
Austria
Train Name | Train Number | Train Operator | Train Endpoints | Operated |
CNL Donau Kurier | Vienna ( Westbahnhof) – Amsterdam ( Cent ... | until 2016 | ||
EN Chopin | EN 406/407 | Vienna ( Praterstern) – Warsaw ( Wschodn ... | present | |
EC Lehár | EC 968/969 | ÖBB | Vienna ( Hauptbahnhof) – Budapest ( kele ... | present |
EC Mozart | EC 68/69 | ÖBB | Vienna ( Westbahnhof) – Munich ( Hauptba ... | present |
Name | Abbreviation | Service |
---|---|---|
Eurostar | EST | High-speed rail |
Frecce | FR, FA, FB | High-speed rail |
Italo | NTV | High-speed rail |
Intercity Direct | ICD | High-speed rail |
What are the different types of railways in Europe?
Railway companies in Europe assign their trains to different categories or train types depending on their role. Passenger trains may be broadly split into long-distance and local trains; the latter having average journey times of under an hour and a range of less than 50 kilometres. Goods trains have their own train types.
Where can I buy train tickets in Europe?
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. Europe has an extensive high-speed rail network, connecting cities such as Paris, Barcelona, and London quickly and easily.
What are the main international train services in Europe?
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.
What is the most scenic train journey in Europe?
Europe’s top 10 scenic train journeys. 1 1. West Highland Line, Scotland. The West Highland Line in Scotland is certainly one scenic journey, with rugged highlands, isolated lochs, flashes of ... 2 2. Rauma Line, Norway. 3 3. Bergen Railway, Norway. 4 4. Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy. 5 5. Cinque Terre, Italy. More items
What is the name of the fast train in Europe?
Frecciarossa 1000 (ETR 1000) is the fastest train in Europe, it can gain a speed up to 400 km/h.
What is the famous train in Europe?
Perhaps one of the most iconic trains in all of Europe, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express follows a historic route from London to Venice. The train itself is spectacular, with its Art Deco decor and high standards of service - the same standards that have been in place since the train's inaugural run in the 1880s.
Are there trains in Europe?
With a Eurail Pass you can travel in all countries on the Europe rail map above, now including Great Britain. Please note that most high-speed trains and all night trains need an advance reservation. These are not included in your Eurail Pass. We can help you book your seat reservations for 95% of the trains in Europe.
What are trains in Europe like?
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.
What is the train that travels around Europe?
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.
What is the longest train in Europe?
And it turns out these factors balance almost each other out. Britain's longest train, the CrossCountry from Aberdeen in Scotland to Penzance in Cornwall, runs 785 miles or 1,263km. Germany's longest train, the IC 2216 from Offenburg in the Black Forest to Greifswald on the Baltic coast, is exactly 1,300km.
Why are trains so popular in Europe?
Rail systems are so popular in Europe because they can get loads of passengers to their respective destinations en masse — with much less of an impact on the environment. National governments, looking to reduce carbon emissions and put pro-environmental policy into practice, subsidize or own entire rail networks.
How fast is the Eurail?
With speeds up to 300km/h, this is one of the fastest ways to travel between cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne.
How do you get around in Europe?
5 Best Ways to Travel Around EuropeTake a Bus. A very cheap way to travel around Europe, including between cities, or across borders is using the bus. ... Catch a Train. Europe has great transport connections and this includes the railway. ... Take a plane. ... Rent a car or camper. ... Go on a tour or cruise.
Can you sleep in Eurail?
Most European night trains are included in the Eurail passes. You'll just need to reserve and pay for your preferred sleeping accommodation type in addition to your pass.
Is it safe to sleep on train in Europe?
Safety on the Night Train Overnight trains might sound dangerous, but they're typically just as safe as traveling in the day. If you're lucky, you'll be able to buy a ticket for a train with a sleeper carriage.
Can you sleep on Night Train?
Night trains usually have sleeper compartments, which should be reserved in advance and which add cost to a Eurail pass or European train ticket, even one for a night train. You can also sleep in a regular seat on a night train at no extra cost.
What is the best railway in Europe?
The 23 best rail journeys in EuropeGolden Eagle Danube Express, Turkey to Hungary. ... North York Moors Railway, England. ... Bohinj Railway, Slovenia & Italy. ... Semmering Railway, Austria. ... Bergen Railway, Norway. ... Brocken Railway, Germany. ... Ffestiniog Railway, Wales. ... Belmond Grand Hibernian, Ireland.More items...•
What is the most scenic train ride in Europe?
