Travel Europe by Train

Photo of the Antwerp Station Courtesy of Wiki Commons

Traveling by train is my favorite way to travel in Europe. There is nothing I like better than sitting on my butt and doing nothing (after all, it’s a vacation isn’t it?) Additionally, people of all ages and economic backgrounds travel by train and it can be fun sharing a conversation, meal or refreshment with other passengers while leisurely enjoying the scenery. Also, trains are convenient because they take you directly to the city center.

Especially in Western and Central Europe, the trains are fast, efficient and cost-competitive with flying. High-speed trains like the French TGV, the German ICE, the Spanish AVE and the cross-border Eurostar and Thalys services speed along at up to 320 km/h (200 mph) and, when taking into account travel time to the airport and back, are often faster than taking the plane.







Unfortunately, individual train tickets are expensive, especially in Western Europe. That's why a Eurail or Britrail pass is a cost-effective option. There are many different rail passes available for Europe, and you should research your options before purchasing a rail pass. Learn more about Eurail here.

Rail Travel Tip

To save money you might also want to consider the option of taking a night train, especially for long-distance travel. You won’t be able to enjoy the scenery, but you save the cost of a hotel room. The supplement for a sleeper car, where you share a compartment of bunk beds with other travelers, generally costs much less than a hotel room, and by traveling at night you also gain an extra travel day to explore your destination. Learn more about train sleep options here.

My favorite way to travel by train is to rent an apartment in a city or town I like and then take daily train trips to other cities in the country. I don’t have to tot luggage because I go back to my apartment when the day is done. Additionally, most countries offer very economical train passes for traveling within their borders. For example, Belgium has booklets of 10 tickets for about 80 Euros (8 Euros per ticket) and you can go anywhere in Belgium on a ticket. You can go all the way from Antwerp to the far reaches of the Ardennes (no problem.) You can also stop at any city or town between your starting town and final destination as long as you document it on your ticket. What is even better is you can share the tickets in your booklet with other people. You don’t need a booklet for each traveler.

But there is a downside to train travel. First of all, it’s hard and time-consuming to reach quaint country villages by train. Also, you have to pack light because you have to drag your baggage with you wherever you go (Just like Jacob Marley in the Christmas Carol had to drag his heavy chains of sins he had forged link by link around for eternity.)

Also, trains can’t compare to car rentals when you’re traveling with little tots and babies. You don't have to worrying about keeping track of your children around busy train stations and airports or having to carry them along with your luggage when they fall asleep or are just plain tired.

The kids can sleep comfortably and undisturbed, you can stop and let them out when they get restless, and finally you can easily carry and access their needed clothes, toys and other paraphernalia. Also, a car is a practical and economical refuge from sudden rain storms.