a long distance, consider taking an overnight train. These trains have special sleeper cars with bunks (usually six-bunk rooms or two-bunk rooms). A bunk in a sleeper car will cost about $45-$90 extra (about the same as a night in a hostel) but you won’t lose out on a whole day of travel. Overnight trains also have normal seats if you don’t want to fork over the extra cash for a bunk but it’s kind of uncomfortable.
• Train travel allows you to be spontaneous so you can show up at any train station, buy a ticket, and be on your way.
• Europe has a lot of beautiful countryside so traveling by train is a great way to see some fantastic views.
• Some trains also offer designated quiet cars if you truly want quiet.
• Train seats are larger and more comfortable than plane seats (especially when compared to many discount airlines). You’re also free to move about the train whenever you feel like it. Many trains also have seats that face each other and have a table between the seats—so it’s great for groups.
• European trains run on schedule well over 90% of the time but flights are only on schedule around 65%.
• Historically, train stations were the central hub for commerce and transportation so European cities showed off their status by building grandiose train stations. While it isn’t a huge deal, it is one of those nice little perks.
• Many countries offer sizable discounts for people under 26 years old so don’t forget to look into those discounts.
• The train is the most environmentally friendly form of travel. In fact, even France banned short-haul flights to encourage more train travel within France.
• We’ve always found riding the train to be fun. It’s oddly magical and relaxing.

Disadvantages of Train Travel in Europe

Train travel isn’t perfect so here are a few things to watch out for:

• That said, you can get some really good deals if you’re able to book high-speed trains in advance but you’ll pay a premium if you book last minute.
• There are often discounts for travelers under 26 years old.
• Note: Don’t forget to add in travel time to/from the airport and time to get checked in and through security—which will add around three hours to your journey.
• The train schedules can be a little confusing—especially for beginners. Luckily, there are plenty of apps that help make the process much easier but we still get tripped up every now and then.
• Many cities have more than one train station (Paris has six!). It’s not uncommon to arrive at one station and leave from another.
• It is also possible to change stations during a single journey. For example, when traveling from London to Lyon via the Eurostar, the Eurostar stops at the Paris North station, but then you have to travel to the Paris East station to catch the train from Paris to Lyon because there are no direct trains from London to Lyon. This transfer would require a cheap Métro (subway) ride.
• Striking is a national pastime in Europe. It happens a few times a year (or more if the people aren’t happy) but they announce the strikes well in advance so it shouldn’t be a surprise (just a hassle). You’ll just have to deal with them if they happen.

Pre-Trip Train Journey Planning

There are a number of great websites that will help you plan your train journey.

The first is Rome2Rio — simply plug in your destinations and it will give you all the train routes (as well as plane, bus, and car routes with cost estimates and travel times) for your journey. Rome2Rio is good for comparing different modes of transportation but I find better train ticket prices and more complete train listings on Omio and Trainline .

The German Railways Website ( Bahn.de ) shows the schedule of every train in Europe (yes, every train). We find that it’s helpful for piecing together complex train journeys. But it’s also good for seeing which trains require reservations and other important information. Unfortunately, you can only book German train tickets on the site so hop over to Omio and Trainline to book your tickets.

I’ve also written a few country-specific train guides to help you learn the quirks of each country’s rail network.

• Belgium Train Guide
• England Train Guide
• France Train Guide
• Germany Train Guide
• Italy Train Guide
• Netherlands Train Guide
• Portugal Train Guide
• Spain Train Guide
• Switzerland Train Guide

How to Buy European Train Tickets

Buying European train tickets can be a little complicated—especially when you’re looking for the best deals.

That’s because each country runs its own National rail service (many countries also have separate private rail networks as well) and each does things slightly differently.

Luckily, there are plenty of online tools to make the whole process easier and we’ll walk you through the process.

NOTE: I’ve written an in-depth guide on how to buy train tickets in Europe if you want a more detailed look at finding the cheapest train fare.

How To Understand Train Ticket Pricing

Before we get started, I need to explain the two main ways train tickets are priced— fixed price and variable price .

Variable-Price Train Fares

Variable Train Fares are always changing based on demand, the day of the week, the time of year, and the distance to the departure date. Essentially all high-speed trains operate on this pricing model.

• In general, the prices will continue to creep up as the departure date approaches—you’ll pay a fortune if you buy last minute.
• Of course, you lose flexibility when buying tickets in advance because the cheapest tickets are normally non-refundable/unchangeable

Fixed-Price Train Fares

With Fixed Train Fares , the price is solely determined by the distance traveled. This is most common on regional and slower trains. With this type of ticket, it doesn’t matter when you buy tickets because the price never changes.

Where To Buy European Train Tickets

There are two main ways to buy European train tickets—directly from each country’s National Rail Service (via their website or at the train station) or through a third-party train booking search engine like Omio and Trainline —I find these booking services to be much more user-friendly.

Third-Party Train Ticket Booking Sites

There are quite a few advantages to buying your train tickets with third-party booking sites:

• The advantage of booking with a third-party booking site is that it lets you book more complex multi-country/international train routes. Many National Rail Services have trouble booking international routes (i.e. going from France to Italy)—so they can’t always find the best deals or show all available routes.
• Many of Europe’s National Rail websites still have issues processing foreign credit cards so it’s common for credit cards to be declined when booking. These third-party sites won’t have these issues.
• We’ve found that it’s common for Europe’s National Rail websites to be plagued with weird technical problems and overall poor user interfaces. Many times you’ll get kicked from the English version of the page to the local language in the middle of the booking process. These third-party booking websites take care of these issues.
• Third-party booking services have much better smartphone apps than the clunky national rail service apps.

Our Favorite Train Booking Websites

• Omio : Omio is a great train booking engine that lets you book tickets from just about every country’s rail service and they make the booking process very user-friendly.
• Trainline : Trainline is a new European train booking service (very similar to Omio ) that sells train tickets from Austrian, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and German Railways railways (and a few others).

National Booking Sites

Despite their technical issues, sometimes the cheapest tickets can only be found by booking directly with each country’s national rail service. This is because sometimes they offer limited-time deals that third-party booking sites don’t have access to. So it doesn’t hurt to at least take a look.

Links to Some National Railway Websites:

Austrian Railways ¹ – Belgian Railways ¹ – Danish Railways – Finnish Railways – French Railways – German Railways – Irish Railways – Italian Railways – Spanish Railways – Netherlands Railways ¹ – Norwegian Railways – Polish Railways – Swedish Railways – Swiss Railways ¹ – United Kingdom Railways

¹ Domestic tickets (i.e. trips that are wholly within the country) are always the same price — regardless of when they’re purchased and they never require a reservation. Therefore, it is easiest to buy tickets at the station. However, these countries often have a separate international high-speed train system (e.g., Belgium has slower regional trains and high-speed Thalys trains that link major Belgian cities to other international cities — these tickets should be purchased early for cheaper fares).

Quick Note About Eastern Europe Trains

Some Eastern European countries still don’t have online ticket booking so it’s only possible to purchase tickets at the station or through a local travel agent. Ask your hostel or hotel and they’ll tell you where to locate an agent.

Receiving Your Online Tickets

There are multiple ways to collect your tickets after you purchase them:

• Electronic Tickets:  Many times you can have an electronic ticket sent to your phone (either via email or the booking app). Simply show the conductor on the train when he checks tickets and he’ll scan the QR code on the screen. This isn’t available in all countries but most countries have switched to eTickets.
• Print-At-Home Tickets:  Anywhere that offers electronic tickets will usually let you print tickets at home. You can often simply save the PDF to your phone/tablet and the conductor can scan it from there.
• Note: You’re often required to use the SAME credit card use to purchase the tickets to collect the tickets at the station.

Buying Tickets At The Station

You can buy train tickets at any train station—either from the ticket window or from automated ticket machines. We recommend trying the automated ticket machines since the lines at the ticket window are long, slow, and understaffed.

When To Buy Train Tickets To Get The Best Price

Fares are fixed for most  regional and local trains so there is no reason to buy them early.

For high-speed trains , it’s best to buy tickets early to get the cheapest tickets. In most cases, train tickets can be purchased 60-90 days before the departure date but buying a few weeks early is usually fine.

Train Ticket Price Examples (Comparing Last Minute vs Buying Early)

• Purchased Two Days Before Departure: €69.00
• Purchased Three Weeks Before Departure: €55
• Purchased Two Days Before Departure: €135
• Purchased Three Weeks Before Departure: €97
• Purchased Six Weeks Before Departure: €54
• Purchased Two Days Before Departure: €234
• Purchased Three Weeks Before Departure: 124
• Purchased Six Weeks Before Departure: €55

As you can see, booking just a few weeks early can save quite a bit of money.

Quick Point About Buying Train Tickets Early : As stated above, buying tickets in advance is the best way to save money but this also limits your ability to be flexible/spontaneous. This is especially true since many of the truly cheap train tickets are non-refundable. For optimum flexibility, it might be best to buy a rail pass. Here’s my  Guide To Using Rail Passes in Europe and my Eurail Pass Review .

Other Train Ticket Discounts

Most rail services offer various discounts—some are based on rider age but other discounts are based on region, the day of the week, or other schemes.

• The most common discount is a youth discount — which is usually for people under 27 years old.
• Most countries offer a number of potential discounts. For example, Germany has a Schönes-Wochenende-Ticket (Happy Weekend Ticket) where groups of 2-5 people can ride as much as they want on regional trains from Saturday to Sunday for €44. Check each country’s rail service website to see if there are discounts available.

Eurail Passes

Many travelers choose to use rail passes instead of buying individual tickets. That’s because Eurail passes can save you a bit of money (depending on how you use them) but most importantly they give you excellent flexibility by allowing you to travel without needing to plan.

Note: We’ve written a lot about Eurail Passes. Check out our  Guide To Using Rail Passes in Europe and our Eurail Pass Review for more in-depth information.

Quick Rundown On Rail Passes

A rail pass (aka Eurail Pass) is a single ticket/pass that allows you to ride any train in Europe—simply hop on, show the conductor your pass, and you’re good to go. Actually, it’s not quite that easy these days as there are a few stipulations, but the general idea is that you can ride any train without booking individual tickets.

Types Of Rail Passes

• Continuous:  Unlimited travel to any Eurail participant country for between 15 days and 3 months.
• Flexi:  10 or 15 individual travel days (doesn’t have to be consecutive days) to any Eurail participant country within a two-month period.
• For example, one pass could be 10 days of train travel between France, Switzerland, and Italy. You have a two-month window to use of your 8 travel days. Each day you travel by train counts as one travel day but you can take unlimited train rides within each day.
• Eight travel days in a single country which must be used within a month.

Advantages of Rail Passes

• Flexibility: The number one benefit of rail passes is the flexibility they offer. You simply have to walk onto the train and go.  That’s why this is a great option for people who don’t want to plan and who would rather wander across Europe.
• Long-Distance Trains: It’s also a good deal if you plan on taking a lot of long-distance trips because those tickets tend to be expensive so a rail pass is a good way to save some money. On the other hand, if you’re taking a bunch of short train rides then you’ll probably be better off buying single tickets.
• Low Stress:  Piecing together a bunch of train journeys and then pre-purchasing individual tickets is stressful and takes a lot of time and planning. For a lot of people, paying a little extra for a rail pass is worth the hours saved having to preplan your entire trip.

Disadvantages of Rail Passes

• More Expensive: It’s usually cheaper if you purchase your train tickets online a few weeks in advance. That said, most of these cheap pre-purchased tickets are non-refundable so you’ll lose most of your flexibility. However, if you’re purchasing your train tickets a few days before departure then it’s much cheaper to use a rail pass.
• Reservations: A few countries require rail pass holders to pay extra for a seat reservation on high-speed trains. The fee can range from anywhere from €5-€35 and they have to be made in advance — they can sometimes be made online or directly at the train station. Here’s a detailed guide to rail pass reservation requirements from eurail.com. You can also enter your journey into  Bahn.de  and it will tell you if that specific journey requires a reservation.

Navigating The Train Station

Ok, now we know how to buy train tickets and rail passes… so let’s learn about what to expect when you get to the train station.

The train station is the central transportation hub of most European cities so things can be a little chaotic and confusing—especially if you’re not used to traveling by train.

In this section, I’ll give you some tips to help you find your train.

First, make sure you have the correct train station because many cities have multiple stations. For example, Paris has six stations. Even some small towns have two different stations.

Once you arrive at the station, you’ll see signage in English so you shouldn’t have much trouble finding your way. Some stations are huge so you may have to walk quite a bit and navigate stairs and escalators.

Depending on the size of the station, you’ll also find fast food, cafes, shopping, lounges, and restrooms (although you sometimes have to pay to use them). Also, most train stations have luggage lockers that you can rent if you need them.

Pickpockets and Scams at the Train Stations

Train stations can get very busy, hectic, and full of confused tourists so they’re a common target for pickpockets and other scammers. Pay attention to your stuff and be wary of “helpful” strangers willing to help you with the ticket machines. Check out our Guide To Avoiding Pickpockets and Tourist Scams in Europe .

Train Ticket Machines

If you need to buy your train tickets or print your pre-purchased tickets you’ll want to first head to the automated ticket machines. Everything is in English and the machines are easy to use.

Alternatively, you can still go to the ticket window or customer service desk but the lines are usually long.

Reading The Train Station’s Departure Board

Once you arrive at the station you’ll want to look for the departure board. There are usually multiple boards throughout the station and one giant main board. This board tells you where to find your train, when it leaves, and where it’s going.

The three most important things to note are the train number , departure time , and the platform .

Your train ticket will show the scheduled departure time and the train number but it usually won’t show which platform the train leaves from.

So head to the departure board and find your train number to see at which platform your train is located. It’s very common for the departure board to not display the platform until 10-15 minutes before departure so pay attention to the board.

Find Your Train’s Platform

Once know what platform your train is departing from you’ll want to find that platform at the station. Sometimes the platforms are a bit hard to find so you might have to seek them out.

Don’t worry if there isn’t a train there at the moment because trains often pull in, load up, and leave.

There are usually a few staff members milling about on each platform so don’t be afraid to ask train station staff as most can speak English.

Validate Your Ticket 

Many physical train tickets need to be validated (stamped with time/date) before entering the train so look for small validation boxes near the entrance of the platforms. Simply place your ticket inside the machine and it will stamp it.

You can receive a large fine if the ticket checker sees that your ticket isn’t validated (they’ll assume you were trying to ride for free). If you forgot, quickly seek out the conductor, explain that you forgot to validate and everything should be fine. Or you can just play the “I’m a dumb tourist and these scary trains confuse me” card and hope they let it slide.

Note: Electronic tickets don’t need to be validated because they’re usually only good for the specific time stated on your ticket. Some paper tickets also don’t need to be validated but we usually try doing it anyway to be safe.

Finding Your Train Car

On some trains (usually high-speed trains) you have assigned seats so look at your ticket to see which train car your seat is in. The car number will be displayed on the side of each train car.

You can board the train in any car but it’s much easier if you enter your car (walking through multiple train cars is a pain).

Most regional and slower trains don’t have assigned seats so you can simply board anywhere you like.

That said, you’ll want to get on fairly quickly because trains are usually only at the station for a few minutes before they leave.

On The Train

You’ve made it on the train. Congratulations! In this section, we’ll talk about settling in and a few things you might experience on your ride.

Find Your Seat & Store Luggage

Find your assigned seat (if you have one) or take any free seat if it’s open seating. The seat numbers are displayed above the seats.

Take the opportunity to store your luggage. Smaller luggage like backpacks and some suitcases can be stored above your seat on luggage racks. There are usually larger spaces for bigger luggage at the end of each train car.

Wait For The Conductor To Check Your Tickets

A ticket checker will come by and check your ticket after the journey starts—typically within 10-20 minutes after departure.

While not extremely common in Western Europe, border patrol might board the train to check passports. They might ask you some questions but we usually only encountered this in Eastern Europe.

Enjoy The Ride

One of the great things about train travel is the comfort of the ride. Feel free to walk about, check out the bar car, enjoy a picnic (alcohol is allowed), or sleep. Some trains offer free wifi but we’ve never had much luck getting it to actually work.

Departing The Train

One of the most confusing parts of the ride is knowing exactly when to leave the train. That’s because train stations are sometimes named very similarly.

For example, many trains coming into Brussels first stop at the Brussels Nord station (which is located on the outskirts of town) before stopping at the main  Brussels Centrale station (which is located in the center of town).

More Europe Travel Tips From The Savvy Backpacker

I have a lot more tips and tricks for traveling through Europe on a budget. Here are a few helpful articles I think you’ll enjoy.

• Get moving with our picks for the  Best Travel Backpacks .
• Get packing with our  Europe Packing List .
• Get traveling with our  Europe City Travel Guides .
• Get planning with our step-by-step Guide To Traveling Europe On A Budget .
• Get a High-Speed eSIM Data Plan for Europe and learn more about how to use your phone in Europe .
• Recent Posts

• France Train Guide — How To Travel France By Train - June 30, 2024
• Best eSIM For France | A Complete Guide To Buying eSIM Data Plans in France - June 30, 2024
• How To Buy Train Tickets in France | Guide To Buying French Train Tickets - June 24, 2024

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A Guide to the Eurail Pass: What to Know About Train Travel in Europe

In the not-so-distant past, if you were a 20-something traveling around Europe , there’s a good chance your journey relied on a hefty backpack and a Eurail pass .

The pass, which has been around for 60 years, enables rail travel in 33 European countries and remains a popular choice among backpackers and beyond. The offering has evolved significantly since launching in 1959, expanding from 13 initial countries and, as of 2020, going digital, eliminating the need for pesky paper tickets. Other recent upgrades include a simplified pricing structure and more discounts for youth and senior fares.

On the flip side, critics say Eurail passes have lost some of their luster because of increasing restrictions and additional fees in recent years, as well as competition from budget airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet. Even so, it’s hard to beat the convenience and flexibility of a single-purchase rail pass—and arguably the most iconic way to journey throughout Europe, from Finland to Portugal to Turkey.

“It’s a classic way to get around Europe—it’s phenomenal,” says Mike Fuller, owner of ItaliaRail.com , a U.S.-based site that sells Italian train tickets and is expected to soon offer Eurail passes. “There is a renaissance in rail travel among North Americans going to Europe.”

Considering a pass for your next European adventure? Here’s what to know before getting on board.

How do Eurail passes work?

First off: Eurail itself is not an operator. It’s a specific type of rail pass that enables international passengers to travel on national and regional rail carriers operating throughout Europe (its counterpart, Interrail , is available for European citizens and residents). Under a newer, more simplified pricing system, passengers can now choose between a Global Pass and a One-Country Pass .

With the Global Pass, options are based on train travel days within a certain amount of time, starting at four days within a one-month window for $216 (the most popular choice, starting at $473, offers 10 travel days within two months). On each travel day, pass holders can ride as many trains as they want from midnight to midnight. Be aware there are booking fees associated with each ride—more on that below.  

A One-Country pass, meanwhile, offers travel within one country or a particular region (like Benelux, covering Belgium, the Netherlands , and Luxembourg, or Scandinavia ). Options range from three to eight travel days within one month, with prices starting at $150 for Italy, one of the most popular destinations.

Eurail’s mobile pass and rail planner app have further simplified planning and logistics. The mobile pass is delivered straight to your inbox after purchase—no more waiting on a paper ticket in the mail or filling out a “travel diary” en route. Instead, passengers upload the mobile pass into the route planner app while connected to Wi-Fi and organize their trips from there. Once on board, inspectors validate the pass by scanning the barcode in the app.

Those digital enhancements have been increasingly popular, especially for U.S.-based travelers, according to Yi Ding, Eurail's business and growth manager. Ding says the features have added an extra layer of flexibility and convenience for passengers, many of whom now plan trips a few weeks in advance instead of months—one of several pandemic-fueled shifts in buying patterns. “We’re happy to really see that more than 90 percent of American travelers actually use the mobile pass instead of a paper pass to travel around Europe,” Ding says. 

How do you score the best deal?

Calculating the savings from a pass—and whether it’s worth it to buy one in the first place—can be a complex task involving a breakdown of your itinerary, estimated days of travel, comparing prices with point-to-point tickets, and other factors.

If you have an idea of how many cities and countries you want to visit over a certain number of days, you can price your options both ways—via a rail pass and then point-to-point tickets. Check out Eurail’s handy trip planning feature , which provides suggestions for the best type of pass for your itinerary. You can then see how those fares stack up against the cost of point-to-point tickets via individual countries’ rail operators or comparison sites like Omio.com .

Also consider how much flexibility you need: Do you want the option, for example, to tack on a side trip based on a recommendation you picked up en route, or a more firm itinerary based on a transfer to a nonrefundable flight deal you scored? Generally speaking, “if your travel plans are firm and dates are fixed, you don't necessarily need a pass,” says Mark Smith, founder of The Man in Seat 61 , a website specializing in rail travel. “But if you want the freedom of waking up in the morning, and saying, ‘We’re in Berlin , should we go to Amsterdam or Warsaw?’, you don’t get that freedom with advance purchase tickets.”

For some travelers, Smith suggests a “mix-and-match” approach. “Instead of buying, for example, a 10-days-in-2-months pass to cover eight or nine planned journeys, it can be cheaper to buy a 7-days-in-2-months pass plus a normal ticket for a day when you're only doing a short local hop such as Florence to Pisa, or a cheap advance-purchase ticket for a journey at the start of your trip that you know you plan to make,” he explains.

Finally, keep in mind that the convenience of a pass can offer significant non-monetary value, especially for longer journeys across one (or more) different countries. Buying point-to-point tickets often means navigating unfamiliar booking systems in various languages (and on websites that may have trouble with U.S. credit cards). And because different carriers have different booking platforms, that can mean multiple tickets for a single trip. If you’re not up for those extra steps, a pass is a good fit.

What about hidden costs?

