How To Travel By Train In Europe

Wondering how to travel by train in Europe? All you need is a rail pass or train ticket and access to train timetables. Trains are a common way to see Europe. It’s far easier to hop on a train than go from airport to airport and you will see a lot more of the continent this way.

1. Decide where you want to travel by train in Europe and for how long. The more of your journey you are able to plan ahead of time, the more you can plan the best way to travel by train.

2. Decide whether you need rail tickets or a rail pass for train travel in Europe. The biggest difference between the two is that rail tickets will only take you from point A to point B, while passes cover a region (either one country or several) and can be used for consecutive or non-consecutive days of travel. Which pass you choose will depend on how long you plan to stay in each city on your travels.

3. Book your ticket or rail pass before you leave for Europe. Tickets are usually more expensive for travelers if you buy them in-country. You can purchase tickets and passes through specialist rail companies and some travel agencies.

4. Purchase a copy of the Thomas Cook European Rail Timetable. This book can be purchased through Rail Europe and includes comprehensive train timetables for the entire continent. Even if you are traveling with a laptop, it’s a good idea to have this book, in case you don’t have access to timetables online while you travel.

5. Arrive early at the train station so that you can have your pass validated for travel. Passes need to be validated on the first day of travel.

Tip: If you are traveling on a high speed train, remember to make a reservation or you may not have a seat on the train.

Familiarize yourself with 24-hour clock as all railways stations in Europe use this system.