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Travel disruptions in Europe

It's important to know if there are disruptions or planned works on the tracks and stations that may affect your travel plans. Some railway companies offer dedicated pages with updates and detailed maps. Below you can find the details, per country. A few railway companies only offer this information in their own language. We've also included those links, as you may want to use a browser translation plugin to read the updates.

 

We do our best to keep the information on this page accurate and up-to-date. However, we cannot influence train disruptions or strikes, and there are occasions when a trade union cancels a planned strike action at the last minute without our knowledge. 

 

Please take into account the travel restrictions being applied in some countries in Europe. Follow the updates regarding the COVID-19 outbreak and its effects on train travel on this page.

 

 

Ongoing strikes & disruptions

Construction works impact rail travel to and from Zagreb

The Croatian national railways have announced that due to construction works, your train journey on the route between Zagreb–Vienna and Zagreb–Villach–Munich–Frankfurt will be impacted from August 20 to September 9.

 

If you were planning to take train EC 212 that normally leaves Zagreb at 07:05 in the morning, you will now have to travel by a replacement bus from Zagreb GK – Savski Marof, that leaves in front of the Zagreb main building at 06:30. You can then use the train after Savski Marof until your destination. 

 

Please note that our timetable has been updated. If you have a planned journey to or from Zagreb, please update your Eurail Rail Planner App, search for new trips on your intended travel route and save the trip information again to get up-to-date travel times. 

Several railway lines disrupted in the Alps

The French national railways has announced that rail traffic between Modane and St-Michel-Valloire will be disrupted for the coming weeks due to a landslide that was reported in the French Alps on 27th August. This would impact train journeys on the route between Paris – Turin – Milan. Read more about it on the SNCF website.

 

If you were planning to travel on the impacted route, we recommend using an alternative route via Zurich. Please note that the route from Paris – Zurich – Milan is currently facing a delay due to the closure of the Gotthard Tunnel in Switzerland (check post below for more information). Please make sure to check the SBB timetable shortly before departure of your planned journeys for up-to-date information.

 

Additionally, due to weather conditions, multiple railway lines in the Alps are currently disrupted in Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. Please check the ÖBB website for updated information to see if your planned journey will be impacted for travel in Austria.

 

There is also a planned maintenance disruption on the route from Bern to Milan from 21st August to 10th September, so we recommend the route through Zurich or Luzerne. Please check the SBB timetable for updated information.

 

For all of the above disruptions, please contact the relevant carriers to inquire about exchanging your reservations for the alternative routes suggested.

Train strikes across the UK on 26 August, 1 & 2 September

The trade union for locomotive drivers in the UK has announced industrial action that will impact rail networks across the country on 26th August and 1st and 2nd September.

 

As a result of the strikes, several train operating companies in the UK will be affected. As some trains will be running on these dates, it’s best to check the National rail website and journey planner before you head to the station to see if your journey has been affected by the strikes.

 

Delay compensation: Eurail travelers with an activated day for any of the affected dates can request compensation here.

Train derailment in Swiss Gotthard tunnel on route Zurich – Milan

The Swiss National Railways has announced that a freight train derailment on 10th August in the Gotthard Base Tunnel located on the route between Zurich to Milan has caused severe track damage. SBB expects that the tunnel will only be available for passenger train travel from the beginning of 2024. 

 

As a result, the direct international Eurocity train will now take the scenic route across the mountains instead of the tunnel, resulting in 1 hour longer travel times. For this reason, SBB recommends catching a 1-hour earlier train from Zurich so as to not miss any further connecting trains:

  • Eurocity Zurich – Lugano – Milan/Venice/Genova

For all other international and domestic connections, there are direct trains every 30 minutes from Zurich to Lugano taking the scenic route instead of the tunnel. In Lugano or Chiasso, one can change trains for destinations such as Como and Milan. In addition, many local Trenord trains run from Lugano and Chiasso into Italy without requiring any seat reservations.

 

If you happened to miss your connecting train because of this disruption, please get a new seat reservation arranged locally at a train station in Lugano, Chiasso, or Italy.

 

Check the SBB timetable for the most up-to-date traffic information. The Eurail timetable is up to date, but does not have real-time traffic information for last minute updates.

Further disruptions to Thalys until September 10

Due to equipment problems, the transport plan of Thalys has been affected. The following cancellations have been communication. Please check the real-time status of your train at thalys.com.

