Take a Train Through Europe

An excellent transportation option in Europe is on the tracks. Train trips are beautiful all year round, especially so in summer, which is when many backpackers take to the trains. The trains are fast and comfortable, taking you everywhere from tiny villages to capital cities. As well, traveling by train is an excellent way to get to know people from all parts of the globe. In Europe there are more than 80,000 departures scheduled every day. As well as being punctual and having various useful services at the stations, the cars are modern and the seating is extremely comfortable. They also have bars and restaurants on board to allow you to savor the flavors of Europe.

European train stations are usually located in the center of cities and are well integrated with various other tourist amenities. As well as being handy for accessing buses, underground systems and taxis, there are information centers, facilities for booking hotels, money exchange booths, phones and even banks located within the European train stations.

Trains, without doubt, are the most practical and comfortable mode of transport for getting around Europe. More than 300,000 people use the train services in Europe. Even one traveling alone will never be lonely. Compartments are separated into smoking and non-smoking, sleeping cars, bars and restaurants, and passengers receive all the attention that only comes from a well equipped and well trained service staff.

The European trains cross the whole continent, allowing you access to 27 countries and more than 100,000 destinations. Slipping quickly through the countryside, it is easy to relax and watch beautiful European landscapes pass by.

There are several types of rail passes: Eurailpass, Europass, Britrailpass, and a host of more specialized packages available. The various passes allow you to become familiar with many countries and cities in Europe, as well as the various peoples that are all a part of Europe's proud cultures. Passes can be purchased which will allow you to pass from country to country as many times as you wish within an allocated time-frame. With other types of passes you will have the option to only buy only certain legs. Some countries also add boat passages, buses, cable cars and various special discounts. As well as conventional international trains, the high-speed trains of France (the TGV), Germany (ICE), Spain (AVE) and Italy (ETR 500) are accessible with these passes. Eurailpass and Europass are not sold in Europe so you need to purchase them before leaving home.

The following information on Europe's train services will give you a good overview of what is offered.

Types of Pass

Consecutive Days or Flexipass?

A consecutive pass is purchased with a predetermined validity length. The Validity begins counting off on the first day that the ticket is used. For example, if you hold a 21-day pass and the first time you use it is the 1 August, it will be valid until midnight 21 August.

A flexipass, on the other hand, allows you to choose the days you travel within a specified time limit. For example, you may be able to use your ticket for any 15 traveling days within a 2-month period.

First or Second Class?

Although older passengers do purchase them, second-class rail tickets are sold primarily to travelers 26 years of age or younger. Not all trains have first class seating, especially night trains, but a first class ticket allows you a second-class berth. If you are traveling on a second-class ticket but require a first class berth for a section of the journey, you can pay for an upgrade for that section.

BritRail Passes

If you are planning a trip to the United Kingdom, it is worthwhile familiarizing yourself with the following array of train ticket options.

BritRail Classic: Choose anything between 4 days and a month of unlimited train travel, anywhere in Britain.

BritRail FlexiPass: Choose between 4, 8 or 15 days of unlimited travel within a 2-month period.

BritRail Family Pass: One child (age 5 to 15) travels free when an adult or senior purchases a ticket of the same type and duration. It may be used along with the BritRail Classic Pass, FlexiPass, Pass + Ireland or the Party Pass.

BritRail Party Pass: Only available in first class and all passengers must travel together at all times. The third and fourth passengers receive a 50% discount and up to 2 children (aged 5 to 15) travel free with the Family Pass. Additional children are half price and children under 5 travel free.

BritRail Pass + Ireland: Unlimited travel in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including the roundtrip Stena Line sea crossing (reservations for the sea crossing not necessary). Choose either 5 or 10 days travel within a month. Up to 2 children (aged 5 to 15) are free with the BritRail Family Pass, or else children are half price. Children under 5 travel free.

BritRail Days Out from London Pass: Unlimited travel in the south east of England. Choose 2 or 4 days travel out of 8, or 7 days travel out of 15. Children under 5 travel free.

BritRail Special Days Out: There are three possibilities, each one to be completed within one day. Choose a 'Day Out' to Leeds Castle, Stonehenge and Salisbury, The Potteries, or The Wedgewood Center.

