If you’re looking to explore Europe by train, then you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will dive into everything you need to know about traveling by train in Europe—from tickets and prices to tips on how to make your trip even better. No matter where in Europe you want to go, we can help you get there by rail. So don’t wait any longer, hop over to our website and start planning your dream trip today!
Why Train?
There are a number of reasons why travellers might choose to take the train instead of flying or driving when touring Europe. For one, tickets can be considerably cheaper than airfare, and train travel is also generally more environmentally friendly. Additionally, travelling by train allows you to see a variety of different scenery and towns, without having to rush around or waste time on long road trips. This guide will show you how to buy tickets and find the best deals for travelling by train in Europe.
When planning your trip, it's important to first determine what type of train you want to take.
There are three main types of European trains
- Regional trains (which cover smaller distances) – Book it Now
- Intercity trains (which connect major cities) – Book it Now
- Express trains (which travel at high speeds) – Book it Now
Once you decide which type of train you want to use, it's important to purchase your ticket in advance. Regional trains tend to be the cheapest option, while Intercity trains are more expensive but offer more luxurious features such as Wi-Fi access and dining options. Express trains are the most expensive option but offer the fastest travel times between destinations.
Is Train Travel in Europe Right For You?
As trains have become a popular way to explore Europe, there are a few things to keep in mind before booking your ticket. For instance, not all trains travel through the whole of the continent. So if you're interested in seeing as much of Europe as possible, be sure to read up on train types and plan your route accordingly. And while tickets are relatively affordable compared to airfare, make sure you're aware of any special deals or discounts that may be available. Finally, be prepared for delays and cancellations – rail travel has its share of woes, but it's still a great way to see parts of Europe you wouldn't otherwise get to see.
ADVANTAGES TO TRAIN TRAVEL IN EUROPE
There are many great reasons to travel by train in Europe. Here are a few:
1. Train travel is affordable. Prices for train tickets can be as low as a fraction of the price of airfare, and you can save even more by buying tickets in advance.
2. You can explore the continent at your own pace. You don't have to worry about missed connections or rushing to get from one destination to the next.
3. The scenery is incredible. From mountain ranges to bustling cities, the scenery on trains in Europe is always something worth seeing.
4. Trains are comfortable and modern. Plus, they're often equipped with Wi-Fi, making them a great option for busy travelers who want to stay connected while on the go.
How to Buy Tickets
How to buy tickets for train travel in Europe
Train travel is one of the most affordable and efficient ways to explore Europe. If you're ready to get started, here are a few tips on how to buy tickets:
1. Start by checking the rail schedule. This is available on TheTrainline Official Website or at your local railway station. You can also search by route, type of train, or departure city.
2. Compare prices. Once you have a general idea of what you want, start comparing prices between different companies. Try using the Google search bar to find ticketing sites with different levels of user reviews and compare those ratings with your own personal experience buying tickets online.
3. Use discount codes and deals. Check websites like Trainline and raileurope deals that usually apply specifically to train travel (travelers often get a 25-50% discount off standard prices).
4. Book ahead as much as possible. It's always best to book your tickets as far in advance as possible, especially during peak season (July-August in particular). This way you'll avoid long lines and potential delays on your trip…not to mention the frustration of having to change your plans at the last minute!
Our guide to international rail passes
Discover the world by train with a rail pass. If you plan on travelling by train on your next getaway, you may find buying a rail pass is more cost-effective than buying individual train tickets. At Trainline, we sell international rail passes for many countries and continents across the globe including Europe, Great Britain and Japan.
Keep scrolling to see which passes you can buy with us, tap the blue button to book your pass straight away or tap find out more to read your dedicated guides to each pass.
European rail passes
If you're planning a trip to Europe and want to visit more than one country during your visit, an Interrail or Eurail pass is a great way to simplify your train travel and save money along the way. Cheaper than buying individual tickets, the only difference between these two passes is that one is for EU residents and the other is for those visiting from elsewhere.
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Book an Interrail Passes
With the Interrail Pass, you can discover Europe by train and travel across the continent with 10,000 destinations to discover.
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Book an Eurail Passes
With the Eurail Pass, you can discover Europe by train and travel across the continent with 10,000 destinations to discover.
