Going Around Europe? Here’s the Ultimate Guide on Their Trains and Tickets

Klook ANZ

Last updated 9 May 2024

hoto credits to @just.another.rail.photographer, @hajnaltravels, and @cindycindykuo on Instagram.

Travelling around Europe by train is by far the most efficient and comfortable way to get to your destination. Europe train travel, with its beautiful scenery, will definitely your commute between cities or even countries more enjoyable.

Wanna know more about the different trains in Europe and types of tickets? Here’s a guide on rail travel in Europe —

10 most popular high-speed trains and main train hubs in Europe

If you’re taking a holiday around Europe, you’ll probably be taking high-speed trains to get around its main cities. Instead of taking a plane or driving for hours, the high-speed train can offer you a quicker and more comfortable trip.

Train tickets can be booked from two to six months in advance, so you can plan ahead. Additionally, rail pass holders can get discounted rates when reserving their seats for high-speed trains!

High-speed trains	Countries	Popular routes	Travel time*	Booking window
TGV INOUI	France	Paris <> Marseille Paris <> Lyon Paris <> Bordeaux	3 hours 2 hours 08 mins 2 hours 04 mins	90 days
EUROSTAR	France, UK, Netherlands, Belgium	London <> Paris London <> Brussels London <> Amsterdam	2 hours 15 mins 1 hour 51 mins 3 hours 52 mins	120 days
THALYS	France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany	Paris <> Amsterdam Paris <> Brussels Amsterdam <> Brussels	3 hours 25 mins 1 hour 23 mins 1 hour 53 mins	120 days
TGV LYRIA	France, Switzerland	Paris <> Geneva Paris <> Zurich Lausanne <> Dijon	3 hours 12 mins 4 hours 04 mins 2 hours	180 days
ICE	Germany	Berlin <> Munich Berlin <> Frankfurt Munich <> Frankfurt	4 hours 4 hours 07 mins 3 hours 19 mins	900 days
ITALO FRECCIAROSSA	Italy	Milan <> Florence Milan <> Venice Rome <> Venice	1 hour 54 mins 2 hours 27 mins 3 hours 26 mins	120 days 180 days
FRANCE-SPAIN HIGH SPEED	France, Spain	Paris <> Barcelona Barcelona <> Lyon Barcelona <> Marseille	6 hours 39 mins 5 hours 05 mins 6 hours 03 mins	180 days
OUIGO SPAIN AVE	Spain	Barcelona <> Madrid Madrid <> Barcelona Madrid <> Valencia Madrid <> Malaga	2 hours 30 mins 2 hours 30 mins 1 hour 40 mins 2 hours 46 mins	90 days

* Travel times may change

Different types of trains

Depending on your destination, you'll need to know what kind of train you have to catch. Train travel in Europe is efficient, so you can be sure to save both time and money when you go around.

These types of trains are divided into two: day trains and night trains. Day trains offer a wider range of schedules and destinations, whereas night trains cover long distances, which can allow its passengers to save money on hotels.

Day trains include high-speed trains, InterCity trains, regional or local trains, and scenic trains.

High-speed trains: Perfect for long-distance travel and connects to all the main cities of Europe. They run at a speed of 300km/h!
InterCity trains: They also cover long distances, but have an average speed of 170km/h. These trains pass by the countryside, so you can admire its wonderful landscapes as you get to your destination.
Regional or local trains: These trains travel shorter distances as they connect to smaller cities and towns.
Scenic trains: Here, you can literally take the scenic route. There’s no better way to get to your destination than by looking at Europe’s most beautiful vistas.

On the other hand, night trains offer different accommodations depending on the route. However, most include:

Deluxe sleepers with one and two-berth cabins, with a shower and toilet as well.
There are also sleepers with one, two, and three-berth cabins.
Four or six birth couchettes, reclining seats, and bar and buffet car for light meals and drinks!
For a smooth ride, it’s always a good idea to reserve in advance to make sure you have the seats you want.

Types of Train Tickets in Europe

For train travel in Europe, you can get two types of tickets: point-to-point tickets or rail passes.

Point-to-point tickets are valid on a specific route between two stations:

If you’re only going to a few destinations, point-to-point tickets are recommended instead of a pass.
Depending on the routes and trains, you’ll be offered open tickets or global fare tickets. Open tickets will let you travel on a given route at a fixed price within a limited period of time. Global fares will allow you to travel on most high-speed and night trains.

Book Europe Train Tickets - Easily and conveniently compare ticket prices on Klook

Alternatively, rail passes give you unlimited travel on the rail networks of the countries covered by the pass:

It’s best to buy a pass if your European holiday includes three or more journeys to get your money’s worth.
There are different passes available as well: Eurail Global Pass (covering 33 countries) and passes covering only one country like the Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail German Rail Pass.
Children travel for free on most passes, too!

Enjoy train travel in Europe with Eurail Global Passes, which you can get from Klook!

Book Eurail Global Passes - Book now for today

In case you’re only visiting Switzerland, you can also book Swiss Travel Rain Passes with us.

Book Swiss Travel Rail Passes - Get instant confirmation

Written by: Nina Marable

London United Kingdom

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