Reservation fees , which are not included in the cost of the Eurail pass, can take some travelers by surprise. Even with the DIY option of self-service through the mobile app, you’ll pay a booking fee of €2 Euros per traveler per trip, plus a domestic train reservation fee , which varies per country and train type (night and high-speed trains, not surprisingly, are more expensive and almost universally require advance booking).

According to Eurail’s website, reservations average €10 for high-speed trains and €15 for international, but for the most popular routes in Western Europe, fees on certain routes—Paris to Basel, for example, can go as high as €68 (approximately $79).

Smith has a simple rule of thumb for getting a sense of pricier routes. “Draw a line right down the middle of Europe,” he notes. “To the left of that line, countries like France, Italy, and Spain are pass-unfriendly. To the right of that line, Switzerland, Benelux, Denmark , Germany, Austria and points east are pass-friendly. You generally don’t incur extra costs, and in most cases there are no reservations required.”

What about extra pass perks and discounts?

Among Eurail’s most well-known deals is its youth pass , which, as of 2019, is now available for travelers up to 28 years old. Seniors 60 and older, meanwhile, receive a 10 percent discount , while two kids up to 11 years old travel for free under an adult ticket.

Don’t forget about other discounts, either, from ferries to local trains to hotels—all of which can add up to significant savings. (In fact, the Greek Islands Pass was updated in 2019 to include ferry service to 53 islands—up from 28—making it an excellent choice for that island-hopping adventure on many a travel bucket list). Some discounts require advance reservations, while others are only available to be booked in person. Be sure to check the fine print for deals in the particular country you’ll be visiting.

Finally, if you see a great deal—like the 20 percent discount on passes that Eurail offered at the end of 2020—don’t be afraid to grab it and plan your trip later, as passes are now valid for 11 months after purchase.

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Train Travel in Europe: Ultimate Eurail Pass Guide

Europe has many amazing countries that have iconic cities all connected by a great rail system, in fact, one of the best in the world, and a fantastic Eurail Pass system to get you moving around smoothly. Train travel in Europe is a classic experience that you shouldn’t miss despite the budget friendly European airline carriers.  

By using the train, you can easily jump from one major city to the next without having to arrive early at an airport and spend time commuting from outside the city.

In our opinion, the biggest perk to using trains in Europe is that you tend to leave and arrive to the center of the city, saving hours of commute time, waiting in lines and waiting for luggage. Having a Eurail pass allowed us to discover the Europe many only dream about.

This Eurail pass guide is jam packed with useful information that I wish we had known before using our Eurail passes for two months in Europe.

This is one of the only Eurail guides on the Web that has been written by travelers who have use the Eurail pass for more then just a one week trip. Our goal is to give you hints, tricks and tips to make using your Eurail pass simple and easy.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Discover Europe (Travel Guide)

Ultimate Guide to Train Travel in Europe with Eurail Pass

Table of Contents

How We Used the Eurail Pass

First things first, we used Eurail Global Passes that were valid for 15 travel days over 2 consecutive months.  

Being a Global Pass, we had access to the entire Eurail network that spans 28 countries enabling us to see a whole lot of Europe with very little hassle. Looking to get your Europe adventure started? Find the best Eurail Pass for your trip here.

Our Europe train travel took us to 10 countries including travel to and within Hungary, Austria, Germany, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands.

We used a variety of trains including high speed and regional. Our pass was valid in First class and we enjoyed being able to use this quieter section of the train.

Some of the routes we used did require reservations, so we paid the extra fees for that and found the process of obtaining reservations, for the most part, easy.

We did it both ways, online and in person at the station. We also used our pass plenty of times on routes that didn’t require reservations meaning we just showed up at the station and hopped on the train we wanted to use.

What are Eurail Passes

The Eurail pass is a train pass that allows you to explore all of Europe with one train ticket. You don’t need to stand in line at every train station to buy a ticket and you do not need to get off and go through customs.

There’s no need to buy single tickets, you just hop on to any train, show your Eurail pass to the conductor and you’re on your way. Yes, it’s that easy to use.

The Eurail passes are designed for that traveler who is visiting multiple locations on one trip or holiday. Having a Eurail pass is the best way to experience train travel in Europe because it can save you time and money.

The pass makes exploring all those little European villages super easy without having to buy another train ticket. The Eurail pass also allows you to access ferries, making travel to Scandinavia possible and easy.

Single Tickets vs. Eurail Pass

Let’s compare single ticket vs. the Eurail Pass. A single ticket is simply a ticket from one point to the next. You could say from point A to point B.

You only get one usage with a single ticket. Sometimes it’s better to buy a single ticket instead of using a Eurail pass. There are lots of factors that go into that and you should always check before buying a Eurail pass for your trip.

Single tickets are priced based on distance traveled, time of day you’re traveling and how far away your travel day will be.

With a Eurail Pass, you pay a single price for as long as your ticket is good for. This means you can get on as many trains as you want throughout your validated ticket dates.

There’s no waiting in lines to get a new ticket each time, you just simply show up and walk onto the train you want to travel on. Eurail passes are the best for traveler’s hitting multiple cities.

The best way to estimate the value of a rail pass is to divide the cost by the number of rides the pass offers. This will tell you if you should go with a Eurail pass or if you should buy a single ticket.

Also, be sure to check our routes and see if reservations are required, these usually cost money so be sure to add that into your Eurail Pass cost as well. Purchase your Single Eurail Ticket or  Eurail Pass today. 

Plan Your Itinerary

The Eurail pass gives you a high degree of freedom and convenience but you still need to have some sort of a plan to get your money’s worth.

I know what you’re thinking I want the Eurail pass because of the freedom of not making a game plan, we get it but trust us. Having a simple plan with a little wiggle room will save you in the long run and it will allow you to get the most out of your Eurail pass.

Decide where you want to go and in what order. Then ask yourself these questions, do these cities connect easily? Do they connect directly or are there stops? How long is the journey? We used these questions to plan our routes so we were not spending whole days riding the train.

While we had quite a few days in Europe, we still consider transfer days a loss if it’s more than a half day to travel between places. Good advice from us is to take those early trains.

By doing this, you’re likely to arrive in your new destination with plenty of time to explore on your arrival day.

We found getting up early and then sleeping on the train en route to be a great way of utilizing travel days.

The other piece of the puzzle that made this work well for us was making sure our itinerary kept places in a close order to minimize long travel days. We were able to cover 10 countries and never spent more than 6 hours on a train during a travel day.

Trying to figure out what time of year to plan your Eurail adventure? Check out our story about the Best Time to Visit Europe to jump-start your planning!

How to Buy A Eurail Pass

You can buy a Eurail pass online or at any train station in Europe. However, you will pay more if you buy your ticket over the counter versus online.

The online process is simple. You can order your Eurail pass up to 11 months in advance of your trip. Eurail does not have any hidden fees or extra ordering fees. You cannot print your Eurail pass as an e-ticket, I don’t know why this is not an option but it’s not possible to print the pass yourself.

This leaves you with three delivery options once you have ordered your Eurail pass. They offer free economy shipping to the United States and if you don’t live in the USA you would need to check the shipping calculator to see what the cost is and when the expected delivery date would be.

Make sure you order you’re ticket with enough time for delivery before your trip. We got ours in three days, however, that will vary on your location.

Another option is to have the pass shipped to a hotel or hostel in Europe. This is a great option if you’re short on time. They don’t allow Eurail passes to be shipped to a train station or P.O. Box.

You can ship your Eurail pass to an APO address, but this option can take up to a month. Anyone can sign for your Eurail Passes upon delivery so you don’t have to be at the location upon delivery.

The options for paying for your Eurail Passes online are with a credit card or PayPal. Over the counter, you can pay with cash or credit card.

You cannot split the cost between multiple credit cards or in installments you must pay in full. Make sure you fill out all of the information correctly. Once you have ordered your Eurail pass you cannot change your information.

If you do mess up you will need to exchange the pass for a new one and this can be a hard process.

Once you’ve placed you order you will receive three confirmation emails- one order confirmation, one payment receipt and one with shipping info. Keep these emails until you receive your pass.

How to Read the Eurail Pass

So you have your Eurail Pass in hand, now it’s time to understand how to read it. Reading the pass is pretty simple as they keep it nice and basic.

Across the top center, you will find your CIV No. You could say this is your ID number or order number. Below that is your pass type- this will tell you what kind of pass you have purchased. (Eurail select pass for 4 countries for example.)

Below that are the countries they are valid in. (Benelux-France-Germany-Italy for example.) Next to that, you will see how long the ticket is valid for (8 days within 2 months for example.)

Below that is the first day your pass is activated and the last day your pass is activated.

Everything must be filled in with ink by you. Below that are the different boxes called the travel calendar.

When you have a flex pass with a specific number of travel days or a Global Pass you will need to fill out the date you are traveling in this section. This must be done before boarding the first train, bus or ferry of each day.

On the top, far right, shows when the pass was printed and below that is the Class you paid for (1 st class for example.)

Below that is where the Activated stamp goes. On the bottom, far right, is what you paid for the pass and on the far left is a bar-code they scan. Like I said before they keep it pretty simple to read.

You will also have to fill out a travel diary. The travel diary is the section of your pass where you need to enter your contact info and ticket details, as well as the journey details of each train, ferry or bus you take while using your Eurail Pass.

You must fill this out before you board, they do not take it kindly if it is not filled out when they come around checking tickets.

The train staff will check for all details, if you skip this process you could be fined. If you run out of space on your Eurail diary it is your responsibility to print out a new diary.

Traveling in Europe as a solo female? Read   25 Tips for Solo Female Travel in Europe

How to Validate or Activate Your Pass

Eurail has also made activating your pass simple. You must activate your Eurail pass before you can start using it. This is a must so don’t get on a train until you have activated your pass.

It must be activated within 11 months of the issuing date. You can get your pass activated for free at any European train station or when you place your order at Eurail.com .

We got our pass validated in person when we left Budapest at the train station. We had already made reservations for the train we wanted to take and wrote down the information in the pass.

After that, we just approached a ticket window and asked them to validate and activate the Eurail Pass for us. There were no problems and it went smoothly.

The 7PM Rule

This is something you need to know if you are using a Eurail Pass. The 7 PM rule can save you precious travel days.

This rule is in place so that you only need to use 1 travel day when you travel on a direct night train that departs after 7 P.M. (19:00) and arrives at its final stop after 4 A.M. (04:00), even if you leave the train before 4 A.M.

Personally, I think this is a brilliant feature that not only allows you to save a nights accommodation by traveling at night, it allows you to maximize your day hours in the cities you visit and only takes one day of travel away from you. Keep this in mind if you have a long commute to a new city.

How Long is a 1-Month Pass Valid

1-month continuous is valid for train travel on each day during 1 month. The number of travel days you have depends on the length of the month that you started using your train pass.

So if your month has 29 days you only have 29 days, if the month has 31 then you have 31 travel days. It’s that simple.

Do I Need to Make a Reservation to Use My Eurail Pass

This is a split answer because not all trains require reservations. However, trains that do require reservations are all European night trains and most of the high-speed trains.

You may also have to make reservations in popular countries like France, Spain, and Italy. Some scenic trains have the option to travel in those special panoramic coaches that will give you epic views of your train ride, but those seats require reservations.

Something worth noting, reservations are not free and are an added cost to your Eurail Pass.

While there have been many success stories of people traveling all over Europe on a Eurail pass using trains that do not require reservations, you will definitely need time on your side to achieve this.

If your days are limited and you need to take high speed trains, make sure to budget reservation fees into your spending for your trip.

Also, if you are someone who just wants to make sure you have a seat without issues feel free to make a reservation. If you’re traveling with a group of friends and want to enjoy your adventure seated together then it is a good idea to make a reservation as well.

How To Make A Reservation With My Pass

Eurail has made it simple to make reservations if you need to. The best way really depends on of the train you are taking and the amount of time you have before your trip.

Popular trains book up quickly, so we would recommend booking your seats 2 months in advance. You can make reservations even if your Eurail pass is not activated.

The options for making reservations are: The old fashion way at the train station, E-tickets, by phone or on the web. Once you have planned out your Eurail adventure I would make your reservations.

You can make reservations between 3 months and 7 business days before your train’s departure and there’s no limit on how many trains you can reserve seats on.

Understanding Train Travel Days on Your Pass

Train travel days can be stressful and long, depending on your route and distance of your arrival city. A travel day on a Eurail pass has 24-hour period that lasts from 12:00 A.M. to 11:59 P.M. on the same calendar day.

If you’re using your Eurail pass for the first time allow for some time to get your pass activated. Otherwise, if your pass is activated you can pretty much walk up and get on a train.

No need to wait in lines but we do recommend arriving at the train station at least 30 minutes prior to your departure time so you can find the correct platform and make sure there were no changes to the schedule.

Definitely bring snacks, yes some of the trains have snack carts but it is better to be safe than sorry. The trains don’t have issues if you bring food on board.

For the most part, European trains run like clockwork and they will get to the city on time. This means they also leave on time, with or without you, so as I mentioned before arrive slightly early to ensure you are organized when it arrives. Chances are, unless there is an unlikely major train delay, you will arrive in your new city exactly on time.

Some trains will have WIFI access onboard, while others will not. Regardless, you’re likely to use your phone or tablet for entertainment so be sure to bring a power hub, just in case there are no outlets at your seat.

Handling Transfers at Connecting Stations

Transferring at connecting stations can get stressful at times. You may only have a few minutes to run from one platform to the next, not really knowing if your heading to the right platform or the right train.

We found this hard at times. Most stations have monitors listing the departing trains, times and platforms but not always where you arrive.

On every platform, there are large monitors that state the time and what train is on the platform. You must follow the pathways to the platform. You cannot cross over the tracks.

At all platforms you can find a railway employee that can point you on your way. However, it does not mean they know English.

Just keep this in mind. Trains in Europe do have lots of connecting passengers and may hold their doors knowing that the connection just rolled into town. We only had one issue in all our summer travels with a bad connection.

We were taking the train from Warsaw to Berlin and it required a connection at the border between Germany and Poland. We were not told that the train tracks were undergoing maintenance on the Germany side, so there was no train for us to take.

When that happened, they put us on another train that got us close to the city we were going then they put us on a transfer bus to the main bus station. In the end, it worked out fine.

Crossing Borders with a Eurail Pass

Passing borders with the Eurail pass was surprisingly easy. While you may have security checks or a connection, you will have no hassles at the borders. 

Rail passengers no longer have their identity checked by border guards when crossing borders of the Schengen countries.

Random security checks still occur, we went into this while taking the train from Budapest to Munich Germany. It was simple and quick.

Train Types Available with your Pass

Europe is all about the trains. Trains are everywhere in Europe. Some trains travel at high speeds across Europe, while others move around more leisurely, either by day or night.

It’s helpful to know in advance what kind of train you are using and what the provided facilities are for a clear idea of what to expect with your Eurail pass.

Regional Trains

Regional trains will take you anywhere in Europe from the largest cities to the smallest villages. These trains usually don’t need a reservation and are a great way to explore every little corner of Europe.

They are not the most luxurious or fastest trains on Europe’s rails, however they are still very comfortable for rail adventures.

They have okay toilets and sometimes also have snack trolleys. Some trains even have Wi-Fi depending on the train and what country you are traveling in.

Using Regional trains allows you to get off the beaten track and visit little towns and villages that most tourists miss. Besides hitting those charming villages, regional trains offer a flexible way to travel.

If you miss your train just simply board the next one, since regional trains have frequent services and reservations aren’t usually required.

We enjoyed getting around Luxembourg on a Regional Train, it allowed us to hike from one city to the next, and then jump back on to our original city.

High-Speed Trains

High speed trains are the fastest way to get around Europe. You can cover long distances in a short time while enjoying a bit of luxury.

Relax in a comfortable chair while enjoying a bite to eat in the dining car. They offer Wi-Fi, power outlets and tables so you can get whatever work you may have done during the commute.

Seat reservations are often mandatory on High-speed trains. A reservation guarantees you a seat even during the busy travel times.

High-speed trains don’t always stop at the smaller towns, so you will have to make sure the High-speed train stops where you need to end up.

We used a few high-speed trains while traveling in Europe for the summer on our Eurail pass. The ICE train was nice and comfortable.

Night Trains

These trains are also a great way to get around Europe. If you are short on days, save travel time by moving between cities while you sleep. This also allows saving on accommodation.

Night trains offer plenty of room for travelers to enjoy their adventure. Many have reclining seats or private sleeping cabins making travel options available to every budget.

Most European night trains are included in the Eurail passes and you’ll just need to reserve and pay for your preferred sleeping accommodation type in addition to your pass. Night trains always require a reservation in advance.

Scenic Trains

Scenic trains on a Eurail pass are a great way to see Europe’s landscapes. You will be able to see large mountains, clear lakes and amazing countryside from your train’s window.

Just sit back and enjoy the beautiful views. Some scenic trains require a reservation in advance. Please check before planning your adventure.

A number of scenic trains offer special panoramic car views that require a special reservation and some do not take your Eurail pass.

Luggage Rules for Pass Travel

Trains throughout Europe have either overhead storage racks throughout the side of the car, storage space behind the back of your seat or luggage areas at the end of the car.

We experienced it all throughout our two months of using our Eurail passes. The overhead bins were small and my large backpack would not fit above.

Behind the seat storage was nice, we only ran into this once. It was on a high-speed train. Our two bags fit well behind our seat and they were in reaching distance to grab anything out of them.

The large storage at the end of the train cars was nice but they can get filled up pretty quickly so you need to be the first few passengers onto the train to take advantage of this option.

Of all the options it is the most risky because your bag will not be next to you and you will not be able to keep an eye on your luggage. People do walk off with other people’s bags, so keep an eye on your luggage at all times.

We also experienced people just stacking their luggage in other seats. This works out well if no one has that seat ticket but when someone does you will have to move it.

Rail rules on luggage are passengers can take a maximum of three items of luggage. These items must be easy to handle and compatible with the space provided on the trains. The greatest dimension of each item must be less than 85cm.

We use Pacsafe bags since they are 100% pickpocket-proof. Never get pickpocket again! For ladies, we love the Citysafe CS100 anti-theft travel handbag . This bag is versatile and functional for any travel or city inspired occasion. Durable with superb organization, this classic handbag is loaded with anti-theft features to help provide peace of mind while out and about.

As far as luggage goes, we really like the  Pacsafe Venturesafe Adventure Backpack and Pacsafe Toursafe Wheeled Carry-On.

The adventure backpack is strong, lightweight and has hard-to-cut webbing and straps with Dyneema that attach to wallets, cameras and other mobile devices to help prevent thieves from running off with your equipment.

The Pacsafe Toursafe Wheeled Carry-On is also l ightweight, features hidden eXomesh Slashguard stainless steel wire mesh embedded into the fabric which helps protect against slash-and-run theft.  Puncture-resistant ToughZip helps prevent against forced entry from a sharp object as well. 

Transporting a Bike

After biking from Namur to Dinant in Belgium, we found out first hand what it was like to transport a bike on a train in Europe. It was surprisingly easy however not all trains allow bikes on-board.

It depends on the type of train, many high-speed trains will not carry bikes but most local trains will accept them. Before boarding the train with a bike make sure you go to the ticket window first to see if the train you want to catch accepts bikes and also to purchase a ticket for your bike.

The cost of the bike ticket is not covered by your Eurail Pass. When it comes time to board the train, remember that you will have to bring your bike onto a designated train car, so be sure to ask the platform guy where to go. Once onboard, place the bike in the designated bike area.

Traveling With Pets on a Eurail Pass

One thing I love about Europe is that it’s mostly dog friendly. In most countries, a small lap dog travels for free or at a small fee. Large dogs travel at half 2 nd fare (even when traveling with the passenger in 1 st class).

Often, dogs are required to be in a traveling crate or must wear a muzzle and a leash. However, in some countries dogs are not allowed on trains. Special provisions may be applicable to guide dogs for the blind and handicapped.

Eurail Pass versus Swiss Rail Pass

This is a question a lot of travelers are asking, is the Swiss rail pass better than the Eurail pass? Well, they are not apples to apples.

If your only visiting Switzerland I wouldn’t bother buying a Eurail pass. However, if you’re visiting more then Switzerland then the Eurail pass is the ticket for you.

The Swiss pass stops in more towns in Switzerland then the Eurail pass but once again that only benefits you if you’re traveling to many places in Switzerland.

The Swiss rail pass offers better discounts in Switzerland then the Eurail pass does. The Eurail pass offers better discounts in other countries. What we suggest is plan your itinerary and check your different options between Eurail and Swiss Rail.

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Pass Extras & How to Use the Discounts

Your Eurail pass will get you all kinds of discounts as you make your way around Europe. Discounts are per country and include hotel discounts, ferry discounts, iconic landmark ticket discounts, museum discounts, additional transport discounts and much more.

I know what your thinking, 5 to 10% discounts aren’t much but if you’re spending time in Europe and want to sightsee it adds up quickly and can be a considerable saving for you.

In countries like Switzerland, your Eurail pass can also get you free or cheap boat trips.

Before you set off on your trip, make a list of the countries you plan to visit and then have a look at the discounts they have on offer for these countries. Eurail does a good job of listing out the information by country, discover the Eurail extra pass benefits .

One popular discount that many travelers take advantage of is the ferry between Greece and Italy. It makes a stop at the stunning island of Corfu and with your Eurail pass this ferry is FREE.

How do you take advantage of the discounts?  It’s easy, just show your Eurail pass at any discount partner and receive the discount. All that is required of you is that you show your present Eurail pass. It needs to be present and up to date to take advantage of Eurail discounts.

Security and Safety of Train Travel in Europe

With the state of the world lately, security is always on a travelers’ mind. Terrorists have targeted some train stations in Europe but the incidents are isolated.

On our trip thro ughout Europe safety was not something we worried about. There are armed guards or military at train stations doing basic security sweeps and watching out for us travelers.