10 of Europe's most scenic train journeysRome to Palermo, Italy.Mariazellerbahn, Austria.Stockholm to Narvik, Sweden-Norway.Glacier Express, Switzerland.Mainz to Koblenz, Germany.Nice to Digne-les-Bains, France.Bar to Belgrade, Montenegro-Serbia.Levanto to La Spezia, Italy.More items...•
What is the most beautiful train ride in the world?
The Most Scenic Train Rides in the World01 of 10. Pacific Surfliner. Courtesy of Amtrak. ... 02 of 10. Jacobite Steam Train. ... 03 of 10. Napa Valley Wine Train. ... 04 of 10. Grand Canyon Railway. ... 05 of 10. Copper Canyon Railroad. ... 06 of 10. Hudson Line – Metro North. ... 07 of 10. Kuranda Scenic Railway. ... 08 of 10. Glacier Express.More items...•
What is the best train journey in the world?
The Best Train Trips in the World: 2021 Readers' Choice AwardsEl Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Spain. ... The Pride of Africa Rovos Rail, Africa. ... Palace on Wheels, India. ... Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express, Asia. ... Belmond British Pullman, Europe. ... The Ghan, Australia. ... Rocky Mountaineer, North America. ... Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan.More items...•
How long is a train journey in Europe?
Passenger trains may be broadly split into long-distance and local trains; the latter having average journey times of under an hour and a range of less than 50 kilometres.
What is regional train?
Regional (R): Stopping trains used on main lines, stopping at all stations (with some exceptions) with speeds up to 140 km/h.
What are the different types of trains in Bulgaria?
At the beginning of rail transport in Bulgaria there were only three categories of passenger trains: " Бърз пътнически влак (БПВ) " - Barz patnicheski vlak (Fast passenger train), the equivalent of the current Fast train; " Обикновен пътнически влак (ОПВ) " - Obiknoven patnicheski vlak (Regular passenger train), the equivalent of the current Passenger train and " Смесен пътнически влак (СПВ) " - Smesen patnicheski vlak, the equivalent of Mixed train. Using this basis BDŽ now provides extended variety of these simple categories.
How fast is the National Night Train?
National night train services; up to 140 km/h; Kupe and Platzkart classes.
What is an ICS train?
modern air-conditioned trains whose tilting technology allows for greater speed and comfort. They enable easier travel for passengers in wheelchairs, as well as offering a range of additional services. A buffet car is available to passengers; for those who travel 1st class, this service is free. 1st class passengers also benefit from access to electrical plug sockets. At some stations free parking is available. ICS trains operate on the Ljubljana-Maribor-Ljubljana route. In the summer season and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, ICS trains also operate along the Maribor-Ljubljana-Koper route and back. Seats must be reserved on all routes and this is included in the rail fare.
How fast is a long distance train?
All-year long-distance fast trains, mostly overnight. Speeds up to 160 km/h, but usually the average speed is not more than 70 km/h.
What is the name of the train that runs from Lisbon to Madrid?
Internacional (IN): International night trains Sud-Express ( Lisbon - Hendaye) and Lusitânia ( Lisbon - Madrid) and day train Celta ( Porto - Vigo ).
What is the name of the Polish train station?
Their names may be connected with station terminus (e.g. "Berolinum" or "Łodzianin"), famous people (e.g. "Reymont" or "Sobieski") or some literary figures (e.g.
How often do train numbers change?
Train numbers may change every year, they depend from many things, like station terminus or railway lines.
Is the Sud Express running between Lisbon and Hendaye?
Since 1990, with the opening of the LGV Atlantique, the Sud Express only runs between Lisbon and Hendaye and between Irún and Lisbon and it is no longer operated by SNCF. There is a connecting TGV service between Hendaye and Paris and between Paris and Irún. From October 2012, the Sud Express is upgraded to Trenhotel and runs together with the Lusitânia between Lisbon and Medina del Campo via Coimbra and Salamanca. Also, from this date on, the Sud Express is only operated by CP.
What is rail transport in Europe?
Rail transport in Europe is characterised by its diversity, both technical and infrastructural. Rail networks in Western and Central Europe are often well maintained and well developed, whilst Eastern, Northern and Southern Europe often have less coverage and/or infrastructure problems. Electrified railway networks operate at a plethora ...
How much of European freight is transported by rail?
Most of the European rail network is dedicated to passenger traffic. Only about 18% of European cargo moves via railways; in some countries, such as France, the percentage is much lower, but it is obviously higher in other countries, including Lithuania where over 70% of domestic cargo is transported by train. The relative weakness of rail freight is due to the lower price of truck transport which is indirectly subsidized by not having to bear external costs. By way of comparison, in the U.S., 40% of cargo (by ton-kilometer) moves via rail. Similarly Swiss railroads carry about 40% (by ton kilometers) of Swiss domestic freight and even more than 70% of the (mostly international) Alp -crossing cargo traffic - 74.4% in the first half of 2021.