BritRail Pass + Drive: A 2-day FlexiPass plus a 3-day Avis car rental with unlimited miles, VAT included and no pick-up or drop-off fees. Automatic transmission is slightly more expensive. Extra car days can be purchased.

Freedom of Scotland TravelPass: Includes coaches, the spectacular West Highland line and sea travel to the western and northern islands. Some services are not included but do offer generous discounts to Freedom of Scotland ticket holders. Choose to travel 4 days out of 8, or 8 days out of 15. Children (aged 5 to 15) travel for half the adult price. Children under 5 travel for free.

Freedom of Wales FlexiPass: Travel on Welsh mainline trains and most major buses. Choose either 4 days of train travel with 8 days of bus, or 8 days of train travel with 15 days of bus. The pass qualifies you for discounts on Wales' preserved railways, selected visitor attractions and some bus tours. Children under 5 travel for free.

Eurostar Plus BritRail Pass: This is the BritRail FlexiPass plus the opportunity to add Paris or Brussels to your journey. There is no need to book your Eurostar leg (that is, the journey to Paris or Brussels) until you are in England.

Caledonian Sleepers: Sleeper train service to and from Scotland that may originate either in London or Scotland.

Gatwick Express: Cover the 27 miles between Gatwick Airport and Central London in 30 minutes. The station at Gatwick is actually part of the airport complex and is closer to the arrivals lounge than buses and taxis. Choose either one-way or return, first class or express class.

Heathrow Express: Just 15 minutes between Heathrow Airport and Paddington Station or London's West End. Choose one-way or return, first class or standard. Up to 4 children (aged 5 to 15) travel free with each adult ticket.

Stansted Express: Running between Stansted Airport and Liverpool Street Station. Choose one-way or return, first class or standard. Up to 4 children (aged 5 to 15) travel free on each adult ticket.

BritRail Point-to-Point Tickets: Choose travel between two selected stations with no restrictions as to time, day or train. Stopovers between points are allowed and return tickets are available. Children (aged 5 to 15) travel for half the adult fare and children under 5 travel for free.

Austrian Rail Pass

Choose up to 8 days, though you may add extra days. Children (aged 6 to 11) travel for half the adult fare. Children under 6 travel for free. This type of ticket is valid only in Austria.

Balkan Flexipass

Choose any 5, 10 or 15 days first class travel in a month. Balkan Flexipass Youth is available for those under 26 and Balkan Flexipass Senior for those over 60. Children (aged 4 to 12) travel for half the adult fare. Children under 4 travel for free. Valid for travel in Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Turkey and Yugoslavia (including Montenegro and Serbia).

Benelux Tourrail Pass

Valid for up to 5 days travel in a month, first or second-class passage. Youth (aged 4 to 25) and Tourrail discounts available.) Valid in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, usually regarded in these various passes as one country called Benelux.

European East Pass

Choose to travel any 5 days in a month with the opportunity to add up to 5 extra days. There are discounted fares for 12 to 25 year olds. Children (4 to 11) travel for half the adult fare and children under 4 travel for free. Valid in Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.

France-n-Italy Flexipass

Choose to travel any 4 days in a month, with the possibility of adding up to 6 travel days. Saverpass discounts are available for parties of 2 to 5 people traveling together at all times, and youth passes available at a discounted rate for those between 12 and 26 years of age. Children (aged 4 to 11) travel at half the adult fare and children under 4 travel for free. Valid in France and Italy.

Iberic Flexipass

Choose any 3 days of first class travel in a month, with the opportunity to add up to 7 extra travel days. Children (aged 4 to 11) travel for roughly half the adult fare and children under 4 travel for free. Valid in Spain and Portugal.

Scanrail Pass

Choose either 5 or 10 traveling days in a 2 month period, or a 21-day consecutive travel pass, with the opportunity to add up to 5 extra travel days on any ticket. Discounted youth fares for those between 12 and 25 years of age, and senior fares for those over 60 are available. Children (aged 4 to 11) travel for half the adult fare and children under 4 travel for free. Valid within Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Scanrail 'n Drive

Combine the convenience of train travel with the flexibility of car rental. Choose any 5 days train travel and any 2 days unlimited mileage Avis car rental, with the opportunity to add extra car rental days. Any third or fourth person sharing the car need only purchase the Scanrail Pass.

