Train Travel Tips

After checking the schedule and departure platform, it’s time to find your train. You should be ready to board the train the minute it arrives; station stops are often very short unless boarding is done at the beginning of the train’s route.

Numbers posted near the train’s door or on a window show if the car is 1^st or 2^nd class; some trains have both classes in one car. Destination placard and car numbers are placed near the door. Trains can be split and sent in different directions, so make sure the car you’re in is going where you want to go.

If you have made a reservation, you have to check the car number and seat number printed on the ticket. On the platform, railway employees can show you where your car will stop, or search for the displays with a title like “Composition of Trains”. There you can see exactly where your car will stop on the platform.

Once the car is found, finding the right seat is easy. If a seat is reserved in a compartment, a sign on or next to the compartment door showing the seat’s number must match the seat number on the ticket. For open-car seating, seat numbers are on the headrest. Travelers have to be prepared to vacate a reserved seat that does not belong to them when the rightful seat-holder arrives.

Are we there yet? Station stops aren’t always announced, or may be announced in a foreign language you don’t understand. Take note of your scheduled arrival time and the names of the last stations before your stop so you’ll be prepared to exit the train when it arrives at your destination.

Station names are clearly visible at platforms. Ask a railway employee or a local passenger if you’re not sure.

Trains either have overhead storage racks throughout the car, storage room behind the back of your seat or luggage areas at the end of the car.

According to the GTC-CIV (General Terms and Conditions for the International Carriage of Passengers by Rail), passengers can take a maximum of three items of luggage. These items must be easy to handle and compatible with the space provided for luggage in trains. The greatest dimension of each item must be less than 85cm. It depends if larger items or bulky objects (such as skis, surfboards, and bicycles) may be taken. If so, bulky items must be properly packed, dismantled or folded. Passengers must make suitable inquiries in advance about the arrangements for accepting these items.

This is a general guideline, it depends on the railway company or specific train how much luggage you may bring on the train. Some special trains such as Eurostar may have specific regulations for luggage.

Please note that you will have to carry the luggage yourself and that luggage placed in the luggage racks remains under the sole responsibility of the traveler. It's advised to clearly label your hand luggage with your name and address. Railroads assume no responsibility in case of loss, damage or theft. Most stations provide left luggage offices or lockers. Major railway stations will have luggage carts. Only very few stations still have porters. In the stations, pictograms show you where luggage rooms or luggage carts can be found.

At most larger train stations there are facilities to rent or store a bicycle. The rules for taking a bike on the train are different per country and sometimes even per train. Sometimes bikes may be carried free of charge, often you have to buy a separate ticket for the bike at the station. Some trains have special compartments for bicycles. There may be rules that you can only bring a bike outside rush hours.

 

You can find information about transporting bicycles at the websites of individual railway companies. In the Deutsche Bahn search tool you can select 'Carriage of bicycle' at the bottom of the tool, so you only see trains that can carry bicycles in the search results.

Special amenities for travelers needing assistance are offered on trains and at many train stations in Europe. At the station they are clearly indicated with pictograms (special toilets, telephones, elevators or ramp entrance for wheelchairs).

In addition, special equipment for boarding a train is available. This equipment must be reserved in advance through the country's railway company and the traveler must specify whether he/she requires personal help and of what kind (wheelchair, help for boarding, etc.).

Read more about the participating railway companies.

In most countries, small dogs travel free or at a minimal charge. Large dogs travel at half 2^nd class fare (even when traveling with passenger in 1^st class). Often, dogs are required to be kept in a traveling container or must wear a muzzle and a leash.

In some countries dogs aren't allowed on trains. Special provisions may be applicable to guide dogs for the blind.