All About Train Travel

Ticket discounts are based on advance purchase, availability, and certain restrictions. Everyone is eligible to receive discounted fares by purchasing an Economy or Comfort class ticket in advance. Youth and seniors can enjoy specific discounts as well. Discounted tickets are available for youth (under 26 of age), seniors (age 60 and over) and children (generally ages 4-11) but should be verified with each product.

Tickets can be purchased 60 to 120 days in advance depending on the route, or as little as 2 days prior to your departure from the USA, Caribbean, Central America, Mexico or Canada. The variance in how far out you can buy your tickets is dependent upon each of the individual railroads' own scheduling policies for making their tickets available for sales.

All passes and tickets can be purchased directly from Rail Europe on the phone or web or through a travel agent. For the best deals purchase your tickets two months in advance. Similarly, during peak season advance purchase will ensure your seat on the train(s).

Note: Anywhere Anytime France® e-tickets can be booked up to one hour prior to departure.

If you travel in a party of 10 or more, see our special group offers at  for a more customized travel solution. And keep in mind, even if you are not traveling in a group, there are ticket discounts are based on advance purchase, availability, and certain restrictions. Everyone is eligible to receive discounted fares by purchasing an Economy or Comfort class ticket in advance. Youth and seniors can enjoy specific discounts as well. Discounted passes are available for youth (under 26 years of age) or for a party of 2 or more.

You have up to four choices of accommodation on overnight trains; Economy, Freedom, Comfort and Premier Classes. In Economy Class, you can relax in a reclining seat. In Freedom Class, you’ll enjoy a ‘couchette’, in a shared compartment for up to 6. In Comfort Class, you’ll share a more relaxing compartment with two or three beds. Lastly, you can book a Premier Class ticket for a great night of sleep in a virtual hotel on wheels: private accommodations for one or two, private shower and toilets, and all food and drinks included. Accommodations vary per train.

Having a guaranteed seat on a train will depend on the type of ticket you have. If you have an “open ticket”, you can board the train, but you will not be guaranteed a seat. If you have an “open ticket” there will not be a coach nor seat number on your ticket. If you choose to make a seat reservation (at an additional cost) to have a guaranteed seat on the train, the coach and seat number will be included on a separate document.

If you have a ticket that includes your coach and seat number automatically, your 1st class ticket has guaranteed you a seat on the train.

View your search results select “View Fare and Accommodation Details”. This will display the fare rules for the fare you are viewing. If it displays “Reservation Included” you have a reserved seat. If it only displays “Open Seating” then you are only being provided a ticket that is valid on the train. A reservation will not be required or possible. All other detail results will include a reservation in the ticket price.

Having a seat reservation reserves a specific seat on the train, which is printed on your ticket. Seats are automatically assigned and cannot be individually selected. The reservation system will seat people as close together as possible. If you wish to move your seat, once the train has departed, you may do so (however, if a traveler gets on at another stop with that assigned seat, you might need to move again.)

Most tickets do not permit the traveler to hop on or off the train. If you are looking for more freedom, a rail pass would be the best choice.

Generally most high speed trains require reservations, as do scenic and overnight trains. Whenever possible, Rail Europe will include the price of your reservation in the quote we provide. For your reference, here’s a listing of trains that always require reservations: AVE, TGV, Thalys, Eurostar, Eurostar Italia, Artesia, Cisalipino, Lyria, Talgo, City Night Line, Elipsos Train Hotel, Glacier Express, GoldenPass, Bernina Express, Chocolate Train and the William Tell Express. The ICE requires reservations on any Sprinter train. Additionally the X2000 in Scandinavia will require reservations and most trains in Spain (Renfe).

Yes.