Eurail Passes

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the variety of Eurail Passes and Europasses if you plan to spend any time traveling through continental Europe.

Eurail Pass

Choose between 15 days and 3 months of consecutive traveling days, or 10 or 15 traveling days within a 2-month period. Save up to 18% for two or more people traveling together on the Eurailpass Saver. Children (aged 4 to 11) travel for half the adult rate and children under 4 travel for free. 17 countries are covered by the Eurail Pass; Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Eurailpass Flexi

Choose between 10 and 15 traveling days in a 2-month period in the same 17 countries as the Eurail Pass. A Eurailpass Saver Flexi allows 2 or more people traveling together to receive up to 15% discounted rates.

Eurailpass Youth

Choose between 15 days, 21 days, 1 month, 2 months or 3 months second-class travel for those under 26 on the first day of travel. The Eurailpass Youth Flexi allows you to choose 10 or 15 traveling days in a 2-month period if you are under 26 on the first day of travel.

Eurail Selectpass

Choose between 5, 6, 8 or 10 first-class traveling days in a 2-month period. You may select any 3 countries joined by rail or ship within the 17 European countries described in the Eurail Pass above. The Benelux countries of Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands count as one country in this instance. The Eurail Selectpass Saver gives two or more people traveling together a 15% discount on the Selectpass, and the Eurail Selectpass Youth gives second-class travel to those under 26 on the first day of travel.

EurailDrive Pass

Choose any 4 days train travel combined with 2 days unlimited mileage Avis or Hertz car rental in a 2-month period. There is an opportunity to add car rental days and up to 5 extra days train travel. Special prices for any third or fourth person sharing the car are available. The Eurail Selectpass Drive combines the benefits of car rental with the Eurail Selectpass described above.

Europass®

Choose between 5 to 15 first-class traveling days in a 2-month period. Discounted youth rates for travelers between 12 and 25 are available. Children (aged 4 to 11) travel for half the adult rate and children under 4 travel for free. Valid in Europe's five most popular countries, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. You also have the option of adding one or two extra countries from the following list: Austria/Hungary, Greece, Portugal or the three Benelux countries, Belgium, Luxembourg and Netherlands, all of which count as one country in this instance.

Europass® Drive

Choose any 3 days first class travel by train combined with 2 days unlimited mileage car rental within a 2-month period. There is the opportunity to add extra days car rental and up to 7 extra days train travel. Special prices are available to any third or fourth person sharing the same car. Make the most of this opportunity to see exactly what you want in Europe's five most popular countries.

France Railpass

Choose any 4 traveling days in a month. If 2 or more people plan to travel together then the France Saverpass will give a 15% discount on ticket prices. Those under 26 may choose the France Youthpass for cheaper tickets. All tickets have the option of purchasing up to 6 extra traveling days. A France Railpass also entitles you to heavy discounts (often 50%) on several French attractions. Valid only in France. See the France-n-Italy Flexipass described above if you are interested in visiting 2 of Europe's favorite destinations on the same ticket.

The France Rail 'n Drive allows you to travel long distances by train and do the real exploring by car. It gives you 3 days traveling by train and 2 days Avis car rental within a month, with the opportunity to purchase extra car rental days or up to 6 extra train-traveling days.

Greek Flexipass Rail 'n Fly

Greece and 34 Greek Islands, including Crete and Corfu, are within reach on this ticket. It includes 3 first-class traveling days and 2 coupons for use on selected Olympic Airways flights. The Greek Flexipass Rail 'n Fly Youth is available for travelers under 26 years of age. Children under 12 travel for a little over half the adult fare. Valid only in Greece.

Italy Rail 'n Drive

Take advantage of the chance to explore exactly the places in this historic country you want to see. Choose any 3 days train travel and any 2 days Hertz car rentals with the opportunity to purchase up to 6 extra days of car rental.

Swiss Pass

Choose between 4 days, 8 days, 15 days, 22 days or a month of unlimited travel. The Swiss Flexipass allows 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 traveling days in a 1-month period. Groups of 2 or more planning to travel together can benefit from the Swiss Saverpass or the Swiss Saverpass Flexi. The Swiss Youthpass gives cheaper tickets to travelers under 26 years of age.

