How to get the most out of your train pass in Europe is a question many travelers ask when planning their adventures. Whether you’re marveling at the Alps, exploring charming towns, or enjoying the efficiency of Europe’s rail network, a train pass can transform your trip into a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Traveling by train in Europe is an adventure waiting to happen. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making the most of your train pass, including personal lessons from our 2010 Europe trip, tips for navigating modern train travel, and must-know insights for families.
I want to be clear that this blog is for multi-country travelers of Europe. If you are doing one country, you should probably look at the train system for that country. Also, if your itinerary only has room for a few days of train travel, look at booking trains individually. For us, in 2010, we did a 30 day tour and circled most of Western Europe so the Eurail pass made the most sense.
By the end of this blog, you’ll know:
- The best ways to use a Eurail pass today.
- How to plan scenic train journeys across Europe.
- Key tips for families traveling by train.
This guide aims to help families and first-time travelers navigate multi-country train travel in Europe, ensuring they maximize their Eurail pass and create unforgettable experiences. And if you are seasoned traveler, leave a comment what some better ifs below!
Throwback to 2010: Our First Train Adventure Across Europe
Let’s start by revisiting our original blog from 2010, where we shared our experiences from our first Europe trip. While train travel has evolved in many ways, the core joys and challenges remain the same. Here’s what we wrote back then without any editing:
In my last post about our Europe trip, I mention the Eurorail pass. Unlike this country, rail is king in Europe. Failing at trying not to sound like a commericial, the Eurorail is the number one way to get around Europe. It is what made our grand tour of Europe possible.
The thing that I was most worried about our Europe trip was the trains. Getting on the right one, sitting in the right seat, hoping it was running on time were all the things running through my mind every time we arrived at the train station. Then I was worried about becoming ill due to motion sickness, using the bathroom, and getting off at the right train station.
With the exception of motion sickness, none of my fears came true. And even the motion sickness wasn’t bad; it just felt as if I was still on the train for about an hour after we got off the train.
We did three things on our train rides. If I took I pill for motion sickness, I usually took small naps. Cristina, immune to the motion of the trains, would often journal. Most of the time we both just enjoyed the country side of Europe.
On the Eurostar from England to France, the thing I noticed most was how the church was center of the small town. The train from Zurich to Milan was probably the most beautiful of all the train trips. Weaving through the valleys of the Alps, the scenery was just beautiful especially for a southern Louisiana boy who isn’t used to seeing mountains and is still awed by them. The train along the Eastern seaboard of Italy was just gorgeous to look at with the blue Adriatic stretching out as far as the eye could see. The train ride from Pescara to Sulmona, and the one from Sulmona to Rome, gave you a glimpse of Italian country life since it was such a slow moving train.
For the first half of our trip, the trains and the way they were run were a thing of beauty. Then we tried to get from Verona to Innsbruck. Up until this point, we had also purchased reserved seats on all trains. Yes, the rail pass allowed us to ride any train we wanted but it didn’t mean we would have a seat on each train. Therefore, to keep up with our schedule we had to reserve train seats. Of course, we learned all about trains from Rick Steves. Luckily for us, there were few people who were traveling on this train so we were fine.
The best part was that because we were over the age of 26, so we had to travel first class. Yes, it cost more money, but the leg room was worth it. The few times we had to travel second class wasn’t bad, it was just a lot more crowded and louder.
The only time we truly had to panic about the train rides from Innsbruck to Prague. First of all, this was poor scheduling. It is near impossible to get from Innsbruck to Prague in that there are only two or three trains that make the trip. One comes at two in the morning. This wouldn’t have been bad if we could have booked a sleeper car in advanced but for some reason that I can’t remember we weren’t allowed to. We looked in to it but we couldn’t get it done. They had no sleeping cars when we checked at Innsbruck. In fact they couldn’t reserve us seats. We weren’t going to risk getting up at two (and lose our hotel room) on the chance they might have a sleeper. Our other option was to board a train at noon. The only problem was that it was almost 1:15 before it arrived. Luckily, our connecting train waited for us in Linz. Thank god.
That was also one of the best trips we took in my opinion. Cristina hated it because it was so slow which meant we were stuck in one room for nearly 8 hours. However, we had the room to ourselves for most of the trip. It was beautiful day and every placed we passed had people out and about doing what ever Czech people do.
