Trains in Europe

Trains in Europe.

Trains are the best way to enjoy travel in Europe, and the most relaxing travel this side of a rocking chair.

TRAIN SERVICE

Train service in Europe includes normal trains and the newer slick high speed premium service trains.

First & Second Class

In most normal trains there are two classes of service, first and second. First class seating is plusher and roomier, and there are usually more seats available. Second class is filled up more often than first even though it has more seats on most trains. Most people travel in the second class cars. First class costs about 50% more than second class, but you get there at the same time.

High Speed Service

In addition to the "normal" trains, there are special high speed trains available in a few countries. The first European high speed train was the French TGV, or Train à Grande Vitesse (High Speed Train). Similar trains include the Thalys which runs from Paris to Amsterdam via Brussels and the Eurostar which makes the run through the Chunnel, connecting London with Paris and Brussels. In Germany the premium high speed train is the ICE (InterCity Express) and in Spain it is the AVE (Alta Velocidad Española).

What do they mean by high speed? This is considered to be anywhere from 200 km/hr to 300 km/hr, or 125 MPH to 185 MPH. That's pretty fast, especially when you consider that the trains go from city center to city center, though not at full speed within the city limits. In addition to the high speed, comfort and amenities on board are much better than on the normal trains.  
TEE (Trans-Europe Express) trains of a generation ago were exclusively first class. They were formerly the top of the line but have been phased out by TGV, ICE, and the other high speed trains. The premium trains of today normally have two classes of service. 
 
The insides look something like a plane and it rides at least as well as one with no air turbulence. But this happens to be a train, the Train à Grande Vitesse (High Speed Train). She cruises at over 130 mph. This is a first class car with 2+1 seating. Second class has 2+2 seating. Luggage racks are above the seats, and additional luggage space is provided near the door. You can see some luggage peeping over the ledge above. Half of the seats face one direction and the other half in the other direction. The TGV, as it's commonly referred to, is only available on major long distance lines in France, with connections to Geneva, Switzerland and to Amsterdam, The Netherlands, via the Thalys company. Other countries in Europe have similar high speed train service.

TICKETS

Do not board a train without a ticket. If you do it will be embarrassing and expensive when the conductor comes around. Also, don't try to hide in the toilet. The conductors know all the tricks and have keys to everything.

Ticket Windows

Train tickets are sold at windows in every station. Look for the symbol of two overlapping rectangles with numbers 1 and 2 above the window. There is usually a line of people waiting. In many stations, international tickets are sold at separate windows or in a room set aside from the main hall. If you ask for an international ticket at a window where it is not available the clerk will tell you straightaway, maybe in English.

Ticket Stamps

Before boarding a train in some countries you must stamp your ticket. In the station hall or on the platform are orange, yellow, or red metal boxes with a slot in the side. Put your ticket in the slot and the machine will date stamp it. If you forget to stamp your ticket you are liable for a severe fine. It will cost. If you tell the conductor of your error before he discovers it the penalty should be considerably less.

Surcharges

Supplements to normal fares are required on the high speed TGV, Talgo, IC, Thalys, ICE and other trains because they get you there faster with fewer stops. If you are traveling on a rail pass you may or may not need to pay extra. Look carefully at the conditions of your pass.

Many of these high speed trains also require a reservation. There goes some more cash, usually, even for Eurail Pass holders. You'll have to pony up unless you want to ride a normal train. That is difficult to do between Brussels and Paris. It seems that Thalys has a near monopoly on this line, and the supplement costs €20. Ouch! Even with a Eurail Pass you pay the €20 plus a €3 reservation fee. Most trains in Europe charge €3 for a seat reservation.

If you pay for a ticket, reservation, or supplement, make sure that all of the information on it is correct.

Reservation Required

Many of the superior trains such as the TGV, Thalys, and some others mentioned at the beginning of this chapter require a reservation. Many Swedish and a few Norwegian trains require a reservation, though if you get on without one the conductor may find you an empty seat and collect a reservation fee. Reservations are required on all superior trains in Spain (no reservation fee but there may be a supplement fee), on some in Portugal, and on International Express trains in Italy and other countries. Your best bet is to invest in a current copy of the Thomas Cook European Rail Timetable to determine reservation requirements. In addition to the premium trains, a capital R in a rectangle at the top of the column indicates a train requiring a reservation. You will also see this on the train departure posters in the stations.

Reservation Recommended

Though seat reservations are generally not required or necessary, there are times when it is advisable. I would make a reservation on any route bewteen major cities on summer weekends and around the major holidays like Christmas and Easter. Additionally, I would reserve a seat on International Express and higher class trains for travel on Friday afternoons and evenings and on Sunday afternoons and evenings throughout the year. These trains are full of businessmen riding first class.

SLEEPING COMPARTMENTS

Sleeping cars and couchette berths are offered on many long distance overnight trains. The trains are called CityNightLine, NachtZug, EuroNight, TrenHotel, and others.

In first class you have a choice of sleeper rooms with 1, 2, or 3 beds, plus a washbasin and perhaps a full toilette with a shower. These are identified as T1, T2, and T3 for the number of beds. In second class, bunk-style "couchettes" are provided. These come in T4 and T6 configurations. T-4 is sometimes offered in first class.

Plumbing

All first class compartments have a basin with running water. Several had en suite toilets and even showers. Toilets in second class are at each end of the car.