An Insight Into Rail Travel Across Europe

If you're planning a trip to Europe and wonder what's the best way to get around, why not try exploring by train. You may be uncertain about exploring Europe by train, simply because you don't know what to expect and don't understand how train travel works. You may worry about how to get around rail stations, what to do with luggage, how to read timetables and, most importantly, how to find the right seat on the right train. You'll soon see that rail travel is the convenient, affordable, amazing experience that it is.

The romance of traveling by train continues to enthrall tourists as it has for more than 170 years, and nowhere is this felt more profoundly than in Europe. Rail travel is the best way to get close to all that Europe has to offer, from big cities and quaint hamlets to scenic beauty and fascinating people. It is also the one form of transportation that conveniently and efficiently takes travelers practically anywhere and everywhere they want to go...in style.

Eliminate the Hassles
The major cities and attractions you long to see are linked by the extensive European rail network -- a vast system stretching over 160,000 miles, as extensive in size and scope as the U.S. highway system. And train travel eliminates all the hassles that can play a part in a complex European itinerary. This means:

•   travel city center to city center
•   no maneuvering through crowded airports located miles from the nearest city
•   no hailing taxis from airport to downtown
•   no traffic headaches driving in and out of big cities or trying to understand foreign road signs

European trains provide frequent service, are roomy, eminently punctual, and take passengers directly from one bustling city to the next without the bother of airport transfers. Train travel allows you to see some of the most breathtaking scenery in the eastern hemisphere -- certainly more than they will see soaring 35,000 feet above the Continent!

Today's Rail Experience
Maybe you have toured Europe by train as college students, armed with a giant backpack and a second-class railpass. Or you may be someone whose idea of a train trip is the overpriced, unreliable commuter rail you take to and from the nearest city each day. Those who have not experienced the excitement and affordability of today's European railways and are in for a big surprise.

A first-class train trip in Europe is a totally different experience from what you might expect or remember. Unless, of course, what you remember is the absolute freedom and flexibility of hopping from city to city, town to town, every few days on a different train with schedules that run like clockwork!

Today's first-class rail experience is one of:

•   spacious, reclining seats
•   leisurely dining
•   soaking up magnificent landscapes without a care in the world
•   a great opportunity to socialize

A delightful departure from the typical European vacation, rail trips through Europe create treasured memories that last a lifetime.

A Railpass for Everyone
Whether you are on your first visit to Europe, or planning a repeat trip, chances are you'll find a railpass that's just right for you. Once you've determined the key factors in planning your trip -- the amount of time you have to spend and the places you want to visit within that time, you'll be able to choose with confidence the Rail Europe railpass that best suits your needs. This is Europe on your terms.

The Train Station
The adventure begins in the European train stations. In most cases, these create the first impressions visitors have of each city on their itinerary. Each station is unique, often picturesque, with its own distinct personality. Most are centrally located and have a full range of convenient services and facilities to make transit passengers feel at ease. Remember: When you can't find your train or need help in a European train station, you should look for the "i", the universal symbol for "Information." In most major stations, you will find:

•   information desks   access to metro/subway stations
•   reservation offices   taxi stands
•   restrooms   postal services
•   gift shops   restaurants
•   luggage carts   lockers
•   bookstores (great for purchasing maps and city tour guides) 
•   currency exchange
•   ATMs 
•   telephone

Luggage/Baggage

The best rule of thumb is to pack lightly and don't travel with more bags than you can handle yourself. And the lighter your bags are, the happier you'll be. Most train stations provide baggage carts, but you still need to load your bags on them, or you may have to go up and down a staircase. On the trains you are allowed to bring as many carry-on bags as you can place underneath your seat or in the baggage rack above you. Some trains have special racks for baggage, but unless they were checked, you are always responsible for them. All excess baggage must be checked.

Most train stations have lockers or luggage checkrooms where you can store your bags. Many stations no longer have porters, but if they do, you'll easily recognize them by their uniform or official badge.

Timetables and Finding Your Train
In most stations poster timetables show departure, arrival and platform numbers. They can be recognized easily by the background color. As a rule, departure timetables are printed on a yellow background. Arrival tables are on a white background. Major rail stations provide this information on computerized boards. All trains are listed chronologically from 0 to 24 hours. Fast trains are shown in red rather than black ink. Next to the time you'll see the name and number of the important intermediate stops, as well as track and platform number at which the train departs and arrives.

Finding the Right Car
Once you have found the right track, the next step is to locate the right car. Some trains will split at certain junctions, one part going one way and the other heading in a different direction or stopping altogether, so, it is necessary to find the right car. Also, if a passenger has a reservation, he/she must match the number shown on his/her ticket with the correct car and seat number. If passengers are planning to get off a train at a small town not noted on the side panel, they need to ask the conductor which car they should be on before, or slightly after, boarding.

To further assist passengers, many train stations will have diagrams located on the platforms that illustrate the location of each car on the train. These diagrams enable travelers to situate themselves on the platform very close to where their seat will be. Each train car has an identification panel on its side, indicating:

•   on top: the name of the city where it originated.
•   on the bottom: the name of the final destination.
•   in between: the names of the most important stops en route.
•   beside the door: a digital panel will indicate the car number.

Each car is also marked first-class or second-class by a number "1" or "2" displayed on its side. There may also be a yellow stripe under the roof for first-class, green for second-class.