When I first got here, I was terrified of driving to travel and had heard only good reviews about the rail transport network in Europe. But where to start? At the time, I eagerly read tips on lots of travel blogs, to the point of saturating my brain with information. So, to make it easier for you, here is a compilation of my best tips for travelling by train in Europe as well as several lessons learned.
TOP 5 TIPS
Get acquainted with the train station. Arrive early enough, some stations are huge. Do a recce to find out where your platform is, the toilets, etc.
Travelling light with a backpack is ideal. It will allow you to move faster and with more ease through the crowds in the station and it is much easier to get on the train than with a large suitcase. Plus, the storage compartment above your seat is large enough to accommodate your bag, leaving you with a clear conscience during the journey.
Bring a picnic! True, long-distance trains usually have a coffee wagon, but nothing is better than having your own feast as you watch the landscapes pass by. (Psstt: alcoholic beverages are welcome on the train, so remember to take your favorite drink with you!)
For trips with children, do not rely on the Wi-Fi offered on the train, often the connection is weak and unstable. Instead, plan activities to do solo or as a family on the train in order to pass the time.
Subscribe to the newsletter of the railway companies that interest you (especially for high-speed trains). For example, by subscribing to Euro Star notifications, you will receive emails when this company offers seat sales, and you can get a seat for as little as 39€ per trip. (As an indication, the most affordable amount for a round trip from Brussels-Midi to St-Pancras International in London is 78€ per person.)
SOME LESSONS LEARNED
Make sure you have enough time between 2 connections, because as mentioned above, some stations are huge and can have up to 30 platforms. It is better to have a little extra time before your next train leaves than running around the station to avoid missing your connection.
Keep in mind that the time on your ticket is when the train leaves, make sure you know when the operator stops boarding and closes the gate.
Make sure you are in the right car, but also in the right class. As a general rule, there will be a 1 or 2 written on each wagon, to differentiate the 1st class from the 2nd class. It can be expensive to be sitting in the wrong class when the controller checks your tickets.
Check the live departure boards OFTEN, platforms are often displayed at the last minute, or they can be changed. Train delays are also indicated.
Learn in advance about track maintenance, detours and possible strikes, all of which are factors influencing the train travel experience. You should be aware that strikes are frequent in Europe, and, in this respect, it is good practice to draw up an alternative plan.
As a bonus, here are some useful links:
Have a nice trip!
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