Journal Guides
How to plan your first train trip across Europe
Rail passes or single tickets, when to book, how to handle connections and why night trains are worth a try: a practical guide for first-timers.
Travelling across Europe by train is easier than ever, but the first time can feel a little overwhelming. There are dozens of operators, several types of ticket and a lot of advice to wade through. This guide covers the essentials.
1. Choose a route that suits the train
Rail shines on journeys between city centres of up to six or seven hours, and on overnight routes where you sleep your way there. Start by sketching a loop of three or four places with a few nights in each. That way you spend more time exploring than packing and unpacking.
A classic first itinerary:
| Leg | Typical time |
|---|---|
| London → Paris | ≈ 2 h 20 min |
| Paris → Zurich | ≈ 4 h |
| Zurich → Milan | ≈ 3 h 20 min |
| Milan → Venice | ≈ 2 h 30 min |
Four countries, the Alps in between, and not a single airport.
2. Single tickets or a rail pass?
- Single (point-to-point) tickets are usually cheapest if you know your plans and book early, especially for just two or three journeys.
- A rail pass gives you flexibility and can be better value for many long journeys. Interrail is for European residents and Eurail is for everyone else.
Many high-speed and international trains, such as Eurostar, TGV and Frecciarossa, require a seat reservation even with a pass, usually for an extra fee. Reserve these early on popular routes.
3. Book early, and book direct
Most operators open their booking systems a few months ahead, and the cheapest fares go first. Booking directly with the operator, such as SNCF Connect, Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB, Trenitalia or Renfe, often gives the best price and makes changes easier. For route-by-route advice, The Man in Seat 61 is the indispensable independent guide.
4. Leave room for connections
If your journey uses separate tickets, the second operator may have no obligation to help if a late first train makes you miss the connection. Leave generous buffers, at least an hour between trains on separate tickets, or buy a through-ticket where you can.
5. Make the journey part of the trip
- Pick a window seat, and check which side has the best views.
- Bring food, water and a refillable bottle. Picnics on trains are a European tradition.
- Pack light. You’ll carry your bag on and off, and lighter luggage means more space for everyone.
- Download maps, tickets and entertainment before you go, because signal can drop in tunnels and mountains.
6. Try a night train
Night trains turn travel time into sleeping time and save the cost of a hotel. Options range from seats to couchettes and private sleeper cabins. Good places to start include the Caledonian Sleeper between London and Scotland, Austria’s ÖBB Nightjet network across central Europe, France’s Intercités de Nuit, and Sweden’s long overnight runs to the Arctic north. Timetables change often, so check current routes with the operator.
Your quick checklist
- Route sketched, with no leg longer than you’d enjoy
- Tickets or pass booked, with seat reservations where needed
- Connections with comfortable buffers
- Snacks, water bottle and downloaded tickets
- A good book and a window seat
Looking for inspiration? See our favourite train routes across Europe.