How to Travel Europe By Train: Step-By-Step Trip Guide
- Book your ticket.. Generally, for long or inter-country journeys, booking online is the easiest option as we outlined...
- Make sure your ticket is in hand.. This can mean downloaded onto your phone or printed onto a piece of paper in your...
- Head to the (correct) train station.. Most major European cities are home to...
Full Answer
What are the best train rides to take in Europe?
Train tours in Europe
- Five star train tour in northern Spain: This train ride will give you the feel of a five star hotel. ...
- Train ride to Green Spain: This ride will give you everything that you ask for. ...
- Train ride with saloon coaches: If you are looking for a calm environment then you should go for this ride. ...
What is the best route to travel to Europe?
Your Europe itinerary: 10 routes to explore the continent
- Britain and Ireland. Where else to begin but London (1) – one of the world’s greatest but most expensive cities. ...
- France and Switzerland. Start in Paris (1), Europe ’s most elegant capital, then venture off to the châteaux and prime vineyards of the Loire Valley (2).
- Benelux, Germany and Austria. ...
- Spain, Portugal and Morocco. ...
- Italy. ...
What is the cheapest way to travel around Europe?
Travel Around Europe by Plane
- If you’re visiting multiple countries in Europe, the cheapest way to get across Europe is often by plane. This wasn’t always the case. ...
- Hidden fees on budget airlines. ...
- Strict luggage limits. ...
- Airport locations. ...
- Basic economy. ...
- Extra time. ...
- Booking early can get you a cheaper flight. ...
- Consider carbon offsetting your flights. ...
- Find cheap flights around Europe here. ...
What is the average cost of a trip to Europe?
You know the answer – it depends! However, a stress-free estimate is around $4300. The cost of a trip to Europe depends solely on the backpacker. Most of all these figures are based on what a typical adult would find acceptable. Dedicated bottom-cost traveller and students can do better. Also, many guidebooks suggest accurately what cost could be.
What is the fastest way to get around Europe?
Where do regional trains take you?
How many countries can you travel with a Eurail pass?
Is Eurail Pass valid with ferry companies?
Do trains travel in Europe?
Is Europe a beautiful continent?
Can you use Eurail Pass on ferries?
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About this website
Trains in Europe | Buy European Train Tickets Online | Trainline
Find all you need to know about travelling around Europe by train. Book European train tickets online, view maps & destinations, check train times & more.
Europe Train Map | Interactive European Railway Map | Trainline
Planning a trip around Europe by train and don’t know where to start? You’re in luck. Our interactive train map of Europe highlights some of the most popular rail routes across Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany and Italy. Click on each of the routes in our map below to find journey times and where to book your tickets.
Why are trains so popular in Europe?
There are, however, some train journeys in Europe that are incredibly popular with travelers—sometimes because it’s nearly always the best way to get from place to place , and sometimes because it’s an iconic travel experience . Here are a few of them.
Where are train stations in a city?
Train stations, by contrast, are right in the middle of the city. In some cases, you can even walk to the main square from the train station—or, more commonly, access the city’s metro system from inside the train station. Less time spent in transit means more time on vacation.
What happens if you wait to buy a train ticket?
If you wait to buy your tickets until you get to the station, you’ll be stuck. If you bought them a couple months before the train trip, you’ll be one of only a handful of happy travelers on train strike day. Keep in mind that a train ticket and a reservation are two different things.
Why are train tickets so expensive?
Because of the number of budget airlines in Europe, train tickets are no longer always the cheapest transportation option between cities . High-speed trains are getting more common, but those are also the more expensive train tickets. And when you’re traveling with a group, buying enough train tickets for everyone is sometimes more costly than renting a car that fits everyone in the group.
Why do people book trains ahead of time?
Booking train tickets ahead of time helps you avoid the hassle of rail strikes since, as mentioned, transportation strikes are often scheduled well in advance. It’s not unusual for a few trains to be running even on strike days, but of course those tickets sell out quickly. If you wait to buy your tickets until you get to the station, you’ll be stuck. If you bought them a couple months before the train trip, you’ll be one of only a handful of happy travelers on train strike day.
How long before a train ticket is available for sale?
Prices sometimes go up as the date of departure nears. Note that most tickets aren’t available for sale more than 90 days (give or take) before the travel date.