The Swiss Card is good if you plan to spend most of your time in Switzerland in one area. It qualifies you for a 50% discount on all Swiss trains, postal buses and lake steamers, and excursions to many mountaintops. It also gives you one return trip to be completed within a day, from any Swiss airport or border town, to any other one destination. The excellent value Swiss Family Card allows any child under 16 to travel free when accompanied by an adult. It is valid with a Swiss Pass or Swiss Flexipass (described above) and is free upon request when purchasing your Swiss Card.

Spain Flexipass

Choose any 3 traveling days in Spain in a 2-month period. There is the opportunity to add up to seven extra traveling days. Children (aged 4 to 11) travel for half the adult fare. Children under 4 travel for free. Valid in Spain.

The Spain Rail 'n Drive ticket allows you any 3 days traveling by train (first-class) and 2 days unlimited mileage Avis car rental in Spain, in a 2-month period. There is an opportunity to purchase extra car rental days and up to 2 extra days of train travel. Any third and fourth person in a party only needs to purchase the Spain Flexipass.

Portuguese Railpass

Choose any 4 days first-class traveling in a 15-day period. Children (aged 4 to 11) travel for half the adult fare. Children under 4 travel for free. Valid in Portugal.

German Rail 'n Drive

If you plan to spend you time exploring Germany then this is the way to do it. Combine the convenience of train travel with the flexibility of car rental. With this ticket you have 2 days train travel and 2 days Hertz car rental to use within a month to discover Germany. There is the opportunity to add car rental days or up to 3 additional rail days. Any third or fourth adult, or children aged 5 to 11 need only purchase German Rail Passes.

About the Trains

AVE

The AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) system in Spain has the slogan 'we promise punctuality' and they deliver. But not only is it punctual, it is fast (approaching 170 mph, 270 kph) and comfortable as well. First-class is divided into 'Club' and 'Preferente'. Both categories give you a meal at your seat, a newspaper, audio and visual facilities, and parking discounts. Club class also offers drinks, access to AVE lounges stations, and access to conference facilities on board. Second-class passage features a family area, audio/visual facilities and board games. Reservations are mandatory.

ETR500 (www.railway-technology.com/projects/italy)

Italy launched its 60 new trains as 'Eurostar Italia'. The system is integrated with the wider European rail system and reaches speeds of 185 mph (300 kph). One of the features of the system is not the train itself but the effort engineers put in to minimizing the high-speed trains' impact on the environment.

Eurostar

Eurostar sets the standard for train travel in Europe. It is most famous for its service of the famous Chunnel, the tunnel connecting England and France under the English Channel. Eurostar also services 16 countries in Europe with a range or youth passes, flexi-passes and multi country tickets. The basic London to Paris ticket may also be coupled with 4 traveling days within a month by train through France. The Paris to London ticket may be coupled with any 3 traveling days within 2 months by train through England, Scotland and Wales. Eurostar also has services direct from London to Disneyland Paris. Eurostar is not included on rail passes, but offers discounts to holders of selected rail passes.

ICE

The ICE (InterCity Express) operates in Germany and Switzerland and has significantly reduced travel times on the lines they are used. There are plans to extend ICE services to the Netherlands and other neighboring countries. ICE trains travel around 175 mph (280 kph) and carry around 65,000 people every day. There are audio/video facilities on board, and meals are available.

Talgo

First class gives you the benefits of AVE Club lounges and parking discounts. On board are meals and newspapers. Even second-class passengers have plenty of legroom and a table for every set of two or four seats to work and play on. Deluxe Talgo sleeper accommodation includes a washroom in each sleeper compartment. Phones, a cafeteria and personal audio and visual sets are available for all passengers. Traveling at 140 mph (225 pkh), Talgo trains complement the AVE system in Spain.

TGV

Travel anywhere in France for the day with the TGV system of trains. Moving at speeds around 190 mph (305 kph) and holding the record at 320 mph (515 kph), you can leave Paris in the morning, arrive at Marseille 3 hours later and spend the afternoon before returning on an evening train. Some Swiss cities are also reached by the TGV. First-class ticket holders may have meals served at their seat. Both first and second-class have wide, reclining seats. If the scenery isn't to your taste then you can hire a DVD player to pass the time. Reservations are mandatory.