There were times on our trains that we had armed officials, some unmarked and some dressed in military clothing. One thing that surprised me though was that no bags were scanned throughout our two months of using our Eurail passes.

Overall, train travel is one of the safest modes of transportation in the world and I would not be scared to take the train anywhere. We use Pacsafe bags since they are 100% pickpocket-proof.

Train Travel vs Air Travel in Europe

This is always a debate between travelers; do I take a train or do I take an airplane in Europe? I never understood this question before visiting Europe.

I always thought plane travel was the best and that’s it. Well, train travel is the only way to go in Europe. You can jump on a train and be in a new city within hours where if you took an airplane it would take up your whole day. 2 hours before your flight, your flight, then 1 hour to your hotel.

Most train stations are right in the middle of your destination city so there’s no need to wait in line for a transfer to the major tourist part of the city. It saves you time and allows you to see the countryside of the countries you are visiting. You won’t get that view from an airplane.

This is why train travel is so popular in Europe, with the Eurail pass you just walk on board and find your seat. We do agree that both have their pro’s and cons, so it really depends on what your travel goals are. Train travel tends to be cheaper overall and give you a much richer experience.

However, it is best used for short-haul trips so you don’t spend any of your precious vacation days on the train. This is where having a well-planned itinerary will truly benefit your time in Europe.

If you do have to make a long haul, you can always book a cheap flight for that portion and then resume your train travel to the new destination.

To Do and Not To Do With a Eurail pass

From our two months of travel on Eurail passes we have seen the gamut of pass users. Knowing in advance how things work and the proper etiquette for using a pass like this will save you some headache and possible embarrassment along the way.  

Some are standard tips, hints and tricks for train travel and some are just basic words of advice to make your Eurail adventure easier with fewer issues.

Eurail Pass Do’s

Do pack smart while traveling on a train  .

There’s nothing fun about lugging heavy bags between hotels and railway stations. So pack with the necessities, leave the rest at home and you will be so much happier for not having the extra weight on your shoulders.

A good option is a roller bag. Since its Europe and all places are pedestrian-friendly, they will have sidewalks for you to roll your bags down.

Also, on a Eurail travel day try to pack a day-pack with everything you may need to make your train trip better and definitely keep all your valuables in a small bag that you can keep with you. I love snacks and my computer, don’t forget the power cord because some of the trains have power outlets.

Do research your trip before your Eurail adventure

 You’re ready for a Europe adventure, adrenaline is building and you can’t stop talking about it with your friends and family members, however, you don’t know a thing about the places you are going to.

You should not just wing it. Just a little research will give you an idea of what neighborhoods and districts will suit your adventure.

It will also save you money and avoid the disappointment of missing something because you didn’t know about it or it was sold out on the dates you visited.

Do buy the right Eurail pass ticket

You would not believe the amount of people who buy the wrong ticket. Make sure you buy the correct ticket to get you to all of the places you want to visit.

I know what you’re thinking, do I really need to be warned about this? Well, yes you do. It might seem easy but we’ve known people to buy the wrong pass in an attempt to save money and realize it doesn’t work for the countries they want to visit. Evaluate all passes and be sure the check what countries you can use them in.

Do pay for a sleeper carriage

I can’t stress this enough. So many travelers don’t take advantage of this. If you don’t mind missing the views and paying a little extra for a ticket, booking into a sleeper car is a good way to go for long trips and overnights.

For less than the cost of a hotel or hostel you can get to your next destination overnight without losing a valuable day. This will also allow you to show up at your location ready to explore instead of showing up and killing most of the day in a sleep-deprived state.

Do plan a budget while traveling on Eurail

Europe is jam-packed with great restaurants, cocktail bars, football matches, galleries, museums and iconic sites. While you want to experience as much as possible, you can’t see and experience everything.

Plan what you can and can’t afford to do and you won’t run out of money and have to go home early or miss things you wanted to do.

Do use the Eurail discounts

Eurail has some great discounts on many of the top iconic landmarks in Europe along with great hotel discounts. So why not take advantage of the Eurail discounts that your train pass holds?

The Eurail pass also offers discounts on many ferry routes within Europe along with family and youth discounts.

Eurail Pass Don’ts

Don’t cheat on the Eurail Pass

First and foremost, ticket checkers are not stupid. They have seen it all. You cannot try to pass anything over their eyes and even broken English will not save you.

There are instructions on the pass, which point to how you must write in pen and must fill it in before boarding. They will make you do it or they will make you get off the train.

We saw this happen so many times to travelers. I know some travelers using the Eurail passes are backpackers, students or are just plan cheapskates but they will find out you cheated on the Eurail pass and you will not get away with it.

Don’t be afraid to socialize

Most people are friendly on the trains. Don’t be scared to say hi if you’re traveling solo or have questions about the area.

We have had some of the best travel information given to us because we were friendly instead of being stuck up travelers.

Don’t assume you can board any train

Don’t think you can get on any train in Europe and go because you have a Eurail pass. While most trains in Europe fall under the Eurail Pass, remember that some require reservations.

If you don’t have a reservation, you may not be able to take that train. You will be paying lots of extra dollars if you make this mistake.

There is not the reason to pay more for trains so chose carefully and make sure you’re on the right train. Also, don’t think you can use your ticket for something other than what is on your ticket.

Some travelers have been fined over 100 euros because they thought they could just upgrade their tickets while on the train.

Don’t treat trains like mobile bars

Yes, it is ok to have one or two on the train but keep in mind you’re on a train. Fellow passengers may not appreciate it and train workers will not put up with it. If you drink too much they have been known to kick people off with a large fine.

Don’t be afraid to travel alone

You would not believe the solo travelers we saw while using our Eurail passes in Europe. They were of all ages, races and sexes.

It’s 100% safe to travel alone and the most you will get as a solo traveler is the guy trying to pick you up, the old man who wants to talk about everything under the sun or the drunk passenger who wants to use a light from you.

Don’t lose your valuables

You would not believe the travel professionals that lose their valuables on trains. I’ve seen it on Facebook many times from our fellow travel bloggers. “I’ve visited 80 countries and today I just had my camera bag stolen”.

It just takes one minute and then it’s gone. It happens in a snap and it can happen to all travelers, experienced, non-experienced, young and old.

Trains are a great place for bag snatchers. They can grab a bag then jump off the train dispersing into the large groups of travelers. So watch your stuff or someone will walk off with it.

Don’t expect everyone to speak your language

Even though most people in Europe speak English as a first or second language don’t just think everyone can speak it.

We ran into ticket takers and train workers who could not speak to us and answer our questions because they did not speak English. It happens so don’t assume.

Don’t try to visit too many places

I know what you’re thinking, I only have two weeks. Lots of travelers plan too many stops and don’t really give themselves time to explore the cities they travel to. We saw this throughout our travels in Germany.

Travelers would only stay one day in the city then move on. We stayed and saw things that those travelers never saw. I love getting those messages and a comment saying they missed it or they did not know it was in that city. Travel is also about exploration and taking the time know a place, don’t miss out on that.

Don’t be stingy in the wrong places

Europe is expensive, the popular cities, iconic landmarks and hotels can add up quickly. However, do not miss out on things just because it’s expensive.

Don’t skip climbing the Eiffel tower because when you arrived you found the entry too expensive and the lines too long.  

The next time you will be there it will be more expensive and you’ll probably be paying for a family pass, so don’t skip things.

Don’t be rude  

No matter how your day is going. It is crazy how rude some people are to the workers on the train. We watched a couple that sat in first class and did not have a ticket for first-class get into an argument with the conductor.

They were so rude to her despite how calm she remained and the fact that they were in the wrong. They were removed from the cabin for their behavior.

On another train, a solo traveler was approached for being in the wrong class and she was apologetic. She was told not to worry about it this time. It pays to be nice. This also goes towards other passengers; treat everyone how you want to be treated.

Thinking about travel insurance? Allianz Travel Insurance offers policies available for US and International travelers.

Top Itineraries on Eurail

Eurail is your ticket to visiting some of the best and most iconic countries in Europe. You can visit as many as 28 countries in Europe while using a Eurail Global Pass.

There is literally nothing stopping you from having a Eurail adventure. We have put together some of the best trips to take on Eurail.

Eurail European Highlights Itinerary

This is one of Eurail’s top itineraries and there is no wonder why. This Eurail Itinerary takes 13 travel days and is great on the Eurail Global Pass.

Cities along this itinerary: Paris, Versailles, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Salzburg, Fussen, Venezia, Firenze, Rome, Vatican City, Monte Carlo and Barcelona. With all of those iconic cities, there is no wonder why it’s a Eurail top trip.  Shop for your Eurail Pass for this Itinerary .

The Best of the West (Western Europe Eurail itinerary)

Discover the best cities in Western Europe and many of the most iconic cities and attractions in a single vacation.

This itinerary hits: Paris, Geneva, Interlaken, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Munich, Berlin, Amsterdam, Brugge. Shop for your Eurail Pass for this Itinerary.

Eastern Europe Itinerary

The Eastern Europe Eurail visits iconic cities like: Prague, Budapest, Brasov, Blejsko Jexero, Vienna. Shop for your Eurail Pass for this Itinerary.

Tour Of Italy Itinerary

Take to the Italian rails with the Eurail Italy Pass and be in for a real treat. Take a memorable gondola ride along Venice’s Grand Canal, set out on a shopping extravaganza in Milan, and take a tour of Rome’s magnificent monuments and museums.

This itinerary hits the most iconic cities in Italy. Cities included in the tour of Italy Eurail itinerary: Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, and Naples. Shop for your Eurail Pass for this Itinerary.

Read Modern Orient Express – train from Netherlands to Istanbul Turkey .

Eurail Train Travel Terms You Should Know

We have put together some of the most common terms you should know before heading off on your Eurail adventure.

These are terms we used throughout our summer using our Eurail passes. Knowing them will help you enjoy your Eurail train experience.

• Rail Pass – A ticket that is good for a specific amount of time or destinations.
• Timetable – The schedule of arriving and departing trains.
• Departure – When the train leaves, this can include departure time and departure city.
• Platform – Where you enter the train.
• Board – The door or location you enter the train.
• Train Car – The passages & cargo unit of the train is called a car; each unit can be used for a different fiction such as sleeping, dining and cargo. Off of that, the cars are divided into classes, 1 st class, 2 nd class and 3rd class.
• Conductor – The person that checks the tickets and also can give you useful information.
• Coach – The cheapest option and simplest way to travel by train.
• First Class – The most expensive options with lots of perks and is the most exclusive train cars
• Sleeper Car – This is where you can lay down and have a sleep.
• Dinning Car – This is a train car that is a restaurant.
• Compartment – A little room on the train that can be converted for sleeping.
• Auto Train – A train that has an option to transport your car & you on the same train.
• Connection – When you have to change on trains to get to your destination.
• Express Train – (Sometimes called the Fast Train) a train that stops only at main stations skipping little towns and villages.
• Local Train – A train that stops at every station.
• Luggage Rack – the place the holds bags, suitcases and other items passengers may bring onto the train.
• Checked Luggage – When you put luggage in the storage department of the train during travel.
• Kiosk – Snack Bar Car – A car in the train that sells snacks, hot & cold drinks, sometimes it’s a mobile cart that moves though out the whole train.

More on Europe:

• Best Photo Spots in Berlin
• Best Photo Spots in Copenhagen
• 2 Days in Nuremberg
• 3 Days in Hamburg
• 3 Days in Rome
• 3 Days in Lisbon – Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal
• 3 Days in Florence
• 3 Days in Barcelona Itinerary
• Ultimate 3 Days in Madrid Itinerary

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Travel planning resources, about david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

18 thoughts on “Train Travel in Europe: Ultimate Eurail Pass Guide”

This is a fantastic article! My partner and I are off around Europe using the Eurail Global Pass 15 days in 2 months, and this has answered all of my questions. All I am nervous about is filling out the travel diary correctly, I am probably stressing over nothing! We are catching an over night train from Budapest to Venice. We leave at 6:55pm catch a connecting train at Vienna around 9/10pm and then we head to Venice from there. This being the case is this 2 days of travel? and if it is do I have to write both trains into my travel diary or only 1 considering its one trip?

Glad you found it helpful! Our aim was to provide answers to all of the questions we had when using the pass through Europe! For this particular routing, if the ticket is booked Budapest to Venice, then I would record it as such. Regardless, it looks like your connection happens on the departure day, so no matter what, still 1 travel day. Have fun! We’re returning to Venice this year too. 🙂

Thank you so much for this article!! Great clarification. Just three questions. You mentioned using our pass for buses and ferries. Will the pass work on the ferry at Lake Como between Varenna and Bellagio, and city bus in Rome? Also, we are using the train from Florence to La Spezia. Is the pass good for the train throughout Cinque Terre? If so, do I need to write all of those uses onto the pass itinerary? Thanks!

I would recommend clarifying the ferry and bus use directly with Eurail, as the guidelines are different for each pass. If you are taking a route that requires a bus or ferry for point to point travel, then generally it is covered. For within the city or for touring, it is not. Every time you use the pass to take a route, you have to write it in the itinerary. Cheers and enjoy your Euro trip!

Great article and very helpful thank you. We head off for 6 weeks in Europe at the end of April, we (2 in their mid 60’s) have never used train travel before so are quite nervous, although very excited. Connections are my main concern at the moment, lugging luggage quickly between platforms and trains but I am sure that when the situation arises all will be fine. I think we have planned well but only time will tell. Much appreciate the time and experience you have put into helping fellow travellers out.

Love to hear this and thank you for your kind words! Train travel in Europe is easy and comfortable, you guys are going to have a blast.

HI! i thoroughly enjoyed reading your article, it had a lot of useful information. But I’m stressing about my reservation order and have emailed, fb msged and live chatted with eurail and they still have not come back to me. I made online reservations on eurail.com and after submitting my reservation order, some of the itineraries says “submitted” and a few said “waiting for payment”. I can’t find anywhere on the site to make payment…so did you have to wait for them to process the order and then make the payment? Or am i missing something? Thank you.

I would recommend that you call their support number to sort out your bookings. We made our reservations by phone or via the app.

Hello from Canada! I enjoyed your information. I cannot seem to find an answer to a question I have. When we take a train from Cannes France to La Specia Italy, do we use one day of our Eurail pass ? I thought I read somewhere that it is 2 because you change countries. What if we are not getting on another train that day? If so It seems a waste for a short distance in the second country. Should we get off at the border and pay cash the rest of the way? I would love it if you could clarify this. It will also happen when we travel a few hours from Milan to Bern Switzerland. Thank you for your help!

Hi Colleen! It doesn’t matter if you change countries – you will only be deducted 1 day on your pass. We did 3 countries in one day with our pass and it counted as 1 pass day. Of course, this could be different if you are using a different pass then we used (multiple country, 20 day pass). If you have any doubts, I would recommend contacting Eurail directly to clarify. They have fantastic customer service. Cheers!

Thank you for this great information! How do you get from the train station to an air b and b?

Hi Kathleen! Depending on the location of the AirBNB you can either walk, take a taxi or use Uber/Lyft to get from the train station to your rental. 🙂

Thanks for the great info. Exactly what I needed to read before planning a trip to germany, france and Austria for their christmas markets in 2018. I promised my wife this summer to take her and we have been reading and planning about it ever since. We plan on getting eurauil passes to get around. Again, thanks for all the useful info.

You are most welcome! So glad to hear you found the information helpful. Europe for Christmas markets is magical, you won’t be disappointed. Happy planning and be sure to check out our in-depth city guides for Paris, Munich, Nuremberg, Hamburg and Berlin. 🙂

This article saved my life… thank you so much!

That is great to hear! Enjoy your train adventure in Europe. 🙂

Hi! I want to make a trip trough Viena and Zurich with my friends, and we have questions about the reservations. We will take all high-speed and night trains that have compulsory reservation, but we don’t know how to make a reservation. Can you please explain me how did you make it and how much did it cost per person? Thank you!

Hi Milena, the cost of the reservation will vary depending on the route- so I can’t quote you exact on those routes. As far as making reservations, you can make them online prior to travel but remember that you have to pay for them and then they will be sent to you in the mail. They do not have electronic tickets!! If you don’t have time to wait for the paper tickets, I recommend waiting until you get to Europe then head right to the station and book all your reservations on the first day. They will make them, take your payment and then give the tickets to you. Enjoy!

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Traveling by Train in Europe: Where, Why, and How

Train travel has been the transportation method of choice in Europe for many years for good reason: Europe is dense enough that train travel is efficient, taking you from city center to city center much quicker than you can when flying.

Buying Train Tickets and Rail Passes

The easiest place to buy your train tickets in Europe is at Rail Europe. They also sell rail passes, which are convenient if you plan on making lots of journeys.

Top International High-Speed Train Routes

Europe has an extensive high-speed rail network, connecting cities such as Paris, Barcelona , and London quickly and easily.

The main two international services are the Eurostar (connecting London with mainland Europe) and the Thalys, which connects Paris to Belgium, Holland and north-west Germany, with Brussels as the main hub.

Within the Schengen Zone , Europe's border-free zone, you can board a train in one country and end up in the other without even realizing it. Though Britain isn't in the Schengen Zone, border controls for Eurostar routes to and from London are conducted by both countries before you depart, which means you can just jump off the train and walk out the station at the end of your journey without standing in any lines.

Check out some of the best international routes in Europe:

• London to Paris 2h30m
• London to Brussels 2h
• Paris to Brussels 1h20m
• Paris to Barcelona 6h30
• Frankfurt to Paris 3h50m
• Hamburg to Copenhagen 3h55m
• Frankfurt to Zurich 4h

Of course, you're actually more likely to be taking trains within a single country. Read on for country-specific advice for train travel in Europe.

Spain has more kilometers of high-speed rail tracks than anywhere else in Europe (and is second worldwide, after China). All the routes go via Madrid, which means you'll probably need to change there to get from north to south, although there are some continuous routes that cross the entire country.

High-speed trains in Spain are known as the AVE.

• Madrid to Barcelona 2h30m
• Madrid to Seville 2h30
• Barcelona to Seville 5h15m
• Madrid to Malaga 2h20

Germany started the high-speed train movement in Europe, but the roll-out stagnated for some years, which means that key routes (such as Berlin to Munich) don't yet exist. (You can still take the train from Berlin to Munich, but it's not really any quicker than the bus.

High-speed trains in Germany are called ICE. 

• Berlin to Hamburg 1h55m
• Frankfurt to Cologne 1h20m
• Frankfurt to Munich 3h10m

 The high-speed rail network in Italy is essentially one long line that connects Naples to Turin, via Rome , Florence, Bologna, and Milan.

• Rome to Florence 1h20m
• Rome to Milan 2h55m
• Rome to Bologna 1h55m
• Rome to Naples 1h45m
• Rome to Turin 4h05m
• Milan to Bologna 1h
• Milan to Turin 45m

There are not many high-speed rail routes in France, though the network is expected to roll out further in the next few years, eventually connecting Paris to Bordeaux.

• Paris to Lyon 1h55
• Paris to Marseille 31h15
• Paris to Strasbourg 1h45
• Paris to Lille 1h

Train Travel vs. Flying

How do these travel times compare to flying? Let's consider a one-hour flight. We'll add a half hour to get to the airport via taxi or rail connection (remember to add the costs!) They'll want you to be there well in advance of take-off, let's say an hour minimum. You've already doubled the travel time, and you're not even close to your destination.

Then consider that it takes a half hour to get your bags and get to the front of the airport to survey the options to get you into town. Choosing a taxi, you might be lucky to get to the city center and your hotel in a half hour. Add another hour in total to your travel time.

So now we're at 3.5 hours for a "one-hour" flight.

Another thing to consider is that budget airlines often operate out of Europe's smaller airports. You'll have to consider this when you want to take a budget flight to connect your international flight to your final destination. For example, most international flights arrive at London's Heathrow airport, but budget airlines tend to fly out of London Stansted, London Gatwick or London Luton airports.

Some airports are notoriously far from the city they claim to serve. Ryanair calls Girona in Spain ' Barcelona-Girona ', even though it is 100km from Barcelona, while Frankfurt-Hahn Airport is 120km from Frankfurt itself!

Prices for budget airlines and high-speed rail connections are often similar, though flights are often cheaper when booked well in advance and more expensive at the last minute.

Train Travel vs. Driving

High-speed train travel is invariably quicker than driving. It will also usually be cheaper when traveling alone or in a pair. Remember that toll roads are very common in Europe, which will push up the price of your journey considerably. Only when you fill a car can you be more confident of savings. 

Here are some other pros and cons of driving as compared to taking the train.

Train Pros: Why You Should Take the Train in Europe

• Trains allow you to move easily between cities and European capitals. Most train stations are located near the tourist centers and have hotels nearby.
• No parking worries.
• With an unrestricted Eurail Pass, you can get on and off when you wish, often without the hassle of dealing with ticketing agents. You can take the train on a rainy day just to see the scenery, without having to worry about the unscheduled expense.
• You can sleep on a  night train , saving travel time and some of the cost of a hotel.
• You can pay full attention to the scenery at hand.

Car Pros: Why You Should Rent or Lease a Car on Your European Vacation

• It's easy to get to small, out-of-the-way towns and hidden romantic getaways.
• Go where you want, when you want. You don't have to go by the train timetable.
• Visit sights out in the countryside without having to sign up for an expensive tour.
• When you see something compelling in transit, you can leave your luggage in the car (albeit at some risk!) and explore your surroundings.
• Many people can travel at the same cost--if you choose a large enough car.

Train Cons: Why You Shouldn't Take the Train

• If you want to experience an event in the countryside, you'll most likely have to sign on to an expensive tour or figure out the local buses, which aren't on a tourist schedule.
• Usually, two people travel for double what one person can travel for. A large family traveling on a train is usually quite a bit more expensive than stuffing them into a rental car, especially in northern Europe, where train fares tend to be higher. This is changing as there are deals on train tickets that allow families to travel on a discount. On the other hand, keeping young children entertained may be easier on the train.

