Please ensure that you have enough time to go through all the extra passport and security checks before your train departs. We recommend arriving around 30 minutes before your train leaves. Don't cut it too fine, as it is no longer possible to board the train within five minutes of departure.

For an international train in 2026, you should generally arrive 45 to 90 minutes before departure, depending on the specific route and the level of security required. If you are taking the Eurostar (connecting the UK to mainland Europe), you must arrive at least 60 to 90 minutes early because you have to clear both security and passport control (Customs/Immigration) before boarding. The gates for Eurostar often close strictly 30 minutes before departure. For international trains within the Schengen Area (e.g., Paris to Amsterdam or Berlin to Prague), there are usually no border checks, so arriving 30 to 45 minutes early is sufficient to find your platform and load luggage. It is important to note that many major European rail hubs are massive and can take 15 minutes just to navigate from the entrance to the specific platform. Always check your ticket or the rail carrier's app (like SNCF, DB, or Renfe) for specific "check-in" times, as some high-speed lines in Spain (AVE) also require a brief security scan of your bags before you can enter the platform area.