Tips to seeing Europe by train
There are a number of things a traveler can do to avoid some of the more frequent issues that arise by train travel in Europe. Here are a few tips to help make Europe travel by train a more productive and pleasurable experience.:
1) Make your train reservation with a local travel agent.
In most places you can find a travel agent that will, for about 3 euros, book a reservation for you. This is usually for first class train travel. By booking with a travel agent all you have to do is 'show-up' and get on your train and go.
2) Know the connecting platform of the next train.
This may sound simple, but if one forgets to ask and then has to go to the train station information kiosk or has to find someone that speaks the same language they do, then more than likely, by the time they do either (or both) the next train -and all the connecting ones- will be gone.
3) Find your train car before the train arrives.
Many European train stations have a board with a map of all the trains that run through the station (see image in slide show). This map allows a traveler to find their train car (printed on their reservation) before their train arrives.This allows the traveler to know where they should be standing on the -sometimes very long- platforms when the train arrives.
4) Try not to book a reservation on the last train of the day.
In Europe, regardless the destination, there are usually a a number of trains traveling to the same destination each day. It is usually best to book a train that has at least one more train coming at a later time.
One recent traveler had the unfortunate and unexpected experience of getting on the last train of the day, which actually took her in the opposite direction of where she was going. However since it was the last train in either direction, it turned out to be a $150 cab ride to her hotel.
5) Ask if there are multiple stops in your destination or connecting city.
Just like it is good to know ahead of time what track your next train is leaving from, it is also good to know just what station you should get off in. Some cities, like Hamburg, Germany have 3 stations to choose from. So it is always good to know ahead of time, how many stations are at your next destination, and which is the one you want.
6) Don't be afraid to ask.
People in Europe are without question some of the friendliest people in the world, this despite all the 'political' chatter heard on the news and talk programs. And they unhesitatingly will help a traveler if and when they can (perhaps this is because Europeans LOVE to travel, and therefore understand and emphasize with a travelers needs).
But most of all, enjoy the beauty of Europe travel the way only a train can reveal it to you. Train travel in Europe can be the experience of a lifetime.
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