 

The following trains are cancelled:

 

31/08

  • 9415 PNO – BRU
  • 9464 BRU – PNO
  • 9372 BRU – PNO
  • 9481 PNO – BRU

04/09

  • 9415 PNO – BRU
  • 9336 BRU – PNO
  • 9359 PNO – BRU
  • 9372 BRU – PNO

05/09

  • 9410 BRU – PNO
  • 9427 PNO – BRU
  • 9336 BRU – PNO
  • 9359 PNO – BRU
  • 9372 BRU – PNO

06/09

  • 9415 PNO – BRU
  • 9428 BRU – PNO
  • 9451 PNO – BRU
  • 9358 BRU – PNO
  • 9475 PNO – BRU

07/09

  • 9308 BRU – PNO
  • 9423 PNO – DUS
  • 9472 DUS – BRU

08/09

  • 9466 BRU – PNO
  • 9485 PNO – BRU
  • 9371 PNO – BRU

10/09

  • 9358 BRU – PNO
  • 9375 PNO – BRU

 

The train station codes used here stand for the following stations:
BRU – Brussels Airport

PNO – Paris Nord

DUS – Düsseldorf Hbf

Discontinuation of Artemis ferries from 7 August

We would like to announce that as of 7 August 2023, ferries to certain Greek islands in the Cyclades are not included in the Eurail Pass network anymore. The ferries were run by Artemis, operated by Blue Star Ferries, and concern all routes from the Lavrio harbour. The affected islands are as follows:
 

  • Every Monday & Thursday: Syros, Kythnos, Kea, Lavrio, Kea, Kythhos, Syros 
  • Every Tuesday & Sunday: Syros, Paros, Serifos, Sifnos, Kimolos, Milos, Kimolos, Sifnos, Serifos, Paros, Syros 
  • Every Wednesday: Syros, Serifos, Sifnos, Kimolos, Milos, Kimolos, Sifnos, Serifos, Syros, Tinos, Andros 
  • Every Friday: Lavrio, Kea, Kythhos, Syros, Paros, Naxos, Ios, Sikinos, Folegandros, Kimolos, Milos 
  • Every Saturday: Milos, Kimolos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Ios, Naxos, Paros, Syros

 

Please note that the following islands in the Cyclades are still included in the Greek Islands Pass:

  • From the port of Piraeus to Paros – Naxos – Santorini – Amorgos – Ios – Iraklia – Schinoussa – Koufonissi – Donousa – Syros – Tinos – Mykonos and Anafi

 

Please take this into account as you plan your journey and check our timetable for up-to-date information. 

Storm Hans in Norway and Sweden

The Norwegian and Swedish weather services have announced that Storm Hans has caused heavy rain and severe thunderstorms, seriously impacting railway networks across Sweden and Norway from 7th August. 

 

In Norway, several routes face closure as a result of the storm – find out more about this on the VY traffic updates page. We recommend checking the Entur website and the following train operators shortly before your planned journey to see if your route is affected:

 

Several train services in Sweden have also been delayed or cancelled with no alternative transport arrangement. We recommend checking the SJ timetable shortly before embarking upon your planned journey for up-to-date information. If your planned travel in Sweden has been disrupted because of the storm, you can rebook your journey to another day, free of charge, or cancel and receive a refund on the SJ website.

 

Travel information

High-speed trains and reservations

International travel between the UK and Europe: Pass holder seats can sell out quickly for the high-speed Eurostar service. Check out the alternative route from London to Europe without the Eurostar.

 

International travel between the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland: the high-speed trains (ICE and IC Berlin) and the Nightjet Zurich are extremely busy this summer - consider using regional trains instead.

 

Spain and Portugal: seat reservations are mandatory and can be pre-reserved by phone 3 days in advance or booked locally at a train station.

 

Tips for high season

Due to the exceptional high season in Europe, trains are more crowded than usual, and seat reservations for high-speed trains are limited. 

 

Here are a few tips to help you travel smoothly this summer: 

  • Choose trains that don't require a reservation - tap on "Options" and "No seat reservations required" in the Rail Planner app or select the 'No seat reservations required' filter when using the timetable.

  • Book seat reservations well in advance (subject to availability)

  • If you cannot book seat reservations for high-speed and night trains, check out our reservation-free itineraries and learn more about how to avoid reservations.

  • Visit overlooked destinations to escape the crowds.

  • Consider postponing your trip until after the peak season. 

  • Check out current and upcoming travel disruptions per country below, to ensure you're informed about any scheduled works or changes in the countries you want to visit. Even though we do our best to keep our timetable updated, some information might not reach us on time.

 

Disruptions per country

Austria

You can check the ongoing and planned works on the Austrian railway network via this page. Additionally, you can consult this map to see the current situation on the tracks. 

Belgium

This page contains information on all the ongoing track disruptions and engineering works in Belgium. 

