Travelling Europe by Train: All You Need to Know

You've decided you want to travel Europe by rail, or at least learn more about how to do it. Now, what's next? You feel a range of emotions right now: fear, excitement, anticipation (and the rest). Scroll on as we guide you to rail travel in Europe.

Rail Travel in Europe: The Definitive Guide

Nothing quite compares to the comfort, convenience and flexibility of train travel through Europe. Versus budget flights and coaches, European rail travel has the edge for many routes.

That being said, working out how to travel Europe by train - with tickets, InterRail and Eurail passes, seat reservations, supplements and more to think about - can be daunting. We're not just European rail travel experts, but experts at saving you money and working out the best ways for you to get from A to B. You can trust that we know what we're talking about.

We'll explain all the options for your rail journeys. We really want you to make the most out of your travels in Europe. This train travel guide has been split into easily digestible sections so you feel free to skip to the most relevant parts of the page.

European Train Travel: An Overview

Travelling Europe by train is easy, cosy, scenic and efficient. Compared to flights, railway journeys in Europe are simple, swift and more comfortable, with far less danger of being stung with extra fees for luggage or check-in as you might at an airport. Most parts of Europe have superb high-speed rail networks. And when you're on slower routes, you've the bonus of great views overland and more space to stretch out your legs.

Seeing the landscape change before your eyes at ground level in a way you can't by plane is a real plus. Take in the rolling countryside, coastal vistas, mountains and lakes like never before. If you're travelling by day, remember to pack a picnic, or venture to the buffet carriage, so you can enjoy a bite to eat with a view. For quieter carriages, roomier seat spaces and other perks, you might even like to upgrade to first class. Overnight sleeper trains are also a time-efficient way to travel across Europe, which we'll talk more about later.

You'll usually find yourself at the heart of the city when you arrive by train, with most railway stations more centrally located than airports. This means you can get to your accommodation more quickly - whether a hotel, B&B or hostel - as well as no messing about with baggage reclaim or long taxi rides.

InterRail vs EuRail

What are InterRail and EuRail?

InterRail and EuRail offer European rail passes used for travelling Europe by train. Both types of pass are very similar in their usage. It's essentially your nationality or residence which determines which pass you'll need.

Better than buying individual rail tickets, each pass allows you to travel within and between 33 European countries by train. Depending on the pass you purchase, you may only be able to travel on a set number of days within a usage period. More on this further down the page.

Should I buy an InterRail pass or a EuRail pass?

You can buy an InterRail pass if you're:

1. A UK or European citizen (or if you have dual citizenship) and you hold a UK or European passport.
2. A non-European citizen who has lived in a European country for at least 6 months.

If neither of these apply to you, you need to buy a EuRail pass.

Global passes vs One country passes

You now know whether you need to buy an InterRail or a EuRail pass. But what's the difference between a global pass and a one country pass?

A Global Pass enables you to travel by train across the whole of Europe (or at least 33 countries within it). You can choose how long you want to use the Global Pass for, from five days up to 3 months continuous travel. As well as choosing how long you want the pass to be valid for, you can choose the number of 'travel days' you want in that timeframe (with some passes).

One Country Passes are for those who want to travel one European country by train really well. These are always valid for 1 month, though only within one country (as opposed to within all the 33 a Global Pass enables you). An exception to this is the Benelux pass which allows you to travel by train between Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

Both the Global and One Country types of InterRail and EuRail passes are sold at a number of different prices. The factors which affect them are:

• Country covered (if One Country Pass)
• Length of validity (if Global Pass)
• Number of 'travel days' (if Global Pass)
• Age
• Class

What types of InterRail/EuRail passes are there?

InterRail and EuRail passes are for people of all ages - not just for students. There are passes for youths (under 28), adults (28 to 59), children (4 to 11), and seniors (60 plus). There's a reduction in price for under 28s and for over 60s, so do bear this in mind before you book. And don't try to pay less by saying you're younger than you are, as your passport number is checked for your date of birth, and both are printed on your InterRail/EuRail ticket.

Next, you can select which class of ticket you'd like. Second class offers a standard level of comfort, with no extra perks at your seat. Whereas first class offers wider seats, more quiet and privacy, as well as extra perks. The difference in price between a second class and first class ticket can be as much as £273 (based on a 3 month continuous adult pass).

Is the first class pass worth it?

Let's talk about first class versus second class train travel in Europe. The short answer is - it depends. If the features mentioned earlier appeal to you, then, certainly in Western Europe you'll notice a big difference. And while trains in Europe usually have two class options, on high-speed trains in Spain and Italy, there are even more to suit various levels of budget and comfort.

In France, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and Italy, the differences between first and second class trains are more noticeable, all with comparatively luxurious first class options versus second class. For train travel in Eastern Europe, where services tend to be slower and trains older, there's less of a difference. So, if you're planning a EuroTrip through this part of the continent only, or mainly, the upgrade to first class may not be worth it.

