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5 - General European Rail Travel |
How much are reservations for accommodations on night trains? Click here for a chart of approximate One-Way reservation costs. Do children pay for reservations for sleeping accommodations or seats? In general, children 4 through 11 not requiring a separate bed or seat do not need a sleeper or seat reservation. If the child requires a separate bed or seat, the child needs to purchase a reservation. Child reservations are often 25% to 50% cheaper than adult reservations. Yes. However, you should never leave your bags or valuables unprotected. Secure your bags using rope-locks and zipper-locks, sleep with your moneybelt on, and lock your couchette/sleeper door. Do I need train reservations? Where do I make them? How much are they? Most overnight trains require reservations (See above). Very few daytime trains require reservations. Only trains listed in the schedules with an “R” enclosed in a square require reservations. However, you may choose to purchase reservations for long rides during peak seasons. Purchase your reservations at any European train station or travel agency. Price are listed here. Reservation prices often include a reservation on a connecting train. You may wish to specify your choice of: How do I know which train station my train leaves from? Many larger cities have 2 or more train stations. Check the schedules (click the schedules icon above) in advance to determine the correct station your train serves. How do I know which track my train leaves from? All European train stations have printed schedules that list which track each train departs from. The largest train stations also have electronic train boards that list the same trains, along with any delay or change-of-track information. Does it matter which train car I sit in? Yes. Not all the cars in your train may be going to the same destination. Long-distance European trains often split up en-route and head in different directions. Make sure you select a car going to your destination. Check the car’s clearly marked origin city and destination city before boarding. You must also choose between 1st and 2nd class, and between smoking and non-smoking. All of the above choices are mapped out on a train plan. This plan is usually displayed next to the printed schedules on the track from which your train will depart. This plan tells you exactly where to stand on the platform given the above choices. If you have a reservation, sit in the car and seats that you reserved. Does it matter which seat I sit in? Make sure that somebody else has not reserved your seat. If somebody has, a reservation sticker showing his or her origin and destination will be displayed next to the seat. Some trains have both open seating cars and compartment style cars. Travelers with children are encouraged to sit in the compartment seating. If you have a reservation, sit in the car and seats that you reserved. Is 1st Class worth the extra cost? 1st class seating is roomy and quiet and full of businessmen and tourists. 2nd class is where you meet the locals while traveling fairly comfortably and at the same exact speed as those in 1st class. 1st class is not available on all trains. We recommend 2nd class tickets. Which railpasses cover the Eurostar (Chunnel) trip from England to the France or Belgium? No railpass covers this trip. However, holders of any pass that covers England, France, or Belgium gets special discounts when purchasing Eurostar tickets. RailSaver searches for these discounted prices for you. For non-passholder Eurostar prices, and general Eurostar information, check www.eurostar.co.uk. Can I make a stop during a trip if I am using Railpasses or tickets? Day stops are almost always allowed. Be sure to tell the conductor of your plans. Certain tickets allow overnight stops. Ask before purchasing your ticket. Do non-smoking and smoking sections exist on every train? Non-Smoking sections exist on all trains. Smoking sections exist on most trains, notable exceptions are Eurostar and all Italian trains. Do trains and stations offer facilities for handicapped passengers? In general, only the following trains in each country are handicapped accessible:
Special equipment may also be available for use by handicapped passengers. This equipment must be reserved directly with the country's railroad in advance. Be sure to specify if you need personal assistance (whether with a wheelchair, boarding, etc.). I cannot get a reservation on a Thalys train! What should I do? See our THALYS Information page. |
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