Bosnia-Herzegovina

You can follow updates of the Bosnian railway network ZFBH via this page.

 

Warning - disrupted international connections:

 

Croatia

It is possible to travel between Bosnia Herzegovina and Croatia with a seasonal train connecting Sarajevo and Ploče. This train runs only during weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) between July 1st and September 11th.

Trains to Zagreb and other parts of Croatia are suspended until further notice.

Serbia/Montenegro/Croatia

International trains between Bosnia Herzegovina and Serbia are suspended until further notice. It is possible to travel to/from Bosnia Herzegovina to Serbia, Montenegro and Croatia by international bus. The tickets for such bus journeys are not covered by the Pass. 

Bulgaria

You can check live updates on the Bulgarian rail network BDZ on this page.

 

Warning - disrupted international connections:

 

Greece/Serbia

International connections from Bulgaria to Greece and Serbia are suspended until further notice.

Turkey

The Sofia - Istanbul connection has resumed circulation on the 25th of April, 2022. 

Available alternatives

There are different international buses connecting Bulgaria to neighbouring countries. Please notice these buses are not included in the Pass. 

Croatia

Traffic is also disrupted due to construction works on several lines during the second half of 2022, including Zagreb - Rijeka. You can read the details about their railway works  on this page.

 

Warning - disrupted international connections:

 

Bosnia Herzegovina

It is possible to travel between Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina with a seasonal train connecting Ploče and Sarajevo. This train runs only during weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) between July 1st and September 11th.

Trains from Zagreb and other parts of Croatia to Bosnia Herzegovina are suspended until further notice.

Serbia

Unfortunately, international trains connecting Croatia to Bosnia and Serbia are suspended until further notice. The available international buses serving these routes are not covered by the Pass. 

Czech Republic

You can find details about both domestic and international disruptions affecting the Czech rail network on this page. Unfortunately, this information is only available in Czech; we recommend contacting the Czech railways for more details if you're planning to travel on any of the affected routes.  

Denmark

The Danish railway company (DSB) has planned track work which will affect both regular trains and their S-tog system, including a few main routes, such as Copenhagen - Aarhus. You can see the complete list on this page of their website. 

Estonia

You can check live updates on train times and replacement buses of the Estonian railway network (Elron) via this page.

 

Warning - disrupted international connections:

 

Latvia

When travelling between Estonia and Latvia by rail, it is necessary to change trains at the Valga border station. It is advised to check the timetables of both the Estonian and the Latvian Railways.

Finland

You can check the latest updates on the Finnish rail network via this page of their website.

France

For information about upgrades, maintenance and construction works on the French railways, you can visit this page on their website, where they share all the recent updates and maps of their rail network. 

Germany

The extensive German rail network is under constant maintenance and expansion. The German national railway company, Deutsche Bahn (DB), dedicates an entire section of their website to delays, track works and passenger rights. Unfortunately, this information is only available in German - for the maintenance/engineering works, you can check this page, while their online timetables have real-time updates on train delays/cancelations.

Great Britain

The National Rail website contains up to date information shared by the British railway companies. On this page you can see updates about current disruptions and traffic status in general. To check if your trip may be affected by future engineering work, please check this page

 

For the latest updates on the Eurostar trains and services, you can go to this page.

Greece

You can follow updates on international train times of the Greek railway network TrainOSE via this page.

 

Warning - disrupted international connections:

 

Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Turkey

International train connections from Greece to Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Turkey are suspended until further notice.

Available alternatives

You can still use a Global pass or a Greek Islands Pass to travel between Greece and Italy. More information can be found here

 

Another option is to travel by international buses. The tickets for such bus journeys are not covered by the Pass. 

 

Finally, Pass holders are entitled to a discount when travelling with some of our benefits partners on alternative ferry routes.
 

 

 

Hungary

Some of the Hungarian rail network, both international and domestic, is or will be affected by minor works on the tracks, which may cause some trains to run on modified schedules.The Hungarian railways share the details on this page (only in Hungarian).

 

Notice: some connections to/from Romania are affected from June to November 2022

Ireland

The Irish railway company (Irish Rail) shares updates about their planned engineering works and affected schedules on this page of their website

Italy

While detailed information is only available in Italian, you can still check if your travel plans may be affected by planned works: on this page, you can search for disruptions using either start and end dates and/or the region in which you will be travelling. 

Latvia

You can follow updates by the Latvian railways via this page

 

Warning - disrupted international connections:

 

Lithuania

International train connections from Latvia to Lithuania are suspended until further notice. 

Estonia

When travelling between Latvia and Estonia by rail, it is necessary to change trains at the Valga border station. It is advised to check the timetables of both the Latvian and Estonian Railways.