What is the correlation between public cost and railway performance?
The 2017 European Railway Performance Index found a positive correlation between public cost and a given railway system's performance and differences in the value that countries receive in return for their public cost. The 2015 and 2017 performance reports found a strong relationship between cost efficiency and the share of subsidies allocated to infrastructure managers. A transparent subsidy structure, in which public subsidies are provided directly to the infrastructure manager rather than spread among multiple train-operating companies, correlates with a higher-performing railway system.
What voltage is used at Venlo?
Venlo railway station in the Netherlands is one such example, the overhead on the tracks can be switched between the Dutch 1500 V DC and the German 15 kV AC , which means a change of traction (or reconfiguring a multiple-voltage vehicle) is necessary at the station.
What is the 4th rail package?
Fourth Railway Package attempts liberalisation of domestic passenger services in an attempt to reduce European rail subsidies.
What is the height of a rail platform?
These standard heights are 550 and 760 mm (21.7 and 29.9 in).
What type of electric is used in Italy?
Likewise all European high-speed lines, outside of Germany, Austria and Italy use 25 kV AC electrification (Electrification of high-speed rail in Italy is mixed 3 kV DC and 25 kV AC).
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.
What are the major cities in Europe that have high speed trains?
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, ...
Where is the high speed rail network in Italy?
The high-speed rail network in Italy is essentially one long line that connects Naples to Turin, via Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Milan.
Which country has the most high speed rail?
Spain. 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.
Can you board a train in one country and end up in the other?
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 ...
Can you park on the Eurail?
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.
Does Germany have a high speed train?
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.
Is train travel efficient in Europe?
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.
What are the different types of trains?
If you’re not sure whether this is something you might want to splurge on, check out the major differences in service level below: 1 Second class trains provide basic but comfortable facilities, with drinks and snacks available to purchase. Some high-speed trains will offer free entertainment or wifi. 2 You can always reserve a seat, whether you’re in first or second class. 3 First class trains will provide more spacious seats with more leg room than second class. 4 First class carriages will generally be quieter with fewer passengers. 5 On major high-speed routes, first class may well offer additional perks, such as free drinks/snacks, free WIFI and complimentary newspapers. 6 On regional routes, there are unlikely to be any additional benefits beyond more space. For these trains, it may not be worth paying the extra.
What is the best app for train travel in Europe?
If you want to check requirements, the best app for train travel in Europe is DB Navigator. This gives you pretty up to date information about all European services as far as possible.
What is Eurail seat reservation?
Interrail or Eurail seat reservations are extra bookings required on certain trains when travelling Europe using an Interrail or Eurail pass. They are not tickets, but are used together with your rail pass to allow you onto certain services.
What is an interrail pass?
Interrail and Eurail passes are two types of European rail pass, used for travelling Europe by train. Both types of pass are very similar in usage – your nationality or residence decides which sort of pass you need. Each pass allows you to travel within and between European countries by train. The passes are valid for a set number ...
What is an Interrail travel day?
An Interrail “Travel day” is a day when you will be using your pass to travel by train from one of your destinations to the next. There is no limit on the number of trains you can get within the 24 hour period from midnight.
Why is it important to travel by rail?
Travelling by rail avoids a lot of the issues you might come across when flying or taking buses. In Western Europe, most trains have disabled access, station assistance and wheelchair spaces available. Depending on your needs, you may or may not need to contact your travel agent or directly contact the rail company to arrange your journey. Eastern European trains can be more difficult, due to older trains and stations – so if in doubt make sure you check!
Do you need a sleeper train for a high speed train?
Good question, and unfortunately that can be tricky. The rules change regularly and the information is not always easy to find. As a general rule, you will need one on any high-speed train in Western Europe, and on any sleeper train.
What is Eurail map?
The Eurail railway map is a great resource for planning the perfect itinerary. Check out some examples of spectacular European itineraries you can experience with a Eurail Pass.
What do the green lines on trains mean?
The green lines represent trains, the blue lines are ferries.
Can you travel with a Eurail pass?
Traveling with a Eurail Pass. With a Eurail Pass you can travel in all countries on the Europe rail map above, now including Great Britain. Please note that most high-speed trains and all night trains need an advance reservation. These are not included in your Eurail Pass.
Where do trains go in Europe?
In Germany, Switzerland and Italy, trains chug through carved valleys in the snow-capped Alps and along the swirling Rhine River dotted with romantic castles. Puffs of smoke from steam trains rise from crags deep in the Scottish Highlands. Hop aboard for a tour of Europe ’s most scenic train routes. Made famous by the Harry Potter films, the West ...
