Hello, travelers! Katy Thompson here, from Gallivanters Vacations. I absolutely love helping people plan amazing trips. Many of my American clients, however, often ask about trains in Europe. It’s true! We simply don’t use trains as much here in the U.S.
But guess what? European train travel is truly fantastic! It’s easy. Furthermore, it’s incredibly comfy. You’ll also see amazing sights. Indeed, trains offer a top way to explore Europe.
At Gallivanters Vacations, we make your travel dreams real. We also help you understand train trips. Do you want to ride a train from Paris to Rome? Or Prague to Berlin? If so, then keep reading!
Why Choose the Train?
Trains offer a unique way to travel. They are efficient and enjoyable. Moreover, you truly experience the feel of Europe. This post, therefore, gives you my top 5 tips for great European train travel.
1. Get a Rail Pass (It’s Super Handy!)
Are you visiting many countries? Or different parts of a country? A Eurail Pass is often your best bet. This pass is specifically for people living outside Europe. Think of it like one ticket for many rides. Consequently, you avoid buying new tickets often. This, in turn, saves you money. It also makes travel simple.
Why it’s great for Americans: You won’t struggle with local tickets. Furthermore, you’ll have no foreign money worries. Just use your pass! Gallivanters Vacations, for instance, can help you find the right pass.
2. Book Your Seats (Especially for Fast Trains!)
Some local trains let you just hop on. But fast trains are quite different. Trains like France’s TGV need a seat booking. Italy’s Frecciarossa also needs one. Similarly, overnight trains always require a reservation. You’ll pay a small fee for this. However, it guarantees your spot.
Don’t get stuck: Book these seats early. This is very important, especially in busy months. You can book online, of course. Use the train company’s website or app. 
3. Pack Light (Smaller Bags are Better)
Trains generally don’t have strict bag limits. However, you lift your own bags. You store them above your seat or in special areas. Moving big, heavy bags is hard. This is especially true in busy stations.
Katy’s simple advice: Bring smaller bags. A medium suitcase works well. A small backpack is great for essentials. Lighter bags, moreover, make walking to your hotel easy. Plus, you’ll have room for souvenirs!
4. Don’t Worry About Language (Use Your Phone!)
Many people worry about not speaking the local language. European countries have enough English signage for you to navigate the train stations. If your struggling, train staff in big cities often speak enough English, you’ll be able to get through. If you’re buying your ticket at Kiosk in the train station, switch it to English to streamline your ticket purchase experience.
My top tech tip: Make sure you download your apps before you leave. You’ll need a translation app and the app for the train you’ll be using, before you go. Google Translate, for example, works well offline. Learn a few basic words too. “Hello,” “thank you,” and “where is the train?” are always helpful. Train signs use pictures. Also, train screens clearly show numbers and places.
5. Enjoy the Ride! (It’s Part of the Fun)
Rental cars, insurance, and fuel are all very expensive in Europe. Air travel can eat up your time in the airport. Also, it may only get you close to your destination, but not all the way to your destination. Train travel, however, is cheap and convenient. It’s truly part of your adventure. Look out the window. See the changing views. Talk to other travelers. Alternatively, read a book. Enjoy a coffee or snack from the train car.
More than just getting there: Look for opportunity to experience more along the way. Many train tickets, in fact, are good for 24 hrs. So, look for more destinations along the way. Don’t be afraid to hop off for a couple of hours of adventure along the way and hop back on to finish your adventure.
Ready to Plan Your Train Adventure?
Ready to try train travel in Europe? Do you dream of a romantic honeymoon in Italy? Or a fun family trip through Switzerland? Perhaps a cultural solo journey to Eastern Europe? Gallivanters Vacations can certainly help! Contact us today and follow us on Facebook for more pro tips and exclusive deals!