European Train Tips
Shop around before you purchase your rail pass. Many agents offer a variety of bonuses; for example, Rail Europe is constantly running promotions for travel to nearly all destinations. Be sure to check their promotion page often, as new bargains pop up regularly.
Examine your itinerary carefully before you purchase your pass. Flexi Pass holders may save money and travel days by purchasing separate tickets for shorter trips. For example, instead of using one travel day for a trip from Florence to Pisa, buy a second class ticket for $18, and save your travel day for a night train or longer journey.
Make sure your rail pass is validated the first time you use it at a Railway ticket office before boarding a train. Be sure not to write anything on your pass before validation; the ticket agent will do this for you. You may validate your ticket onboard, but be prepared to pay an extra fee.
Be aware that your rail pass will allow you to board any train, but it does not guarantee you a seat, couchette or sleeper berth. In addition, high-speed trains may require a supplement. If you are not sure, check with the ticket agent before you board the train.
Eurail Flexi Pass holders must enter that day's travel date in ink before boarding the train. For a night train departing after 7 p.m., enter the next day's date; you will only have to use one of your travel days. However, if you change trains before midnight, you must use two days.
You may be required to give your passport and rail pass to the conductor when boarding a night train. He or she will take care of dealing with customs officials for you as you pass through each country on your route.
Be aware of your route before you travel. If you are traveling through a country that is not listed on your rail pass, you will have to pay the full fare for that portion of the trip. You may purchase this in advance to avoid a fine; simply tell the ticket agent your destination and he or she will issue you a ticket to cover the journey.
Safeguard your rail pass; it is not replaceable if stolen. However, you may be entitled to a refund if you purchase pass insurance (such as Rail Europe's Rail Protection Plan). Rail pass insurance will not replace your pass while traveling; it only gives you a refund for the unused portion after you return. If you lose your pass, contact the local police immediately. You will be required to submit a copy of the police report with your lost pass claim.
Be sure to read the inside of your ticket jacket for important information regarding reservations, services and bonuses.
Make reservations for sleepers or couchettes in advance. This can be done at the train station and in most travel agencies. Sleepers should be reserved as far in advance as possible, as these tend to fill up quickly. Couchettes can generally be booked the day of travel. You may have to pay an additional fee for a couchette or a sleeper.
If you're planning to travel on a Friday night you may need to make a reservation, as many people will be making weekend trips and the trains fill up quickly. Get to the station early and check with the ticket agent before you board.
* Don't leave luggage unguarded on the train or in the station.
* On night trains, secure baggage to the rack with a small bicycle lock.
* Keep your valuables in a concealed money belt when sleeping on trains.
Most train stations have secure lockers where you can deposit your luggage for the day for a few dollars. Carry change in the currency of the country you are in, as most do not accept bills.
Earplugs can be purchased at any pharmacy and will be invaluable in helping you get a good night's sleep.
Europe Via Air
Europe's extensive network of railroads was once the only affordable option for folks traveling around the continent, but lately the rails have lost their supremacy. Discount airlines like Ryanair and easyJet have made jetting around the continent quicker and cheaper. Ryanair has sales that sometimes offer tickets from just 10 GBP (about $18.50 USD), and claims to be 50 percent cheaper than easyJet, its biggest rival. (Not necessarily true -- see our findings below!)
With fares this cheap, does it make sense even to consider traveling by train anymore? The answer: It depends. For one thing, the discount airlines aren't generally quite as cheap as they appear. Even if you do net an incredibly affordable flight, taxes and fees bump the price up to at least $25 or $30. Then, if you're traveling on Ryanair, you'll have to pay for each piece of checked baggage -- 8 GBP per item (about $14.90) if you book it ahead of time when you make your reservation, and 16 GBP for each unreserved item ($29.75) that you bring to the check-in counter. These fees are charged per one-way flight; carry-on baggage is free. Ryanair also charges "handling" or "transaction" fees if you book your tickets using some credit or debit cards; these are 4 GBP (about $7.40) per one-way flight.
One more factor to take into account? Discount airlines tend to fly into smaller airports that can be an hour or more outside of the city you're trying to visit. Trains, on the other hand, typically arrive in or near the center of town, and usually link up easily with the city's mass transportation system.
Although discount airlines may be on the rise, you shouldn't dismiss the train option altogether. Particularly for itineraries where the cities aren't too far apart, the train may still be your most economical and even your quickest choice. However, the more distance your itinerary covers, the more appealing a plane is likely to look.
You might also want to consider combining your options. easyJet may offer the cheapest fare for the first leg of your trip, but the next leg may be better served by train. If easyJet doesn't fly to your city of choice, there's a chance Ryanair might. To search more than one discount airline at a time, consult agents within this site. Prices for routes within Europe on various airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, bmi, Aer Lingus and more are available.
Finally, "free" flight offers aside, beware of the hidden costs that could boost your price tag -- everything from baggage fees and credit card surcharges to the price of transferring from one London airport to another. Keep in mind that flights may look shorter on paper, but you'll also spend more time going through security and transferring into the city you're visiting than you would for a journey on the rails. |