Where do trains run?
In Scandinavia, rail lines run along icy rivers to fjords. In Germany, Switzerland and Italy, trains chug through carved valleys in the snow-capped Alps and along the swirling Rhine River dotted with romantic castles. Puffs of smoke from steam trains rise from crags deep in the Scottish Highlands.
How many tunnels does the Semmering Railway have?
Constructed between 1848 and 1854 by more than 20,000 workers, the Semmering Railway trundles through a picturesque wonderland as the train crosses the Semmering Pass, taking in 15 tunnels, 16 viaducts, countless switchbacks and arched bridges on a forested mountain stretch.
What is the Centovalli Railway?
The "Hundred Valley" Railway is a spectacle of waterfalls, chestnut groves, lush landscapes and vineyards: the Alps at their spellbinding best. Highlights of this journey include the Isorno Bridge near the village of Intragna and the gorge connecting Intragna and Re.
What is the name of the river that runs through Norway?
Enjoy sensational views of high peaks, jagged rock faces and mountain slopes leading up to windswept plateaus as you trace the Rauma River aboard Norway 's Rauma Line. Rattling across the lofty Kylling Bridge is one of the highlights of the trip, which also wends its way through the rugged Reinheimen National Park.
What is the Bernina Express?
Relax behind panorama windows and soak up the spectacular Alpine views connecting northern and southern Europe. The Bernina Express follow s two Unesco World Heritage–listed lines, the Albula and the Bernina, and sweeps among glaciers in Switzerland and palms in Italy.
Where is the Mittenwald railway?
The Mittenwald Railway is a beautiful border-crossing route that glides past glittering lakes and glorious mountainous landscapes on its journey between Austria and Germany. At Garmisch-Partenkirchen you can change trains and hop on the scenic Bavarian Zugspitze Railway, which chugs toward the summit of Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain at 9717ft (2961m).

Overview
Poland (PKP and others)
EuroNight (EN) high quality night train; operated by PKP Intercity EuroCity (EC) international luxury trains on the most important long-distance routes, must be reserved on domestic routes, up to 160 km/h; operated by PKP Intercity Express Intercity Premium (EIP) high speed rail, highest-standard trains requiring reservation, made of modern tilting-train units operating on national routes, operated by PKP Intercity using units ED250 Pendolino Express InterCity (EIC) luxury tr…
Switzerland
• TGV - Train à grande vitesse, high speed service between Switzerland and France
• ICE - InterCity Express, high speed service between Switzerland and Germany
• RJX - Railjet Express, high speed service between Switzerland and Austria
Belgium (NMBS/SNCB)
InterCity (IC) A train connecting Belgium's major cities. These trains stop at the most important stations only, sometimes crossing national borders as well. Rush-hour train (P) Additional scheduled train service that is limited to times at which the demand for a certain route is at its highest. The number of stops varies between trains. Local train (L) Local trains usually connect larger cities, but will stop at (nearly) every station along the way. Similar to German Regionalbah…
Croatia (Hrvatske Željeznice)
Eurocity (EC) international high-class service express trains Intercity (IC) national and international express trains Intercity Nagibni (ICN) national express trains using tilting DMUs Brzi vlak (Brzi) literally "fast train", lower class national and international long-distance trains stopping in larger towns Ubrzani vlak (Ubrz) literally "semi fast train", local trains skipping some stations, at the same tariff as regular local trains (putnički) Putnički vlak (Putn) literally "passenger train", loc…
Czech Republic (České dráhy)
SuperCity (SC) highest-standard trains requiring reservation, made of modern tilting-train units operating on national and international routes. There is currently (February 2020) only one line: Františkovy lázně - Cheb - Mariánské lázně - Planá u Mariánských lázní - Stříbro - Plzeň hl.n. - Praha hl.n. - Pardubice hl.n. - Olomouc hl.n. - Ostrava-Svinov - Ostrava hl.n.- Bohumín - Český Těšín - Žilina - Ružomberok - Liptovský Mikuláš - Štrba - Poprad-Tatry - Kysak - Košice Railjet (r…
France (SNCF)
SNCF use a different system of trains categories, based on politics wishes and commercial trademarks. Categories do not necessarily match with distance.
TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) National or international services by high speed trains with supplementary fare, totally or partially on high-speed lines. Similar to Germany's ICE.
Intercité de Nuit Night service
Hungary (MÁV, GYSEV)
Long distance trains
Eurocity (often Railjet) international trains
Intercity trains mainly in national services on important long-distance routes often with air conditioning, restaurant car and always seat reservation Expressz express train with compulsory seat reservation (only summertime) Gyorsvonat rapid trains on long-distance routes with standar…