This trip was also notable for the only time we were harassed. I’m still not sure why. Every stop we had to show our tickets. To the same lady. There were about eight stops. Then two rough looking police officers entered our car speaking Czech. We don’t know any Czech whatsoever. I’m bumbling and fumbling looking for our passports. Then I apologize in English for being so slow. They ask me if I’m from the UK. I replied we were Americans. They said ok and left us alone wondering what that was all about.
Some of the houses on the trip from Prague to Berlin were some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. The fields were out of a certain Sting video. The trip from Berlin to Amsterdam was notable for the number of windmills you would see the closer you got to Amsterdam.
I can’t wait to do it again.
What’s Changed Since 2010?
Fast forward to today, and train travel in Europe has evolved significantly. Here are some of the most notable changes:
- Wi-Fi and Cheaper International Plans are Now Commonplace
Many high-speed trains like the Eurostar, TGV, and ICE now offer free or paid Wi-Fi. This makes it easier to stay connected, work, or even stream your favorite shows on long rides. Additionally, US carriers, such as AT&T, offer more affordable international plans. - Mobile Apps Simplify Travel
Planning and navigating train travel is easier than ever with apps like:- Rail Planner App: Perfect for Eurail pass users.
- Trainline: Great for booking tickets and checking real-time schedules.
- Google Maps: Ideal for navigating stations and planning connections.
- E-Tickets Save Time and Hassle
Gone are the days of worrying about losing a paper ticket. Most train systems now support digital tickets and QR codes, which you can store on your phone. - Improved Accessibility
Modern trains are more family- and disability-friendly, offering improved accommodations such as stroller storage, family compartments, and step-free access.
What’s Stayed the Same?
Despite all the advancements, some things about train travel in Europe remain timeless:
- The Scenic Routes
The breathtaking views of the Alps, the Italian coastline, and the European countryside are as magical today as they were in 2010. Some routes, such as Zurich to Milan or Berlin to Amsterdam, are destinations in themselves. - Seat Reservations Are Still Important
Even with a Eurail pass, seat reservations are often required for high-speed and international trains. Planning ahead is still essential for a stress-free journey. Now, with cheaper international plans and WiFi in more places compared to our original journey in 2010, this is super easy. - The Joy of Slow Travel
Trains offer a unique opportunity to slow down, connect with the world around you, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Yes, you might be on a high speed train, but you are covering a lot of territory. Take it in, journal your experiences, and remind yourself how amazing life can be!
10 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Train Pass in Europe
To help you maximize your Eurail pass and enjoy every moment of your train travel, here are 10 actionable tips. These tips are based on our personal 30-day train trip across Europe in 2010, updated with modern tools and considerations for family travel.
1. Book Seat Reservations in Advance
Even if your Eurail pass doesn’t require them, seat reservations are highly recommended for popular routes like Paris to Amsterdam or Rome to Florence. Use apps like Trainline or Rail Planner to make reservations.
2. Prioritize Scenic Daytime Routes
- Zurich to Milan: Travel through the heart of the Alps. In 2010, this was a great of an experience as visiting the Louvre, especially for a Cajun boy who grew up in an area where the highest points were levees.
- Berlin to Amsterdam: Watch as windmills and small towns dot the landscape.
- Italy’s Coast: Enjoy the coastline and the sunbathers.
3. Pack Smart for Comfort
Bring essentials like snacks, a refillable water bottle, a neck pillow, and a portable charger. Long train rides are more enjoyable when you’re prepared. Also, motion sickness pills especially if it is not a high speed train and you tend to get quesy.
4. Use Apps for Planning
Download apps like Rail Planner, Trainline, and Google Maps before your trip. They’ll help you navigate schedules, find platforms, and plan connections. Surprisingly, language barriers never seemed to be a problem for us at the train stations of Europe. Phones would make this so much easier though.
5. Embrace First Class for Long Journeys
For families or travelers looking for more space, first-class tickets are worth the extra cost. The quieter cars and additional legroom make a big difference. Now, it’s not first class like an airplane, but it usually is a little more comfy
6. Travel Light
Luggage space on trains can be limited, so pack efficiently. Use backpacks or smaller suitcases that are easy to lift onto overhead racks. We did backpacks in 2010 and it made all the difference. We saw so many other Americans do full suitcases and they were miserable for it.
7. Be Flexible with Your Plans
Train delays happen, but Europe’s extensive rail network makes it easy to adjust your itinerary. Treat unexpected changes as part of the adventure.
8. Don’t Forget Regional Trains
While high-speed trains are convenient, slower regional trains often provide better views and a more relaxed experience.
