Updates on Travel conditions in Europe

At Rail Europe we care for the health, safety and satisfaction of our customers. Together with the European train operators, we can help you travel safely by giving you all the main prerequisites and necessary information for travel

Our advice for the best travel experience:

– Check carefully the conditions and governmental measures of the countries you are travelling from and to: below you can find links to the main European Government’s measures. In particular, pay attention to the Health Pass requirements. In addition to the information below, for the European Union countries you can also check Re-open EU website and simulate your itinerary;

– Book flexible tickets if you do not want to take risks if your trip shall be canceled in case of restrictions imposed by or on your country of origin or destination; consider that Rail Europe applies the rules of the rail operators which, with few exceptions, have now returned to their regular exchange and refund policies;

– Continue to adopt the barrier gestures all along your travel: wear a mask all along your trip (FFP2 mask is mandatory in several countries), wash your hands regularly, when coughing or sneezing cover your mouth and nose with your arm or use a disposable tissue, dispose of any tissues you have used, avoid close contact when greeting people, and respect a distance of at least one meter;

Train Companies

Why travel by train?

easy access

Nearly every city has a station and most of them are served by trains multiple times per day. Also, one of the best things about European rail travel is the great location of the train stations. Major stations are usually right in the center of the city, with shops, restaurants and hotels just a couple of steps away.

practical

With European rail travel, check-in simply means getting on the train. No need to arrive hours in advance, remove your shoes or walk through a metal detector. You can also bring your own food and drinks on board, if you want to.​

great views

You see more than just clouds or the dirty back of a semi-truck. You experience the beauty of Europe first hand. From the train you see the lush green hills, the colorful cities and the quaint countryside.

no hassle at borders

Rail passengers no longer have their identity checked by border guards when crossing borders of the Schengen countries (see the Schengen Visa website). Random security checks still occur though.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY​

When you choose to travel by train through Europe, you choose a mode of transportation that pollutes far less than most others. Read more about the eco-friendly aspects of train travel.​

Frequently Asked Questions

Are trains in Europe safe?

Yes. Trains in Europe are perfectly safe, both in terms of engineering and crime rate. Most European stations are open 24 hours a day and are equipped with a video surveillance system or a local security team. If anything goes wrong, you’ll usually find a police station and an information desk with English speaking staff to help you.

Are dogs allowed on trains in Europe?

Yes. The general rule is that small pets are allowed to travel on European trains for free if they’re in a carrier. Larger pets need to be muzzled and kept on a leash and usually travel for a reduced rate. Check out our guide to dogs on trains for more information about travelling with your dog in the UK.

How can I get cheap European train tickets?

The best way to save money when booking European trains is to buy your tickets in advance. Prices can be much higher on the day of travel, so be sure to plan well in advance to get the cheapest fares. We also recommend you avoid travelling during rush hours, as well as check if you can benefit from the wide range of discounts available for train travellers in Europe.

How early can you book train tickets in Europe?

European train tickets can go on sale from three to six months in advance, depending on the route and operator. If you want to snap up the cheapest fares, we recommend you book your ticket as soon as your travel plans are confirmed.

Where’s the biggest train station in Europe?

The biggest train station in Europe is Leipzig Hauptbahnhof in Germany. It has 19 overground platforms housed in six iron train sheds, a multi-level concourse with towering stone arches, and a 298 metres long facade.

How fast do high-speed trains go in Europe?

High-speed trains in Europe can reach speeds of up to 248 mph (400 km/h). They usually run direct routes to major European cities, taking you to your destination in no time.