Available alternatives
Discounted international ferries:
 
 
Discounted international buses:
 

Pass holders are entitled to a discount on Lux Express buses, one of our benefit partners

Lithuania

You can check the timetables and updates of the Lithuanian railway company LTG on this page

 

Warning - disrupted international connections

 

Poland

The train connection between Poland and Lithuania has been improved from December 11th 2022. A daily train now connects Krakow with Vilnius via Warsaw, Bialystok and Kaunas. Passengers change trains in Mockava, on the border between Poland and Lithuania.

Montenegro

You can check international timetables and updates of the Montenegrin railways ŽPCG on this page.

Netherlands

The Dutch railway company (NS) shares up-to-date information about current disruptions and planned engineering and maintenance work on their lines via their website. 

North Macedonia

All international traffic to and from North Macedonia is suspended until further notice. Unfortunately, no alternative options offer discounts to pass holders at the moment. 

Norway

To see up-to-date information regarding current and planned work on the Norwegian railways, check this page of the official website of the Norwegian railway company (Vy). 

Poland

The Polish railway company (PKP) shares up-to-date information about current and planned disruptions on this page of their website. 

 

The train connecting Lithuania and Poland has resumed service, travelling 3 days per week between Kaunas and Bialystok until December 10th, 2022

Lithuania

The train connection between Poland and Lithuania has been improved from December 11th 2022. A daily train now connects Krakow with Vilnius via Warsaw, Bialystok and Kaunas. Passengers change trains in Mockava, on the border between Poland and Lithuania.

Portugal

Comboios de Portugal (CP), the Portuguese national railway company, shares information on traffic changes and other news regarding train travel in Portugal through this page of their website.

 

Warning - limited international connections:

 

Spain

Train traffic between Portugal and Spain is currently limited to the following options: 

 

- Porto - Vigo (two departures daily)

- Lisboa - Badajoz (which requires a change of trains in Entroncamento)

Serbia

You can check timetables and updates by the Serbian railway company ŽS on this page

 

Warning - disrupted international connections:

 

Romania/Bulgaria/North Macedonia/Bosnia/Croatia

International connections between Serbia and the above countries are currently suspended until further notice. There are international buses connecting Serbia to these neighbouring countries (unfortunately, not covered or discounted for Pass holders). 

Hungary

Because of construction works, international connections between Serbia and Hungary are currently suspended until further notice. There are international buses connecting Serbia to these neighbouring countries (unfortunately, not covered or discounted for Pass holders). 

Slovenia

You can see updates about current train delays or cancelations in Slovenia via the official website of the SZ.

Spain

RENFE, the Spanish national railway company, dedicates this page (unfortunately not available in English) of their website to notices about disruptions and planned works. 

 

Warning - limited international connections:

 

Portugal

Train traffic between Spain and Portugal is currently limited to the following options: 

 

- Vigo - Porto (two departures daily)

- Badajoz - Lisboa (which requires a change of trains in Entroncamento)

Sweden

There are several instances of track maintenance and engineering works planned by the Swedish national railways (SJ). On this page of their website you can find detailed information about current and upcoming track works.

Switzerland

SBB, the Swiss national railway company, shares all the latest updates on operations, disruptions and delays affecting their rail network on this page of their website.

Turkey

You can check the disruption updates by the Turkish railways (TCDD) via this page.

 

Warning - potential disruptions due to the earthquakes in February

 

Due to the devastating impact of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, we advise you to travel with caution if you intend to use your Eurail Pass to travel to central or southern Turkey on TCDD’s rail network for the foreseeable future. 

 

General information

In Turkey, the central-southern part of the country has been the worst hit. It is believed that a total of 1275km of railway lines have been seriously affected by the earthquake in the Kahramanmaraş region of central Turkey, including damage to 446 bridges, 6161 culverts, and 175 tunnels. 

 

The railway track is twisted and damaged, particularly on the Toprakkale - Narlı, Narlı - Malatya, and Narlı - Gaziantep sections of the network, while ten substations providing electric power for rail lines are out of action. In addition, there are reports that part of the 25.5km Gaziray suburban commuter railway has collapsed.

 

Warning - disrupted international connections:

 

Bulgaria/Romania

The Istanbul - Sofia connection has resumed circulation on the 25th of April, 2022. During summer season, a daily night train connects Istanbul with Bucharest.

Greece

International connections between Turkey and Greece are currently suspended until further notice.

Available alternatives

There are international buses connecting Turkey to both Bulgaria and Greece. Unfortunately, these buses are not covered or discounted for Pass holders.