Car Cons: Why You Don't Want a Car

• In a major city, you'll have to deal with parking and related fees,  if  you can figure out how to get to your destination in the first place.
• You'll have to deal with the worries involved with driving in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar rules.
• Many cities in Europe have restricted traffic zones in the city centers, like the  Zona Traffico Limitato in Italy , made to confound tourists. Ticketing is automatic via cameras and can be quite expensive.

About Single Europe Train Tickets

5 Ways to Find the Cheapest Train Travel

How to Travel From Rome to the Amalfi Coast by Train, Bus, and Car

How to Travel From Rome to Naples by Train, Plane, Bus, or Car

Eurostar High Speed Trains Through the Channel Tunnel

Germany Guide: Planning Your Trip

How to Travel From London to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

How to Travel From Florence to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

How to Travel From Zurich to Paris by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

How to Travel from Frankfurt to Paris by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

France Guide: Planning Your Trip

The 12 Best Day Trips From Barcelona

How to Get from City to City in Spain

Step-By-Step Budget Tips for a First European Vacation

How to Get the Best Hotel Deals in Europe

Plan the Perfect Trip to Spain

How to Travel Europe By Train: The Ultimate Guide (+ Tips!)

Beautiful views, comfortable train cars, the bustle of busy platforms, and the thrill of a new adventure: there are a lot of good reasons to travel Europe by train!

But, for those of us who grew up in a place where traveling by train isn’t common, the prospect of train travel in Europe can be as intimidating as it is exciting.

Thanks to traveling Europe extensively for years (including with our dog!) and spending more than a year living in Portugal, we’ve had a chance to appreciate countless train rides through and across Europe.

From the mind-boggling efficiency of Swiss trains to overnight train rides through Eastern Europe (Sofia to Istanbul was a particularly memorable ride) to simple jaunts across Italy, we’ve experienced just about every form of train travel in Europe.

And along the way, we amassed a huge number of European train travel tips !

This train travel guide is a culmination of everything we wish we would have known before we started traveling Europe by train , plus why we think it’s worth a try.

Table of Contents

Who is This Guide to Train Travel in Europe For?

Is train travel in europe right for you, different kinds of train travel in europe, different kinds of european train tickets, how to buy train tickets in europe, how to receive your tickets to travel europe by train, how to travel europe by train: step-by-step trip guide, useful tips for train travel in europe.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

If you’re planning an epic, multi-destination trip and are hoping to travel by train through Europe but aren’t already comfortable with train travel on the continent, then this guide to traveling by train across Europe is for you!

We grew up in suburbs in the USA, and until we started traveling internationally in adulthood (4+ years of full-time travel , more than a year living in Lisbon, many trips across Europe, and counting!), we had virtually never taken a train.

W hile that’s certainly not the case for many people around the world, it is for thousands of our readers who grew up in similar environments to us!

If you’re excited to travel Europe by train but are learning the whole process from scratch like we once did, you’re exactly who we wrote this guide for.

While train travel in Europe isn’t exactly the same everywhere–with over 50 countries and therefore over 50 train systems, there are plenty of quirks based on location–this guide to train travel in Europe will give a solid overview that will help you start your travels with confidence.

Planes, trains, buses, rental cars, river cruises–with plenty of transportation options for getting around Europe, how do you know if train travel is for you?

In this section, we’ll break down the pros and cons of traveling Europe by train to help you decide if it’s the right transportation option for you.

Pros of Traveling Europe By Train

Taking a train across europe is a bucket-list-worthy experience..

For most of us who hail from other places, this is the number one reason to book that first train in Europe, right? 

Traveling by train through Europe tops plenty of bucket lists around the world, and for good reason: it’s an incredibly fun way to explore the continent.

On some routes, the train ride is a travel destination in its own right–and even when it’s not, it’s a cultural experience to remember.

… and can allow for spontaneity.

For some routes, especially those with fixed ticket prices (more on that in another section of this Europe train guide), traveling by train allows you to be spontaneous, coming and going from destinations with much less foresight than is required when taking planes.

Depending on where you are, it can be very scenic.

If you have daydreamed about staring out train windows in Europe as you watch mountains, streams, seas, villages, castles, and vineyards go by, let me tell you… that’s pretty much exactly what it’s like a lot of the time!

Obviously not everywhere on the continent is scenic, but if you travel Europe by train, you’re likely to experience some truly incredible views along the way.

Most train stations are in the center of the city.

In our opinion, this is one of the biggest benefits to train travel in Europe!

W hile most airports (especially airports servicing budget flights) are located far outside the city centers, train stations are generally located right in the heart of the action.

Step outside the train station in Cologne, for example, and you’ll be looking at the cathedral.

In Florence , you’ll arrive less than a 10-minute walk from the Duomo . 

In some places, like in Milan, Antwerp, Porto , and Paris’ Gare de Lyon, the opulent central train station is practically a tourist destination in its own right, so you’ll be exploring the minute you arrive, rather than spending hours getting into the city center from the airport.

No luggage limitations!

No one is going to weigh your luggage or make sure it is only a certain size on a train, so you can bring whatever you like (sports equipment and generally pets included).

Train travel in Europe is generally far more comfortable than flying.

At the end of the day, traveling Europe by train is immensely more comfortable than flying.

There’s less hassle, more comfortable seats, more ease of moving around, often better views, and more control over your environment.

If all else (price, time, etc.) were equal, we’d personally choose to take a train across Europe over a plane any day of the week.

Cons of Traveling by Train Through Europe

It can get pricey..

When you first set out to travel Europe by train, you may assume that it is more affordable than flying–but thanks to a combination of several factors, including incredibly inexpensive budget flight carriers in Europe, that’s actually not the case.

Typically, it’s cheaper to hop on a budget flight between two major European cities than take a train.

The severity of the difference, though, can vary dramatically, and there are lots of tips you can apply to your train travel in Europe to mitigate the cost, which we’ll cover in this blog post.

If you’re traveling long distances, train routes can take a prohibitively long time.

For example, when traveling from Paris to Venice , a route we’ve traveled by train, the train can easily take upwards of 10 hours, while the flight time is under 2 hours.

Now, that doesn’t account for getting to and from the airport, checking luggage, or going through security, all of which increase the amount of time a flight actually takes, but it’s still a large difference.

Train travel in Europe isn’t available everywhere.

As you move further into eastern Europe and the Balkans, train travel becomes much less prevalent (even popular Dubrovnik isn’t connected to the rest of Europe by rail).

A nd, when it does exist, can take longer and be less comfortable than planes or even buses depending on the destination.

Rail strikes can derail plans to travel Europe by train.

Generally, these are planned in advance, so you’ll know what you’re getting into before arriving, but they can be a bit of a hassle.

W e’ve had trips to both Italy and France impacted by rail strikes in the past.

If you have mobility issues, train travel can be difficult.

Lifting and storing luggage, navigating small staircases and bathrooms, and making your way through crowded train stations can be difficult if you struggle with mobility, so keep that in mind when deciding whether to travel Europe by train.

This is especially true with a short connection–we once had to literally sprint through the station to make a connecting train on time in Germany!

Traveling Europe by train can be a bit intimidating.

This isn’t a con, exactly, but there’s no doubt that the confusion surrounding train travel in Europe can prevent new visitors to the continent from trying it out, especially if they’re concerned about language barriers or navigating multiple countries.

If that’s your only hesitation, though, we urge you to set those concerns aside.

T raveling Europe by train is an incredibly rewarding experience, and well worth stepping a bit outside of your comfort zone for !

When discussing train travel in Europe, it’s important to remember that not all trains are created equal, or exist for the same purpose.

Here are a few general train categories to keep in mind as you plan your trip.

Metro/Intra-City Transport

Metros, aka subways (though some do run above ground) are public transportation used by a certain city.

While they are technically trains, metros are their own category entirely and this Europe train guide doesn’t cover them any further.

Commuter Rails/Regional Trains

Commuter rails and regional trains aren’t exactly synonymous, but for the purposes of this guide, they’re similar.

T hese are slower-moving trains used to connect surrounding villages to a major city (for example, Versailles to Paris) or trains that go within a certain country or region (for example, from Siena to Florence in Tuscany).

Most of the tips in this guide to train travel in Europe apply to these trains, but they sometimes have fewer amenities (like snacks/drinks available for purchase, for example) than high-speed or long-distance trains.

High-Speed Trains/Long-Distance Trains

These are trains that cover long distances within a country (for example, from Florence to Venice ) or cross borders (for example, from Paris to Amsterdam).

Since each country runs its own train system (often with a national carrier option and private carrier(s) mixed in), booking a ticket between countries may mean changing train companies at a city near the border.

For example, when we traveled from Paris to Venice by train, we took a French SNCF train from Paris to Turin, Italy, and then boarded an Italian Italo-branded train to travel from Turin to Venice–all booked on the same ticket.

These high-speed and long-distance journeys are the primary focus of this guide on how to travel Europe by train.

Tourist Trains

These are trains that, while technically public transportation, are typically used as tourist attractions for sightseeing purposes, and are priced accordingly.

Examples include the Glacier Express or Schniyge Platte in Switzerland, or the Jacobite Steam Train (aka Harry Potter train) in Scotland.

Sleeper Trains

Technically, sleeper trains aren’t their own category–they’re just long-distance trains with sleeper carriages in them–but they’re worth calling out separately in this guide to train travel in Europe because they’re particularly interesting for travelers.

Not only are sleeper trains a great way to save on hotel costs for a night of your trip, but they can also be quite the travel adventure in their own right!

Before you start looking into buying train tickets, there are a couple of terms to be familiar with:

First vs. Second Class Tickets

When traveling via train in Europe, you’ll generally have a choice between first and second-class tickets.

Buying a first-class ticket generally comes with slightly larger seats, sometimes the ability to reserve your exact seats when you can’t in second class (both of those facts vary based on the company you travel with), and possibly a small snack like a water bottle and a pack of cookies.

In our earlier travel years, we never used to consider these perks worth the money–but I’ll admit, as we started traveling with more luggage and most importantly, our dog Ranger, we started splurging on first-class more frequently.

The extra space can definitely come in handy if you have more than a suitcase with you!

Variable vs. Fixed Price Tickets

Variable-price tickets, as the name implies, tend to increase in price the closer your date of travel gets.

T hese tickets are generally used for high-speed trains and long-distance journeys and will be the most common form of ticket you see when traveling between countries by train in Europe.

Fixed-price tickets are more typical for regional (aka “slow”) trains and can be booked at any time–so you can just show up at the station and buy them from a kiosk without issue.

For example: if you travel from Florence to Bologna on a high-speed train, it will take around 30 minutes and that ticket has a variable price.

If you travel on the regional train that takes around an hour, the price is fixed and you can book it at any time.

When you travel Europe by train, one of the first things you’ll need to get the hang of is exactly how and where to buy European train tickets–and you have plenty of options!

Here are different ways to obtain train tickets in Europe.

Online (Via a Third-Party Site)

Third-party booking sites are incredibly useful when preparing to travel Europe by train, especially when you’re planning to travel between countries.

We use and recommend Omio , which will allow you to easily compare prices between different routes, show you the most efficient path, and allow you to book trains across Europe with no concerns about language barriers, iffy online translations of national websites, or issues with payment (some company websites struggle to process foreign credit cards).

Omio is a ticket aggregate, and searches multiple companies and routes at once, which makes it very handy for checking train timetables and possible routes as well as for booking tickets!

Search  train routes and tickets prices in Europe today!

Online (Via the Company Directly)

Alternatively, if you’re looking for the best possible deal, you can book tickets online through direct websites for most countries in Europe.

For example, here are the national train company websites for Italy , France , and Germany .

We tend to book directly whenever we’re traveling domestically in a place we’re very familiar with, like Italy.

At the Train Station

If you’re traveling a short distance on a regional or commuter rail (like to take a day trip, for example), you can also buy tickets directly at the train station.

If you’re buying train tickets in person, we recommend using the kiosks available whenever possible.

Not only do they tend to have language options that make things much easier, but they also tend to take a fraction of the time of waiting in line to be helped by a person directly.

With a Train Pass

The final option for booking tickets to travel Europe by train is to do it in one fell swoop with a Eurail pass (for non-European residents) or Interrail pass (essentially the same thing, but for European residents).

Essentially, a Eurail pass will allow you to buy a certain number of train rides (or an unlimited number) in advance, allowing you to be more spontaneous in your travels.

However, there are limitations–for example, some routes still require advance reservations and charge additional fees.

G enerally speaking, the average user will end up spending more on train travel in Europe with a pass than without one.

There are cases where a train pass makes sense, though, so if you’re planning lots of European train travel, especially in Western and parts of Central Europe , be sure to run the numbers to see if a European train pass is right for you!

Once you buy your tickets, the next step is to actually receive them!

Here are the three main options.

Most European train tickets these days can be received online and downloaded to your phone. 

When available, this is by far the easiest and quickest way to receive your tickets.

At the Station

You can also choose to receive your (paper) tickets at the station you’re departing from, either by purchasing them there as mentioned above, or by picking up tickets you bought online.

In most cases, there’s no real reason to pick up paper tickets you bought online as opposed to simply downloading them, but most countries do still have the option.

If you book tickets to travel Europe by train well in advance of your trip, many countries do also have a home delivery option where they can be mailed to you before you travel.

We took advantage of this for our very first multi-country trip to Europe and had our train tickets for our overnight route from Krakow to Budapest mailed to our then-home in San Antonio.

Honestly, it was complete overkill, even as the novice travelers we were then, and we don’t necessarily recommend doing this–but some places do have the option available.

If you’re confused, concerned, or just slightly intimidated by train travel in Europe but are ready to book your first journey, this section is for you!

Follow these instructions step-by-step, and you’ll travel Europe by train with ease.

Book your ticket.

Generally, for long or inter-country journeys, booking online is the easiest option as we outlined above.

We use and recommend Omio for booking train tickets in Europe.

Shop train tickets across Europe today!

Make sure your ticket is in hand.

This can mean downloaded onto your phone or printed onto a piece of paper in your hand.

E ither option works in most places, but whichever you choose, make sure you have your ticket handy when you board.

Head to the (correct) train station.

Most major European cities are home to more than one train station, so be sure to double and triple-check that you’re going to the right one before you set off.

Find your platform.

Much like in an airport, your first step to finding your train platform will be to check the (often large, sometimes confusing) boards bearing destinations and times.

It’s best to search for your train based on a combination of the train number, company, and departing time– not the destination. 

If your train is continuing past your stop, for example, searching by destination can get very confusing, very quickly.

European trains (and Europe in general) also use the 24-hour clock (so 3:00 PM will be displayed as 15:00, etc), so keep that in mind when looking for your train on the departures board.

Validate your ticket.

If you have a paper ticket, you’ll need to validate it before you board.

T he kiosks to validate your ticket are generally placed just before you reach the platform, but can sometimes be easy to miss if you’re not looking for them.

(As far as we’re concerned, this hassle is another point in favor of online/downloaded tickets.)

If applicable, find your train car and seat number.

If your train has reserved seats, you’ll need to find the exact train car number and seat number to sit in.

T his is most common on long-distance, high-speed trains.

… Or just look for the appropriate class.

If your train has open seating, the only seating concerns will be whether you sit in the 1st or 2nd class.

The “1” or “2” denoting whether it’s a first or second-class train car is generally marked obviously on the side of the train, near or on the door itself, so it’s fairly easy to make sure you’re in the correct place.

Stow your luggage.

In some trains, this will mean storing your luggage in the racks provided at the ends of each train car, in others, it will mean in the racks above the seats, and in still others, there are even places to store bags between the seats.

Keep an eye on what others are doing, but keep in mind that as long as your luggage isn’t in anyone else’s way, there’s generally some flexibility to the process.

Settle in and enjoy the views.

Once you’ve found your seat and stored your luggage, it’s finally time for the best part of train travel in Europe: kicking back and enjoying watching the world go by.

No matter how many times we ride trains through Europe, we never stop getting a little thrill during this part of the process!

Keep your ticket handy for when the conductor comes by.

At some point, as you travel Europe by train–and it could be 5 minutes into your ride, 5 hours into your ride, or both–a conductor will come by to check your ticket.

Be sure to have your ticket in a convenient place so that you’re ready when this happens!

Listen carefully as you get close to your destination.

As you begin to get close to your destination, it’s time to pay very close attention to the announcements.

Many European cities have train stations that sound very similar to each other, especially to those not familiar with them (for example Roma Tiburtina and Roma Termini), and you’ll want to be certain to exit the train at the correct stop.

O therwise, you might accidentally find yourself deep in the suburbs instead of in the center of the city!

In many places, especially along routes popular with tourists, arrival announcements for each station will be repeated in English, but that’s not a guarantee.

Exit the train quickly and smoothly.

When you reach your stop, be ready to exit immediately–that means luggage in hand and waiting at the end of the train car to exit.

You’ll generally see people start to queue up a few minutes before arrival.

The train stops long enough for everyone to exit comfortably, so you don’t need to push past other people or even hurry if you’re prepared.

However, if you wait until the train stops before even getting your luggage together, well–if your station isn’t the final stop, you might find the train moves on before you have time to get off.

If you have your heart set on traveling Europe by train, plan ahead.

As you plan your Europe itinerary , you’ll likely find that some destinations are better suited for traveling Europe by train than others, and it definitely pays to know which destinations require a train, plane, or bus before arriving in Europe.

Train travel in Europe is generally best suited for certain Western and Central European countries–the further you move into the Balkans and Eastern Europe, the more limited (and, shall we say, adventurous) it becomes.

And, despite being situated essentially as far to the west of Europe as you can get, Spain and Portugal are surprisingly isolated from the perspective of train travel (this is due to having a different size of railroad gauge than other countries in Western Europe).

Distance also plays a key role.

Traveling from Paris to Venice by train is a long but completely doable day, but Paris to Zagreb , not so much–that route is better suited to a plane.

Add in the fact that you’ll want to book your variable-price tickets in advance, and the bottom line is that you should definitely bank on planning at least the most important routes in advance.

Definitely book complex routes for train travel in Europe in advance.

If you’re traveling from Rome to Florence or Madrid to Barcelona, especially if you don’t mind taking a regional/slow train, you can book your train tickets once you already arrive in Europe.

For more complex or longer routes, though, you’ll make things much easier on yourself if you book before you start your trip abroad.

Bring snacks and drinks along for the ride.

While most long-distance routes will sell simple food on board like sandwiches, drinks, and pre-packaged snacks, the selection is generally about on par with airplane food, in other words, expensive and unexceptional.

Commuter and regional trains are much less likely to sell food on board.

On long-distance trains, there’s typically a dining car you can visit to make purchases, and on some routes (especially in first class), a restaurant cart will come around offering a few items, similar to a flight attendant.

Better not to worry about it, though: we recommend packing plenty of snacks (or even a full meal) and drinks to bring along, which is completely typical on trains in most places in Europe.

If you have a long train ride ahead, consider packing cards or a game.

Not only will this help entertain you throughout the journey, but it’s also a great way to meet other travelers!

Don’t count on having internet access onboard.

Even if you have a European SIM card and are traveling within the Schengen Zone (where SIM cards are supposed to work across borders), maintaining an internet connection on a European train ride is iffy.

B etween tunnels, remote countryside, border crossings, etc., it’s best not to count on having access.

If the train advertises wifi, don’t count on that either–some of them require a local tax ID number or phone number to access.

We’ve found that our best bet for internet access during train travel in Europe is whenever the train briefly stops at a station.

If you have a SIM card that works for that destination, you can usually expect at least a few minutes of connectivity there.

Make sure you go to the correct train station.

We mentioned this above, but it bears repeating: be very certain that you go to the correct train station when traveling by train through Europe… and that goes for when you get on and when you get off! 

… And show up early.

Some train stations in major cities are enormous, and can almost resemble airports, with 30+ platforms, various levels, and in some cases a mall inside them (like Roma Termini, for example).

If you’re not familiar with the station in question, be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to find your way to the correct platform once you arrive!

If you have an opportunity to take an overnight train, do!

Not only is it a great way to save on the cost of a hotel for the night , but spending the night in a sleeper car can be quite a travel adventure!

(Though in the interest of full disclosure, I have never once gotten what I would call a good night’s sleep on a train. No regrets, though, and we’ll do it again!).

Toilets are plentiful, but their quality is questionable.

In other words, bring some toilet paper (I usually keep a small packet of tissues handy for that purpose) and hand sanitizer. 

Also, wet floors aren’t exactly unheard of, so you might want to stick with close-toed shoes.

Most high-speed trains in Europe have a toilet available in every train car, so you typically won’t need to go far to find one.

If you’re a student and/or under 26, you might qualify for discounts.

Keep that in mind when booking your train tickets for Europe, and if you do book a discounted fare, be sure to keep your ID handy (it’ll likely come in handy in many other places during your trip, too).

Keep in mind that some under-26 discounts are only available to EU residents, so be sure to verify that before counting on them if you aren’t European.

You can generally bring dogs (and cats) with you on trains in Europe!

This is a bit beyond the scope of this blog post, but given that we have several photos of Ranger in here, I’m sure at least a few readers are curious!

The vast majority of trains in Europe allow well-behaved companion animals on board, with varying requirements and costs (generally either free or the price of a child) based on the animal’s size, whether it’s confined in a carrier, etc.

It’s best to check the expectations for each route in advance, but with a little planning and flexibility, your furry friends are generally welcome.

Ranger is quite the traveler and has visited 8 countries and counting with us, many of them by train!

Keep an eye on social norms.

Cultural expectations around eating, talking loudly, and storing your luggage can and will vary depending on where your train travel in Europe takes you.

B e sure to keep an eye on what everyone else is doing to ensure you’re not inadvertently committing a faux pas !

For example, if you take a train, say, in Italy and then later in Austria as you travel Europe by train, you’ll likely notice a huge difference in the noise level on the train!