The slower trains often go right through small towns at slower speed offering more slice of life images. From Innsbruck to Prague we got to see so much regular life that a much better writer than me could have written a 100 short stories about the people going on about their lives.
9. Take Advantage of Wi-Fi
Use onboard Wi-Fi to plan your next destination, check restaurant reviews, or update your family back home. Especially that last one, for family back home gets to see what you are seeing out the window. We couldn’t do that in 2010, so we read and journaled. Now, I would probably do the same thing I did then, which was…
10. Capture the Journey
Bring a camera or smartphone to document the incredible views and moments along the way. Train travel offers some of the best photo opportunities in Europe. Also, journal your trip. Writing down memories helps keep them.
Traveling by Train in Europe with Kids
We haven’t traveled to Europe with our child yet, but as parents, we know that careful planning is essential when traveling with kids. A European train trip is more than just a holiday for us—it’s an opportunity to connect with family roots and create lasting memories. Cristina’s dad immigrated from Italy, and for her, traveling through Europe is a deeply personal experience, not just a getaway.
That’s why we’ve been thinking about how to approach this kind of trip as a family. From understanding how children can travel for free to planning activities and ensuring everyone is comfortable, we’ve put together a strategy for making train travel in Europe with kids both fun and stress-free.
Children Travel Free or at a Discount
One of the best things about train travel in Europe is how family-friendly it is. Here’s how children’s passes work with the Eurail system:
- Children under 4:
- Travel for free and do not need a Eurail Pass.
- During busy times, you may be asked to sit the child under 4 on your lap.
- Children aged 4 to 11:
- Travel for free with a Child Pass, which must be added to your order when purchasing an Adult Pass.
- A child must always be accompanied by at least one adult with an Adult Pass. The adult doesn’t have to be a parent—it can be anyone aged 18 or older.
- Up to 2 children can travel with 1 adult. For instance, 2 adults can travel with 4 children for free. If more than 2 children are traveling with a single adult, a separate Youth Pass is required for each additional child.
- Children under 12:
- Travel in the same travel class as the accompanying adult.
- Travelers aged 12 to 27:
- They qualify for discounted travel with a Youth Pass.
💡 Pro Tip: Always add any Child Passes to your order when purchasing Adult Passes. It’s not possible to add them after payment.
Our Approach to Family Train Travel
Traveling with a child means striking a balance between fun, comfort, and practicality. Here’s how we approach train travel as a nerdy family:
- Entertainment for the Ride
- Yes, we bring the iPad! It’s great for watching movies, playing games, and keeping our child entertained during long train rides.
- But we also love to encourage screen-free activities that make the journey part of the adventure. “I Spy”, counting windmills, spotting animals, and observing the changing landscape are some of our favorite games.
- Learning On the Go
- Thanks to modern Wi-Fi and mobile data, we take advantage of train rides to research our next destination. We use the time to look up fun activities, kid-friendly attractions, or local foods to try in the next country, which is similar to what we do on long car rides in the States.
- Reserving Seats in Advance
- With a child in tow, ensuring we sit together is a top priority. I always make sure to reserve seats ahead of time, especially on busy or high-speed trains. This guarantees we have a spot and can travel comfortably as a family.
- Snacks, Comfort, and Essentials
- We pack plenty of snacks and drinks to avoid “hangry” meltdowns. A small backpack with toys, crayons, and a favorite stuffed animal is also a must.
- For longer trips, I recommend a neck pillow (for the adults, too!).
- Making It an Adventure
- Train travel isn’t just transportation—it’s an experience! We make sure our child gets excited about the journey by pointing out landmarks, talking about the history of the places we’re passing, and creating a sense of wonder about what’s outside the window.
Why Train Travel is Perfect for Families
European trains offer something no other mode of transportation can: space, flexibility, and scenery. With kids, the ability to get up, move around, and have a family-friendly environment makes train travel ideal. Plus, the discounts for children and youth make it an affordable option for families.
Whether it’s counting windmills on the way to Amsterdam, marveling at the Alps on the Zurich to Milan route, or learning about Italian villages on a slow train to Rome, traveling by train as a family is about more than reaching your destination—it’s about creating memories along the way.
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Conclusion: Train Travel is More Than Just Transportation
Train travel in Europe offers so much more than a way to get from Point A to Point B. It’s a chance to soak in stunning landscapes, connect with local cultures, and create lasting memories with your family. By following these tips and reflecting on lessons from the past, you can ensure your train pass becomes the key to an unforgettable European adventure.
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