How long does it take to get to the airport from the city center?
Transportation between the city center and the airport can take an hour or more (not to mention how long you’re supposed to get to the airport before a flight), which is time you could have spent enjoying a little bit more of your vacation. Train stations, by contrast, are right in the middle of the city.
Bus & train lines coverage
Rail Europe sells tickets across Europe and our coverage is increasing all the time.
Train companies
The definition of "Child" and "Youth" varies by country and operator. This is why we ask for the age of young passengers.
How long should I wait between trains in Europe?
If you booked a train-specific ticket, though, and especially if it’s a long journey, I would try to leave at least 30 minutes between the two train journeys. Even though trains in Europe are extremely reliable and rarely late, you never know what might happen. With that being said, the length of the connection isn’t about how much time you’ll need to switch trains. It’s about risk management and the potential consequences of missing your connection.
How early can you book a train in Europe?
Most countries in Central and Eastern Europe allow train booking as early as 60 days before the trip. This list includes Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, and Macedonia. Additionally, domestic trains in Spain and Switzerland are also available only 60 days before the trip and in some regions, 45-50 days before the trip.
How to check train schedules?
The best way to check the schedule for most trains in different European countries is the Bahn.De website. Since this is the official website of the German Railways, you can’t find the prices for train rides outside of Germany but you can see the train times from all train operators in Europe, except for a few private railways.
What is RailEurope?
RailEurope is the official foreign distributor of train tickets in Europe. Their website is very easy to use and you can find almost all train rides on their website but booking through them is more expensive than some other websites and certainly more expensive than booking through the national railway operators of every country.
What is Railplanner app?
Railplanner is a free train timetable app that works offline. You can download it in your phone and check train times without using the internet. The app is super-quick and gets updated almost in real-time and covers almost all trains in Europe.
Why do people buy rail passes?
Many travelers visiting Europe choose to buy a pass because it can save you some money if you plan to use the train a lot. Additionally, rail passes give you the flexibility of being able to use the pass in different countries without struggling to book tickets for every train journey you take. In general, there are two different passes- Interrail for people who live in Europe and Eurail for people who live outside of Europe.
Is there a border between Europe and the EU?
As you may or may not know, most countries in Europe are a part of the Schengen zone and technically, there aren’t any borders between them. However, when entering countries that aren’t a part of the EU (ex. Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Macedonia, etc.), there will be a passport control at the border station along the way. But if you’re traveling only in countries that are a part of the Schengen Zone and the EU, you don’t have to worry about international borders and passport controls.
How long before a train to Madrid does it arrive?
Make sure you know exactly what track your train is arriving on and the train number as a train to Madrid may arrive 10 minutes before your train to Paris and, before you know it, you’re in Spain. If you’re ever unsure, there is typically always someone at an information desk around that can help. And don’t be shy!
What are the annoyances of trains?
Long security lines, cramped seating, baggage fees and an inability to socialize are all annoyances that are avoided with train travel. European trains are known for their punctuality – on time over 90% of the time.
Do you need to validate a train ticket?
Many train tickets need to be validated (stamped with time/date) before boarding the train since they’re open tickets for train travel between two destinations and not for a specific train or time.
Is it possible to travel by train in Europe?
Traveling by train in Europe is an experience in itself. It’s relaxing, you can see beautiful parts of the countries you travel through and it can also be a great way to meet people. While it’s mostly an ideal way to get from place to place, there can be some minor hiccups with the system.
Can you get fined for not paying for a train ticket?
You could receive a fine if that train conductor sees that you neglected to do so and they will think you are trying to ride for free.
Do you need a reservation for a train in Europe?
Throughout Europe, domestic trains (traveling entirely within a single country) don’t require a reservation, so it can be easy to wake up and decide you want to hit a new city. Just arrive at the station before the train leaves, purchase a ticket and climb aboard!
Is it easy to navigate airports?
Airports are pretty easy to navigate. Upon check-in, you know exactly what gate to go to and there are numerous signs to guide you there. Trains, however, can be a little more confusing. There are so many trains going through Europe 24/7 with multiple trains passing on the same track minutes apart.
Who is This Guide to Train Travel in Europe For?
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!
How long does it take to check a train ticket in Europe?
