How do you pay for trains in Europe?

In most cases, the best way to purchase European train tickets is through a third-party booking website like Omio or Trainline. What is this? These services are much more user-friendly than booking directly through each country's national rail service.



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European train fares are based primarily on the distance traveled. Each country has its own euros per kilometer formula, though the type of train also affects the price (logically, slower trains are usually cheaper than faster ones).

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Eurail Pass Eurail is the pass for non-EU residents. Choose between the Eurail One Country Pass or the Eurail Global Pass for unlimited train travel to 40,000 destinations in 33 European countries.

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Train travel can be expensive—especially on high-speed trains. Furthermore, there are a lot of super-cheap flights throughout Europe so flying can often be cheaper. That said, you can get some really good deals if you're able to book high-speed trains in advance. But you'll pay a premium if you book super last minute.

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In most cases, the best way to purchase European train tickets is through a third-party booking website like Omio or Trainline. These services are much more user-friendly than booking directly through each country's national rail service.

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There are no strict luggage limits on trains in mainland Europe. Eurostar allows each adult two pieces of luggage each, each measuring up to 85cm, so large suitcases are no problem. You'll also be able to take a piece of hand luggage each, as well as pushchairs and prams at no additional charge.

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Eurail Passes can only be used by non-European citizens or non-European residents. European citizens can use an Interrail Pass instead.

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Eurail passes do not cover local transport like trams or metros, only intercity trains. Rail Europe is another company that offers similar European train passes. But Eurail is the most popular and for the sake of this article, we'll just be focusing on Eurail Passes.

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Rail Europe is an official reseller of the tickets and passes that Eurail creates. Interrail is the same pass but for Europeans only; Eurail/Rail Europe is for non-Europeans. While Eurail also sells the same pass as Rail Europe, Rail Europe often sells these passes at a discounted price.

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Here's how the 7pm rule works If your overnight train is leaving after 7pm then you can put in the following day's date on your rail pass and use one rather than two days of travel for the overnight trip. Simple!

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Passport checks used to be carried on the international Eurostar train, but all formalities are now carried out before boarding. At some border crossings, the train stops twice. First on one side of the border for checks and then on the other side for a second set of checks.

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Unlike air travel, where your large luggage is checked in and looked after, with Eurail train travel, you are responsible for your luggage at all times.

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First class also has wider seats and aisles, and is more likely to have amenities such as air-conditioning and power outlets (though outlets are still rare on Europe's trains, in any class). While first class is less conducive to conversation, it's more conducive to napping.

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If you're planning to see a lot in a short amount of time on your Eurail trip, then you'll most likely need to buy some seat reservations for high-speed routes before you go. You can see which trains require a reservation in our timetable, or you can check by country or by train type.

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The Eurail Global Pass does not work on local trains such as subways or trams. It only works on intercity trains. Does the Global Pass cover high-speed trains? The Eurail Global Pass does include access to high-speed trains.

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While most trains in Europe are free to ride with your Eurail Pass in hand, some train companies ask you to pay an additional seat reservation fee.

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You can activate your Eurail Pass at any time before your first trip. To activate your Eurail Pass, enter your passport number on the start date of your trip. Just make sure your Eurail Pass is activated before you board your first train at any European train station.

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Are there bathrooms on trains in Europe? There aren't bathrooms on the Metro/Tube, but there are bathrooms on every light-rail/high-speed train I've ever been on in Europe. They're generally clean and perfectly adequate for the trip. That said, some of the doors are sort of difficult to open/ close.

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Are food and drinks served on trains? While you can bring your own food and drink (alcohol included) onto most trains, many offer some type of food and beverage either for purchase or included in your ticket price.

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Carry-on and personal items must be kept with you, stored in overhead racks, under seats or designated baggage areas.

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