Everything You Need to Know About Train Travel in Europe

I've collected my top tips and tricks about train stations and train travel in Europe, what to wear on a train, and what to bring with you on the train! All aboard!

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Exploring train travel in Europe?

Maybe it's a bizarre thing to have a bit of a passion for, but let's just say it! I love trains. Europe's light-rail and high-speed train system is efficient, eco-friendly, and just plain fun! And, no matter how modern the train, I do always feel a bit retro. We always spend at least a few days of every trip to Europe hopping around whatever country we're visiting and getting to know the train system, all of which we've found to be exemplary. So, how do you prepare for a train trip in Europe? What to wear? What to bring?

And, depending on where you're going to be visiting, be sure to check out my two other fully-train-related posts, England & Scotland by Train and France by Train, both of which contain general train travel tips, such as how to get tickets and navigate ticket machines, as well as easy day trips from the major cities, that rely solely on public transit for those countries!

Buying Train Tickets
​in Europe

If your plans are set in stone, buy your train tickets ahead of time. You'll ensure you have a seat, and you'll often save money. I generally use Rail Europe. We'll discuss which seats to pick and more, as we move on!

What to Expect on a Train in Europe

European Train Stations

Puerta de Atocha, Madrid

Part of what I like so much about train travel in Europe is just how much more relaxing it is than flying on a plane. European train stations are bustling and fun - and usually quite nice, especially the large ones, and there aren't nearly as many rules and regulations that create so much stress with flying.

As far as eating and drinking, like airports, train stations in Europe generally have both take-away stalls and sit-down restaurants/bars. The big train stations in major cities also have everything from bookstores to clothing shops (but don't expect to find that in a little town!).

Train Station Security

Often, in Europe, there is generally not significant security in train stations, at least of the type that each passenger has to path through, of which we've become so accustomed over the years in the U.S., though it will depend on the country. You often have to show your train ticket to get past a certain area once you're really close to the trains, especially if the station contains sections for both trains and Tube/underground/Metro, but even that is not always required.

As far as individual screening, there is often a significant police/military presence, but they are just for general safety, not individual passenger screening. That said, Spain, which experienced a significant train-based terrorist attack, did implement museum-style security (metal detector, coat removal, etc.), so allow some extra time, if you'll be taking the train in Spain!

Train Seating in Europe

If you are on a light-rail train not traveling a terribly far distance, you generally will not have an assigned seat, but will sit in the carriage of the class of ticket you've purchased (aka don't try to sit in First if you don't have a First class ticket), and in seats that aren't marked as "reserved." For longer distances, or most high-speed travel of any distance, you will have an assigned seat.

Train seats on trains in Europe are normally padded, squishy, and fabric-covered, a bit like airline seats, however I have been on a few really short journeys were the seats were more like Tube/Metro seats. Often, you will sit in a grouping of four seats arranged around a small, shared table.

Whether or not you have assigned seats, after a bit of time (it varies wildly and rarely, but sometimes, they don't come at all - don't try to skip fares!), a conductor will generally come by and check everyone's tickets. I find this super stressful and I have no idea why, but all they do is ask for your ticket, mark it in some way, tell you to have a nice trip, and move along. In some countries, such as the UK, you can hop on a train without a ticket and buy it from the conductor. This is not the case in all countries, so don't rely on this approach as a tourist.

Are there bathrooms on trains in Europe?

There aren't bathrooms on the Metro/Tube, but there are bathrooms on every light-rail/high-speed train I've ever been on in Europe. They're generally clean and perfectly adequate for the trip.

That said, some of the doors are sort of difficult to open/ close. They're usually button-based, meaning that you push an "open" or "close" button when you enter and exist. If you don't lock it properly...well, you get it. Additionally, you generally aren't allowed to use the train bathrooms when the train is in the station. 

What to Bring on a Train in Europe

One wonderful thing about train travel in Europe is that, within reason, you can pretty much bring what you need with you on the train. There are just not the same restrictions as airplanes, so bring that water bottle!

Train travel essentials: Food and drink

One of my favorite parts of train travel in Europe is loading up on delicious food and drink to take on the journey! Nope, they don't hold you captive and force you to buy food and drink on the train - nice, isn't it?

Additionally, due to the prevalence of public transit in and among European cities, the train stations are often well-stocked with train-friendly snacks and drinks. The fact that they'll load you up with pre-made, canned gin and tonics before you hop on a train never ceases to make me love everything about being across the pond.

