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Train Travel in Europe

It's easy to travel by train to almost anywhere in Europe

Whether you’re making a flying visit to Paris, or backpacking around the continent for the summer, there are trains to get you where you want to be.

Here’s our guide to travelling to, from, and around Europe by train.

Eurostar

Eurostar trains run from St Pancras International to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and more. The High Speed 1 is faster, more reliable and more environmentally friendly than flying. And, when you go by train, you travel from city centre to city centre, so you don’t have to worry about making your way to or from the airport, or getting there hours before you are due to leave.

Visit the Eurostar website for more information and to book tickets.

Interrail

You can travel across 33 countries in Europe with an Interrail Global Pass, or explore 1 country to your heart’s content with an Interrail One Country Pass. Find out more about Interrail here.

Travel Tips

  • Book in advance: Bookings open 60 days in advance (120 days in advance for Eurostar, 90 days for trains in France and some other trains including sleepers from Paris to Spain and Italy).

  • Try splitting tickets: When booking online, if you don't see attractive fares for the whole trip, try splitting your journey and booking 2 separate tickets. For example, from London to Paris and then from Paris to your final destination.

  • Plan ahead: The European Rail Timetable (formerly the Thomas Cook European Rail Timetable), has timetables to buy for trains in Europe, as well as ships to North Africa, Israel and the Mediterranean islands. The Man in Seat 61 is a website and blog from rail enthusiast Mark Smith, which features train times, fares, information, tips and reports on his travels.

  • Child, youth and senior fares: The age limits for children vary from country to country. On Eurostar and most European trains, children under 4 go free, children aged 4 to 11 pay a reduced fare, and children 12 and over pay the adult fare. On many routes, there are special discounted fares for anyone under 26 or over 60. Please ask when you buy tickets.

  • Luggage: There is no weight limit for baggage, just remember that you will have to carry what you bring. There is a baggage limit of 2 large items and 1 smaller item on Eurostar. Self-help trolleys and left luggage facilities are available at most major stations.

  • Bicycles: Bicycles can be taken as hand luggage on Eurostar and on most other European train if they are placed in a special bike bag (available from cycle shops) with pedals removed and handlebars turned. Bicycles not placed in bike bags must be sent on Eurostar as registered baggage, for a small fee. Visit the Eurostar website for details.

  • Animals: You cannot take dogs (other than guide dogs) or other pets on Eurostar. Most ferry companies will only accept dogs when carried in vehicles. However, if you can get across the Channel, dogs are carried (sometimes for a fee) on most European trains.

Travelling in Europe

National Rail train companies do not generally sell tickets for travel to Europe, but you can visit the English-language websites listed below to find information on national trains in each country.

Popular European destinations

Other European destinations