Europe by Train: The Smart, Romantic Way to Cross Borders

Coming from an archipelago country like Indonesia, one of the biggest perks of traveling in Europe is this:
you don’t always need to fly.

You can move from one country to another by train — easily, comfortably, and often faster than you think. Over the years, train travel has become our favourite mode of transport in Europe (yes, even more than flying). No arriving two hours early. No strict liquid rules. No endless security lines. Just arrive at the station, find your platform, and go.

And very often? It’s cheaper too.

The tricky part is not the journey — it’s understanding how the system works and where to buy tickets. So let me break it down for you.

What You Need to Know About Train Travel in Europe

There Is No Single Website for All Trains

Unlike airlines, Europe does not have one central ticketing system.

Each country has its own national rail operator and website. In fact, there are over 50 rail operators across Europe.

Here are the key ones you’ll likely use:

• Germany: Deutsche Bahn
• Czech Republic: České dráhy
• Austria: ÖBB
• France: SNCF Connect
• Switzerland: Swiss Federal Railways
• Italy (national): Trenitalia
• Italy (private high-speed): Italo
• Spain: Renfe, Ouigo España, Iryo
• Hungary: MÁV

When traveling cross-border (for example Switzerland → France), you can often buy the same train from either side — and prices may differ. It pays to check both.

If this sounds too complicated, you can use aggregators like Trainline or Omio. They charge a small service fee, but they’re excellent for route planning. I often use them to research, then book directly with the operator.

Not All Trains Are Equal

Big mistake I once made: booking a regional train in Italy in peak July without checking the type.

Most regional trains from Cinque Terre are older commuter trains — and yes, some do not have air conditioning. Imagine that in 35°C summer heat.

High-speed trains like:

• Germany’s ICE
• France’s TGV
• Italy’s Frecciarossa

are modern, air-conditioned, and extremely comfortable.

Always check the train type before booking. Certain countries like France and Spain has budget trains which is cheaper such as France Ouigo and Spain Ouigo and Iriyo.

UK Is a Special Case

Unlike most European countries with 1–2 main operators, UK has many.

Major operators from London include:

• Avanti West Coast
• Great Western Railway
• Chiltern Railways
• East Midlands Railway
• Southern Railway

Even if your journey involves multiple operators, you usually only need one ticket.

Sleeper Trains (My Childhood Dream Come True)

Ever since reading Agatha Christie, I dreamed of riding a sleeper train — minus the murder mystery.

I finally experienced it on the Budapest → Zurich route, and it was magical. The main sleeper operator today is ÖBB under their Nightjet brand.

Popular Nightjet Routes:

• Budapest – Zurich
• Vienna – Amsterdam
• Munich – Rome
• Hamburg – Zurich
• Berlin – Paris
• Paris – Venice
• Zurich – Prague
• Zurich – Berlin

Other iconic sleepers:

• Stockholm – Narvik (Arctic Circle)
• Helsinki – Rovaniemi (Finland)

Sleeper Options:

• Seated coach (budget, not ideal overnight)
• Couchette (4–6 shared beds)
• Private sleeper (1–3 beds)
• Deluxe sleeper with private shower/WC (select routes)

Why it’s brilliant:
✔ Saves hotel cost
✔ Saves daytime travel
✔ Feels romantic and nostalgic

Downside:
✖ Limited luggage space
✖ Older trains can be shaky

How to Purchase Tickets Smartly

Always check the operator website for the country where the journey starts — and sometimes also where it ends. Prices can differ because each operator manages its own ticket allocation.

Book early! Inter country train can be booked 6 months in advance.

Example:
A train might cost €39 on the German website, but €19 still available on the Czech site.

It pays to compare.

Tickets today are usually:

• Mobile (QR code on phone)
• Printable PDF
• App-based

Always check the rules: is pdf accetable or do they require physical copy

Some International Routes Need to Be Split

Example: Nice → Milan.

SNCF (France) cannot sell the Italian segment (Ventimiglia → Milan), so you must:

• Buy French segment on SNCF
• Buy Italian segment on Trenitalia

Or pay extra and let Trainline handle it.

Children Fares Differ by Country

Examples:

• Germany & Austria: Free under 6, half price until 15
• Czech Republic: Free under 6, half price until 17

Even free tickets require registration and name entry.

Practical Station Tips

• Platforms are usually announced shortly before departure.
• Trains stop briefly — be ready.
• If unsure about coach position, board first and find seats inside.
• If you didn’t reserve seat, check the small panel above seats to see if they’re reserved.

Food & Drinks

Stations usually have:

• Cafes
• Bakeries
• Supermarkets

For long journeys (ICE, TGV), there’s often:

• Bistro carriage
• Restaurant car

For shorter routes:

• Snack trolley (sometimes)

Luggage Strategy (Learned the Hard Way)

If you plan to move around Europe by train:

✔ Stay near train stations — you save taxi cost and time
✔ Pack light — many commuter trains have no dedicated luggage space
✔ Be mindful of stairs — not all stations have ramps

Swiss stations is an exception (they have ramps everywhere). Other countries only have lifts and escalators. Smaller towns? Stairs only.

Final Thoughts

Train travel in Europe is not just transportation — it’s part of the experience.

You glide through vineyards in France, snow-covered Alps in Switzerland, sunflower fields in Italy, all without airport stress. It feels slower, more intentional, and somehow more romantic.

For us — coming from a country where flying is often the only way — Europe by train feels like freedom.

If you’re planning your next European adventure, consider swapping at least one flight for a train ride. You might discover that the journey itself becomes your favourite memory.

Happy train travels 🤓🚆