European rail travel FAQ
Common questions travellers ask before booking. Route-specific FAQs stay on each route page. For pass maths, use the Interrail calculator.
European Rail Travel FAQ
What is the cheapest way to travel by train in Europe?
Book well in advance — ideally 90 to 180 days ahead. Operators like DB (Super Sparpreis from €17.90), Renfe AVLO (from €14) and Trenitalia (Super-Economy from €9.90) offer very low fares early. An Interrail or Eurail pass can be cheaper for multi-country trips spanning 5+ journeys within a month.
How do I get from Paris to London by train?
Take Eurostar from Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras (about 2h 15m). Compare live times and Advance fares on the Paris–London route page.
Do I need to book a seat on European trains?
It depends on the operator. High-speed trains (Eurostar, TGV, AVE, Frecciarossa, ICE international) require a mandatory paid seat reservation — even with an Interrail or Eurail pass. Regional trains in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland can usually be boarded without one. Night trains always require a couchette or sleeper reservation.
What is an Interrail pass and how does it work?
An Interrail Global Pass gives European residents unlimited train travel across 33 countries for a set number of travel days within a 1 or 2-month window. Passes are available for 4, 5, 7, 10 or 15 days of travel, or as a continuous 1 or 2-month pass. You still need to pay reservation fees on high-speed trains. Available at interrail.eu.
Are there overnight trains in Europe?
Yes — night trains have made a strong comeback. The ÖBB Nightjet network connects 13 countries with routes including Vienna–Paris, Vienna–Amsterdam, Zurich–Berlin, and Vienna–Rome. Couchettes start from around €49. Night trains save the cost of a hotel night and arrive city-centre to city-centre — no airports, no transfers.
Which is the fastest train in Europe?
The fastest commercial trains in Europe are the French TGV (up to 320 km/h), Spanish AVE (up to 310 km/h), Italian Frecciarossa (up to 300 km/h), and German ICE (up to 300 km/h). The Eurostar reaches 300 km/h on French high-speed lines. Spain has the longest high-speed rail network in Europe at over 4,000 km.
What is the difference between Eurail and Interrail?
The passes are identical in coverage but differ based on your residency. The Interrail pass is for European residents (and citizens). The Eurail pass is for non-European residents (e.g. travellers from the US, Canada, Australia, Asia). Both give access to the same 33-country rail network and require the same seat reservation rules.
Are there luggage limits or weight restrictions on European trains?
Unlike airlines, most European train operators (like DB, ÖBB, Trenitalia, SBB) do not enforce strict luggage weight limits or charge extra baggage fees. The general rule is that you must be able to carry and lift your bags into the train yourself. Exceptions are Eurostar (2 bags + 1 hand luggage limit) and low-cost operators like AVLO and Ouigo, which limit bag dimensions and charge for large bags.
Can I travel with pets on trains in Europe?
Yes, most national railways in Europe are pet-friendly. Small pets in a carrier or container usually travel free or for a very small fee. Larger dogs must be on a leash and wear a muzzle, and require a child-fare ticket. Important exception: pets are NOT allowed on Eurostar trains (except for registered assistance/guide dogs) due to UK border regulations.
How early should I arrive at the train station in Europe?
For domestic and standard regional trains, arriving 15 minutes before departure is usually plenty of time since there is no security screening or check-in. For international high-speed trains like Eurostar, you must arrive 45 to 60 minutes early to clear border controls. For Renfe AVE trains in Spain, arrive 20-30 minutes early due to mandatory baggage security screening before entering the platform.