Traveling Across Europe by Train: what you need to know
There’s something special about boarding a train, grabbing a window seat, and watching Europe roll by.
Trains let you see places you might miss by plane or car.
You get to slow down and soak in each country’s character.
I spent three weeks traveling by train across Europe, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
If you’re thinking about doing the same, here’s what I learned, what I wish I knew before going, and how you can make the most of every moment.
Why Choose Train Travel in Europe?
- No airport stress
- No long security lines
- City center to city center travel
- You actually see the countryside, small towns, and unexpected landscapes
- It's better for the environment
I took trains from Amsterdam to Berlin, from Vienna to Venice, and from Madrid to Lisbon. Each trip felt like a mini-adventure.
How to Plan Your Trip
1. Pick the right rail pass
- Check out the Eurail Global Pass if you plan to visit multiple countries
- Single-country passes are great if you’re focusing on just one destination
- Buy early — passes are cheaper if booked in advance
2. Map your route
Write down your bucket list.
Put it on a map.
Then look for train connections between these cities.
Example route:
- Paris → Amsterdam
- Amsterdam → Berlin
- Berlin → Prague
- Prague → Vienna
- Vienna → Venice
- Venice → Florence → Rome
- Rome → Barcelona
It’s okay to change your plans as you go, but having a rough structure helps.
3. Reserve seats for popular routes
Some high-speed trains require reservations (like Thalys, Eurostar, and TGV).
Book them as soon as you lock your dates.
The last thing you want is to miss out because everything’s full.
What to Pack
I carried one backpack. That’s it.
Here’s what I recommend:
- Comfortable shoes (you’ll walk a lot)
- A light jacket — even in summer, nights can get chilly
- A refillable water bottle
- Snacks (train food can be pricey and not always great)
- A book or Kindle
- Headphones
- Portable charger
- Copies of your passport and tickets (just in case)
What You’ll Experience
1. Beautiful train stations
- Amsterdam Centraal feels like stepping into a postcard
- St. Pancras in London looks like a palace
- Milano Centrale is an architectural wonder
2. Ever-changing landscapes
- The Dutch countryside is full of windmills and canals
- Germany brings rolling hills and thick forests
- Austria shows off alpine mountains
- Italy has vineyards and sun-soaked villages
- Spain surprises with vast plains and historic towns
I remember staring out the window for hours, just watching the world go by.
3. Small moments
You’ll chat with strangers.
You’ll try strange snacks from the station kiosks.
You’ll have delayed trains and moments of frustration.
But these moments make the trip real and memorable.
I once got stuck in a train station in Lyon for three hours — ended up having the best croissant of my life from a tiny bakery nearby.
Tips for a Smooth Trip
1. Check train schedules on reliable apps
- Rail Europe
- DB Navigator (useful outside Germany too)
- Omio
2. Travel light
You’ll be hopping on and off trains.
Escalators don’t always work.
You’ll thank yourself for packing light.
3. Arrive early
Aim to be at the station at least 30 minutes before departure.
Big stations can be confusing.
Some platforms change last minute.
4. Learn a few basic words in local languages
Even just “Hello,” “Thank you,” and “Where is the train to…”
People appreciate the effort.
5. Don’t over-plan
Leave room for spontaneity.
You might fall in love with a city and want to stay longer.
Favorite Routes I Recommend
1. Zurich to Milan
Through the Swiss Alps.
Snow-capped peaks, blue lakes, and tunnels that open into breathtaking views.
2. Vienna to Budapest
You’ll glide along the Danube River, passing charming villages.
3. Florence to Rome
Short ride, but stunning views of Tuscany.
4. Lisbon to Porto
Coastal views and colorful towns.
5. Berlin to Prague
Beautiful scenery along the Elbe River.
How Much Does It Cost?
Here’s what I spent:
- Eurail Global Pass (15 days of travel in 2 months): around €500
- Seat reservations (for about 6 trains): €150 total
- Daily expenses (food, local transport, attractions): €40–50 per day
- Accommodation: €30–70 per night (hostels or budget hotels)
You can spend less by traveling slower and staying in hostels or host families.
Is It Safe?
I never felt unsafe.
But:
- Keep an eye on your luggage
- Don’t leave valuables unattended
- Be cautious in big stations like Paris Gare du Nord or Rome Termini — pickpockets target tourists
What I Wish I Knew Before
- Some overnight trains are not as comfortable as they sound
- Not all stations have English signs — follow symbols
- Be ready for sudden changes or delays
- Trains sometimes depart early — don’t arrive at the last minute
Should You Go?
Ask yourself:
- Do you like slow travel?
- Are you okay with unexpected changes?
- Do you enjoy meeting new people?
- Do you want to see Europe beyond airports and big cities?
If yes, you’ll love traveling by train.
Final Thoughts
Train travel in Europe taught me patience, curiosity, and flexibility.
I saw places I never planned to see.
I met people from all walks of life.
I felt connected to each place in a way planes or buses can’t offer.
Europe is small enough to crisscross by rail but big enough that every stop feels new.
So, pack light.
Bring curiosity.
And go.
You won’t regret it.