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

64 thoughts on “How to Travel Europe By Train: The Ultimate Guide (+ Tips!)”

We are senior citizens planning a trip to Italy and surrounding areas in September 2022. Looking at some train travel, multiple cities for sight seeing. We like the smaller, picturesque, historical cities. What advice can you offer?

I definitely recommend searching “Italy” on our search bar (top right of the site on desktop, part of the menu on mobile). Italy is one of our favorites and we have (literally) about 100 posts about it!

For small, picturesque, historic cities, Siena, Venice (it is pretty small!), and Verona come to mind. Florence, too–surprisingly small in some ways!

For even smaller hilltop villages like Montepulciano, etc, in Tuscany, be aware that many of the train stations aren’t in the town center, so you’ll likely want to catch a taxi in many of them to avoid hauling luggage up a hill.

Two years ago we had a small villa in a very small town in Italy. We trained to a new place everyday. It was funned and easy. We took the local bus into the next target town, bought our tickets at the station and took off for the day. We went to Florence, Pizza, and several smaller towns. We are mature seniors and had no trouble getting around. Only a couple of people spoke english in a small town, but, we managed easily.

Your comments encourage me to locate a home base in Italy and take a train or bus to the surrounding suburbs etc. I’m no spring chicken nor my husband but we get around easily. Thank you

Thanks for the helpful information. Appreciate it!

My boyfriend and I just booked our first train tickets in Europe thanks to you!!! I’m so happy we found your blog. We’re going to France and Spain this summer!

Ahhh that is wonderful to hear! Have a fantastic time!

My wife and I, both 70 are taking a cruise from Budapest to Passau and plan on taking trains to Birmingham England from Passau. I’ m planning about 5 stops. First Venice then Tirano, St. Moritz, Sion, Strasbourg and finally Birmingham. I plan on a Eurrail pass. do you have any advice, help or suggestion. Thanks

Hi Wayne! If you’re planning on an Eurail pass, my best advice is to research your routes, dates, and times in advance–many popular routes will still require advance reservations even with a pass.

Kate, my wife and I are planning our first cruise in Europe, and are thinking about taking the train from Barcelona to Rome (cruise departure). Your blog was a great overview. My question has to do with ability to get off and on a subsequent train, for day visits on the way. Is switching covered or individually arranged ahead of time, and is it a good or bad idea for novice mostly monolingual travelers to Europe? Advice? Thanks,(Chuck)

If you book a ticket from Barcelona to Rome, your ticket will be good for that specific train/departure only, so you can’t get off and back on at various stops. If you want to stop places along the way, you’ll need to book individual tickets between each destination you plan to visit.

If you have your heart set on that, look into an Eurail pass–it does what you describe, however, it can get confusing (some routes still require advance reservations) and will usually be more expensive than booking tickets individually.

Traveling by train is absolutely doable as a novice traveler, but be sure to be careful when you’re booking your tickets (to ensure they’re the right dates/times/train stations you expect), and pay close attention to the stops to ensure you don’t miss yours.

Another option, if you’re traveling during the summer and want to get from Barcelona to Rome quickly without flying, would be to take a ferry to Rome and then train to a few places around Italy from there.

Hope you guys have a great trip!

My family is looking to travel from Lille to Amsterdam. My question is: when we depart out train that originated in Lille and transfer to a new train in Brussels, will we need to go through some form of customs before we board the train for Amsterdam? I just want to get an idea of how much time to leave for connecting trains.

Hi Matt! No customs required–all of those countries are part of the EU Schengen Zone, so moving between them via train is generally as seamless as road-tripping between US states.

And, is 33 minutes to connect from one train to another a lot of time? We have never done this type of thing before so I’m not sure if that is cutting it too close

33 minutes should be okay! Definitely move with purpose to find your next platform once you arrive, but you shouldn’t be in a huge hurry as long as everything is on time.

Kate- I am considering coming to Europe early for my Christmas river cruise heading out of Brussels. I was thinking of taking the train from the Brussels airport to Koln to see their markets and explore, and then doing a day train up to Dusseldorf to see their Christmas markets. It looks like about a 2 hour train ride on Thalys to Koln and then only about 30 minutes from Koln on to Dusseldorf. I will then take the train back to Brussels for my riverboat cruise. Does this sound feasible?

As long as the timetables work in your favor, I don’t see why not! Germany and Belgium are both great countries for exploring by train.

Hello Kate, We are looking to visit Italy for the first time in December/2022, I was looking in the train tours, visiting 4 cities (Rome, Florence,Venice & Naples). Your thoughts on train tours? Thank

Hi Sharon! I’m not sure what you mean by tour–if you mean a guided trip, they can of course be very fun with the right group, but I wouldn’t say you need one for this route.

All of those cities are very simple to visit independently by train, and we have taken trains to and from all of them many times (I’m actually typing this on a train to Venice).

Hi Kate, my husband and I are planning to fly in to Italy and travel by train to the following places: 1) Milan 2) Switzerland 3) Vienna 4) Prague 5) Paris

May I know if these places can be connected by train. If yes which train will you recommend, please. We are actually thinking about 15-20 days to cover these areas. As it’s our first Europe trip, do you think it’s sufficient and is there any place along the way that you would encourage to go. Thank you.

Yes, those are all excellent destinations to visit by train, so you’re good to go there. As far as specific trains, you’ll need to pull up the individual routes to check (we recommend Omio for this, especially with cross-border trains).

That’s definitely too many places for 15 days, though, and still pushing it at 20. I’d recommend trimming the itinerary a bit if you can (or adding on extra days, of course!).

Hi there This was so helpful. My husband and I are going to Amsterdamin September and then 3 nights in Bruges. All us booked but I’m overwhelmed but the trains websites. Omio is the easiest but I’m still leary. Is it legit and a decent safe way to book trains? We are only going to Belgium. Then two days to the countryside in The Netherlands which we will just grab a regional train. Everyone is telling us to book the train to Bruges. Any helpful advice would be great. We would go to Antwerp and take an IC train to Bruges an hour later,as my husband does have hip and knee problems. Thanks in advance.

I understand, it’s a lot to take on the first few times!

We use Omio regularly, as do many people we know, it’s perfectly legitimate.

The Antwerp train station will be a beautiful place to rest for an hour. It’s absolutely stunning, especially the front foyer, and often pops up on lists of the best things to see in the city!

Hi Kate, My husband and I will be traveling from Prague to cities in Austria and Germany by train next month. We have used trains a few times in Europe before, but it was pre Covid. It looks like most Covid restrictions have been dropped, but I wondered if you have to show Covid vaccination cards on the trains?

Thank You, Jaymie

I’m always hesitant to answer questions like this because I feel like I’ll be summoning disaster with how quickly things can change, LOL.

But at the moment, no, you won’t need your vaccination proof in either place as far as I know.

Life is pretty 2019 these days when it comes to the logistics of traveling around Europe as a visitor, though a handful of places still require masks on public transport (I think Vienna is one of them, but again–things change!).

This is so helpful, but I’m striking out with trains from Naples to Rome? It says that there aren’t any? Why would they list it as an option if they don’t travel to there? Also, is there a way to preview how long the train rides are to decide if we want to travel to certain cities? Cannot find any train tables. I find the Omio and Eurail sites to be difficult to navigate and I can’t get enough information to plan! :( Does it make sense to buy a eurail pass first and then research times and etas? Any help is appreciated!

Trains from Naples to Rome definitely exist! It’s possible you’re looking too far in advance to book the tickets–on Omio right now, it looks like I can purchase Naples to Rome tickets up to about 6 months out.

When you search for a specific route on Omio, Trenitalia, etc, it’ll show you how long the train is and how many changes there are, if any, much like searching for a flight.

We don’t recommend using the Google tool for this, as it tends to default to how to get somewhere if you leave at that second, which can be confusing and normally involves a more complicated route than you need.

Personally, we don’t generally find Eurail passes to be worth it in terms of cost-savings for most travelers, but in terms of research, you’ll be working with the same information either way. :-)

Hope that helps! It can be a bit confusing at first, but if you try practicing by looking at dates sooner than when you actually plan to travel, I think you’ll find the information you’re looking for.

Thank you for taking the time to write all that useful information. It is so much appreciated by many of us! :)

Like many of your readers, we are (two young adults) planning to visit Europe for the first time this upcoming May. We are currently looking at: Landing in the morning in Prague, spend 1 or 2 nights, then Vienna, one night, leave following morning for Bratislava (this one is a maybe, it’s so close!) OR Vienna to Venice. Spend 1-2 nights, then Zurich, and finally Munich, before we make it back to Prague to catch our returning flight. We are looking at 9 days from the morning we land. 🥴 We figured it would be more efficient to travel in a circle, as some destinations -like Paris- will be out this time around. :(

Thoughts on that? I will look into Omni regarding trains, but our plan is to travel only by train, if possible.

I know that’s a lot of questions, but THANK YOU so much for your help! 😊

Thanks so much, Al! So glad to be helpful. :-)

You definitely have the right idea with traveling in a circle, though I definitely recommend trimming some destinations!

With 9 days, I’d suggest no more than 3 base cities (and that’s pushing it), and you can add a day trip or two from there if you like.

I know it’s SO tempting to add more places (I have this problem constantly myself lol) but you’ll have much more fun with a bit of time to explore each place!

I’m not sure what your priorities are or what your budget is, but based on the cities you listed, I’d cut Zurich (Switzerland is amazing, but you don’t have time) and Bratislava. Ideally, I’d suggest cutting one more city as well.

If it were my trip, personally, I’d do a Prague – Venice – Munich triangle, and potentially day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle or somewhere else in the Bavarian Alps with one of the days in Munich. That’s just personal preference, though!

You can definitely do all the destinations you listed by train, no issue there at all. :-)

That recommendation sounds amazing. The two big ones are Prague (#1!) and Venice, but really hoping to do Munich as well.

I will look into the Bavarian Alps, as I am not familiar with them :)

Thanks again. Really enjoy reading through your content! 😊

If you love mountains and/or castles, you’ll definitely love them!

Enjoy some Czech beer for us :-)

Hi, we are doing Europe by train in June. Is there a way to determine: a. which direction the train(s) are going, so we can face forward? b. Which side is considered the right side (vs left side) for best views when recommended? Thanks for your perspective.

Unfortunately, there’s no clear-cut way to determine which way trains are facing, especially because they often turn around during the route, depending on how they pull into/out of various stations. On long journeys, it’s not uncommon to find yourself facing forward part of the time and backward part of the time.

If you’re starting from the beginning of the line, you can sometimes tell which way you’ll be facing at the beginning based on the route, but not always.

The same goes for the views–for very specific routes, you can sometimes get personalized recommendations from others who have traveled the route (especially for particularly scenic ones), but there’s no simple solution to figuring it out beyond just recommendations.

It’d certainly be easier if that were the case!

Hi Kate, Really enjoying your posts, photos, and appreciate the helpful advice. I am planning a trip in Sept/Oct to visit Scotland for a week before traveling in southern Germany and Austria. What would you recommend about getting from Scotland/London to Koln, Munich or Frankfurt? Is there a good train route to take? Or is this a case where flights make more (economic or time) sense? Thanks for any pointers!

That’s definitely a route that is better served by flight, both from an economic and time perspective! :-)

Is there something I am missing about Omio, the booking site that you recommend?

My wife and I are moving to Lyon in April and plan to go to Amsterdam in May. I went on the Omio site just to get a sense of what was available from Lyon (Gare Part Dieu) to Amsterdam (Centraal) on a random date (I picked May 9) and the site told me it could not find any trains between these places. But on the Rail Europe site, it showed a slew of trains available throughout the day.

I am confused.

I am too, I’m not sure why it’s not coming up! I just did the search myself and played around with dates, destinations, etc. Paris – Amsterdam, for example, seems to be pulling up just fine.

Could be as simple as a bug, but I just shot Omio an email asking for clarification.

Hi Kate I am Josh from KL Malaysia looking forward for europe trip in september 2023. I would like to start trip from berlin to budapest for 15 to 17 days.how to go about it by using eurorail?

Eurail has a website with a planning tool that can help you sketch out your journey.

Generally, you’ll buy either a set number of travel days within a given time period (like 7 days to be used in a month) or an unlimited pass.

Many routes do still require advance reservations (with additional fees), so be sure to check each route individually so you don’t miss anything!

Hi! I would love to travel as comfortably with my dog as you have, seeing from the pictures. I have a couple of questions: 1) what’s the name brand of that pet carrier. Looks perfect for mine. 2) Could you post tips on hoe to travel with your pet successfully.

Thank you for your content!

Yes, absolutely–with a catch (if you’re in the US). We bought the bag on Amazon Spain when living in Portugal and don’t know of an equivalent here. But this is the link: https://www.amazon.es/-/pt/gp/product/B00XR2D94W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&fbclid=IwAR3p0Ihrxf6e1yL4nJv5pJBK0GXmOIVIqXL97ov77VRuxSIvm61M2-NbfQE&th=1

Here’s Ranger’s backpack that he gets carried in as well (size large): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C9XLXVH?ie=UTF8&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=ourescapeclau-20&linkId=813c9a64c05de1faef0162cbed102f22&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

He absolutely loves both–gets so excited when we get his bags out, and climbs right in when we get onboard!

Traveling by train in Europe with a dog is usually pretty simple, but you’ll always want to look up requirements for the specific country/train company (some require dogs not in a carrier to pay a half-fare or child’s ticket, etc).

If your dog is very small (like a yorkie or similar) they’re usually free, though again, be sure to check in advance.

I have it on my list to write a whole blog post on this topic eventually, but I hope that helps get you started! :-)

Just wanted to say thank for you for such amazing content. We are starting to plan a 5 week trip to Europe for Summer 2024 with our 4 kids and your site and recommendations are beyond helpful.

Thank you so much, Megan! That’s wonderful to hear. :-) Hope you guys have an incredible trip!

Hi, planning a trip to Europe with the family. Have been to Italy, Spain, Portugal, France and UK so we are looking for something different. Like Berlin, Prague and Vienna or Amsterdam, Berlin and Brussels. Love to get your thoughts on these routes and would you recommend taking the train between these cities? Or any other 3 cities you recommend we do over 10 days.

Sounds like a very fun trip! All of the cities you mentioned are definitely doable by train, but Berlin-Prague-Vienna is more cohesive than Amsterdam-Berlin-Brussels (I also personally would put a couple of dozen other cities in the region ahead of Brussels, though it definitely has things to offer!).

Since it seems like Berlin is a priority for you, I’d recommend using that as your anchor and spanning out from there.

A few other places that could make sense, if you want to add more options to your list, could be Krakow, Budapest, or Bratislava.

If you want to start in Berlin and include Amsterdam, you might look into Hamburg, Cologne, or Bruges.

You could also head south from Berlin, and do a Berlin-Munich-Switzerland (Zurich or Lucerne if you’re looking for cities) route.

Really, the possibilities are endless, so it just comes down to the cities that call to you the most!

We are seniors, experienced travellers but novice on trains. We have 3 weeks to visit Paris, Prague, Vienna, Bern, Marseilles, Barcelona, and Lisbon. What suggestions can you offer us Thanks

My first recommendation would be to trim a city or two–3 days per city is a very fast pace to keep up for 3 weeks!

Lisbon and Barcelona are of course the biggest geographic outliers. Lisbon is a non-starter as far as train travel to the rest of these cities is concerned–realistically, it’ll make more sense to fly to and from there.

Barcelona is a bit tricky, since Spanish and Portuguese trains are on a different rail gauge than the rest of the countries on your list. You can take a high-speed train from Barcelona to Paris, but getting from Barcelona to Marseilles via train is much more challenging than you’d think it would be based on a map.

The rest of the cities you mentioned are very well-connected by train, so you shouldn’t have any issues there. :-)

Really informative site you have here!

I’m from Asia and planning to visit Europe for the first time in Oct 2023. I’ll likely start the tour from London and have about 10 days, then will fly home from Heathrow Airport London. I’m really into trains and would love your advice on what some destinations would be possible. I’ve never been to Europe so anything is fine with me. :) Thank you

Honestly, the number of options is so overwhelming that you’re going to want to narrow it down–a lot!

Assuming you plan to hop over to mainland Europe (as opposed to heading north to Scotland, for example), Paris and Amsterdam are both great jumping-off points connected to London by train.

From either city, you can then reach dozens of cities within several countries in a day’s worth of train travel (or less).

Consider taking a look at places that interest you in France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and Belgium–just to name a few!

If you want to peruse some sample itineraries, we have several in this post: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/2-week-europe-itinerary-trip/

Hope you have a fantastic trip!

Thanks for all the info contained within this blog. We are planning for summer 2024,a 2-week tour of Europe starting and finishing in the UK. How many stops would you recommend? Where would you suggest?, need to combine, beach, sightseeing and something in the Alpes? Ive got in mind Uk – South of France – Italy- Budapest-Krakow – Germany(or similar)-UK Now for the tricky bit, we are planning to do this with around 20 Explorer scouts! Any tips for travelling in groups? Can you also recommend a great website for hostels Thanks in advance

Sounds like quite the trip! 20 scouts–you guys have your work cut out for you, but I’m sure they’ll love it. :-) Can’t offer much personal insight in that direction myself, but I commend you guys for taking it on.

With only 2 weeks, I’d recommend 3 stops, with an additional day trip or two to add on more destinations. Sticking with the UK – South of France – Italy might work best in your case. Germany and Switzerland would also work as potential substitutes as they’re geographically close (depending on where you go).

We go into a lot more detail on putting together a 2-week itinerary in this guide: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/2-week-europe-itinerary-trip/

As far as booking lodging goes, we tend to book all of ours through Booking dot com these days. For hostels in particular, Hostelworld is also popular, though we have rarely used it ourselves. Depending on how old your scouts are you might want to double-check any age requirements for dorm stays.

We are a couple in our 60’s who have travelled by train in Italy and Japan .We are travelling to Greece for 2 weeks then flying to Hamburg.From here we are going to travel straight to Berlin(3 nights),Amsterdam(3 nights),Paris (5 nights),Interlarken,Switzerland (3 nights) then to Munich(4 nights). I have just started researching the best way to purchase rail tickets either a Eurail pass or point to point on Omio.Considering our itinerary what do you recommend?I have read that a Eurail pass is easier than point to point bookings but may be more costly.

Thanks for your blog,very informative.

Hi Francine,

In our experience, Eurail passes tend to be a bit more expensive for most travelers. Part of the reason for this is that many popular routes still require advance reservations that require you to commit to a date and often pay an additional reservation fee.

We have used an Eurail pass in the past, but these days, we always choose to book point-to-point journeys.

However, the only way to know for sure about your route in particular is to plan your trip out via Eurail (be sure to double-check what routes require reservations) and as a point-to-point trip and compare prices. Every trip is different, and since the prices for high-speed trains change depending on when you book them, there’s no way to know for certain.

If you’ve been comfortable traveling by train in other countries in the past, I wouldn’t say the ease of using an Eurail pass is worth the probable extra cost, especially with how simple it is to book train tickets online these days. It does depend on the traveler, though!

Thanks for the information Travelling to krakow then Prague Budapest and Croatia. Have 2 month. Would like to travel by train How far in advance do you need to book train tickets as I want to do it leisurely and not book to far in advance. Also what other country’s/cities do you recommend Thank you so much Betty

For most routes in that area, booking as you go (a few days to a week or so in advance) is just fine, as long as you’re a bit flexible. Exceptions can include night trains and traveling over holidays, so keep that in mind!

Keep in mind that train travel in Croatia is much less expansive than you might think–Dubrovnik doesn’t even have a train station! You can use some train routes, like Zagreb to Split, but plan on adding in buses and/or rental cars (plus ferries, of course) depending on where you want to go in Croatia.

With 2 months to travel from Krakow to Croatia, you might also consider stops in Austria (Vienna is right along your route), Slovakia (Bratislava is very easy to reach) and Slovenia. Depending on how direct you want to travel, Bosnia and Herzegovina could fit in as well.

That barely scratches the surface of the possibilities, but hopefully it gives you some ideas!

Hi! My wife and I love to travel (Between the two of us we have done Italy, Fiji, Australia and many others). We are planning on the F1 races in Spielberg, Austria next June. Thinking about the train from Vienna to Barcelona after and wondering if the ride (about a day) is worth the time? The flight is about 5 hours. We had fun on the train in Italy (Rome to Venice) We will likely leave Vienna the Mon or Tues after and have another 10 days. What do you think about Barcelona and Madrid? Do both? Or one over the other? Thanks in advance!

The distance between Vienna and Barcelona is far enough that unless the idea of a night train and a few train changes sounds like a fun adventure, I’d recommend flying! Basically as a travel experience it can work, but as a basic form of transportation, they’re a bit too far apart for the logistics to make sense.

As far as Barcelona and Madrid, both are wonderful, but they’re very different. Barcelona wins on whimsical architecture and access to the sea. Madrid wins on stately art museums and for having a more laid-back vibe. We enjoy both cities, but Madrid is our personal favorite of the two (though we are in the minority with that opinion!).

If you have time to spend a few days in each, they’re definitely both worth experiencing.

Hi! Thanks for the reply….sounds like flying is the way to go….we will have 4 days each in Madrid/Barcelona so should be able to get the flavors of both. Love your blog!

Thanks, Greg! Enjoy Austria and Spain! :-)

Hi Kate! I just found your blog while planning my first Europe trip… I’m so excited I have actual tears! I promised myself traveling around/to Europe would be something I accomplish by the time I turn 25. This train travel blog has given me so much needed information as when I originally started planning this trip a few years ago my original plan was by train. I will be combing through your blog site to read as much as I can and support you how I can.

My plan is to start in southern Portugal, through southern Spain, southern France, into Italy. I need to do more research to see if this much in a 2 week time span is even feasible. And, it looks like I may be better off taking a bus in Western Europe. This has been my one hurdle in actually going. If I’m going to go, I’m going to visit multiple countries… but the navigation between countries is the most fearful part for me. I will be using your blog to help me plan and prepare.

