If you have never traveled by train, it's actually quite simple, especially with the applications now available on your phone to assist with your travels.  We have explained some of the basics of train travel including what to consider when purchasing a rail pass or a point-to-point ticket.

We do need to mention the one obvious downside of traveling by train, they may not always stop at the location you want to visit.  When researching your trip, you should consider alternatives to trains when necessary.  For example in Italy, if you would like to visit the towns of San Gimignano or Siena from Florence and you do not have a car, the Bus is about your only option.  You can read more about these destinations and why in some cases a bus is a better alternative on our Buses page.

Schedules

Reading train schedules is very similar to subway schedules.  For example, if your destination is Stop:4, and you are at 'Your Location', you would take that train that is going to 'Termination'.  So, Train:12345 will arrive at 'Your Location' at 1:40P, you will board and have one stop at Stop:3 before arriving at your destination of Stop:4 at 2:15P.  When waiting for a train, there should be some kind of electronic display showing the train number and 'Termination' so you can be sure you are boarding the correct train.

Train:12345	Origin	Stop:1	Stop:2	Your Location	Stop:3	Stop:4	Stop:5	Termination
	12P	1P	1:20P	1:40P	2:00P	2:15P	2:25:	3:00P

Different trains may make different stops to your destination.  For example, some trains may take an hour while others take and hour and a half.  Make note of the travel duration as it may pay to wait an additional 10 minutes for the next train as it will actually arrive before the current train departing.

Rail Passes

Purchasing a rail pass can be one of the most efficient and economical ways to travel through Europe and there are several different types of passes available.  You will need to research the type of pass you require based on the countries you will be visiting and the number of days you will be traveling.  Rail passes will basically give you unlimited travel for the entire day on any train you board.  So if you are making a long haul ride from Stuttgart Germany to Salzburg Austria, you may want to use a rail pass as it may be cheaper than purchasing a specific ticket for that journey.  If you are traveling from Munch Germany to Rothenberg Germany having several train transfers, a rail pass would probably be a good option.

Keep in mind the average cost per day of pass usage based on the purchase price and the number of days you will be traveling.  With this in mind, make note of the Point-to-Point cost of tickets.  An example is shown below where it would be more economical to purchase a point-to-point ticket rather than use a rail pass day.

See our special page dedicated specifically to Rail Passes.

Point-to-Point tickets

A rail pass will give you unlimited travel for the day you use it with possible restrictions based on the type of pass you purchased.  There are times where it is much more economical to purchase a point-to-point ticket rather than using a rail pass day.  You will need to research your trip and compare the cost of using your rail pass compared to the price of simply buying a ticket to your destination.

Perform some web searches on train travel from your origin to destination.  For example, if you are traveling from Florence to Pisa, on Google, enter: 'train travel from Florence to Pisa'.  You will get a display of the route, train times, cost and links to websites to purchase your ticket.  Selecting the link to the Italia Rail website will allow you to enter your dates to find the cost and purchase a ticket.  In this example for a trip from Florence to Pisa, the cost is around $11 USD or $22 round trip.  You would not want to use a rail pass day as it would be much more expensive.

Florence, Italy	Pisa, Italy

Purchasing tickets on-line eliminates the hassle of trying to figure out where to purchase your ticket while on your trip and having to deal with language barriers if you do not speak the language.

Reservations

When traveling by train, most do not require a seat reservation.  You simply get on board, find an open seat and sit down.  However, some trains will require a reservation while others are optional.

Read more about Seat Reservations when traveling by train.

Train Travel App - Download the DB Navigator app

If you will be traveling by train through Germany, we highly recommend that you download their Deutsche Bahn Navigator App.  The app allows you to easily view routes, schedules, platform arrivals and departures so you know exactly where to go and how much time you have between connections.  We used this app on a trip through Germany where we had to make multiple connections, changing trains several times to get to some of our destinations.  Having this app will take the guess work out of your train travel. The app may be downloaded on the Bahn or Google Play Store websites. Bahn Website https://www.bahn.com/en/view/booking-information/booking/db-navigator-app.shtml Google Play Store Website https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.hafas.android.db&hl=en

Make Note of Arrival/Departure Times

If you are based in a location, plan to take a day trip to another location and do not have a specific return train, it's important to make note of the departure times back to your point of origin when you arrive at your day trip location.

Here is an example, you are staying in Florence and plan to leave in the morning for a half day in Pisa and then return back to Florence.  You have purchased a ticket to leave Florence at 7a, returning at 12p.  The trip takes about an hour in each direction, to this will give you at least 4 hours in Pisa to see the sites and have lunch before returning to Florence.  From our experience, spending 4-5 hours in Pisa is enough time to see the sites (including walking the steps to the top of the Leaning Tower if it is open) and have lunch.

When traveling, you are on a schedule and want to minimize the time you spend waiting on transportation.  When you arrive in Pisa, read the boards and make note of the train departures before and after the time you think you want to return to Florence.  If you are planning on returning at 12p, write down the times for example: 11:05a, 12:00p, 1:15p, 2:20p.  By having the train times, you will be able to adjust your schedule should you decide to leave early, or stay later.  The goal is to avoid arriving at the train station at say 1:20p finding the train has just left and you have to sit around for an hour doing nothing.

Another note on train tickets.  For this example, the Italia Rail website states the following that for the ticket you have purchased, you may actually take any other later train within a 4 hour window with exception to the Leonardo Express trains.  This will help you purchase a ticket at the time you think you want to return, but give you some flexibility should you decide to stay longer and take a later train.

Italia Rail Website

This train has unreserved seating. Ticket is pre-validated, non-transferable and valid for up to 4 hours after the train's departure time (excluding Leonardo Express). No changes are allowed. Electronic regional tickets must be shown together with a valid identity document when requested by a staff member. Before departure, print the PDF attached to the purchase email or show it on your personal electronic device (PC, tablet, smart phone) to the conductor. Type: Non-refundable.

Using your Phone on the Train

See our page on Don't Become a Target for additional security information for using your phone while on a train.

Traveling with a Backpack on the Train

See our page on Backpacks on Public Transportation for additional security information when traveling with a backpack.