At some point, as you travel Europe by train–and it could be 5 minutes into your ride or 5 hours, or both–a conductor will come by to check your ticket.
What are cultural expectations for Europe?
Cultural expectations around eating, talking loudly, and storing your luggage can and will vary depending on where your train travel in Europe takes you–be sure to keep an eye on what everyone else is doing to ensure you’re not inadvertently committing a faux pas.
Where to store luggage on a train?
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.
How long does it take to travel by train?
For example, when traveling from Paris to Venice, a route we recently traveled by train, the train can easily take upwards of 10 hours, while the flight time is under 2 hours.
Why do people travel by train?
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.
What is a commuter train?
Commuter rails and regional trains aren’t exactly synonymous, but for the purposes of this guide, they’re similar: these 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).
Where is the Travellers Railway Map of Europe?
It covers the whole of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily and Athens in the south.
How to check train arrivals in Germany?
Click here & enter a station to check scheduled train departures or arrivals at almost any station across Europe using www.bahn.de/ris . 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.
What is the best train to travel from London to Brussels?
Eurostar is the excellent high-speed passenger train from London's St Pancras to Paris & Brussels through the Channel Tunnel. Most journeys from the UK to Europe now start with a trip on Eurostar. All 1st class fares include complimentary drinks and a meal, and all passengers have access to a bar car serving drinks and snacks. Remember that you need to check-in for Eurostar trains at least 30 minutes before departure (10 minutes for passengers with certain types of premium 1st class ticket, 60 minutes for Eurostars to the French Alps) to allow for an airline-style security check. Eurostar does not run on Christmas Day.
How to get to Scandinavia from the UK?
There are now no ferries to anywhere in Scandinavia, you need to go by train via Brussels and Copenhagen, or by ferry to Hoek van Holland then train via Copenhagen.
What is Railplanner app?
Railplanner is a free offline train timetable app that you can download onto your smartphone 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.
How much is the European Railway Atlas?
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 smartphone.
Where to go on a stress free holiday?
Either way, you get a stress-free holiday to Italy, Switzerland, Spain, France, eastern Europe or even Morocco overland by train, with regular departures from London by Eurostar, no flying, no airport hassles and no whole days spent in cramped coach seats on motorways.
How many countries can you travel with a rail pass?
A rail pass, on the other hand, is good for travel in an entire geographical area (1 country, 2 countries or more). With it you can take as many train trips as you want within that geographical area, for as many travel days as you purchased, within a set period of time (the pass validity period).
What is a train ticket?
A train ticket is valid for a single journey between two cities. Many tickets also include a reservation, which mean that they are valid only for a specific train, on a specific date and at a given time. To learn more about tickets, read our article: tickets explained.
How long is a Eurail Global Pass valid?
Continuous (or consecutive) rail passes such as the Eurail Global Pass, are valid for unlimited train travel during the whole duration of the pass’ validity period. In other words, with a 15-day Eurail Global Pass, you can travel for 15 consecutive days by train. Even if you don’t take the train each and every day, those days will be considered used
What is a Swiss Rail Pass?
Suitable for non-Swiss residents who want to travel in Switzerland, the Swiss Rail Pass provides unlimited travel on Swiss trains, buses, boats and more, as well as unlimited public transport in 90 towns and cities. Perks include free admission to over 500 museums and free or discounted excursions to the alpine summits.
What is the validity period of a rail pass?
The validity period of a rail pass is the time period in which you must complete your travels with your rail pass. This period is calculated from the date stamped on the rail pass by the railway official.
What does a train pass cover?
For international train journeys, be sure that your rail pass covers the country of departure, country of arrival, and any countries through which your train will travel.
Why add a via station?
Add a via station to plan more complex journeys and/or to split your journey into separate tickets.
How to get a rough idea of what you'd pay for a train trip in Europe?
The quickest way to get a rough idea of what you'd pay for any given train trip in Europe is to check my cost-estimate maps.
How are European trains based on distance traveled?
European train fares are based primarily on the distance traveled. Each country has its own "euros per kilometer" formula, though the type of train also affects the price (logically, slower trains are usually cheaper than faster ones). For faster classes of trains, however, many European rail companies have moved to a dynamic pricing system — similar to how airfares work — in which a fare can vary depending on demand, restrictions, and how early you purchase.