All this to say… I’m so glad I found your blog!! Thank you for all of your wonderful information.

Your comment brings a huge smile to my face! I remember planning our first trip so clearly at about the same age (I was 23 on our first-ever trip to Europe and 24 on our first multi-country European backpacking trip) and I can definitely say it was nothing short of life changing. :-)

All of the places you mentioned are among our favorites in the world! And reading between the lines, it sounds like you may have a preference for coastal areas, which all of those areas have in spades.

One small snag is that you have chosen some of the hardest places to travel between countries by train in western Europe, namely Portugal and Spain. Getting between major cities by train is no issue within each country, but the two aren’t very well-connected by train to each other, and the only train route to France from Spain leaves from Barcelona. There’s a long history as to why, but basically the train rail gauges in the Iberian peninsula are different than elsewhere.

However, don’t worry! There are plenty of solutions. :-) Buses are definitely a great option, especially for getting between places like the Algarve and Seville, etc. There are local buses, but also check out Flixbus, which is very popular with travelers and easy to use (we’ve used it many times ourselves). Also, flying is a surprisingly affordable option–Ryanair, Easyjet, etc. have tons of routes in these areas and are frequently way cheaper than traveling by train. Blablacar–basically Uber for traveling long distances–is also an option, though not one we have lots of personal experience with.

Finally, don’t forget about ferries! They can be surprisingly affordable, especially in Spain and southern Italy. We took a ferry from Barcelona to Rome and found it very memorable with amazing views: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/barcelona-to-rome-ferry/

As I always like to tell people, getting on that first plane and starting your trip is the hardest part. After that, everything falls into place. :-)

Hi Kate, Your blog has been super informative and helpful! We are planning a family trip to Europe this May with our 3 teenagers. Our goal is to do Rome (4 nights), Venice (2 nights), Salzburg (3 nights) and Munich (4-5 nights) in 15 days. Planning to fly into Rome and fly out of Munich or Frankfurt (Dallas is home), and travel by train from city to city. Are we taking on too much? Do you recommend using the fast train from Rome to Venice? Really want to take the train thru the Alps from Venice to Salzburg, but is it going to be much more expensive than flying? I’m assuming I need to book that leg of the train trip asap. Again, great job on the blog! It has made me very excited for our trip!

That’s great to hear, thank you!

That sounds like a good pace for a trip–if anything, 5 nights seems slightly long in Munich, though very doable with a day trip or two built in (and there are plenty of amazing ones in Bavaria!).

Taking the fast train from Rome to Venice would absolutely be our preference–it’s the fastest way to travel between the two cities by far.

Same for Venice to Salzburg (it’s a lovely train ride!). but yes, it can be more expensive than flying depending on when you book and how good of a flight deal you get. It’s much more comfortable regardless, though (not traveling to and from the airports is a big benefit in its own right). Depending on what train company you travel with, expect tickets to be available for purchase anywhere from 3-6 months in advance. I’d start watching earlier, though, just looking at more recent dates, to get a feel for what prices to expect.

Thank you for taking the time to put all of these great information together. Really appreciate it. So our plan for next year is as follow (12 days):

Spain: 1 day Madrid 1day Sevilla 1 day Barcelona

from Barcelona, take fast train to Italy 1 day Rome 1 day Naples 1 day Milan

from Milan take fast train to Switzerland:

What places (areas) would you recommend visiting in Switzerland? We would like countryside, small towns. I heard Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries to visit, so anything where we can enjoy nice scenery but not the most expensive areas. Also, is it feasible getting around in trains between these cities/countries? Thank you in advance!

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This Train Pass Is the Secret to City-hopping Through Europe on the Cheap (Video)

For many travelers, exploring Europe is a must — a rite of passage, even. And for travelers looking to plan the perfect Eurotrip, snagging a Eurail pass is vital.

Since its debut in 1959, Eurail has helped travelers squeeze the most out of their time abroad. The pass has long been a favorite among backpackers, study-abroad students, wandering nomads, and those with limited vacation days, but a strong desire to see the world. If you're out to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, or you just want some freedom from the hassle of travel planning, investing in a Eurail pass is a no-brainer.

Below, we've put together a complete guide to the Eurail pass, covering everything you need to know to use the pass and optimize your time in Europe.

Who Should Buy a Eurail Pass and Why

Eurail is a single rail pass that grants access to 40,000 destinations across 33 different countries in Europe. In other words, it's the most flexible and convenient way for visitors to explore the continent with ease. Unlike a traditional train ticket, a Eurail pass gives travelers the ability to utilize existing infrastructure — Europe's thousands of railways — to travel between destinations for a set amount of days.

If you're heading to Europe and planning on visiting more than one location — as in, multiple countries or even multiple cities within the same country — then you're going to want to equip your journey with a Eurail pass. The pass essentially provides all-inclusive access to Europe's well-connected train system, meaning you don't have to book tickets for each individual leg.

Eurail passes are available to anyone — college-age backpackers, couples, families, and travelers looking to make the most of their time in Europe on a budget — but special discounts are provided to certain age groups.

The catch? Eurail passes are not available to Europeans; they're solely for non-European residents. However, European citizens do have the option of purchasing an Interrail Pass, which is similar to a Eurail pass, but for Europeans only.

How to Buy and Use a Eurail Pass

Currently, Eurail offers two different pass types: the Global Pass and the One Country Pass. A Global Pass is essentially the all-inclusive option: It gives travelers the ability to take a train between any of Eurail's 33 participating countries. Meanwhile, the One Country Pass works only within a single country (there are 29 countries currently available on this pass).

Travelers select either a Flexi Pass, which includes a predetermined amount of train travel days (such as four travel days within one month), or a Continuous Pass, which includes unlimited train travel days during a predetermined trip length (such as 15 days or three months).

Eurail also groups certain regions, so that you can score multiple countries for the price of one. For example, the Benelux Pass includes Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, while the Scandinavia Pass includes Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.

Once you've chosen the pass that best fits your needs, you can order it through Eurail's website . Eurail ships the physical pass booklet to you worldwide, including an address in Europe, if you're already there. It's best to order your pass at least four weeks before your trip to ensure it ships in time and you can secure any necessary reservations. However, you can plan as far as 11 months in advance. You can also purchase a pass at European train stations.

Before you can use the pass, you'll need to activate it. Validating the pass can be done online using Eurail's free pre-activation service at checkout, or at a European train station once you arrive. You must activate the pass within 11 months of its issue date.

Once your pass is validated, you're ready to go. Simply choose a train and then present your pass upon boarding. Make sure to fill out the required information in your pass booklet for each ride, as the conductor will come by to verify and stamp it.

Eurail's easy-to-navigate Rail Planner App lets you search train timetables, plan your route, and make reservations where needed. The My Trip section of the mobile app makes it simple to save your journey and see your route broken down as a day-by-day itinerary.

Note that some trains in Europe require a seat reservation. In these cases, railway carriers charge a reservation fee that is not included in the price of your Eurail pass. However, seat reservation prices are typically nominal (around $10 to $25, even for overnight trains).

Most reservations can be booked through Eurail's Self-Service option. Alternatively, you can book in person at the station, over the phone, online, or through the Rail Planner App.

Eurail Pass Cost and Discounts

In 2019, Eurail retired its two- to four-country Select Passes, focusing instead on the Global and One Country Passes. These changes enabled Eurail to roll out significantly discounted prices, add a second-class option on all adult Global Passes, and even introduce a Senior category, encouraging an older generation to travel as well.

The cost of a Eurail pass varies widely depending on the type of pass you purchase. For example, a Global Pass with five travel days in one month is usually between $319 and $425, while a 15-day unlimited pass falls between $501 and $667. A three-month unlimited pass usually costs between $1,019 and $1,358, and a One Country Pass for Italy is usually $144 to $271, while France is typically $87.

There are various age-group discounts available: Travelers aged 12 to 27 can purchase Youth tickets and receive a 25 percent discount (up from 23 percent in 2019), while seniors aged 60 or older receive a 10 percent discount. Children under 11 travel for free.

If you're not eligible for an age-based discount, keep an eye out for special promotions — Eurail regularly runs deals, especially for booking far in advance.

Where to Go With a Eurail Pass

Eurail's network includes 33 of the 44 countries in Europe, so your options are plentiful, and you can travel to a new country every day, if that's what strikes your fancy.

Plus, Eurail regularly adds new countries and routes to their portfolio — as of Jan. 1, 2020, Estonia and Latvia are the most recent additions. Popular destinations like France, Italy, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, Spain, and Poland have long been included.

Eurail also recently added a Greek Islands Pass , which covers ferry trips between 53 Greek islands aboard partner carriers Superfast and Blue Star Ferries. The Greek Islands Pass is available for $102 (five trips within one month) or $199 (six trips within one month). The pass is also available at Eurail's discounted Youth rate of $77 or $175 for the five- and six-trip option, respectively.

Benefits of Having a Eurail Pass in Europe

The main perk of exploring Europe with a Eurail pass is the fact that it enables you to hit multiple stops with minimal hassle. For one affordable price, you can board trains across the continent and hop between destinations with ease, freeing you from the logistical nightmare of planning and arranging tickets for each individual leg of your journey.

A Eurail pass allows travelers to be as flexible or organized as they choose to be on a trip to Europe. During one short visit, you can check off bucket-list spots like Italy, France, Great Britain, Spain, Germany, and more. Or, you can explore just one country in-depth, without having to arrange tickets every time you want to head somewhere new.

Eurail also partners with hostels, tour operators, and restaurants across Europe, so there are some added pass benefits such as discounts at Generator Hostels, free or discounted ferry and bus trips, and cards that grant access to a city's top attractions.

To maximize your pass, figure out the optimal pass type for your needs and then fully explore the benefits that come with your purchase. You'll be posing in front of the Eiffel Tower and snacking on pizza in front of the Colosseum in no time.

Recommended Eurail Pass Routes

If you've never been to Europe, you'll likely want to use your Eurail pass to hit highlights like London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, and Berlin, but don't pass up the opportunity to get off the beaten path a bit, too. With a Eurail pass, you're free to get creative.

If you've always wanted to visit Luxembourg and Lithuania, but have no interest in Spain or Portugal, that's not a problem: Depending on the pass type you purchase, your travel plans are entirely up to you. Just make sure to consult a map and plot a route that makes sense geographically.

Are you more into nature's wonders than mankind's? Book a Scandinavia Pass and wander through Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland in pursuit of the northern lights. Or, experience the beauty of Switzerland, a favorite among families — Switzerland's Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt, included in a Eurail pass, traverses 91 tunnels, crosses the Oberalp Pass, and winds through the stunning Swiss Alps. The Golden Pass route, also included, skirts Lake Geneva and passes through some of the most picturesque mountain towns in Europe, including Gstaad and Interlaken.

Another idea is to add a theme to your itinerary: With the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics around the corner, why not take an Olympic tour of Europe? You can start at the site of the first-ever Winter Olympics in 1924 — Chamonix, France — and then head to Paris, home of the second-ever Summer Olympics in 1900. From there, hop to Antwerp, Belgium — home to the first Olympic games after the turmoil of World War I — and then take the high-speed Eurostar under the English Channel to London, England, the site of the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Exploring lesser-visited Eastern Europe is also made easier by Eurail. With 2020's inclusion of Estonia and Latvia, the pass now covers rail travel across all of the Baltic countries for the first time in its history. Plus, with the pass, you can take the ferry between Riga and Stockholm or Germany, or from Tallinn to Stockholm or Helsinki, all for up to 50 percent less than you'd pay for these same international ferry connections without the pass.

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A Comprehensive Guide to Train Travel in Europe

Train travel in Europe is the ultimate bucket list experience! Find out all you need to know about riding this continent’s extensive rails.

If you’re trying to explore any part of Europe without taking at least one train ride, good luck! It’s kind of part and parcel of the experience. Mastering train travel in Europe isn’t difficult. The rail system is vast, generally well-connected, and fairly easy to use, but there are a few tips you need to know before planning your itinerary. In this ultimate guide to European train travel, we’ll discuss why, when, and who should take the trains, which trains you should book, how to get tickets, the types of available train trips, and a few suggested routes. Get your pen and pad, or bookmark this blog—you’re going to want to keep these tips handy!

Exploring Europe With Let’s Roam

Train travel in Europe has never been easier than it is today. And with the vast rail system at your feet and Let’s Roam in your pocket, you can easily hop off the train, explore a city in an hour or two, and be back at the station in time for coffee before departure. Our app-guided scavenger hunts introduce you to Europe’s greatest cities at the touch of button. We’ve got bar crawls , sightseeing hunts , art walks , and ghost tours in cities all over the world. Just download the app, pick your city, purchase your tickets, and start exploring!

Train Travel in Europe

It should go without saying (but unfortunately does not) that Europe is a continent, not a country, and therefore, train travel across the region differs wildly depending on which nation we’re talking about. For instance, trains in Switzerland are pristinely clean, always on time, relatively quiet, and orderly. Trains in Southern Italy tend to be late, drastically overcrowded, loud, and… interesting.

Your train travel experience will also vary immensely depending on what type of train you’re booking. The intercity and commuter train experience is a totally different one than fastspeed, long-haul trains, for instance. Each train company also has differing standards and procedures. Bearing these facts in mind, we’ll be as specific as we can in this guide, but you’ll need to do some research on every train journey you book, making sure you look for a few specifics (which we’ll cover) so you know what you’re getting into. Here we go!

The Pros of Train Travel in Europe

1. savings on hotels.

One of the perks of train travel is that you can book your transitions overnight if they are long rides. Sleeper trains are generally less expensive than a European hotel room, and by traveling overnight, you don’t lose any of your precious sightseeing time! You can choose to go cheap and book a regular seat for your night train or pay extra for a sleeper cart with bunk beds. Bunk rooms usually have anywhere from 2 to 6 bunks and vary in price depending on the train company, length of journey, and level of privacy you choose. However, they are typically equivalent to a night in a nice hostel.

2. City Center Convenience

Unlike airports, central train stations are generally located in the middle of the city. If you’re on a tight schedule or are watching your budget, this is one of the primary perks of taking the train. While a flight may be faster and cheaper at first glance, sometimes the journey from the airport to the city center can take over an hour and can cost up to $80.

Some cities, like Athens, now have a city metro line that runs from the city center to the airport, which is cost and time-effective, but that isn’t always the case. When deciding between a flight and the train, always look at the cost and time that transferring from the airport to your hotel will add (both ways). Then, make the most efficient decision.

3. Easy Ticketing Process

Most train companies now offer online ticketing, and you can use an e-ticket from your mobile phone. Occasionally, you may need to stop in the ticket office before your departure and show them your QR code, and they will print you a paper ticket, but this is becoming less and less common. Many train routes have fixed prices (more on that later), so you can easily book your journey the day of without exorbitant rate hikes.

4. No Luggage Restrictions

Unlike buses and planes, trains generally do not have luggage restrictions or fees. If you’re willing to load and unload four suitcases and you can find space for them, you can take them. We still suggest that you travel light, as lugging a bunch of suitcases on and off trains isn’t exactly the epitome of fun.

5. Spontaneity

As noted above, most popular train routes in Europe have multiple options to choose from. Therefore, they are unlikely to sell out. Most long-distance trains do have variable prices, and they are cheaper to book ahead of time. Slower commuter trains between bigger cities have fixed rates, as they are used by locals, and you can typically book a ticket on the same day with no financial penalty.

This allows you to move freely between cities without being locked down to a particular schedule. There’s nothing worse than leaving a city you’re enjoying without seeing all you want to see. It’s even worse if the next city on your list is a disappointment. Having flexibility in your schedule allows you to spend more time in the places you love and move on from those you don’t care for as much.

6. Peaceful Journey (Mostly)

Trains offer a level of peace that the bus and plane do not. Long-distance trains through the European countryside offer a chance to enjoy the scenery, catch up on emails, write in your travel journal, listen to a podcast, etc. The ambiance of trains in Europe varies greatly by country and company, but in general, it’s a fairly peaceful journey.

7. No Security or Checks

There are no long lines to get on a train. There are no security or baggage scanners (except maybe a quick one to get in the station). You won’t be asked to take your shoes off or disrobe your jacket, jewelry, etc. The boarding process is swift and easy.

8. Increased Comfort

Train seats are usually larger and more comfortable than planes and buses. The walkways are wider. It’s easier to get up and walk around. The bathrooms are bigger, and there’s more storage for luggage. Sometimes, you even have your own table, charging station, and cup holders.

9. Seats With a View

Most European trains, especially sightseeing trains or long-haul tourist trains, have large windows for viewing the scenery. It’s a great way to experience the countryside and snap some photos as you roll along.

10. Eating How You Like

For the most part, you can bring any food or drink you want on the train. This does not apply to inner-city and metro rides—you shouldn’t eat or drink on those. But on longer trains, you’re more than welcome to bring a basket of food and a bottle of wine in most places.

11. A Plethora of Options

The European rail system is vast. If the train you wanted to take sells out, there is likely another option. If you want to add a stop in a city, you can easily do that, too. When you take the train, you can visit small towns that aren’t accessible when flying.

12. Youth Discounts

If you’re a student with a valid ID or a European citizen under the age of 26, you can qualify for reduced-priced tickets!

13. Pets Welcome

You may need to arrange it ahead of time and pay an extra fee (usually the price of a child’s ticket), but well-behaved pets are usually allowed on European trains.

14. No Extra Fees

Unlike the budget airlines that hop all over Europe, a train ticket is the price that’s stated. There’s no extra charge for choosing your seat, checking in at the station, or any other nonsense. The price is the price.

15. Reliable

Train travel in Europe comes with fewer delays than air travel. In most European countries, trains are on time and running efficiently. Some countries are far more efficient than others, but overall, the train system stays pretty consistent.

The Cons of Train Travel in Europe

The days of cheap train travel in Europe, especially Western Europe, are pretty much gone. While there are some good discounts, it’s rare for the train to cost much less than a flight. For long-distance, high-speed trains, it’s especially important to book your ticket early. This is the one case where you’ll want to book from home well in advance of your trip.

When considering the cost of a train ride versus a plane ticket, remember to figure in the cost of transit to and from the airport. Also, consider any luggage fees, booking fees, etc., that you’ll pay on the smaller European airlines.

2. Confusing Schedules

Train schedules can be quite confusing at first glance. Luckily, the major train companies all have apps now that simplify the process for visitors. Make sure you download the apps for whatever companies you’re traveling with. There are generally helpful workers in the ticket office or on the platforms who can help you find the right train. However, language barriers can be a problem, especially in smaller, more rural stations. Pay attention to signs, listen for announcements in English, and get there early so you have plenty of time to ensure you’re in the right place. There’s almost always a local or fellow traveler who can help reassure you. Don’t be afraid to ask! The train station is a great place to meet travel companions.

Switching Trains

Another confusing aspect about trains is that many of your routes will require you to change trains somewhere in the middle. That can really get hairy as you’ll need to pay attention during your journey and not miss your transition station.

Multiple Stations

The major European cities will have several train stations. Pay attention when booking your ticket, and ensure that you choose the correct station, both for your boarding and your departure. This is especially important if you’re taking a multi-train journey. Always double-check. The last thing you want to do is get off your train at your connection city and realize your next train leaves from a totally different station all the way across town.

3. Rail Strikes

Rail strikes are extremely common in Europe, especially France, Italy, and Greece. However, rail strikes are generally planned in advance and announced. If your train is going to be affected, you’ll receive a notification or email. You may have to go to the station or call a provided number to see if your specific train is affected, though. Pay attention when traveling in these countries, and have a backup plan in mind.

4. Decreased Accessibility

The nature of trains makes them more difficult for travelers with a physical disability. Many are not wheelchair accessible. Many have very large gaps and steep steps that you’ll need to maneuver. They can be crowded and have fast-paced boarding processes, which can be overwhelming or even physically impossible for disabled travelers.

5. Longer Travel Times

While the highspeed trains chug along at 140-170MPH, it’s nowhere close to the more than 500MPH you get when flying. When deciding between the two, you should consider the time it takes for security and check-in at the airport and weigh your choices. For instance, taking the regional train from Milan to Naples makes sense, as you can do it in 4.5 hours, probably less time than the whole flying process. However, the train from Paris to Budapest takes over 15 hours, while the flight is less than two. In the latter case, taking to the sky is much more time- and cost-efficient.

6. Location Limitations

While the European rail system is huge, it’s not consistent. If you’re traveling in Germany, no problem. However, if you’re taking a tour of Central Europe and the Balkans, you’re much more likely to take the bus than the train. While there are regional trains that connect big cities like Sofia, Bulgaria, and Bucharest, Romania, other popular routes have no train access.

Types of European Trains

We’ve hinted at a few of the common types of trains you may encounter on your travels through Europe, but now let’s dive into the details of what to expect with each category of choo-choo.

Overnight Train (Sleeper Trains)

Sleeper trains are not truly a separate category unto themselves. They are a type of car on a high-speed regional train. Sleeper trains are a great option for budget travelers who want to kill two birds with one stone. An overnight journey not only saves your precious sightseeing time, but it essentially gets you a free or reduced night’s accommodation.

To take advantage of this cost-saving, you’ll need to book early! Sleeper cars do sell out, and they don’t have a fixed price, so the longer you wait, the higher the price you’ll pay. Typically, you can pay per bed or book a private two-person bunk room.

Innercity Trains (Subway, Metro)

Inner city trains are one of the easiest ways to get around a big city. Most major European cities will have a variety of trains. For instance, London has the Underground (the Tube), the Overground, the DLR, both suburban and national rail services, and the London Tramlink. In most cities, you can use the same ticketing system or rail pass for all the commuter options within a certain zone of the city. Traveling further out or trips to the airport may cost extra. This varies by city, though, as some, like London, have a centralized transportation organization, and others are privatized and operated by separate companies.

