All About Train Travel

If you managed to take an international flight to Europe, you’ll have absolutely no difficulties going by train within Europe – even if you only speak English.

If you travel with a pass, check our How To Travel with a Pass section to know more about reservations. If you have a ticket in hand, you’re all set.

First thing: go to the right train station. Simple enough, but many large cities have several stations (like they have several airports), so it’s wise to double-check. If you have a ticket or a reservation, the name of the train station is printed on it. If you just have a pass and are traveling without a reservation, simply check our schedules  to know which train station your train is leaving from. Fortunately, European stations are centrally located and easy to access by taxi or local transportation systems.

In a station, trains are located according to a platform or track number (like gates for planes). Check for your train platform number on the departure board and follow the signs. Arriving 20 to 30 minutes in advance will give you ample time to find your train and do some last minute purchasing if needed. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask for staff assistance: they’re there to help.

If you have a reserved seat, your ticket will show a coach number and a seat number. The coach (or ‘carriage’) number is displayed by the door of each train car. The seat numbers are displayed above the seats, like in an airplane.

You’ll find luggage racks above and/or between the seats, and at the end of each carriage. And you’ll find there’s no easier, stress-free way to travel. So sit back and relax while sightseeing in comfort through the real Europe. There are even on-board announcements to make sure you have time to gather your belongings and head to the exit door without rushing as your destination approaches.