So you have decided to go to Europe for your next holiday and of course you want to make the most of your time while there. I mean, who doesn’t! One way to make the most of your time in Europe is the decision of which European transport option suits you best. Now, there are a number of ways to travel Europe you need to weigh up. You could spent your time waiting in queues at airports, sitting in cramped bus conditions, getting lost on the Autobarn or you could travel in Europe by train. Even though I have traveled through Europe on a bus tour and flown into European cities for a weekend break, I know which option I would be choosing! Yep, travel Europe by train.

Being a train travel enthusiast, travelling Europe by train and watching the countryside unfold between countries is just magical. If you are currently looking into the transport options to travel around Europe, here are 5 good reasons why you should consider travelling Europe by train.

Reasons Europe Train Travel Is For You?

1. No Long Check-In and Security Lines

Check-in procedures for train travel in Europe are minimal compared to check-in procedures for air travel. With European trains you simply show up half an hour or so before the train leaves. Purchase a ticket (if you didn’t have one). Validate your ticket. And hop on the train. On saying this, during the European summer months when many people are touring in Europe by train, it is highly recommended to make a seat or sleeper reservation. This is because on most high speed, overnight, scenic and international European trains seats and sleepers fill up fast. I would highly recommend that no matter what time of year you are travelling on trains in Europe to ensure you have a seat or sleeper booked. You don’t want to miss out on catching the train, which in turn could interfere with your best laid Europe travel train itinerary.

You also don’t have luggage check in procedures on European trains and be separated from your bags till the end of the journey. This is because you take your luggage on the train with you and leave it in the luggage sections. Not having extremely heavy bags to carry around is essential as you will be responsible for your luggage. Not sure what luggage to take to Europe, read my post Suitcase vs Backpack to help you make your decision.

There is an exception to this. Eurostar which runs between London and Paris requires you to check-in 30-45 minutes before the train departs.

2. Arrive in the Centre of Town

grand old beautiful and historic European train stations

Unlike most airports, European train stations are located in the middle, or close to the middle of town. This is because historically, the train station was a central hub of a city or town. With European train stations being in the centre of town any worries of how you will get in to town and how much it might cost will be alleviated. Because, you will already be there and can probably walk or catch local transport to your destination. And you will find many of the train stations in Europe buildings grandiose, but that is part of their charm. Also, the train station being a hub will have links to all the other public transport available. They will also be close to many of the amazing sights that you are wanting to see. And accommodation options will also be nearby. So if I haven’t booked accommodation ahead, which I normally do via HostelWorld if i want a bed in a hostel room or via Booking.com if I want a room to myself I know I can find accommodation nearby. Having services nearby also means you can store your luggage quickly which helps you to not look like a tourist.

3. A Vast Rail Network that is reliable, on schedule and fast

Europe’s rail network is extremely vast. You just need to look at a Europe by train map to see how extensive the train network is. The network links the European countries and can take you to major cities, to the smallest towns and along some fantastic journeys with amazing views of the countryside. All while, crossing Europe country borders. They take you to the cities with iconic attractions. Today Paris, tomorrow Rome! You can pretty much visit all the European countries by train and some countries have their own extensive network of trains such as Switzerland. Which is why, travel to Europe by train is so popular.

There are high speed services that are fast, efficient and very comfortable.

European trains leave regularly, sometimes on an hourly basis which only increases your options to travel around Europe by train. Trains mostly run on schedule which is a great thing to ensure you keep moving on your travels and keeping to any schedules you have set yourself. You don’t want the stress of having to change your schedule from that 1 week in Europe by train, 2 week Europe itinerary by train or even that 1 month Europe itinerary by train because you missed a train – it could cost you a lot of money changing your itinerary.

They are rarely impacted by weather (rain, snow, fog, etc.) like other forms of transport can be. However, train strikes are a regular occurrence on the European train network and usually happen a few times each year. I’m advised you will usually know about them a few days in advance. When travelling though, you can become remote to what is happening in the world and not be aware of any train strikes, nor other major events happening in the world.

