The Ultimate Guide To Train Trip In Europe

One of the delights of vacationing in Europe is the cheap train rides that take you through scenic countrysides.

It’s easy moving from one part of the continent to another since most cities and smaller towns are interconnected by an efficient network of trains. One can quickly hop on a train from Budapest to Vienna without so much as going out and purchasing the tickets. But, of course, for tourists and new travelers figuring out everything you need for a seamless train adventure can be a little daunting.

So if you’re new to Europe or perhaps need a guide to plan your train trip around the continent, then this article is what you need.

Why you should train travel in Europe

Scenic Countrysides.

One of the most comfortable means of experiencing European countryside is through riding trains, as most tracks cut into the natural landscape offering great views, rolling hills, and luxuriant greenery.

Grab a window side seat and get lost watching the constant changing fantastic landscape as the hours’ slip by.

Stations are within walking distance of city center

Most European train stations are built right at the heart of the big cities which means no need for expensive taxis or lugging your luggage through large distances to your accommodation.

Trains run quite frequently

Except during strikes which are widely announced, by the way, most European trains run close to schedule and frequently. So even if you miss your ride, you can always follow the next.

Also, you don’t have to worry about canceled trips due to weather conditions or for whatever reason.

Avoid airport hassles

No security checks, no delays and no long queues to board a train. Unlike air travel where you have to go through lengthy security and customs checks, wait for luggage, travel long distances to and from airports, train travel eliminates those hassles for you.

Planning your train adventure

The first thing you want to do is plan out your itinerary such as choosing a destination. Perhaps, you’ve decided to travel through Central Europe from Vienna to Budapest. Once you’ve decided on a destination, the next is choosing the date for the trip.

Marking off the date you would go on the trip, ensures you can book ahead of time which qualifies you for some discount especially if you’re planning to take the speed train.

Once your departure date is set, the next step is to decide whether a Rail Pass or point-to-point ticket option is suitable for you.

Point-to-point versus a Pass

The point-to-point ticket is well, just that – a ticket that’s only valid from point A to point B. it’s an individual ticket usually bought most times at the station when traveling. Though recently, several online portals are offering point-to-point tickets, and they come in handy when making reservations.

The point-to-point tickets are an excellent option for those moments when you don’t have a clear idea of places you’d want to visit; or for those impromptu urges to go see a place. So, if you’re the type of traveler that loves improvising on the go then consider this option.

However, bear in mind that you’re most likely to wait on queues to purchase the tickets – this, of course, could be a downer for some travelers. Also, you might have to contend with the handling local currencies between stations, and again there’s just the off chance you might have to pay a higher price for the tickets. However, you can try online options like Trainline to avoid such hassle when looking to get cheap train and bus tickets while travelling across Europe.

On the other hand, a rail pass offers good value if you intend traveling extensively between cities in a country or several countries. It’s perfectly suited for those trips that involve multiple train rides in a day.

Most passes allow access to almost all trains in Europe; also you don’t have to worry about waiting in line for tickets.

However, a drawback of the Rail pass is sparse rail coverage in some of the areas you may want to visit. Places like Coastal Croatia, Southern Spain, Greece, Ireland, and some parts of Scotland, so be sure to check if there’s a train serving the area you intend visiting.

Bear in mind also, that pass holders might be required to pay additional fees for speed train in some countries. This additional cost adds up pretty quickly, hence can take the shine out of any gains made with the pass.

Here are some tips to help you figure out whether you need a point-to-point ticket or a Rail pass?

• How many train rides do you expect in a day? If you’re itinerary involves multiple train rides in a day say more than two and also long distance travels, then it’s definitely cheaper in the long term to go with a Rail Pass.
• How extensive is your train travel? If you’re only interested in getting from one point to another with no stops, then a point-to-point tickets will be just fine. However, if the train ride includes different stops, involves different cities spread across several countries then getting a pass is recommended.
• Compare point-to-point cost versus Pass cost. Depending on your region, you would notice a substantial difference in the price between the two options.

For instance, for someone in Germany, it would make more sense to use a Rail pass when traveling moderate distances compared to someone in Central Europe taking a train from Budapest to Vienna where ticket prices are incredibly low that there’s no significant difference between having a pass or purchasing a regular point-to-point ticket.

Once you’ve decided on the ticket option to go with, determine the type of train to take.

In most European countries, there’re three types of standard train type: Local, National, and International; each has its benefits and downsides.

Local trains serve every station along its route; connecting small and offbeat towns. If you have a bit of time, taking this train means discovering towns that are off the tourist path, getting closer to the locals and having a more profound and immersive experience.

The national trains often connect cities within a country faster than their local alternatives since they make fewer stops and of course charge higher fares than local trains.

International trains, on the other hand, connect large cities across the continent at high speed and they have the highest cost.

Is night travel worth it?

If you’re traveling great distances overnight journeys can help you save daylight times, hotel (hostel) charges, and of course, you’ll probably sleep through the more significant part of the trip.

You’d have the option to book a sleeper, couchette or sleep on a standard seat. With sleepers, you get real beds with mattresses and even wash basin. Couchette offers more bare sleeping arrangement, you’ll be sharing the sleeping compartment with other travelers.

Departing

On the day of your departure, it’s important to give yourself amp to time to get to the station, validate the ticket where necessary and wait for your train.

It essential to give yourself extra time to settle in and find your bearing as the station can be swimming with people heading in different directions and a little chaotic.

Head to the appropriate platform for your train, there’re prominent electronic boards at the station listing the upcoming trains, check to see your train is listed.

Be sure to position yourself in the best spot to so you can quickly board the train without much hassle. Once, aboard head to your seat, make yourself comfortable and enjoy your ride.