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Book Swiss Rail Passes
With a Swiss Rail Pass, you'll get to enjoy unlimited travel on Swiss trains, buses, boats, cable cars and public transport in more than 90 cities.
What to Bring on Your Trip
When planning your trip to Europe, one of the most important decisions you'll have to make is what type of travel you want to do. Do you want to fly? Take a bus? Or take the train?
Each mode of transportation has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Here's a breakdown of each:
> Flights: Flying is undoubtedly the fastest way to get from Point A to Point B, but it can also be the most expensive. Depending on the route, flying can also be crowded and time-consuming. Additionally, you're limited in how much baggage you can carry with you.
> Buses: Bus travel is often cheaper than flying, but it can be slower and less comfortable. You may have to wait for hours at busy stops, and luggage space is usually limited.
> Trains: Trains are by far the most popular form of long-distance travel in Europe. They're comfortable, quiet (or nearly so), and often scenic. Many trains have restrooms and dining facilities, which makes them great options if you're traveling with a group or if you plan on spending a lot of time on your trip outside of cities.
So, if you want to travel with train then book the ticket from TheTrainline.com
The Best Trains to Travel Europe By
If you're looking to explore the best of Europe by train, there are a number of different routes and trains to choose from. Here are some of the best trains to travel Europe by:
1. The Eurostar: This train service connects London with Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne and other major European cities. It's always recommended to check Eurostar prices as they can change at any time, but generally tickets cost around £100-£200 each way.
2. The Italian Railways: Trains heading into Italy pass through some beautiful countryside including the Apennines Mountains and the Riviera del Garda coastline. There are several different types of tickets available for different lengths of stay so make sure you investigate all your options before booking your trip. Cost for an average journey on these trains ranges from around €60-€130 per person.
3. The German Railways: If you're interested in travelling through Germany then take a look at Deutsche Bahn (DB). DB offers a range of different types of tickets which can be used on both long distance and regional trains. Tickets between major cities such as Berlin, Munich and Hamburg generally cost around €50-€100 per person depending on the length of your trip and whether or not you have any discounts applied.
4. Spain's Renfe: If you're looking to explore Spain by train then take a look at Renfe – this is one of Spain's oldest railway companies dating back over
How Much Does It Cost to Travel by Train?
There are many ways to travel by train in Europe, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
So, how much does it cost to travel by train? Here's a breakdown of costs for different types of trains:
The cheapest way to travel by train is to buy tickets online at TheTrainline.com website. This can be a great option if you're planning ahead and know what routes you want to take. Prices for basic single-ticket prices start at around €10 (£7) for most European destinations. For more elaborate itineraries, there are also Eurail Passes available which can save you a lot of money.
If price is not your main concern, travelling by train can be an enjoyable experience. Most stations have helpful staff who can show you around and tell you about the local area. You'll also get the opportunity to meet other travellers and make new friends.
Tips for Planning a Trip
Planning your trip to Europe by train can be a daunting task, but with some careful planning and research, it's definitely possible. Here are a few tips for making your journey easier:
1. Consider the type of train you want to take. There are several different types of trains in Europe, including classic steam trains, Amtrak routes, Eurail passes and more. Before buying your tickets, it's important to know which type of train you'll be taking.
2. Compare prices and find the best deal. Tickets can get expensive quickly so it's important to compare prices before buying them. You can also search for discount codes or deals online before boarding your train.
3. Research the rail networks in each country you're visiting. In many cases, one network will cover most of the countries in Europe so it's important to have an understanding of which rail lines are available in each country you'll be traveling through. This information is available on https://trainline.com
4. Make reservations well in advance. It's always a good idea to make reservations as far ahead as possible so that there are no delays on your trip. You can make reservations online at https://www.theTrainline.com
5. Pack lightly and avoid carrying too many heavy items with you on the train; luggage racks are limited on.
Conclusion
Traveling by train across Europe is a great way to see the continent and avoid the hassle of trying to navigate busy airports. Not only are trains often cheaper than flying, but they also offer a more immersive experience that allows you to take in the sights and sounds of the various countries you visit. If you're looking for some tips on how best to travel by train across Europe, be sure to check out our full guide below.