How much is the discount for kids in Europe?
Children get ticket discounts in most of Europe (typically about 50 percent off for ages 4–11, sometimes free with an adult). Whether you're traveling with tickets or a rail pass, kids under 4 always travel free on your lap (though if there's an empty seat, feel free to use it).
How are European train prices based?
Ticket Prices. European train fares are based primarily on the distance traveled. Each country has its own "euros per kilometer" formula, though the type of train also affects the price (logically, slower trains are usually cheaper than faster ones).
Can you hop on a train with a valid rail pass?
With a valid rail pass, you just hop on any covered train that doesn't require reservations. But even unreserved point-to-point tickets have some flexibility, since you can still make any number of stops and connections along the most direct route between the starting and ending stations printed on your ticket (within a single country your trip usually just has to be completed within the same calendar day — or within a few hours in Italy; for many international point-to-point tickets you have four days to complete the journey).
Is it cheaper to go round trip or one way?
Round-trip tickets can be cheaper than two one-way tickets in some countries ( Britain, Ireland, and Spain; sometimes in combination with advance purchase). In Britain, a "day return" (round-trip in a single day) can be only a little bit more expensive than a single one-way ticket.
How do I book night train tickets?
Reservations are required on all night trains in Europe. If you’re booking with us via our website or app , we’ll show you the different travel options offered by the railway companies that manage the route you’re interested in.
When does Eurostar run?
A perfect way to start your holiday on the slopes, Eurostar ski trains run a weekly Friday night sleeper service between December and March. Connecting London St Pancras to ski resorts in the French Alps such as Moutiers, Aime La Plagne and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, you’ll enjoy all the comforts for a normal Eurostar train, plus extra space for skis and snowboards.
What is a sleeper cabin on a train?
The most comfortable travel option on night trains, sleeper cabins are almost like staying in a moving hotel. Available as one, two, three and sometimes four berth carriages, during the day these rooms can act as a sitting room with comfortable seating and a small table.
How many seats are there in a night train?
Depending on the night train you’re travelling on, carriages can be divided into compartments of around six seats each or can be open plan.
Where to travel overnight from London to Scotland?
Travelling overnight from London to Scotland and vice versa, the Caledonian Sleeper offers a smooth journey to Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Highlands and beyond. Trains depart six nights a week.
Do Thello trains have a private shower?
Some Thello night trains also offer a premium cabin with your own private shower and toilet, for those who don’t want to compromise on comfort.
Do European trains run at night?
Many European train companies offer a night service for longer domestic or cross border routes. We’ve listed some of the main sleeper trains running across Europe below.
What is the fastest way to get around Europe?
High-speed trains are the fastest way to get around Europe. You can cover large distances in great luxury, relaxing in a comfortable chair or enjoying a bite to eat in the dining car. Please note that seat reservations for high-speed trains are often mandatory.
Where do regional trains take you?
Regional trains will take you anywhere in Europe, from the smallest village to the largest capital. These trains usually don't need a reservation and are a great way to discover every little corner of Europe. Read all about Europe's regional trains.
How many countries can you travel with a Eurail pass?
With a single Eurail train pass you can travel in up to 33 countries, hopping off along the way to experience Europe's most fascinating cities, monuments, and breathtaking scenery. Travel at your own pace and know that for every European vacation, there is the perfect Eurail Pass!
Is Eurail Pass valid with ferry companies?
A Eurail Pass is valid with many European railway companies. Aside from that, there are also participating ferry companies and public transport companies. Follow the link below to see the full list of participating companies.
Do trains travel in Europe?
Trains are everywhere in Europe. Some of the trains travel at high speed across the continent, while others move around leisurely, either by day or by night. Find out about the different European trains like sleeper trains, chocolate trains, high speed trains and the provided facilities for a clear idea of what train travel in Europe is all about!
Is Europe a beautiful continent?
Europe is a beautiful continent, but some parts of it are just exceptionally beautiful. In these parts you can find the scenic trains, which will carry you through amazing mountain scenery and past picturesque coastlines.
Can you use Eurail Pass on ferries?
With your Eurail Pass, you can get a discount on many ferries in Europe. Take a break from trains and travel between countries over water. You can also use ferries to visit stunning islands off the coast of Spain, Italy, or Greece.
