Train travel is one of the best ways to explore Europe – the continent is fairly compact so it’s easy to get around, and you can sit back and soak up the views.
Each of the routes is possible in a week’s holiday, but if you’ve got more time then you can take it slower and spend more time in each place. The idea isn’t to wear yourself out trying to see everything in every destination, but to take in the highlights and get a taste for each place (if you find somewhere you love, you can always come back again and stay longer).
Europe is a beautifully diverse continent, home to the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands as well as the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. And with train lines connecting much of what’s in between, an escorted holiday with Great Rail Journeys offers a relaxing and scenic way of exploring its different countries. Travel with people who share your interests and enjoy similar activities, as we bring to life unique towns and cities from Scandinavia to Sicily, through engrossing excursions, hand-picked hotels, comfortable travel, and meals bursting with local flavour.
Here are few tips to be considered while travelling via train:
1. Know your passes
If you’re planning to see a fair chunk of the continent it may be wise to consider investing in an InterRail pass (or Eurail as they’re known outside of Europe).
2. Experience a night train
Europe’s network of night trains isn’t as extensive as it used to be – thanks to the axe falling on several in recent years – but there are still plenty of options. These days’ night trains will whisk you from the likes of Amsterdam to Zürich, and from Paris to Venice, via Milan.
3. Stay safe
Statistically speaking, rail travel is still one of the safest modes of transport, with trains claiming on average only seven passenger lives per year, according to one recent study.
While On Board the Train
- Always pay attention to announcements made by the train crew.
- Report any suspicious packages or behaviors immediately to the train crew.
- Keep all of your belongings close at hand.
- Keep all children under direct adult supervision.
- Try to remain seated while the train is in motion. If you need to move while the train is in motion, please use handrails in the stairwells and the handles on chair tops while moving through the aisles.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- While seated, look around your area to locate the nearest emergency exits.
- Do not run on board the train.
- If you notice that another passenger may need First Aid, immediately contact a train crew member; they are certified to operate our on board defibrillators and First Aid kits.
- If you notice a safety/security threat posed by a fellow passenger(s), report it immediately to the train crew.
4. Pack some Print
Apps and websites are useful, but for those times when you need to conserve your precious smartphone’s battery or when you just can’t get reliable wi-fi, a hard copy of the Rail Map of Europe and the European Rail Timetable will stand you in good stead – particularly if you’re planning your journey on the hoof and need to see at a glance how different routes interconnect.