What counts as an InterRail travel day?

An InterRail or EuRail 'travel day' is a day when you will be using your pass to travel by train from one destination to your next. There's no limit to the number of trains you can get within the 24 hour period from midnight.

As Global Pass 'travel days' only apply to those of up to 2 months, your choices will be as follows. From cheapest to most expensive, InterRail Global Pass options are:

• 4 travel days within a period of 1 month
• 7 travel days within a period of 1 month (their most popular)
• 10 travel days within a period of 2 months
• 15 travel days within a period of 2 months
• Travel every day within a period of 15 days
• Travel every day within a period of 22 days
• Travel every day within a period of 1, 2 or 3 months

For EuRail the number of 'travel days' are slightly different, though the principle remains the same.

Which kind of InterRail/EuRail pass do I need?

In most cases, the best way to work out what kind of InterRail/EuRail pass you need is to first work out the route you want to make, then plan how long you'll be travelling Europe by train. After that, you have to work out how many travel days you will use. Then, for these travel days, you'll need to work out which rail journeys will need additional seat reservations (typically high-speed ones) and work out how much it will cost to buy these on top.

Having to buy InterRail seat reservations on top of already having your pass may sound confusing, though it's usually for high-speed rail journeys or overnight services. And the price for the reservation with your pass is often discounted versus without. However, it is worth mentioning that in some cases, it may make more sense to choose a cheaper InterRail pass (less 'travel days', for example) and buy extra tickets individually.

All Aboard: Seat Reservations

What is an InterRail/EuRail seat reservation?

InterRail or EuRail seat reservations are extra bookings required when travelling Europe using an InterRail or EuRail pass. They're not tickets in themselves; they're to be used in tandem with your rail pass to allow you on certain services.

Seat reservations are compulsory to have in order to board certain trains, and also secure your seat on the train you've chosen. In peak season, when trains can get really busy, they can be a godsend. Naturally, once you've bought a seat reservation, make sure you stick to the train time you've selected, as it's you can only use it for that departure.

Do I have to buy a reservation if I have an InterRail/EuRail pass?

Even if you have a rail pass, if the route you're taking has a 'reservation required' symbol on it when you look it up on the paper InterRail route planner or a European train times app like Bahn.de, you must buy a seat reservation.

The importance of doing so, if it's required, cannot be stressed highly enough. If you don't show a reservation along with your pass when your ticket is checked, you'll be asked to either leave the carriage at the next stop or pay a fine of up to €200. Nobody wants an unexpected cost like that on their trip through Europe by rail, so make sure you do your research.

How do I know when I need a reservation?

This can be quite tricky as the rules change regularly and the information isn't always readily available. Generally speaking though, you'll need a seat reservation on any high-speed train in Western Europe, and on any sleeper train.

It's not usually necessary to book a reservation on local and regional trains in Europe. The best way to check seat reservation requirements is to use DB Navigator, an app for train travel in Europe, by Germany's national rail operator Bahn.de. It gives you the most up to date information on European train times and services.

How much does an InterRail/EuRail reservation cost?

An InterRail/EuRail reservation costs between €5 and €30, depending on the country's rail service operator. If you're not in a rush, and you're looking to save money, it can sometimes be worth finding slower, regional train journeys so you can avoid paying for sear reservations on certain routes. Bonus is you may just get an unmissable view too!

What is First Class Train Travel in Europe Like?

We talked earlier about how first class InterRail and EuRail passes differ from second class passes. Though, if you're still unsure whether you'd like to upgrade to first class (whether in your pass or a single reservation), let us share with you the main differences in service level:

• Second class trains offer basic but comfortable facilities, with snacks and drinks available to purchase on-board. Some high-speed trains will offer free entertainment or free wi-fi as a perk.
• Whether you're in second or first class, you can always reserve a seat. First class trains provide more spacious seats with greater leg room than second class.
• First class carriages will usually be quieter with fewer passengers.
• On major high-speed routes - such as TGV services in France - first class may even offer extra perks like free drinks and snacks, free wi-fi and complimentary newspapers.
• On the regional routes, trains are unlikely to feature any additional benefits beyond more space in first class. As such, it may not be worth paying the extra money for these trains.

Overnight Rail Travel in Europe

Overnight transport can be a really time-effective (and comfortable) way of travelling Europe by train. Like high-speed trains, all night trains require an extra supplement to be paid on top of your InterRail or EuRail pass. And overnight travel costs vary depending on your preferred comfort level and budget.