4. No Luggage Limits/Fees on European Trains

You are not limited with the amount of luggage you can take on a European train trip. There are no weight limits or extra fees for extra pieces of luggage or over weight luggage. But it is advisable to check with the train line to confirm. As long as you can lift everything on to the train you should be right. However, if you are packing for a European summer holiday or packing for a European winter holiday I would leave the kitchen sink behind! It is advisable to travel as light as you can. It makes your life travelling through Europe by train a lot easier as you will be hopping on and hopping off regularly and needing to walk to your accommodation which could be along a cobbled street.

5. Loads of Comforts and Extras on European Trains

Me on train up Jungfraujoch, Switzerland

Train travel in general offers many comforts and extras and European trains are no exception. One of the things I love about train Europe travel is the big windows for you to spend your time staring out of. You sit back, relax and watch the countryside of each European country unfold. Reaching speeds of around 150km per hour you will definitely see a lot, at least for a fleeting moment.

Seats on European trains are quite spacious too. This can depend on what class ticket you decide to purchase though. You are also free to move around the train whenever you feel like it. This will ensure a little exercise while travelling to loosen those muscles that can become stiff from sitting for far too long. This is one of the ways to survive long-haul train travel. Definitely need to do some yoga while traveling through Europe by train.

Trains usually have seats that face each other and have a table between them. This is great if you are travelling in a group as the area can become your own little social retreat.

You can often purchase food on a train. There might be a tea trolley brought around or some trains have meal carriages. To save money you might want to take your own food and drink on board the train to enjoy while watching the scenery unfold.

Long distance European trains often have sleeping compartments with bunk beds. If you are taking an overnight Europe train trip on a Europe night train you could consider this option. You will need to pay extra for the convenience – but it is worth it. Many travellers taking overnight train travel in Europe use this option during overnight train travel to save on paying for accommodation in traditional accommodation for the night. And when they get off the train in the morning, hopefully they are full of beans after a night’s rest so they can sightsee for the day in the new destination.

6. Bonus Tip – Who is Train Travel For?

I know I said 5 tips, but I thought I’d add this bonus tip of who Europe train travel is for. Well, travelling by train in Europe is for everyone. No matter if you are a solo backpacker, travelling in a couple, with friends or as a family with kids to Europe, a Europe train ticket or Europe train pass is a great way to travel around Europe to see all the iconic sites in Paris, Rome, Munich or Salzburg. They provide a comfortable and convenient way to travel. Even families with kids will find it enjoyable and hopefully the kids will be occupied by the ever changing countryside passing by.

How to Plan Your Europe Itinerary by Train?

Now you know the benefits of travel in Europe by train, now is the time to start planning your European holiday. Where to start?

1. Know how much time in Europe you have – taking into account time it will take to arrive and leave.
2. Make a list of the cities/countries you want to visit.
3. Decide how many nights/days you will spend in each city/country.
4. Look at a map of Europe by train. You can find one on the Internet. A Europe train map will help you plot your holiday in Europe.
5. Plan a trip to Europe by train by drawing a line linking cities and research the distance by train between the cities.
6. Once you know the distance and time it will take to travel between cities, decide if you will travel by day or night.
7. Check out departure times of the trains.
8. Work out how many trips you will need to take on the train.
9. Purchase the appropriate train ticket with the right number of days travel.

Europe Train Tickets and Europe Train Passes

There are plenty of different European rail tickets and passes that will let you travel Europe by train. Following is a selection of tickets and passes to ride some famous train options. There are a number of places to buy the train ticket or pass for Europe that is right for you. They include:

• Eurail – purchase directly from them. Read my review on Eurail and Interrail train tickets and passes.
• RailEurope – specialises in Europe train tickets and Europe train passes.
• GetYourGuide – has a number of Europe train passes available for purchase as well as other train tickets for unique Europe train trips. Including:
• Eurail Global Mobile Pass for 33 countries.
• The Eurostar from London to Paris day trip.
• Glacier Express. Scenic route between St. Moritz and Zermatt.
• Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited travel on train, bus & boat.
• Eurail Benelux Mobile Pass: Travel for Belgium, The Netherlands & Luxemburg.

Are You Ready to Travel Europe by Train?

Europe by train is a popular way to travel around Europe. And as you have read, I think it is the best option to travel Europe independently (although going on a European tour is another great option, no matter if traveling solo in Europe, with friends in Europe or with family in Europe. With train travel you have lots of flexibility to travel Europe by train. Have you traveled Europe by train? I’d love to hear in the comments.