There is no better way of seeing Europe than by train. The combination of romance, relaxation, and scenery are unbeatable compared to any other method of transportation. Here are a few tips from our expert Travel Consultants to make the most out of your train trips while abroad and to travel the rails with confidence!
Make Sure You’re at the Right Train Station
Like any major city, European cities have multiple train stations, which can lead to a lot of mix-ups. Make sure to check your ticket stub and find out which station the train will be leaving from. Leave yourself enough time to get there and find your track. Also, do not assume that the station you arrive at in the city is the same station you’ll depart town from.
Allow Yourself Enough Time
Do yourself a favor and get to the train station twenty minutes before the train is scheduled to depart. It’s safe to assume it’ll take you about five minutes to identify what track your train is leaving form, five minutes to get a snack or drink, five minutes to get to the track, and five minutes to leisurely wait at the platform, daydreaming about how great your next stop is going to be!
Make Sure You’re at the Right Train
Trains in Europe are sometimes split in half, with one part peeling off during the journey to go somewhere entirely different. There’s usually notice at the stations, which can be found on posted leaflets, letting passengers know which cars are heading where. To avoid confusion, ask a rail worker to confirm the train car you’re about to get on is heading to your destination by showing them your train ticket.
Make Sure You Get off at the Right Stop
The train conductor may be announcing stops in a language you don’t speak, so it’s easy to get confused and accidently get off too early, or miss your stop completely. If this happens to you, immediately proceed to the ticket counter and rebook your ticket. To prevent this from happening in the first place, confirm your stop on a map in advance and double-check your ticket for the names of your departure and arrival stations. There may only be subtle difference from the names of the other stations, so knowing how many stops you can expect before arriving at your destination can put you at ease and give you confidence that you’ll get off at the right stop.
Consider Your Onboard Amenities
Most long-haul trains have restaurant or café cars, while shorter-distance trains offer snack carts. If you have dietary restrictions or want to save money, you might be better off picking up food at the train station or at a local market before you board. Visit Rail Europe’s website before you depart, where you can find out exactly which amenities will be available to you based on your train number located on your ticket stub. Some trains are also equipped with Wi-Fi, but access is generally only free in first-class. Also keep in mind that the service can be spotty. Curling up with a good book or enjoying the stunning scenery might be your best option for entertainment.
Sleep Safely and Soundly
Overnight accommodations must be reserved in advance. Sleepers (private cabins), couchettes (shared cabins with up to six beds), and reclining seats are all available in various comfort classes. If you opt for an overnight train, it can save you the expense of a hotel night and buy you extra sightseeing time at your destination. To ensure your safety, beware of the 7 PM rule; which states that direct trains departing after 7 PM only count for one travel day on a flexi pass, while trains leaving beforehand take up two days. Avoid booking a connection in the middle of the night, because not only will it disturb your sleep, it might also cost you an extra travel day! Also remember to keep your valuables close, especially if you are in a seat or cabin without locked doors.
