14 pro tips for European train travel

Traveling by train in Europe is a great way to see the continent and can provide travel that is quick, easy, and—quite often—affordable.

But if you’ve never traveled in Europe by train or have not done so since that study-abroad program way back when, then it’s worthwhile to keep in mind our train travel tips.

Why we love train travel

First of all, you get to see beautiful villages, lovely countryside, vineyards, mountain peaks, rivers, fields of sunflowers, and busy cities as you go.

You’re allowed to bring liquids on board and your own food if you want. No 3 oz. liquid restrictions! 

There are different fare categories on high-speed trains, and even quiet coaches. You have the freedom to move about, and, when seated, you’ll often find yourself enjoying more legroom than flying, no matter which category fare you’re traveling in. 

Sleeper trains are being reintroduced on some routes, which could eliminate a hotel night on your itinerary, saving you money.

Depending on your route, you may spend less time traveling by train than flying. And if not, it may be a worthwhile trade off.

For instance, getting to and waiting at the airport prior to an inter-European flight could take 3 hours or more. Take Naples to Venice as an example. Assume 3 hours travel and wait time at the airport. Then you have a 1.5h flight. Give yourself extra time to get from the arriving airport to the city center, and you’re up to about 5 hours or more for your air travel. The same route by train could be a much more comfortable, pleasant 5 hours, 20 minutes, city center to city center.

What’s not to love?

If we’ve convinced you, then read on for our expert train travel tips.​

14 European train travel tips

​1. You’ll be required to heft your own luggage into the train car with you and find a place to store it above or near your seat, or at the end of the car. The smaller your luggage, the better for everyone. We always encourage our guests to travel light!

2. Traveling between countries in the Schengen Zone is quite easy. If you’ve already been admitted to a Schengen Zone country, you will likely not need to show your passport to board the train or during your trip. Nevertheless, keep your passport safely tucked away, but handy. 

3. Many stations in large cities require you to show your ticket before being permitted onto the platforms. No biggie, but be prepared and have that ticket handy

4. When taking the Eurostar—often called the “Chunnel train”—either direction between mainland Europe and the United Kingdom, you’ll need to arrive at the station early to go through passport control, customs, and security screenings. The U.K. is not part of the Schengen agreement, but mainland Europe destinations are

5. There are bathrooms on trains. On newer, high-speed trains between strategic destinations, they are much like airplane bathrooms. On older regional trains, they may not be much more than a hole over the train tracks, covered by an ancient commode. Lighting, water, and soap optional. Eat and drink accordingly on regional trains.
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​6. Food is available on many trains. Some provide a dining car, which may be little more than a glorified snack bar with service. As a matter of fact, on some trains the only food option is, indeed, a vending machine. In first class, you may be provided a beverage and snack, such as cookies, or an entire hot meal at your seat. You may bring your own food on the train

7. Find your train’s platform number on overhead departure boards in large stations or on posters on the exterior track-side walls of small stations. The platform number may not display on departure boards until your train has arrived in the station. Be sure to look for your train number on the departure board or poster, rather than your destination, as your train may originate elsewhere or terminate at a destination beyond yours. Double check your train number on the display boards alongside the track before boarding the train

8. If a reserved seat is required, your ticket will specify the car and seat numbers. Look for the car (or coach) numbers on the outside of the train beside, or on, the door. Look for the seat numbers above the seat. They may not seem to be in consecutive order. 

9. If you are on a regional train with unreserved seats, your train ticket or pass will specify the class of service purchased. Look for a “1” or “2” on the side of the train or on the door as you enter the seating area to be sure you’re in the right type, or class, of car. If you do not have a reserved seat, and want to face forward for your trip, be sure when you sit down that you are facing away from the train station if the station is an in-and-out configuration or the direction the train was heading as it pulled in if it is a pass-through station.

10. Non-reserved seat train tickets may require validation (time stamping) prior to boarding. This is a biggie. If your ticket is not validated, you could be fined 50 Euros or more. Find a validation machine in the station or inquire for assistance at a ticket desk before boarding. How do you know if you need to validate your ticket? Read the fine print! Generally, you must validate it if there is no specific train date/time, bar code, or car/coach and seat number printed on the ticket

11. Your ticket will be checked by a conductor on the train, so keep your ticket readily available

12. It is customary to be quiet on the train. Loud chatter, raucous laughter and long phone conversations may be met with disapproval or reprimand by your traveling companions and/or the conductor.

13. Gone are the days when travelers could purchase a Rail Pass and hop on any train, any time. Depending upon the train you want to take (i.e., virtually all the high-speed trains, many overnight trains, etc.), you may be required to reserve a seat on a specific train at additional cost. Sometimes a Rail Pass is an economical choice. Sometimes you’ll save money buying individual tickets. If your trip is booked through Soirée, we’ll make the most affordable decision for your overall journey

14. If there is a delay on the track, take a deep breath, and remember, you’re in lovely Europe! If traveling with Soirée, you will have contact numbers in case a delay impacts your plans. We and your service providers are standing by to assist you 24/7.

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Traveling by train in Europe is a fun, relaxed, and pleasant experience. You can move around, take in the view, recline your seat, eat, plug in, and there might even be Wi-Fi available.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy this very typical and easy European travel experience!