The Beginner’s Guide to Train Travel in Europe

Why Train Travel in Europe Is So Popular

Europe’s rail network is fast, efficient, and incredibly scenic. Trains often take you city to city, skipping airport security lines and flights. It’s comfortable, environmentally friendly, and one of the easiest ways to see multiple countries in a single trip. I’ve been on several trains in Europe and love traveling this way! Get your latest book or streaming show ready and you are about to have a great time.

Understanding the Types of Trains

• High-speed trains (like TGV, Eurostar, Frecciarossa): Fast, modern and usually require seat reservations.
• Intercity trains: Slower than high-speed but still comfortable and widely used.
• Regional trains: Great for short trips and small towns; usually no reservations required.
• Scenic routes: Routes like the Swiss Alps, Norway’s fjords, or the Bernina Express are experiences on their own.

Booking Tickets:

• Book early for long-distance or high-speed trains to get the best prices – I would recommend buying your ticket 3 – 4 days in advance because if you don’t the time you want to travel can be sold out.
• Tickets can be purchased online, via rail apps, or at stations in person. I use the app to make all my reservations.
• Some tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable, while others are flexible—always check before buying and decide what is best for you.
• For short regional routes, you can often buy tickets the same day.

Do You Need a Rail Pass?

Rail passes (like multi-country passes) can be great if:

• You’re visiting several countries
• You plan to travel frequently by train
• You want flexibility

If you’re only taking a few longer trips, point-to-point tickets are often cheaper.

Seat Reservations & Classes

• Many trains have assigned seating; some require reservations.
• First class offers more space and quieter cars, but second class is perfectly comfortable. Both classes are great and you can enjoy the food and drinks they offer. I suggest this for longer train treks!
• Always check if a reservation is mandatory—this is key for beginners.

At the Train Station: What to Expect

• Arrive 60 minutes early (earlier for major stations).
• Platforms are often posted shortly before departure (like within 15-20 minutes of departure)
• Trains stop briefly—be ready to board.
• There’s usually luggage storage near your seat and no baggage fees.

Luggage Tips

Pack lighter than you would for a road trip.

• Use a suitcase you can lift overhead or roll easily.
• Keep valuables in a day bag you carry with you like you would on a plane.

Food, Comfort & Amenities

• Many trains have cafés or dining cars.
• Wi-Fi is common on most trains.
• Restrooms are standard
• Window seats = free scenery

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Not checking if seat reservations are required (I’ve done this, believe me, it’s better to check in advance!)
• Underestimating station size and transfer times (the transfers can be fast so make sure you’re allowing enough time for this)
• Over-packing (I have been trying to not do this in more recent years)

My final Thoughts

Train travel in Europe isn’t just transportation—it’s part of the travel experience and it’s a joy to do on a trip. Once you take your first ride, it quickly becomes the most relaxed and enjoyable way to move between cities.

Get a Travels Rewards Credit Card

At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga. Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio. Nam libero tempore, cum soluta nobis est eligendi optio cumque nihil impedit quo minus id quod maxime placeat facere possimus, omnis voluptas assumenda est, omnis dolor repellendus.

Viverra nibh cras pulvinar mattis nunc sed blandit. Aliquet eget sit amet tellus cras adipiscing enim. Rutrum quisque non tellus orci ac auctor augue mauris. Maecenas volutpat blandit aliquam etiam erat velit. Quisque non tellus orci ac auctor augue mauris augue neque. Augue lacus viverra vitae congue eu consequat ac felis. Sit amet risus nullam eget felis eget nunc lobortis.

Have you told your card companies that you are traveling?

Neque laoreet suspendisse interdum consectetur libero id faucibus. Massa sed elementum tempus egestas sed sed risus pretium. In nulla posuere sollicitudin aliquam ultrices sagittis orci. Aliquam vestibulum morbi blandit cursus risus. Scelerisque eu ultrices vitae auctor eu augue ut lectus.

Donald Dyer

Bank Employee

Viverra nibh cras pulvinar mattis nunc sed blandit. Aliquet eget sit amet tellus cras adipiscing enim. Rutrum quisque non tellus orci ac auctor augue mauris. Maecenas volutpat blandit Viverra orci sagittis eu volutpat odio facilisis mauris sit. Facilisi cras fermentum odio eu feugiat pretium. Aliquam purus sit amet luctus. Euismod quis viverra nibh cras. Sed faucibus turpis in eu mi bibendum. Turpis tincidunt id aliquet risus feugiat in ante.

Volutpat maecenas volutpat blandit aliquam etiam. Arcu odio ut sem nulla pharetra diam sit. Sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est ultricies.

Ornare aenean euismod elementum nisi quis eleifend quam adipiscing. Morbi leo urna molestie at. Tempus urna et pharetra pharetra massa massa ultricies mi. Massa sed elementum tempus egestas sed sed risus

Tellus integer feugiat scelerisque varius morbi. Augue mauris augue neque gravida in fermentum et sollicitudin ac. Diam ut venenatis tellus in metus vulputate eu scelerisque felis. Commodo sed egestas egestas fringilla phasellus faucibus.

Congue eu consequat ac felis donec et. Turpis tincidunt id aliquet risus feugiat in ante metus dictum. Leo vel orci porta non pulvinar neque. Diam volutpat commodo sed egestas egestas fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque. Vitae tortor condimentum lacinia quis vel eros. Ac orci phasellus egestas tellus rutrum tellus pellentesque. Id neque aliquam vestibulum morbi. Hac habitasse platea dictumst quisque sagittis purus sit amet.