Innercity trains usually have a kiosk in the subway station or at the rail hub. You can purchase a ticket up to seconds before the train arrives. There are generally no assigned seats, and they’re usually crowded. You will likely be standing often, and eating and drinking on the train is usually frowned upon. These trains move quickly, so get there on time, and be ready to load up fast. There are typically little to no luggage storage spaces. You may need to verify your ticket when boarding the train, and there will usually be a scanner in or around the entrance.

High-Speed Regional Trains

High-speed regional trains are the rails that you’ll use to get between major cities on your European vacation. You will typically book these tickets in advance, at least if you want the best price. You’ll usually have a seat reservation, as well. These usually have comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and snack options.

Some high-speed trains do not have assigned seats, but you will be relegated to a certain class. Most of these trains have a 1st class option that gives you a bit more space and amenities. Pay attention to the number on the outside of your carriage, and make sure it corresponds to your ticket. Often, the carriages are numbered 1 or 2. If you have a regular ticket, get on a carriage labeled 2. At some point during the ride, an employee will come by to verify your ticket, so keep them handy. This could be ten minutes or ten hours into the journey.

Tourist Trains

Tourist trains are typically used for day trips to major attractions. This includes the Swiss Glacier Express and the Jacobite Steam Engine in Scotland. These trains are typically set up for viewing scenery, are round-trip, and are highly sought after. They are generally expensive compared to other public transit and tend to sell out.

Book these tickets in advance, and do some research about which side of the train you should sit on to get the best views.

Booking Your Tickets

When to book.

As discussed previously, when you book your ticket will depend highly on which type of train you’re taking. For most travelers coming from the United States, you’re going to be on a tight schedule, and you’ll likely have all your travel days set in stone before you leave home. If that is the case, as soon as you know the route you’d like to take, book your tickets. The earlier, the better.

If your schedule is more flexible, I suggest booking your longer regional tickets ahead of time. However, you can leave the smaller journeys unbooked. For instance, there are multiple trains from Florence to Pisa or Rome every day. The journey takes an hour or so, and you can play it by ear.

How to Book

Third-party booking.

For most travelers, booking online through a third party like Omio, Rail Europe, or Trainline is going to be the easiest for you. These companies work similarly to Kayak or Google Flights. They search a plethora of companies and give you the best prices and times available. They will also easily allow you to compare bus, train, and plane prices in most cases. These platforms are easier to use, as they are more organized and the schedules are presented in English.

Direct Company Booking

Once you find the train route you want, you can either book through the companies listed above, or you can redirect to the train company website and book with the train number you’ve found. Some websites are easier than others, and you may be able to save a few dollars by booking directly with the train company. Online is the best way to book regional and long-distance trains. Just follow the directions in your confirmation email. Some companies still require you to have a paper ticket printed at the train station before departure. Many companies still have stipulations in their email, but when you get to the station, they’ll tell you it’s not necessary, and you can use your e-ticket. But it’s better to ask than to get a nasty surprise at go-time!

With a Representative

Shorter trains can easily be booked at the train station via a kiosk or the ticket window. Don’t shirk this option, especially if you find a worker whom you can easily communicate with. Many of the smaller train companies don’t have websites, and they aren’t included in the searches done by Omio and others. By talking to an actual person, you can often score a much cheaper train ticket on a local train!

European Rail Passes

In this section, we’ll discuss the plethora of rail pass types and their pros and cons. In general, rail passes are meant to keep you from having to purchase multiple individual tickets. They usually come as a card that’s valid for a set number of days. They cover specific transit options in specific regions only. Depending on when and where you’re traveling, a pass may or may not be your best bet.

National and City Passes

Each nation or large city has a version of a rail pass. London has the Oyster Card. Paris has the Navigo that covers the city and surrounding region, and Deutschland has the German Rail Pass that covers transit within in country. The latter also covers the trip from Munich to Salzburg, Austria, and a few other international trips on the Deutsche Bahn to Venice, Innsbruck, and Brussels. The details of these passes are beyond the scope of this article, as each has very specific rules about which regions they cover, what forms of transit are included, etc. You will need to do some basic calculations to determine if a local pass is the right option for you (more on that in a minute).

Eurail Pass

The Eurail Pass (known as the Interrail Pass for Europeans) is a pass that covers both local and regional trains and high-speed international trains in 33 countries across Europe. Sounds great, right? Here’s the catch: The Eurail Pass is expensive, and it has strict limitations.

The most popular option is the 10-Day in 2-Month Pass, which sells for $351 PP. This option is valid for two months from the day you take your first trip. Within that two months, you have ten days of unlimited travel. If you take a ride of any kind, that counts as a day. Seat reservations on international and regional trains are not covered by the pass, so you must still go online and reserve your seat, which comes with an extra charge. Another con is that the Eurail system only sets aside a small number of train seats for pass holders, so they sell out fast. While Eurail can be useful, it is not always your best financial option.

Writer Note

I personally find that the Eurail Pass is rarely worth the price unless you’re booking all your train tickets 4-6 months in advance or more. If you’re not booking early, you’ll likely find that you paid a huge amount for a pass that has no tickets available for the routes you desire. I once paid $500 for my pass because I was taking the Eurostar from England to Paris, and it was worth it, as that particular ticket is very expensive. However, when I went to book my train five minutes later, there were no available Eurostar tickets for months. Unfortunately, there is no way to see if tickets are actually available before purchasing the pass.

Tourist City Passes

Another way to score a deal on European transit is with a tourist city pass. These passes are primarily used to get free entrance and discounts to tourist attractions. However, many of them include local public transit in the price. These passes are only worth their weight if you plan to see several attractions! For instance, the Rome City Pass comes in 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, or 7-day options. It covers all tourist attractions in the city and public transit and offers discounts at restaurants and shopping facilities. It also allows you to skip those long ticket lines. If you plan to thoroughly explore a city, these passes are great options!

Determining if You Need a Pass

The best way to determine the value of a rail pass is to map out your major routes for the trip. Get on Omio to find the trains you want, and write down the prices. Then, compare your individual ticket prices to the price of the pass. Don’t forget that you may spend a few more dollars per day getting around the city itself on trams, buses, and metros, so add a few dollars for the days that you’re in a big city to your individual ticket total, then compare. Make sure you read the fine print on these passes. Most of them have stipulations, and sometimes, they are too restrictive to be useful.

Popular Train Lines

Here are a few train lines you may find useful!

• Most French public trains are operated by SNCF .
• In Italy, your primary options are Italo Treno, ItaliaRail, and Trenitalia.
• The Spanish train system is Renfe . It has beautiful and easy-to-use trains connecting most of Spain, including the new high-speed train from Madrid to Barcelona.
• The Deutsche Bahn is the German privatized national rail.
• There are as many train routes on the Nederlandse Spoorwegen in the Netherlands as there are bikes in Amsterdam.

Popular European Train Routes

Here are a few ten-day trips through Europe that are easy to organize and offer major bang for your buck!

1. Central Europe Capital Jaunt: Hungary to Slovenia

If you’re looking to get acquainted with the gems of Central Europe, you can’t beat this train journey from Budapest to Ljubljana, with stops in Bratislava and Vienna. You’ll cross the beautiful scenery of the Alps, visit epic castles and quaint wineries, and spend a few days in each capital city. Wander the architectural wonders of Budapest, and enjoy the luxurious Széchenyi Thermal Bath and quirky nightlife of the Ruin Bars. Tour the tiny capital of Slovakia and its historic Old Town. Explore the historic cafes and royal palaces of Vienna before ending your trip on the scenic route to Ljubljana. The pretty city lies on the Danube and is filled with charm. It’s also an easy day trip from lovely Bled, the country’s most stunning lakeside village.

2. Deep Dive Into Italy

If you want to limit your time on the train and dive into one country, we recommend a north-to-south trip through north-to-south Italy. Flying into Venice, you’ll enjoy the incredibly historic canals and grand bridges before moving on to Florence, the home of the famous Duomo and the most impressive collection of Renaissance art in the world (and the best steak and gelato on the planet). Take a day trip to Pisa to see the Field of Miracles, then head for a few days in Ancient Rome. Finish your trip with a train ride to Naples to explore the ruins of nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum, and take the ferry for a day on the Isle of Capri!

3. Czechia Republic and Germany

For this route, you’ll explore the funky Czech capital of Prague, enjoy the famous beer, explore some of the most beautiful architecture in Europe, and gorge yourself on roasted pork and dumplings. Then, move on to Nuremberg, reveling in the adorable Old Town Markets and cathedrals and visiting the iconic trail venue. Then, pop over to Munich; you’ll enjoy incredible beer gardens, stunning Old Town, fantastic markets, and easy day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle and the historic Dachau Concentration Camp.

A secondary option would be to turn north at Nuremberg and further explore Germany by visiting Frankfurt and Cologne.

Train Travel Tips for a Smooth Ride

To get the most out of your European rail adventure, you must do some proper planning. We’ve covered most of these tips already, but here’s a summation to make sure you get the best experience every time!

• Book your inter-city trains as early as possible. These have variable rates, and you’ll get the best seats and prices by booking well in advance.
• Use a third-party website like Omio or Rome2Rio to compare all your transit options. A train may be your best bet, but sometimes, a flight or a luxury bus is a better option!
• Read the fine print for any pass, and carefully calculate the cost of individual tickets before purchasing. Sometimes, they look amazing on the surface but don’t live up to the hype.
• For local transit, always stop by the station and talk to a person. They often know of better, more economical options than what you can find online.
• Always download the transit and train company apps. They offer notifications on strikes, have easy access to your tickets, and have more user-friendly train schedules. Aside from train companies, every major city has a transportation app. Google the options for your city, and get to know the apps before your trip!
• Get to the train station early so you can find your platform, print your ticket if necessary, and secure a good seat on the train.
• If you’re using mobile tickets, ensure that you have a way to keep your phone charged for the duration of the trip.

Pack Your Bags!

Hopefully, you found our ultimate guide to train travel in Europe helpful! Enjoying Europe by rail is a bucket list experience, so don’t stress too much. If you miss your train, there’s always another one close behind. Do your research, make your plan, and then sit back and enjoy the beauty of Europe from the rails!

For more epic train adventures, check out “ The Most Incredible Train Excursions in the World ” or “ How to Experience the World’s Best Luxury Train Rides .”

Frequently Asked Questions

While some stations have confusing train schedules, traveling Europe by train is easier than ever with handy third-party apps, increased English signage, and high-speed efficient trains.

The best train company depends on which nation you’re in, as each has its own national rails. Some travelers opt for the Eurail Pass , which covers 33 countries in Europe, including France and Ireland .

Traveling Europe by train is efficient and nostalgic. It’s not always the cheapest option, but there are no bag fees, it’s comfortable, and you get to enjoy stunning scenery along the way.

The cost of exploring Europe by train varies drastically depending on which cities you visit, when you book your tickets, and many other factors. However, a 10-day Eurail Pass sells for $351.

One of the best train trips in Europe is the adventure through Central Europe from Budapest to Ljubljana with stops in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava and the Austrian capital of Vienna .

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All Aboard the Most Beautiful Rail Routes in Europe

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Terrific trains

With so many countries to explore – each offering vastly different landscapes and scenery – Europe almost seems custom-built for train travel. So it’s little wonder that the continent is covered in a huge network of brilliant railways, most of which are affordable and easy to navigate. From routes along the alpine slopes of Switzerland to Italian coastal villages and dramatic Nordic fjords, here are our favorites. (Ticket prices are correct at the time of writing, but do check individual operators for the most up-to-date information.)

Trenino Verde, Sardinia, Italy

Translating to 'little green train', the Trenino Verde is a sublime – and surprisingly little-known – way to see the Sardinian countryside. This 130-year-old vintage railway has five different routes across the country, totaling 272 miles (438km) of track, which pass through a treasure trove of landscapes, including olive groves, quaint villages, glittering seas, craggy coastlines and steep peaks. 

West Highland Line, Scotland, UK

It’s little wonder that ScotRail's  West Highland Line is often dubbed Britain's most scenic train route, with rugged Highland landscapes, rolling hills and windswept moorlands galore. But the most picture-perfect (and famous) section of the rail line, which runs between the cities of Glasgow and Mallaig, is the part where the train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Recognize it? That’s because it’s the same bridge the Hogwarts Express crosses in the Harry Potter films.

For an even more authentic Harry Potter experience, you can travel across the famous viaduct on the Jacobite steam train , which is used in the films. The seasonal service typically runs between early April and late October each year, covering the 84-mile (135km) round trip between Fort William and Mallaig in leisurely style. It’s a little more expensive than the ScotRail line, with an adult return costing $61. The ScotRail service line starts at around $19 for an off-peak day return.

Belgrade, Serbia to Bar, Montenegro

There aren’t a whole lot of options for exploring the famously bus-heavy Balkans by rail, but this legendary 10-hour journey takes in some of the best scenery Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro have to offer. That includes this eye-wateringly high bridge, which teeters 656 feet (200m) above the Mala Rijeka viaduct (until 2001 it was the highest railway bridge in the world). But it’s one of just 435 bridges along the route – necessary to cross all the mountains and gorges. 

Beginning at the Serbian capital, the train rattles past wide, flat fields and distant mountains, before stopping at Užice in the country’s southwest. Next, it hurtles towards Podgorica in Montenegro, skimming along the shores of Lake Skadar before finishing up at the coastal town of Bar. There's a daytime departure and a night train too, and tickets are reported to cost just $21, although you can’t book online. 

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The Glacier Express, Switzerland

Connecting the mountain resorts of Zermatt and St Moritz, the Glacier Express is a brilliant way of seeing some of the most beautiful views in the Swiss Alps. The scenic route takes in sights including the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the journey, and the Landwasser Viaduct (pictured) – a six-arch bridge which stands at 213 feet (65m) and plunges straight into a tunnel that leads through the mountain. 

The day-long trip covers 91 tunnels and 291 bridges, and offers the chance to take in alpine meadows, mountain lakes and chalets. You might expect such a stunning train ride to cost huge sums of money, but the journey will only set you back around $156 for a one-way, second-class ticket. Now the only decision is whether to travel in summer, when you’ll get to see the region covered in vibrant green trees and colorful wildflowers, or winter, when the alpine landscapes are blanketed in frost and snow. 

Barcelona to Montserrat, Spain

The storied mountaintop monastery of Montserrat is one of the most gorgeous parts of Catalonia – but did you know you can reach it by train? The ToT Montserrat is an ultra-scenic route which runs between Barcelona and the foothills of the peak, at which point you can choose between taking the cable car (Aeri) or the rack railway (Cremallera) up to the Montserrat Monastery. Whichever option you go for, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping vistas across the rugged valley.

A round-trip ticket, which includes either the Aeri or Cremallera option, costs $65 and takes around an hour and a half in total. If you want to go even higher, hitch a ride on the Saint Joan funicular (pictured) which is included in the price of your ticket and takes you from the monastery right up to the top of the mountain.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, UK to Italy

For a no-expense-spared, once-in-a-lifetime trip, look no further than this route between London and Verona. With an aim to evoke the romance and grandeur of old-school railway journeys, the stunning Art Deco  Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a chance to see rolling Italian countryside and iconic European cities in style. The new European ‘Grand Tour’ routes also include stops in Rome and Florence, and stretches to Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands too, with options to add hotel stays.

There are six Grand Suites on the train and each one is uniquely decorated to reflect a different city (Vienna, Prague, Paris, Istanbul, Venice and Budapest). Expect plenty of period features, delicate light fixtures, polished cherrywood marquetry and marble en suite bathrooms. Michelin-starred food (including Brittany lobsters and salt marsh lamb from Mont St Michel) is served from three dining cars. As if all that wasn’t decadent enough, there’s also a 24-hour butler onboard.

Discover more of the world's most luxurious train journeys

Flåm Railway, Norway

Traveling between Myrdal and Flåm in western Norway, the Flåm Railway is among the most historic and beautiful journeys in Europe. The route was built between 1923 and 1940 to serve villages along the Sognefjord. In fact, it’s one of the steepest rail journeys on the planet, dropping 2,844 feet (867m) during its 12-mile (20km) route, with 20 tunnels traveling through the steep mountains. Along the way, you’ll get to see everything from waterfalls to mighty lakes and mountains.

Mariazell Railway, Austria

Captured here in the golden-tinged glory of early fall, Austria’s Mariazell Railway is a fine way to see the picturesque Pielach Valley. The journey begins at St Pölten, the capital of the Lower Austria region, snaking its way southwards through 21 tunnels and across 19 viaducts before arriving at Mariazell. The so-called ‘Stairway to Heaven’ is Austria’s longest narrow-gauge railway, covering a distance of around 56 miles (91km) in just over two hours.

There are three options for those wishing to experience the storied route. Either take the modern Himelstreppe (pictured), which departs daily and starts from just $19. Or book a ticket on the first-class panorama carriage, which runs April to October and over Christmas, boasting 360-degree views and a first-class catering service. Alternatively, for a historic experience check out the historic Ötscherbär adventure train, powered by a century-old electric locomotive, with themed journeys for families.

Rauma Line, Norway

Few places on Earth have as much dramatic scenery as Norway and the Rauma Line is a great way to experience it. The one hour and 40-minute journey begins in the village of  Dombås, taking in the historic towns and mountain farms of the Gudbrandsdalen valley before entering the steep and rugged Romsdalen valley. It then passes over the famous Kylling Bridge and cruises past Trollveggen mountain before arriving at its final destination, Åndalsnes.

If you’re ending your journey in Åndalsnes, there’s no shortage of things to do in the fjord town. Hop on the Romsdalen Gondola for more epic views across the valley, enjoy a bite to eat at the panoramic Eggen Restaurant or lace up your hiking boots and explore one of the region’s many walking trails. Tickets can be purchased from SJ NORD and start from around $20 each way.

Mountain Spirit, Wales, UK

 Dating back more than 150 years, North Wales’  Mountain Spirit  service was rejuvenated in 1982, following a three decade-long restoration. The nostalgic steam train journey begins in the charming village of Blaenau Ffestiniog, crossing over the Cob embankment and climbing up the valley past woodlands and fields, before stopping at pretty Tan-y-Bwlch. The scenic 13.5-mile (21.7km)  journey ends in Porthmadog, a port town and narrow-gauge railway hub.

Those who board the historic train will be rewarded with its gorgeous vintage interiors, complete with comfortable seats and huge windows for admiring the scenery. Tickets start at $93 for a return ticket for two adults, with a there-and-back journey taking around three hours. 

Marvel at incredible images that capture the history of train travel

La Rhune, France

You’d be hard-pressed to find a much more adorable train journey than this. Located in France’s captivating Basque Country, the Rhune Railway (or Le Petit Train de la Rhune) is a fabulous cog railway which takes passengers on a 35-minute ascent up to the 2,969-foot (905m) summit of its namesake mountain. The picture-perfect chestnut-wood carriages have been navigating this steep section of track since 1924.

Odontotos Rack Railway, Greece

Operating on the world’s narrowest gauge track – just a hair-raising two-and-a-half feet (0.75m) wide – southern Greece’s Odontotos Rack Railway is a stunning and historic way to experience the Peloponnese Gorge. Starting in the coastal town of Diakopto, it runs alongside the Vouraikos River, through rock-hewn tunnels and next to adrenalin-pumping sheer drops before arriving at the mountain town of Kalavrita. 

The leisurely one-hour journey covers a total distance of 14 miles (22.5km) but there are an impressive 49 bridges in total, plus six tunnels which have been carved directly into the rock. As well as being jaw-droppingly scenic and historic (the train has been in operation for over 120 years), Odontos Rack Railway is also a total bargain, costing just over $9.50 for a single or $19 for a return trip. 

Here are more stunning train journeys that don't cost a fortune

Inlandsbanan, Sweden

Slicing through Sweden from top to bottom, the Inlandsbanan should be top of all rail buffs’ wish lists. This epic 807-mile (1,200km) track stretches between Kristinehamn in the south and Gällivare in the north, passing from relatively flat green fields through alpine forests and the perennially snowy mountains of Lapland. Naturally, such a monumental journey takes a while to complete, with the typical itinerary taking nine days to cover the full route.

North York Moors Railway, England, UK

Whisking you back to the golden era of train travel, the 24-mile (39km), 1h 45min journey between Whitby and Pickering in the north of England promises to be a trip to remember. This steam-powered railway has been around since the 1830s and received a new lease of life in 1967, when a group of local volunteers took on the task of restoring it. 

For the ultimate luxury experience, hop aboard the Pullman dining carriage, where you can enjoy either a four-course dinner service or three-course lunch as the train ambles through the countryside. Unmissable attractions along the way include the 1930s-era Pickering station, Goathland, which served as Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone , as well as the historic port of Whitby where the journey ends. The train runs from April to October every year and tickets on the dining car start at $84. 

The Brocken, Germany

Named after the 3,747-foot (1,142m) mountain which it traverses, central Germany’s Brocken Railway is all sweeping panoramas and serpentine bends. This 11-mile (19km) branch of track, connecting the mountain to the Harz railway, is still operated by historic steam locomotives, since this part of Germany was behind the Iron Curtain for decades and its trains were never modernized. But that’s good news for rail buffs, who come here to experience the decades-old carriages in all their glory.

The 50-minute ascent packs in plenty of mesmerizing views, across towering forests, vibrant green meadows and distant peaks, traveling at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour (40km/h). Inside, carriages have back-to-back seats with large windows for gazing out of – or you can head to one of the open-air viewing platforms for optimum vistas. The journey between Drei Annen Hohne and Brocken starts at $50 for an adult return. 

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Europe’s £8,100,000,000 high-speed train that puts the UK to shame

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A luxury high-speed train between two major European cities has put the UK ’s creaking rail network to shame.

The £8.1billion line linking Barcelona and Madrid allows passengers to whizz the 385-mile distance in just two and a half hours.

The new leg, connecting the Catalonian capital with Madrid, launched in February 2008 after five years of construction on existing tracks, which are compatible with those in neighbouring France .