That said, if for whatever reason you pass up shopping in the train station, then yes, you can generally buy food and drink on the train, if you're traveling any significant distance. On our recent trip to Spain, we got a full meal the minute we sat down, included in our ticket.

​I have been on one train that did not serve food, but it was the train from Paris to the Chateau de Fontainebleau, and the trip was quite short that it was technically a local train. Either someone will come by, like the Trolley Witch in Harry Potter, or there is a bar car with a permanent bar and one staff member serving food and drink. It's not cheap, obviously, but it's also not so expensive that no one buys it.

A beautiful, canned gin and tonic enjoying the journey from Winchester, Hampshire to London

Pro tip: In some countries, such as Spain, you have to go through security right before you reach your platform and certain foods aren't allowed through security. If this is the case, wait to make purchases until after security.

Train travel essentials:
​Necessities

First, you can't go wrong with a good pack of cleaning wipes. The trains are generally clean, but they're heavily used, so why not give it a quick clean-up before you risk your gin and tonic?

I always stick a pack of tissues in my purse. Most train restrooms are well-stocked, and if they aren't, you can normally sway your way down to the nearest restroom in the next carriage. However, later in the day, even the best trains sometimes run low on supplies, so just in case, or to share with a friend, bring some tissues!

Train travel essentials:
​Entertainment options

What to do on a train trip? Well, unlike planes, trains in Europe almost never have entertainment options, beyond those you supply yourself. The only train I've been on with a TV was the high-speed from Madrid to Barcelona - and we also got a full meal, so I think that just counts as an outlier.

But no built-in entertainment shouldn't be a problem! First, you will have the lovely scenery to take in! Our trip from Edinburgh to Inverness showed off the most stunning views of Scotland I've ever enjoyed. I always find train travel an excellent way to truly enjoy a country's landscape, especially since there's nothing else to do.

As far as other entertainment options, I like to bring a book about/written in the place we are exploring. I started this tradition by reading David Mitchell's Back Story on our way to Oxford, and laughed out loud like a weirdo a few times, to the horror of everyone around me.

A note on high-speed trains.
Even people who are not prone to motion sickness may have difficulty with high-speed trains, particularly if sitting backward. Looking at your phone a lot or reading a book will only increase your chance of feeling unwell. If you're concerned, put the phone down, and look outside! 
More on this in France by Train.

Train travel essentials:
​Do trains in Europe have WiFi?

Generally, yes, trains in Europe do have WiFi. However, that is not always the case, and most importantly, my phone often has an extremely difficult time connecting to it when we're moving. I don't know anything about cell phones or how they work, I just know this to be true! So, be sure to download what you need before you start moving.

What to Wear on a Train in Europe

Now that we've gotten through what to bring with you on a train, let's discuss what is always one of my favorite topics, what to wear! Hmm what to wear on a train in Europe - if I had it my way, I'd go full Murder on the Orient Express costume, minus the murder, obviously, but alas, need to look normal.

What to wear on a train in Europe:
​Long pants

I'm all about long pants on train journeys. I don't like my legs touching those well-loved seats, and I find skirts inconvenient, especially on two-tier trains where stairs are involved (yes, these exist and yes, they are super cool).

What to wear on a train in Europe:
​A light sweater

Oh the temperature fluctuations of public transit! I wouldn't say that I normally find train travel to be uncomfortable, based on temperature control, however, always good to have a sweater on hand. Additionally, some slower moving trains allow for people to crack open the windows, so you'll likely want to have something on hand if things get brisk!

What to wear on a train in Europe:
​Close-toed shoes

Hauling bags, stepping on and off trains, walking on the train when it's moving, and using those funny train bathrooms all spell disaster for flip-flops, in addition to the fact that Europeans don't wear them. Personally, I'm all about booties on trains - and then they're perfect for a full day of walking once we arrive in our destination! 

What to wear on a train in Europe:
​Country-specific suggestions

If you're traveling for a day trip, you might be more concerned with what to wear once you arrive, rather than what to wear on the train itself. Don't forget to stop by my city/country-specific attire recommendations:

• What to Wear in Paris
• What to Wear in Scotland
• What to Wear in Italy
• What to Wear in London

Thanks for stopping by!

And don't forget to stop by my two other fully-train-related posts, England & Scotland by Train and France by Train, both of which contain general train travel tips, such as how to get tickets and navigate ticket machines, as well as easy day trips from the major cities, that rely solely on public transit.

Bon voyage - and don't forget to subscribe to the newsletter, below, for my free, downloadable carry-on packing guide for a flight to Europe!

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