Travelling by train in Europe can be an amazing experience. But is this still thing? Is it worth it? How do you do it and where are the best places to go?
I have put together this guide to help you enjoy the most amazing European rail adventure.
Top Reasons to Go Travel Europe by Train
If you’re looking for an inexpensive and flexible way to see what Europe has to offer then travelling by rail can be a great option. Europe has an extensive rail network so it’s easy to travel from country to country with minimal hassle.
It’s also a great way to take in some of Europe’s most beautiful scenery. Travelling through Austria and on to Switzerland means you can take in the spectacular Alps and taking the train from Marseille to Barcelona also offers some great coastal views.
Whether you’re looking to travel on a budget or simply want a flexible way to experience Europe, travelling by rail can be an excellent way to navigate the highlights of the. continent. One of the most popular ways to do this is by buying an InterRail Pass. Just make sure to your planning before you set off so that you can make the most of your trip.
The Interrail Pass
Ok, so most of the hippies on the original hippy trail probably hitchhiked. But still!
In 1972, European railway authorities were alarmed at the number of hitchhikers passing through their countries. So they set up a cheap budget service allowing travel on most Western European lines.
The InterRail pass was born, and it’s still going today. Anyone under the age of 26 can purchase one of these magical pieces of paper. For around £350 you can board nearly any public train and traipse through mountain or city to reach the next destination. There are cheaper tickets for shorter times, and single country passes too.
You can either opt for a global pass which allows you to travel between 30 different countries or you can opt for a one country pass. The tickets are available for between 10 days and one month and travellers aged under 25 also receive a discount.
The InterRail website also has lots of tips on planning your trip and information on the countries available. If you’re looking to truly explore Europe then a one month pass is the best option although you’ll probably find you need longer!
Popular Routes and What Countries to Visit
When planning your trip it’s a good idea to make a list of all the countries you want to visit and see how easily these will fit into your itinerary. If you only want to spend a couple of days in each country then you can probably fit in about 9 or 10 countries. Some people find that this isn’t long enough to truly explore each county so you may wish to extend your trip or cut down on the number of countries you choose to visit.
This is a popular interrail itinerary which allows you to discover some of the best cities and locations on the continent, departing from London.
Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras and head into Paris, the city of love. Walk through the cobbled streets and dine frugally on baguettes and cheese to save a bit of cash. Stay for as long or as little as you like before hopping on a train into the gorgeous neo-classical city of Bordeaux to taste that famous red wine.
Do not miss out on Barcelona and its racy nightlife and pristine beaches. The Nice and Cozy hostel offers dorm rooms for about £20, and is placed right near all the action.
You could head to Porto and gaze in wonder at the Oporto Cathedral. Try the port and the bizarre but delicious Francesinha sandwich. Made with bread, ham, sausage, and steak, this warm dish is covered in melted cheese and dressed in a tomato and beer sauce! It should keep you going for the whole day. Backtrack through Spanish, Portuguese and French backwaters and see what you find.
Take the overnight sleeper train into Rome and party onboard with other travellers as you whizz through the dark countryside. Stroll to the romantic Spanish steps and tour the city at night.
Head south into Naples and work your way up the east coast before heading into Switzerland. Pass stunningly gorgeous mountain ranges and the vast glacial lakes around Zurich before entering this vibrant and cosmopolitan city itself. Here you can swim in the lakes and sun-it-up on the many public verandas. But if you’re male, ask before you go in as some are for ladies only! The city is one of the most beautiful in Europe and you could easily lose yourself in its summer charms and ancient buildings.
Let that northern European flavour wash over you and relax in Bruges or Amsterdam. Both are canal laden cities of culture with excellent hostels, and Luxembourg City’s Cliffside views and manicured gardens are truly jaw-dropping.
Travel north into Copenhagen and Stockholm for some old-world charm in the progressive atmospheres, or get your bratwurst guzzling stomach going with a trip to Munich.
Drink a stein (one litre beer!) in the beer hall, and then head into Austria’s Salzburg where the beautiful Danube gracefully flows through.
Why not head into Budapest or Prague for some cheap nightlife? Or down the coast of Croatia to Dubrovnik, where 15th century architecture merges with the Adriatic Sea.
The list is endless and there is so much to see! Backtrack, zigzag through, or stay in a city for one week: there are no rules to inter-railing. Perhaps the best piece of advice is to just go with the flow!
Top Interrail Tips
Check Timetables
It’s also a good idea to check the European train timetables before you set off. You may be able to take high speed trains if you are travelling long distances but it’s advisable to reserve a seat in advance on these, especially in peak season. This can usually be done online or at the booking office.
Book Night Trains to Save Money on Accommodation
Another way to save time and save money on your accommodation is to take a night train. It’s definitely recommended to make a reservation on these – if the train is full you don’t want to be left with nowhere to sleep! The price of these trains depends on the sort of sleeping accommodation you want. You can book a regular seat, although this can be very uncomfortable, especially for a long journey. It’s often best to book a couchette. The majority of these trains have cabins which sleep around 6 people in bunk beds. Private cabins are available on some trains although these are more expensive.
Keep an Eye on Belongings
There are a few things to bear in mind when taking the night train. It’s important to keep your belongings safe at all times. It’s advisable to lock the compartment door and keep money and valuables on your person or under your pillow. While it’s important to keep a constant watch on your belongings anyway, some trains, such as those going through Eastern Europe, are notorious for thieves boarding the train during the night so it’s wise to be aware.
What to Pack
Just remember you aren’t going into the wilds of Asia or Central America. This is Europe, so most amenities will be on hand wherever you are. But saying that, you do need some basic items.
First things first, download a travel guide. Lonely Planet or Rough Guides are good options, as they can direct you to the cheapest beds and tell you where and what to avoid.
Next, a sturdy rainproof backpack filled with a few t-shirts, shorts, one or two pairs of trousers, and a good amount of underwear. Many hostels have washing facilities, but just in case take a sink plug so you can wash them yourself, and an elastic chord for drying.
A phone/ipad with a portable charger and loaded with music, films and entertainment is good for those long journeys, as is a book or two (once read you can exchange them with other travellers).
Don’t forget a small first aid kit and toiletry bag, and the all important sleeping bag or liner (depending on which season you travel in).
Cooking utensils? Most hostels have self-catering facilities so there’s no need.
Most importantly, take an open minded and friendly outlook!
Go Book Your Interrail Trip
Travelling around Europe by train can be a highly convenient way to visit the major cities. Many domestic trains don’t require reservations so you can just hop on and off as and when you please.
View more tips on my travel blog.