And it’s proven popular ever since, carrying 4.4million passengers in 2019 alone.

Locals and tourists alike can enjoy the views on board the train as it zooms at 174mph (280km/h) from Barcelona-Sants, then stops in Zaragoza before finishing at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha.

Travelling by car, the same distance across Spain would take close to seven hours.

And don’t get us started on the cost – or time – of a similar journey across the UK…

UK trains compared

Spain boasts one of the longest high-speed networks in Europe and the second longest in the world, after China.

It spans 2,464 miles compared to the UK’s 67 miles of purpose-built tracks, with only a handful of these built for faster trains.

Trains on the East Coast Main Line, Great Western Main Line, Midland Main Line and parts of Cross Country Route and West Coast Main Line can reach maximum speeds of 125mph on the upgraded tracks.

This means the 400-mile train journey from London to Edinburgh takes around four and a half hours.

Standard tickets on LNER from King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley start from £49 without a Railcard.

The purpose-built 67-mile HS1 connecting London with the Channel Tunnel allows trains to travel at up to 186mph (300km/h).

What passengers in Britain are eagerly awaiting is the highly controversial HS2 , a high-speed rail network due to be completed in 2033.

But the project been marred by delays and spiraling costs. And now, an entire leg to North West has been cancelled.

Former prime minister Rishi Sunak announced late last year that the high-speed train will run only from London to the West Midlands after the Manchester leg was shelved.

Even previous PMs David Cameron and Boris Johnson criticised the move, saying it signaled that the UK could not make long-term decisions.

The cancelled section of the HS2 from Birmingham to Manchester could be replaced by alternative connections, but it will be up to local leaders like the metro mayors.

@joeleggett Do trains actually exist in the UK??? #fyp #foryou #viral #uk #trains #comedy #abcxyz ♬ original sound – Joe Leggett

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has been one of the scheme’s harshest critics. He claimed the government was treating people in the region as ‘second class citizens’ by axing the Manchester leg, according to the BBC .

Meanwhile, the cost of the remaining London to Birmingham stretch has ballooned to around £66billion, which is up to £10billion more than the 2019 estimate.

In recent years, UK train travel has been hit by industrial action and chronic delays, leading critics of the rail system to push for reform.

Unions including the RMT have accused the government and rail companies of hampering jobs, pay and conditions.

Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner declared the UK’s railway system to be ‘crumbling’ in an interview with the BBC in 2022, while she was still deputy Labour leader.

Rail travel campaigners from the Campaign for Better Transport have called for an overhaul of the fares system, saying there are ‘absurd inconsistencies’ between tickets, the Evening Standard reports.

Now Labour has been voted into government, it has promised to overhaul the country’s trains by bringing the network under public ownership run by one operator called Great British Railways.

Spain: A perfect picture?

The situation is different in Spain, although it is far from perfect.

Critics there have cited the high costs of sprawling Alta Velocidad Espanola (AVE) high-speed network and its reported underuse, according to the industry outlet Railway Technology .

Spain has spent more than €40billion on its high-speed service, a Spanish think thank FEDEA estimates.

To get to the capital Madrid from Barcelona, passengers can take their pick between national rail operator Renfe and private companies Ouigo Espana and Iryo, which all operate services on the line.

But what about tickets?

@person.international Train from Barcelona to Madrid with IRYO (Infinita Class) trainspain, spainscenery, spanishtrains, spainrail, spaintour, spaintrip, spaintrainride, spanishrailways, spainsights, #spainrailway #iryo ♬ Ice Blue Cube – Faze H1ghSky1 & Slip.stream

The good news is that rail travel in Spain is cheap, at least compared to rocketing costs in the UK that have left many disillusioned.

Tickets on the Barcelona-Madrid high-speed train start from around €30 (£25), though prices vary depending on the operator and optional perks.

You can splash out on a first-class ticket with a bistro meal and an extra-large seat with Iryo from around €51.

This article was first published on June 12, 2024

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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All Aboard! European Railways in Focus: ERA Launched in Brussels the 2024 Report on Railway Safety and Interoperability in the EU and the 2024 Rail Environmental Report

On 2 July 2024, the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) released two flagship reports, one focused on the safety and interoperability of the EU's railway system, the second one on its environmental impact. The event in Brussels brought together key stakeholders and media representatives, highlighting the importance of integrating the findings of these reports in shaping the future of European railways.

EU Railway System Safety Performance: European railways remain among the safest in the world

The 2024 Railway Safety and Interoperability Report highlights that European railways remain among the safest in the world. Notably, no major accidents resulting in five or more fatalities occurred in 2018, 2020, and 2021. Unfortunately, there were five tragic events in 2022 and 2023, including the accident that occurred in February 2023 at Tempi, Greece, which claimed 57 lives.

The new report highlights that improving safety involves not just following rules, but also fostering a positive safety culture and the rail sector's commitment to sustainable, safe operations across the Single European Railway Area (SERA). And it considers that implementing an EU-wide safety reporting system would improve areas where safety has been stagnant, like level crossings and railway workers' safety.

Interoperability: Bridging the Gaps

The EU Railway system has already come far in terms of improving interoperability, defined as the capability to operate on the rail network without any interruption at borders. However, there are still many areas to improve, especially considering that railways have not increased their modal share in the transport mix in the past decade, despite being the most sustainable mode of transport.

Numbers talk for rail, and the storyline is this: the relative share of people and goods transported by rail, compared with other modes of transport, appears to have stagnated at rather low levels (around 6 % and 16 %, respectively), and international rail traffic is significant only for freight services (accounting for more than 50 % of the total rail freight traffic) and appears to account for quite a small proportion of passenger services (around 6 %).

ERA’s report also shows progress in aligning operational rules and highlights challenges in achieving full interoperability of railway assets. Monitoring cross-border rail traffic, transfer times, and punctuality has provided crucial data, with the main issue identified being inconsistent deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and national rules at border crossings. Moreover, delays in implementing Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs) in some Member States have affected SERA’s efficiency.

Important progress has also been registered in the implementation of the 4th Railway Package. Since 16 June 2019, ERA has been mandated to issue vehicle authorisations, single safety certificates, and ERTMS Trackside approvals. This strategic activity has streamlined rail operations, making them more accessible and predictable. A single application to ERA’s One-Stop-Shop (OSS) now suffices for authorisations valid in several Member States.

The performance achieved over the last five years has been made possible by ERA’s dedicated staff, and the excellent cooperation with the entire European railway sector that trusted the process and submitted their requests. The Agency has so far authorised 80,000 vehicles since 2019, delivered 15 ERTMS trackside approvals, and in 2023 has issued 22% of the EU’s single safety certificates. Of all vehicle authorisations, 17% were for single-country use, while 83% covered multiple EU countries. These figures underscore ERA's significant role in advancing the One Europe, One Railway initiative.

Moreover, the report highlights ERA's innovative use of semantic technologies to enhance data interoperability, scalability, and adaptability in the railway sector. This technological advancement is seen as crucial for overcoming barriers, boosting competitiveness, and improving operational efficiency.

Environmental Impact: Railways on the Green Track

ERA’s first edition of the Environmental Report explains rail's carbon footprint and strategies to reduce it. Despite emitting minimal greenhouse gases (0.4% of the transport sector total), rail still impacts the environment, notably through railway noise affecting 22 million Europeans.

Based on analysing the available date, the report recommends a future mobility solution: a fully integrated multimodal transport system ensuring efficient movement of persons and goods with minimal environmental impact. Rail is highlighted as the most sustainable, affordable, and energy-efficient option for achieving decarbonisation goals.

Additionally, the report underscores the need for a resilient transport network capable of coping with climate change impacts, crucial for maintaining uninterrupted mobility across Europe.

"The reports launched today are a valuable resource, as they provide a roadmap for creating a safer, more interoperable, and greener rail network. Ensuring the safety and interoperability of our railways is not just a technical challenge, it is a political imperative for a unified, sustainable, and seamless transport system. Our commitment to these goals reflects our dedication to the well-being of our citizens and the environment. We must continue to foster a culture of safety and innovation, as our railways are vital arteries of European integration and green mobility."

Should you have any questions on these reports, please contact us at [email protected]

Download the reports

Report on Railway Safety and Interoperability in the EU 2024

2024 Rail Environmental Report

Press Conference

Take a look at the press conference organised by the Agency on July 2 in Brussels for the presentation of the two reports.

Background information

About the EU Agency for Railways: 

The European Union Agency for Railways was established in Valenciennes in 2004 and has 200 employees representing more than 22 European Member States. 

ERA has been providing EU Member States and the European Commission with technical assistance in the development and implementation of the Single European Railway Area. This comprises enhancing technical interoperability and harmonising rules, promoting simplified access for customers, developing a common approach to safety and safety culture, advising on telematics applications and ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System), monitoring National Safety Authorities and Notified Bodies and facilitating the exchange of information between the railway actors in Europe. 

Since 16th June 2019, the EU Agency for Railways is mandated to issue single safety certificates and vehicle (type) authorisations valid in multiple European countries and to ensure an interoperable European Rail Traffic Management System. 

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All the Adventure, a Fraction of the Cost: The D.I.Y. Orient Express

The luxury version of this classic train journey costs almost $50,000, but for $1,000 or less, you can book the rail trip from Paris to Istanbul yourself.

Rail fans can stitch together their own version of the Orient Express, which includes the Dacia train between Vienna and Bucharest. Credit... Tony Cenicola/The New York Times

Supported by

By Michael Harmon

Photographs and Video by Tony Cenicola

• Published July 5, 2024 Updated July 7, 2024

Mention the Orient Express to most people, and you’re likely to conjure up visions of the private five-star luxury train — Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express — whose meticulously restored coaches feature every conceivable Belle Epoque bell and whistle: acres of mirror-finish mahogany, sophisticated silver service, a pianist taking after-dinner requests at the lounge car’s baby grand.

That train primarily runs overnight excursions between Paris and Venice. For two travelers sharing a sleeper, prices start at 3,530 British pounds, or around $4,500 per person — but once a year, the V.S.O.E. takes five nights to retrace the classic route from Paris to Istanbul. For a solo traveler, the cost of admission is £35,000 — and that’s for the smallest cabin.

Thanks to Europe’s ongoing night train renaissance, though, it’s now possible for the first time in years to travel from Paris to Istanbul by regularly scheduled sleepers, with just two planned changes of trains, in Vienna and Bucharest. And not only can you book this D.I.Y. Orient Express online, you can reserve private sleeping compartments for the entire trip for less than $1,000.

It was a trip I had always wanted to take. And so, one balmy evening last July, I found myself under the soaring glass canopy of the Gare de l’Est in Paris — from which the first Orient Express departed 140 years earlier — with tickets in my pocket for a trip 2,000 miles east to the shores of the Bosporus, on an unbroken ribbon of rail.

Route of the D.I.Y. Orient Express

Châlons-en-

Dacia Express

Gorna Oryahovitsa

Dimitrovgrad

Bosporus Express

Mediterranean Sea

Sure, there’d be no pianist in the lounge car — nor a piano, nor a lounge car. And the trip takes at least four days, with two lengthy layovers. But not even a surprise downgrade to third class (that would come later) could have lessened my excitement when “Wien” flashed onto the digital departure board. I didn’t even wait for a track announcement; I spotted the rake of blue sleeper cars across the station and lit out for Track 5 and the far edge of Europe.

The Nightjet to Vienna

The Austrian Railways (ÖBB) Nightjet train to Vienna left with little fanfare: just a blast of the whistle and we were off.

The sun was streaming into my compartment as we picked up speed through the outskirts of Paris, and there was a laid-back camaraderie on the train as everyone settled in for the 15-hour journey ahead. In the corridor, I met a music student on his way back to school in Vienna and an Austrian couple heading home to Linz, a reminder that overland travel in Europe is a fact of life rather than a novelty or an exercise in nostalgia.

That said, this train does have a claim to the Orient Express name. Between Belmond’s V.S.O.E. and Accor’s ultra-luxe rival launching next year , it’s easy to forget that the real Orient Express trundled on for decades after its interwar heyday: Following its final Paris-Istanbul run in 1977, the train was cut back to Paris-Bucharest, then Paris-Budapest, then Paris-Vienna, before fading from the timetable altogether in 2009. Since then, ÖBB has led the charge of reviving Europe’s night trains, adding Paris to its expanding Nightjet sleeper network in 2021.

For this trip, I’d sprung for the top-of-the-line single deluxe sleeper with an en-suite toilet and, sensationally, a shower.

“Breakfast will be around 8 o’clock,” said our sleeping-car attendant, Melanie, stopping by to take my order. The scenery had opened up, and our train was blasting through the French countryside as I tucked into the Algerian mhadjeb wrap I’d bought at Paris’s Belleville street market. (While the Nightjet does have a room service dinner menu, it lacks a communal restaurant car.)

An unplanned stop at Châlons-en-Champagne gave me a chance to talk to some fellow overlanders, as we stretched our legs on the platform waiting for a freight train to pass. One young man, grounded from flying by an ear condition, had come by train and ferry all the way from Ireland; a couple from London, grounded by Daisy the cockapoo, were en route to Croatia.

We stood marveling at the fiery sunset until the whistle called us back onboard, and after the wobbly thrill of showering on a speeding train, I climbed into bed, catching a glimpse of the Big Dipper before the electric whine of the Nightjet lulled me to sleep.

The Dacia Express to Bucharest

The next morning in Vienna, I stepped out of the train and into a July heat wave, which melted away most of my grand ambitions for the 10-hour Viennese layover the journey requires. Catching a tram to the city center, I decided, in the spirit of the trip, to stay on until the end of the line in leafy Nussdorf, a ride of about 40 minutes, where the stately old terminal now houses a restaurant; its back garden beckoned me to fully embrace “slow travel” and linger over a long lunch with a book and some ice-cold white wine.

I was back at the station by 7 p.m., armed with a schnitzel sandwich for dinner — I had read there’d be no dining car on this train, either (nor the next one, for that matter). Eventually, after an hour delay (they’d been looking for a driver), the night train to Bucharest barreled in, its sky-blue sleeping cars, emblazoned with VAGON DE DORMIT and the logo of CFR Calatori, the passenger division of Romanian Railways, giving it an exotic air of having come from far away.

The Dacia Express takes more than 18 hours to travel from Vienna to Bucharest, where it arrives in the afternoon; for anyone catching the last leg of a D.I.Y. Orient Express trip, the 10:50 a.m. Istanbul train, this means spending a night in a Bucharest hotel. Taking advantage of the fact that the Dacia passes through Transylvania, I opted to further break up my trip with two nights in the preserved medieval citadel of Sighisoara, about six hours up the line from Romania’s capital.

It’s luck of the draw if you’ll land a sleeper with an en suite bathroom on the Dacia , which like most night trains has shared toilets and showers at the end of each car; mine had only a wash basin, but my compartment was clean, cool and spacious. It felt great to be on the move again, and as we hurtled toward Hungary I poked my head through the open door of my neighbors’ compartment and asked cheerily where they were going.

“Istanbul!” answered Sabine Mader, 57, traveling with her son Josef, 17, on a rail adventure from Berlin. “At least, we are trying to! We hope to get tickets as soon as we arrive in Bucharest.”

The direct Bucharest-Istanbul service, reintroduced in 2022, is in fact a single Turkish Railways couchette car (a notch below a proper sleeper, with padded bunks rather than real beds) carried relay-race style by three connecting Romanian, Bulgarian and Turkish trains. Called the Bosporus Express, it’s a multinational effort that can be elusive in online timetables (and requires picking up a physical ticket), but it can be reserved online , news which delighted my neighbors.

With tickets secured through Josef’s phone, Sabine opened a bottle of sparkling wine to toast our success. Sitting in their compartment swapping stories felt like the Platonic ideal of night train travel, and the Dacia had more in store: a stop at Budapest’s breathtaking Keleti station, bathed in yellow lamplight, followed by the sleeper train ritual of middle-of-the-night passport checks in one’s pajamas.

The next morning, I hopped off in Sighisoara for some medieval R & R, catching the Dacia again two days later for the dramatic daytime ride through the Carpathian Mountains — past Saxon fortified churches and donkey carts waiting patiently at grade crossings — and finally into Bucharest’s bustling Gara di Nord, where I picked up my ticket for the next train to Istanbul.

The Bosporus Express to Istanbul

“Where’s the Turkish car?”

I stared, slack-jawed, at Train 461. The Turkish couchette car was nowhere in sight. In its place was a forlorn-looking two-car Romanian train — the one the couchette car should have been attached to — and a vague explanation from a Romanian conductor that yes, the Turkish car was “broken,” so yes, this was today’s train to Istanbul.

My heart sank.

I climbed onboard, and before my disappointment could turn to panic (the two cars were “sitters,” not sleepers, and Istanbul was a 19-hour ride away), a whistle blew and I flopped into a seat next to three young men speaking quietly to each other in French.

“Istanbul, right?” I asked anxiously.

“Yes, we hope!” Our train had just lurched forward, so this was mildly reassuring.

Eliaz Bourez, Adrien Godefroy and Yann Berthier, all 24 and traveling across Europe on Interrail passes, were riding the rails to Istanbul because it’s “as far as you can go,” said Mr. Godefroy. “And we’ve been dreaming about this train the whole trip.”

“With the plate on the side saying ‘Istanbul!’” jumped in Mr. Berthier, framing it with his hands. “But where is it? I was so ready to take that photo!”

We were all a little nervous about what lay ahead, a question the entire train car was soon pondering in a scene that would have made Agatha Christie proud. We reasoned we would have to catch the three successive trains that normally haul the couchette car to Istanbul, but one question loomed large: whether the Turkish sleeper from Sofia, our final train, would have beds for us for the overnight leg of our odyssey.

Mr. Bourez shrugged hopefully. “We have to roll with it.”

And we did. Six hours, two passport checks, and one locomotive swap later, after rolling through sunflower fields and clattering across the enormous “Friendship Bridge” over the mighty Danube, we reached the Bulgarian junction town of Gorna Oryahovitsa, where we said goodbye to our first train and apprehensively eyed our next ride.

Baking in the 90-degree heat two platforms over, the Gorna-Dimitrovgrad train’s two graffitied coaches made our Romanian railcar look like the V.S.O.E. Its wide-open windows confirmed our worst fears — no air conditioning — as we hoisted ourselves onboard. I slumped into a stuffy sitting compartment with Jan Géhant, another young Interrailer, and our French friends.

“How long are we on this one?” Mr. Géhant, 19, wondered aloud. The group turned toward me; I had studied the timetable.

“Five hours.”

They groaned. “But,” I added, “it should be a scenic ride.”

It was magnificent. As we climbed slowly into the mountains along the snaking single-track line, the jointed rail clack-clacking beneath us, a staggering panorama unfolded, each S-turn revealing a more spectacular gorge or lushly green peak than the last.

I drank in the deliciously cool air and considered my luck. Had it been a normal day on the Bosporus Express, ensconced in a private air-conditioned couchette, I couldn’t have stuck my head out the window like a golden retriever, or flung open the manual doors at every remote alpine halt to wave to the uniformed stationmasters. I might have missed the invigorating chill of each tunnel lit up by sparks flying off our locomotive, or the elation of joining in a Beatles singalong in the next car up, or the joy of a picnic with new friends as we descended the mountain pass and rumbled on into the night.

And we certainly wouldn’t have arrived in the humid purgatory of Dimitrovgrad euphoric to find that the sleeper from Sofia, just by luck, had exactly enough spare beds for everyone. Bunking with Mr. Géhant in an immaculately clean two-bed compartment, I spotted the Turkish crescent on the window and broke into a huge grin.

It was almost midnight, but we were all high-fiving in the corridor, ecstatic. Spirits stayed high even through the everybody-off-the-train Kapikule border crossing, and I woke the next morning to our train racing past distant minarets under a piercing blue sky.

A few hours later, we reached the suburban station of Halkali, the current end of the line for international trains to Istanbul. There, I caught the Marmaray — the world’s only intercontinental commuter train — for the short ride to its last stop in Europe, in a tunnel built 200 feet below Sirkeci station, the historic terminus of the Orient Express.

Six days after leaving Paris, I was in Istanbul. The trip had stayed true to the myth of the train that inspired it: comfortable, convivial — and a genuine adventure.

For planning a train trip across Europe (or anywhere), Mark Smith’s website The Man In Seat 61 is an indispensable resource. Check for the latest timetables and booking instructions.

I paid 371 euros, about $398, on the Nightjet and €253 on the Dacia, for top-end, private sleeping compartments; choosing a shared sleeper or couchette cuts the cost considerably. Both trains run year-round and can be booked through ÖBB , while the summer-only Bosporus Express can be reserved through CFR (I paid about 1,093 Romanian lei, or $242 to buy out an entire four-berth couchette, though Turkish Railways had other plans).

In Istanbul, until the classic line to Sirkeci reopens to international trains, buy a reloadable Istanbulkart at Halkali to ride the Marmaray. For maximum historical accuracy, continue to the Pera Palace hotel (rooms from about €263), built in 1892 to host passengers of the Orient Express.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Tony Cenicola is a Times photographer. More about Tony Cenicola

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Boston:  A destination steeped in history, as ever, has reinvented itself with outdoor spaces for drinking, dining and recreating, and more change in the air .

Spain:  By welcoming visitors with glorious scents and a natural beauty that rivals Provence in France, the annual lavender harvest has revitalized the medieval town of Brihuega .

Santa Fe:  Every spring, hundreds of bicyclists gather in the New Mexico city to ride through a high-desert landscape  rich in art, history and Indigenous culture.

Lausanne:  A new arts district, stylish restaurants and a museum that pays homage to the Olympics greet visitors to this Swiss city , home to the International Olympic Committee.

Orient Express:  The luxury version of this classic train journey costs $50,000. But for $1,000 or less, you can book the trip from Paris to Istanbul yourself .

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