What do you think is the best way to travel between multiple destinations within Europe? Is it by plane or is it by car? Let us tell you; neither of these! Traveling through Europe via rail is as quintessential as it can get. Unlike air travel, it allows you to take in the continent’s scenic beauty, and unlike road travel, it lets you be comfortable in your space and stretch your legs while you commute between destinations. It is easy. It is efficient. And it lets you feel European. What more could one ask for? Still not convinced? Read the guide below to find out all you need to know about train travel in Europe. As a bonus, we have some train itinerary suggestions for you towards the end.
Why Should You Travel Through Europe by Train?
Traveling through Europe by rail is a crucial feature of multi-destination tourism in the continent, and it is so for the right reasons. Europe is scaled by extensive rail networks that comprehensively connect most of the destinations. In fact, it is hard to find towns not connected via the rail system. So, you can add as many destinations as possible to your list of Europe itineraries and still be able to reach them conveniently and comfortably via train.
Additionally, the fact that train stations are situated in city centers and don’t have long check-ins and security lines present very compelling motivations to opt for train traveling. This is because of the following: on a multi-destination trip, time is of the essence. Since you have activities planned for each stop, failure to depart from one location on time would result in activities on the next destination. By being present in the city centers and not having long customs, train stations commute more efficiently. Another important fact that falls under the same umbrella is that trains are mostly reliable and on schedule. Contrast this with flights, where even the slightest weather disturbance causes delays, putting you off-schedule.
Is Traveling Europe by Train Right for You?
While there are several motivations why you should consider traveling Europe by train, there are a few factors that mar the experience for some. Firstly, travel times for rails can be significantly larger than flight hours. For example, if you plan on traveling from Paris to Prague via train, you will have to set aside approximately 15hr for the ride. On the other hand, a simple flight will cost you only about an hour. So, if you are not prepared to spend a large part of your itinerary just commuting from one destination to another, rail might not be for you.
Additionally, if you are on a budget, you need to know that exploring Europe by train itinerary can get really expensive in Europe. This is especially true for high-speed trains, which sometimes cost more than a regular flight. Therefore, you need to check all your options before making the final call.
The site such as Omio letting you compare trains, buses, and flights in Europe in one search.
Europe by Train Tips and Guidelines
Here are some great tips and guidelines you might want to consider when traveling by train in Europe
1. Find out if you should go for a rail pass
After you have decided to travel through Europe by train, you need to decide if point-to-point tickets suit you better than rail passes. Point-to-point tickets are your regular tickets that can be bought at train stations, and can get you from point A to B. Rail passes, on the other hand, are somewhat of a commitment. You choose a period of traveling, e.g., one week, fifteen days, one month, etc. The rail pass will then cover all your Europe train itineraries within or outside countries for your selected plan.
To know if you should go for a rail pass, you need to decide on a few key elements. Firstly, you need to know how many days you plan to be on the train. If your trip is short, i.e., one or two days, then getting a train pass would be much more expensive. On the other hand, if you expect to be traveling Europe by rail for a week or more, a train pass would prove to be budget-friendly. Secondly, you need to ask yourself how many counties you will be vising. The more countries there are on your train itinerary, the better it is to have a train pass, for it reduces travel costs.
Once you have made a decision as regards the rail pass, you need to make bookings. Try to ensure that you get bookings to increase flexibility and control.
Related: See also our blog post: The Beginner’s Guide to Eurail Passes.
2. See if your ticket requires validation
In case you bought a ticket but did not make a reservation, you will have to validate your ticket to enable Europe travel by train. This might sound complicated but is not. Just locate a validating machine at the train station and insert your ticket in it. It will stamp your ticket with a time and date of departure and return it to you. In case you are not sure if your ticket requires validation, you can always approach the information desk.
3. Get to the right platform
Train stations in Europe can be daunting and chaotic- especially the bigger ones. There are multiple platforms and a labyrinth of paths. Therefore, you need to make sure that you reach the station well in time to figure these details out and get to your platform before the departure time. After that, it is just finding one’s carriage and boarding the train and luggage, which is self-explanatory.
What are Some of the Best Europe Train Itineraries?
