Friday, February 16, 2018

The Travelers Guide to Train Travel Around Europe


There is nothing quite like a train journey. No other means of transportation offers you the same ability to sit back, relax, and watch the world go by. In the United States, travel by rail is more complicated than in Europe. The network that operates across the US is patchy, services are spotty outside of big cities and urban areas. Europe, on the other hand, is well served by rail, in fact, you can take a train around the entire continent!
Coming from a country where rail travel is less common, the train is the perfect way to experience everything that Europe has to offer. The service is dependable and comfortable, European countries often invest in their public services in a way that makes many Americans jealous.

Arrive Right Where the Action is

Train stations throughout Europe are located in the hearts of the towns and cities that they serve. This means that when you step off a train, you will already be in the town center, you don’t need to spend any more time or money traveling on to your destination; you are already there!

No Long Check-In Lines

Flying is the fastest way of covering long distances, but the whole experience of flying is often much more stressful than other transportation methods. The train is one of the most relaxing ways of traveling and is well suited for those who would like to take in the sights around them as they travel from point to point. One of the key differences between air and rail travel is the extra security measures at an airport. This increased security creates long check-in and arrivals lines, which add time and stress to your journey.

No Luggage Charges

When traveling by rail, you can bring as much luggage as you can carry without having to pay any extra charges. For those who are traveling light, this can make using rail services a much more straightforward and desirable experience than trying to navigate the various rules and restrictions that airlines place on luggage.

A Vast Network

The European rail network is vast, connecting every single country on the continent via one huge rail network. You can travel between the biggest cities to the most rural towns with ease. Not only are there a huge number of potential destinations which are easily reached by train, but there are also nearly always multiple trains running throughout the day to take you wherever you want to go. Check out tourist2traveler.com for some recommendations for destinations to visit around Europe.

Be Spontaneous

Perhaps the greatest attraction of traveling by rail is how easy it is to do spontaneously. You can book your tickets in advance (in many cases you will save money by doing so), but you don’t have to book ahead. You can just as easily hop on the next available train, whenever that may be. For travelers who like to plan their time as they go, the rail network offers the most freedom.

The rail network is perhaps the best way to experience Europe. It is a convenient and affordable method of transportation that can get you wherever you want to go.

17 travelers' comments:

Masshole Mommy said...

I love that you said to be spontaneous. I am a planner, so I usually have EVERYTHING planned, but I Need to remember to leave some time open to be spontaneous.

candy said...

The train system through out europe has always been excellent. We never ever had any problems. We use to take the train just for day trips all the time.

Ali Rost said...

This is such a great guide especially for people who are going to Europe for the first time. I love that their train system is very organized and perfect for saving money as well.

valmg @ Mom Knows It All said...

I have never been on a long distance train for travel. It is something I think would be interesting and would like to do one day.

Marysa said...

I haven't been to Europe, but it sounds like a nice way to get around and be able to see a bunch of different places. It's nice to be able to sit and enjoy the scenery instead of having to deal with driving or finding different shuttles.

AiringMyLaundry said...

I need to do this one day. I would take a train as well. So much easier to get around.

Sara Welch said...

I am getting ready to head to Rome. This is so helpful to me right now.

Sarah Bailey said...

I think a train around Europe is a lovely way to travel. My parents have done some amazing train holidays across different parts of Europe and seen some amazing places.

Anonymous said...

I love that the lines are not too long. Dealing with long lines can sometimes be very frustrating when traveling. These are good tips for the traveler.

Cook with 5 Kids said...

I would love to ride a train through Europe! It looks like your family is having a really fun time. Thank you for sharing these great tips.

Emily said...

I think these are all great ideas! I have always loved the Europe has such great trains and other public transportation, it helps out so much as a tourist to be able to get around much easier.

Carol Cassara said...

We're actually used to renting a car since we go all over Europe but that doesn't mean their railways aren't awesome! The train system there is perfect for travelers.

sandy n vyjay said...

Train travel in Europe is an experience in itself. We have traveled widely in Switzerland, France, and Italy and really loved it. You have given some really useful pointers that will stand in good stead.

The Super Mom Life said...

I would absolutely love to take my family traveling around Europe. That's a dream of mine!

Amanda said...

I have heard so many great things about the train system when traveling in Europe but have never experienced it myself...yet. Hopefully I will cross the pond soon!

Unknown said...

We would love to do this with our daughters! Such a super fun way to travel with a family!

Cyn said...

You don't have to sell me on train travel. I adore it. I will choose the train over anything when given the chance. There's just something so magical about it.

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