Thalys (www.thalys.com/uk/ind_for.htm)

The 'Red Train' is so called for reasons that become obvious when you see it. Brilliantly colored, it links Amsterdam, Brussels, Cologne, Dusseldorf and Paris. Currently offering departures between Paris and Brussels every half hour you can expect to complete the trip in less than an hour and a half. Comfort level 1 and 2 are the options when booking your ticket. Thalys assure the same level of comfort in both categories, but add extra services for level 1 ticket-holders on weekdays, such as meals at your seat, a selection of newspapers, and the ability to book a taxi from on board the train to be ready for you at the station. Reservations are mandatory.

Accommodation on Board

Day Trains

Couch Car Seating is basic, open plan seating similar to what you may find on board a plane. First class usually contains slightly wider seats with two seats on one side of an aisle and one seat on the other. Second class seating usually has two seats on either side of a center aisle. Compartment seating has the car divided into closed compartments each containing up to 6 people.

Night Trains

Apart from a seat, a couchette (pronounced kooSHET) is the most basic form of on board accommodation. It consists of up to 6 open bunks in a compartment with a pillow and blanket, usually located in second class. Washrooms are located at the end of each car.

Sleepers are more comfortable and more private. They come in compartments containing 2 or 4 berths, a private washstand, fresh linens and towels. The sleepers on some trains may also contain a private shower.

A ticket will get you on board the train, but if you want a specific seat or if you would like a couchette or sleeper, you will need to purchase a reservation. Prices vary from train to train and also according to the distance you will travel, but prices start at US$11. Reservations are sold on a first come, first served basis. Confirmation of reservations may be more difficult to come by in Spain and Italy during May to September, and on trains traveling from Eastern Europe to Western Europe.

Meals

Long haul trips will serve meals at local mealtime. Most first class ticket holders will have meals served at their seat. Otherwise, there will be a Dining Car or a Bar Car. Light meals will be served at all times and seats in a dining car may be reserved during the course of the journey if you are concerned that there won't be room for you during meal times. Bar cars are conducive to a social atmosphere and can be a good place for meeting locals and tourists alike who can give handy tips for your trip.

Hints

If you ever find yourself lost or undecided as to what to do, look for the blue letter 'i', the international symbol for information.

Pack light. Most stations no longer have porters, and there will always be times when you have to carry your luggage up stairs, or from the taxi to your room.

Most stations have departure and arrival times on different colored boards. Generally, departures are indicated by a yellow background and arrivals by a white background. Similarly, red lettering indicates slower trains and black lettering indicates faster trains. Times are given in 24-hour time. 00.00 and 24.00 both indicate midnight, but 00.00 is usually used for departures and 24.00 for arrivals.

Trains often stop for only 2 or 3 minutes at a time in order to stay on schedule. It is a good idea to be ready at the door with bags in hand as the train moves into your destination station to avoid being accidentally taken on to the next stop. Likewise when boarding, try to anticipate where your car will be in relation to the platform when the train pulls into the station. You will be assisted in this by Diagrams on the platform indicating where in the train the different cars are located will assist you in this. If you are not sure you have the right train, ask the conductor before getting on, or as soon as you board.

Try to plan your trip as a loop to avoid backtracking.

Validate your pass on the first day of usage at the ticket window in the station. The person there will fill in the initial and final dates of validity.

Eurail tickets must be used within 6 months of issue.

If you plan to travel in a country that is not covered by your particular pass, you will be required to purchase the necessary tickets for that leg of the trip.

If you buy a ticket that includes car rental, you may drive the car in any other country, so long as it is returned to the country for which the ticket is valid. For example, a car rented on the France Rail 'n Drive ticket may be driven in Germany, so long as it is returned to France.

Don't forget to check with your travel agent for any general ticket conditions that may affect you, such as any hidden charges for services.

Parts of the information here have been taken from the following sites:

http://www.britrail.com/index_us.html
http://www.allraileurope.com
http://www.eurail.com
http://www.raileurope.com/us