Trains are one of the most comfortable ways to see Europe: city centre to city centre, no airport security queues, and plenty of legroom and luggage space.
High-speed vs regional trains
High-speed and long-distance trains (like Eurostar, TGV, Frecciarossa, AVE or ICE) usually need a booking for a specific train, and prices rise as the date gets closer. Regional trains are slower, often have fixed prices, and many don’t need a reservation.
Book early for the best fares
On popular high-speed lines, booking a few weeks ahead can cost a fraction of the price on the day. Cheaper fares are usually tied to one train, while flexible fares let you change.
At the station
- Arrive 15–20 minutes early; big stations can be large and busy.
- Check which station you need — many cities have several (Paris has six main ones).
- For Eurostar from London, arrive about an hour early for passport and security checks.
- In some countries, such as Italy, paper tickets for regional trains must be validated in a machine before boarding.
Luggage
Most trains have racks above the seats and at the ends of each carriage, and there’s usually no weight limit — but you need to be able to lift your own bags.
Stay connected on board
Train Wi-Fi can be patchy, especially across borders. A travel eSIM keeps you online for maps, tickets and messages all the way.