Europe is intricately connected by the rail services offered by both national and private operators. International border crossings are also seamless via trains. You can visit most European nations via train. It is especially recommended in Switzerland, Italy, France, Germany, and Scotland. All you need is a train ticket or a European train pass and valid ID documents.
If you wish to enjoy picturesque views and comfortable amenities at affordable prices while making your way from one city center to another destination, trains offer the best way to get around Europe.
TGV (primarily within France & its neighboring countries), TGV Lyria (between France & Switzerland), ICE (InterCity Express, mainly within Germany & nearby nations), Le Freece (Italy), Railjet (Austria & nearby nations), Eurostar (cities across France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, & Great Britain) and many more high-speed trains service across the length and breadth of Europe.
Rail passes are a good investment for numerous train journeys across Europe. Eurail or Interrail Passes permit unlimited travel across 33 European countries.
Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Luzern-Interlaken Express, Cinque Terre, Centovalli Railway, and Black Forest Railway are some of the most scenic train journeys in Europe.
You can generally find these types of trains in Europe: High-speed trains connecting long distances at a quick pace, regional trains covering short and long distances but with more stops, local trains calling at most stops over a shorter line, scenic trains traversing incredible landscapes and luxury trains like the Orient Express. There are also night trains that cover long distances overnight.
In most cases, you need your train ticket or a valid train pass like Eurail or Interrail and your Passport (when you are a tourist) while traveling on European trains. If you are a tourist, keep other travel documents like a valid visa, handy and produce them when requested. European residents may also carry their official residency card as proof.
Yes, most European train tickets are available for reduced prices, not just for children, but also senior citizens, and youth.
Long-distance or high-speed trains in some European countries maintain dynamic pricing, so the sooner you get the tickets, the better the deals. This is also ideal because tickets can sell out in peak season. However, this does not usually apply to regional or local trains, which have fixed rates.
A train ticket purchased separately usually includes the seat reservation charges. However, this is not the case for train passes, as the reservation costs are not included in the pass.