Europe Rail Passes - Buying Train Tickets

Rail Travel

Fast, Flexible & Fun! Choose...

Travel Tips for Europe ...
Planning Tips Packing Tips Money Tips

If you have never traveled abroad, it can seem like an intimidating experience. RELAX! It's actually very easy and lot's of fun. The key to a rewarding vacation is to keep things simple and be flexible

Boarding the Train...

On the first day of your train travel, have your rail pass validated at the station ticket window. The railroad official will enter the first and last day of the validity period on your pass, stamp your pass and you will have to show your passport. On each day of travel enter the date of travel on your pass before you board the train. Filling out this information once you are on the train is a big no-no as the rail views this as an attempt to ride for free.

Keep your passport and railpass with you at all times. You will need to show it frequently and losing them will surely put a damper on your vacation travel.

Arrive early. The trains leave on time and won't wait for you. Also be prepared to get off before your destination. The stop overs are usually short and if you wait till you arrive at the station to gather your belongings, you'll miss your stop.

Good to Know...

You can bring food on most trains and save money. Visit the local market before you board, ( there's usually one inside the train station) and load up on travel snacks such as fresh bread, local cheeses, and a bottle of wine or your favorite beverages.

Dining cars will usually accept credit cards. The cash they accept will be of the country that you are traveling to. For instance, if you hop on a train in Switerland, heading to say, Rome, any cash purchases will need to be in Euros, not Swiss Francs. But with many counties switching to the Euro, changing currency has been minimized.

Dogs and Bikes are usually allowed, however bringing a bike can be a hassle, since you may be required to box it for storage and pay an extea baggage fee. Not all trains accept bikes. Bikes must be checked through as baggage on trains such as the EC, IC, ICE, TGV.

Book a Night Train. Experience at least one night in a sleeping car. It will cost extra, and you must make reservations, but you make up for the cost by not staying at a hotel and beside's it adds to the adventure. Each countries sleeper compartments are a little different and trying out each one is fun. Break out your favorite snacks, then crawl into your comfortable bed and enjoy the views of the country side at night. Get lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking motion of the train and wake up to a delicious continental breakfast. A quick shower and your ready to start a new adventure in a different country.

Coupon Deals
Learn a Language and Save $30