Taking the train is a travel option in Europe, and has virtually replaced airplanes on some short journeys, such as Paris to Brussels and Milan to Rome. In fact, few places in Europe can't be accessed by railway, and trains in many European countries are renowned for their cleanliness and punctuality. European train travel is typically safe, but larger railway stations in several countries, including Italy and France, experience problems with pickpockets and luggage theft, so keep a close eye on your bags and never leave them unattended.
Operators
- Each European country maintains its own rail system, although the trains themselves cross international borders. In many countries, a single operator runs most of the trains; for example in Italy, Trenitalia is the major operator, although smaller companies run some local commuter services. Likewise, in Germany, Deutsche Bahn is the primary rail operator. The major exception is the United Kingdom, where several different private companies run services, rather than a single national operator.
Routes
- Europe’s extensive railway network links virtually all major cities. Some routes are designated high-speed trans-European lines, ideal for covering longer distances without using up too much valuable vacation time. Lille in France, German cities Stuttgart, Frankfurt and Cologne and the Belgian capital Brussels all act as hubs on the network, but it extends south into France and Italy and as far east as Vienna.
Travel Options
- Within Europe’s railway network, you can choose from a variety of travel options. For example, you can undertake longer journeys via a sleeper train, such as the French operator SNCF’s “Elipsos” night services linking Paris with destinations in Spain and Switzerland. Even in daytime travel, you can choose between seats in first or business class and those in second class. First-class seats are likely to offer more legroom or a wider range of facilities, while second class provides a less expensive option if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tickets
- Buy tickets for a specific journey directly from the operator in the country you plan to visit; most offer online bookings meaning you can print out your ticket or collect it at the railway station before you board the train. Alternatively, if you’ll be undertaking a number of train journeys in continental Europe, consider a Eurail pass, which allows unlimited travel on a specific number of days within a designated area. Those passes can be bought from the States.
Amenities
- Facilities for travelers on Europe's trains typically maintain a high standard. For example, the vast majority of German intercity trains have a dedicated bistro car where you can buy snacks and hot drinks, while all major stations, such as Dublin Connolly, house a variety of cafes, bars and places to buy food or reading material for your journey. Some stations even offer Wi-Fi access. Virtually all European trains have free restrooms, but be aware that you may have to pay a small fee or "tip" to use the restrooms in many larger railway stations.
