Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which product is the right one for me?
So now that I found the right product, how do I go about buying the ticket, and when do I do that?
What if I only speak English?
Do you offer any discounts?
What’s the story with overnight trains, and what are the ticket options?
Will I feel safe?
Is it possible to get lost?
Are additional services available at the stations?
How early should I arrive to catch my train?
What do I do with my ticket or pass at the station?
What if my plans change?
How would you describe the trains?
Is it ok to bring food on board?
Will I have any trouble finding the right train, the right car, and the right seat on the train?
What do I do with my luggage?
You’ve told me about accommodations for overnight travel, but how do the options differ for day trains?
Where can I get more information about the destinations before I leave?

1. How do I know which product is the right one for me?

Well, that all depends on how long you plan to travel for, not to mention the number of countries and cities you intend to visit. Our recommendation to you would be if you plan on traveling for more than 3 days, consider getting a pass. For less than 3 days, purchasing individual tickets is the better way to go. You should also consider a pass if you are not sure about your itinerary. The pass will give you the flexibility to change your plans at will.

There are two types of passes, Flexipass and Consecutive Pass. Consecutive passes provide unlimited rail travel every day for the duration of the pass. This is ideal for anyone who expects to move around a lot and travel by train each day. A Flexipass is valid for a specific number of travel days within a longer period (e.g. 3 days within one month), so it gives you more flexibility to choose the specific days when you want to travel by rail.

2. So now that I found the right product, how do I go about buying the ticket, and when do I do that? Also, do you do e-tickets or e-passes?

You can purchase your tickets or passes through your travel agent or directly from Rail Europe – on their website or via phone. Rail Europe’s offer is only available for North American travelers while still in the USA, Mexico or Canada, and offers you peace-of-mind that you will have your tickets/passes in your hands prior to your departure. Additionally, rail passes and tickets can be bought up to 2 days prior to your departure. For the best deals you should purchase your tickets a month in advance. Similarly, during the peak travel season advance purchase will ensure your seat on the train(s). Tickets can be purchased up to 60 to 120 days in advance, depending on the routes. Unfortunately, E-tickets or E-passes do not exist.

3. What if I only speak English?

Traveling in a foreign country can seem a bit disconcerting when you don’t speak the language, but there is no need to worry. Train stations in Europe are very traveler friendly. Although each station is unique, you will find that the signs in most major train stations are in international pictograms. You’re probably already familiar with these from airports, train stations, etc. that you’ve experienced in the US. However, if you’re still confused, ask a member of the station staff for help (you’ll find many do speak English) or just check the platform for a full list of station stops prior to boarding.

Additionally, you should match up the train number and departure times on your ticket with the board displays at the stations to find the correct platform number. This will direct you to your train. One thing to note is that clocks keep Military Time (listed from 0 to 24 hours) in Europe, but don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.

4. Do you offer any discounts?

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) or for a party of 2 or more. If you travel in a party of 10 or more, contact our group department (www.eurogroups.com) to arrange a more customized travel solution.

5. What’s the story with overnight trains, and what are the ticket options?

The advantage of overnight trains is that you travel while you sleep, which gives you more time to enjoy the cities you are visiting during the day and saves on your hotel cost.

We offer you 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.

6. Will I feel safe?

To alleviate any fears, it’s important to realize that trains in Europe are quite the common and accepted mode of transportation for locals and travelers alike. Furthermore, contrary to some travelers’ fears, you will not be asked to share a seat with chickens or other assorted farm animals. The trains have nice accommodations, so just sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery.

7. Is it possible to get lost?

Well, anything is possible, especially if you are the type of person who tends to get lost in train stations. All humor aside, you should be able find your way around without too much difficulty or hardship. Once again, each station is unique, but you will find the signs in most to include internationally recognizable pictograms. You will recognize these from any previous experience you’ve had with airports, train stations, etc. If you’re still confused, members of the station staff are approachable, and many do speak some English. Otherwise, simply check the platform for a full list of station stops prior to boarding.

Additionally, you should look at your ticket and match the train number and departure times on your ticket with the board displays at the stations to find your platform number. You should also note that time in Europe is kept in Military Time (listed from 0 to 24 hours), but don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.

8. Are additional services available at the stations?

There are additional services offered at most stations. These include, but are not limited to: currency exchanges, information desks, rest rooms, as well as dining and gifts shops.

9. How early should I arrive to catch my train?

You should arrive at the station at least 30 minutes prior to your departure. This will allow enough time to clear the station security and catch your train. Furthermore, if it’s a large station and you need to validate your pass, you should arrive earlier to ensure that you get where you need to go and that your railpass is validated in time. It’s always best to give yourself ample time rather than rushing, especially in a new environment.

10. What do I do with my ticket or pass at the station?

If you are traveling with a ticket, you can simply board the train. If you have a pass, it must be validated at the station before your first travel day, and afterwards you can simply board the train. Be sure to fill in the date of each travel day on your pass before showing it to the conductor.

11. What if my plans change?

The beauty of the pass is that you are not locked in to any specific departure point or any particular time. If you purchase a railpass, you can simply board the trains as you please, but please note that most high-speed trains do require that you make a reservation. Reservations can easily be purchased in advance, for a nominal fee, at the same time that you purchase your railpass. If you do happen to miss your reserved train, you can always go to a ticket office and purchase a new reservation. The only caveat is that you must be in the same country as the departure city in order to make the required change.

In addition tickets offer some flexibility as well. If you purchase a Freedom or Premier ticket you can change the date or time of your travel either for free or for a nominal fee.

12. How would you describe the trains?

Trains vary from country to country and the accommodations are actually quite pleasant. Contrary to some travelers’ fears, you will not be sitting with chickens or other assorted farm animals. To help ensure your comfort, there are 4 categories of service to be considered, ranging from the backpacker special or Economy Class to luxury travel or Premier Class. Furthermore, eating and drinking is permitted on all trains, however, smoking is usually not.

13. Is it ok to bring food on board?

Eating and drinking are permitted on all trains. If you travel with a Premier ticket, certain routes include food and drinks served to you at your seat, or you can visit the dining car or bar car. Travelers in Economy, Freedom or Comfort Classes have the option to purchase food and drinks depending on the train. Smoking, however, is not permitted on most trains.

14. Will I have any trouble finding the right train, the right car, and the right seat on the train?

Each station is unique, but you will find that the signs in most major train stations are in international pictograms. You will recognize these from any previous experience you’ve had with airports, train stations, etc. If you’re still confused, members of the station staff are approachable, and many do speak some English. Otherwise, simply check the platform for a full list of station stops prior to boarding.

You should also match up the train number and departure times on your ticket with the board displays at the stations to find the correct platform number. This will direct you to your train. In addition to the platform numbers, your train car or carriage as well as your seat will be numbered in order to help you find your way. One thing to note is that clocks keep Military Time (listed from 0 to 24 hours) in Europe, but don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.

15. What do I do with my luggage?

On the trains, you will find compartments available to store your luggage either upon entering the train cars or in overhead compartments. It is in your best interest to clearly label all of your luggage with your name to avoid any mix-ups. Rest assured, you will not have a problem finding a place to secure your belongings.

16. You’ve told me about accommodations for overnight travel, but how do the options differ for day trains?

There are up to four choices of accommodation that we offer for day trains. With both Economy and Freedom Classes, you will enjoy a standard seat and friendly atmosphere. In Comfort or Premier Class, you will relax in a roomier, more comfortable seat, while traveling in a more exclusive atmosphere, away from the crowds.