Overnight, or sleeper trains as they are sometimes called, offer the following options:

• Seat - the cheapest option, where you'll have a reclining seat within a normal carriage. It reclines enough to help you sleep, but not a lot.
• Couchette - you'll share a cabin with other travellers as these are normally for 6 people. Couchettes offer a small bed with sheet and blanket, so are more comfortable option than a seat, but cheaper than a sleeper.
• Sleeper - depending on the size of your group, you'll share your cabin with other travellers. Sleeper compartments are made for up to 3 people, with a comfy bed, duvet, sink and space for hanging clothes. Refreshments and breakfast are often included too.
• Private sleeper - the same as a sleeper, though you book out the whole cabin for yourself or group. This is the most expensive option, offering the highest level of comfort and privacy.

How much does a night train supplement cost?

A seat or couchette could start from as little as €10 to €30, varying depending on the journey and rail operator. A private sleeper could cost you as much as €200 or more.

InterRail reservations aren't offered on some overnight trains - such as the night train from Venice to Paris. Alternatively, the rail service will offer you a discount of around 25% off full price tickets with your InterRail/EuRail pass. If you're looking to save money, then these exceptions might be best avoided.

Advance Train Tickets

While the bulk of this guide has focussed on InterRail and EuRail passes, we can't forget that these passes aren't the only way to travel Europe by rail. In most cases, rail passes provide great value if you're fitting in a number of destinations. But if your journey is short or will involve a lot of seat reservations adding up, it might actually work out cheaper to buy your tickets individually.

As with booking advance tickets at home, buying them for abroad can be even cheaper than a pass - particularly if you check the different train booking sites (or pages like this one) for deals. The only downside to booking rail tickets in advance is you do lose some flexibility. You generally have to stick to the chosen service for the cheapest fares. And bear in mind that if you miss it, you will be asked to buy a new ticket.

Booking as early as you can is advisable - typically at least 3 months in advance is best. You'll get the greatest choice of train times and at the best prices if you do. Different providers have different advance booking cut-off dates and availability thresholds, so be sure to keep your eye on the ball. Again, the trusty DB Navigator app is a great place to reliably check which times are available across most rail providers in Europe.

It's also worth noting that if you're going to book advance in this way that a significant percentage of European train tickets aren't available as e-tickets. So remember to factor in postage and packaging time and costs - or use a local agent in your home country, like National Rail if you're in the UK.

Disabled Train Travel in Europe

If you or someone that you're travelling with has a disability, rail travel is an incredible way to make your dream Eurotrip a reality. Travelling by rail cuts out a lot of potential issues you could face when flying or taking buses.

In Western Europe, most trains have disabled access, station assistance and wheelchair spaces. Depending on your specific needs, it may be advised to arrange your journey through a travel agent or the rail company you plan to travel with. In Eastern Europe, trains can be trickier to navigate due to there being older carriages and stations - so if in doubt, please do check.

If walking short distances or being able able to get in and out of a wheelchair unaccompanied are okay for you or your companion, you may not need to do anything differently before you travel Europe by rail. Luggage racks can be used to store wheelchairs that fold, and regular seats can be booked if you feel confident to do so.

Booking a wheelchair space for your journey can be done online or over the phone. In all Western European railway stations, ramps for access if required are standard, as are wheelchair spaces on trains. Station assistance can be booked in advance too, should you need it.

It's not a problem either if you or your companion uses a power-chair, or needs accompaniment by a carer. Carers can often travel by rail for free or at a discounted rate. Do bear in mind though that there may be some restrictions on the kinds of trains you can travel on, but as long as you know the dimensions of your chair, it's easy to check, prepare and accommodate. Changing your trains during your journey is fine too, as you can arrange for a station assistant to pick you up from one train and make sure you get onto your next one.

In any event, due to the variety of needs different travellers have, it's always best to get in touch with the rail provider directly to explain your requirements.

The Final Word

Preparing to travel Europe by train is an exciting experience in itself, but it can also be stressful. Getting the best possible rail deal can be difficult, unless you have a lot of spare time to spend researching and comparing prices. Research is key. That means browsing different train booking sites as well as the deals on this page to check prices.

Buying individual rail tickets for Europe can save money for some, whereas buying an InterRail/EuRail pass is the best for others. A combination of all of the above ticket types could even be the way to get maximum value from your Eurotrip.

It goes without saying as well, but remember to follow all the rules of travel to avoid any unnecessary costs. We also think the best way to book train travel in Europe is through PlanMyEuroTrip.com using the offers on this page. New deals are added weekly, so be sure to keep checking back here, as well as joining our newsletter for the latest.

If you're still stuck, think about the type of experience you want. For some people, a rail pass is the better option for its flexibility, even if it's not the cheapest. Remember, making last minute changes to your advance tickets - or missing a set train - will cost you more than if you just got the pass in some cases, so choose wisely. Your Europe trip is supposed to be fun at the end of the day, and if you're feeling adventurous, it can be relatively spontaneous too.