Have you decided to embark on a multi-destination Europe travel by train and are looking for some itinerary inspirations? Here are three of our favorite multi-city Europe by train itineraries we think you might like.
1. Amsterdam-Bruges-Paris
If you are looking to visit northern Europe’s highlights, you should consider a Europe by train itinerary that combines Amsterdam, Burges, and Paris. Starting from Amsterdam, you should spend a day just scaling the city on your feet, exploring its canals and bridges. Visit its extraordinary museums and UNESCO world heritage site. At night, let yourself loose in the city’s renowned clubs and party the night away.
Catch an early train to Burges the following day and reach your destination in time for some excellent afternoon snack. While here, remember to take a boat trip along the Burges canal and climb the Belfort tower’s top.
After you’re done doing so, hop onto a train that will get you to Paris. Please plan to spend the maximum amount of your time in this city, for it has a lot to offer. From iconic landmarks to excellent museums to exciting clubs, this city has it all.
Travel Guide & Planning Resources for Your Trip to Amsterdam, Burges, and Paris:
Enjoy this itinerary? Here you can find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your trip. Also, click here to browse our list of the best hotels in Amsterdam, Burges, and Paris to stay in.
Need more ideas to add to your itinerary? Find top attractions & things to do in Amsterdam, Burges, and Paris in addition to what already mentioned here.
2. Berlin-Prague-Salzburg
Another excellent Europe by train itinerary is the Berlin-Prague-Salzburg itinerary. You should start your trip to Berlin, where you should visit the city’s top attractions. These include, but are not limited to, East Side Gallery, Holocaust Memorial, and Reichstag.
Once you are done with Berlin, board your train and make it to Prague, your second destination. This small, yet gorgeous city is as inviting as a city can be. With the Kafka House, St. Vitus’ Cathedral, and the Prague Castle, there are multiple activities you can involve yourself in before leaving for Salzburg.
Salzburg is famous for its scenery and music. So, remember to explore hills, lakes, and most importantly, Mozart’s birth and residential places.
Travel Guide & Planning Resources for Your Trip to Berlin, Prague, and Salzburg:
Enjoy this itinerary? Here you can find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your trip. Also, click here to browse our list of the best hotels in Berlin, Prague, and Salzburg to stay in.
Need more ideas to add to your itinerary? Find top attractions & things to do in Berlin, Prague, and Salzburg in addition to what already mentioned here.
3. Venice-Florence-Rome
The Venice-Florence-Rome itinerary lets you experience the Italian culture, food, history, and wine comprehensively. Begin your trip in Venice, where you should spend the day cruising through its canals, walking down its tiny, cobblestone streets, and exploring its top attractions, like St Mark’s Square and Bridge of Sighs.
Board a train the following morning and arrive in Florence. Remember to look outside the window and witness the breathtaking beauty of the route. When in Florence, remember to feast on some authentic Tuscan food and red wine, and explore the city’s artistic atmosphere. Some destinations you must visit are the Cathedral of Santa Maria, Ponte Vecchio, and the Accademia Gallery.
Get on a train to Rome the following day and land in the historic city of the great Roman Empire. The list of attractions in this city is endless, but make sure that you visit the most popular ones at least, including the Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Trevi Fountain. You can also wander to the city’s lesser-known districts to escape the main town’s hustle and relax and interact with the locals.
Travel Guide & Planning Resources for Your Trip to Venice, Florence, and Rome:
Enjoy this itinerary? Here you can find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your trip. Also, click here to browse our list of the best hotels in Venice, Florence, and Rome to stay in.
Need more ideas to add to your itinerary? Find top attractions & things to do in Venice, Florence, and Rome in addition to what already mentioned here.
Related Posts:
- 10 of The Most Beautiful Wine Destinations in Europe You Can Visit by Train
- 3 of The Best Scandinavia by Train Itinerary Ideas for Amazing 1-3 Weeks Trips
- 5 Amazing Scenic Train Rides in Europe You Will Love
Need help planning a train trip in Europe?
Want to visit multiple cities within Europe by train but not sure where to begin? If you find this type of multi-city trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!
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