Trains: General Information

To view the answers to the questions found below, please click on each question link, the answer will be revealed below the question.

Q. What is the difference between Premier, Comfort Flexi, Comfort, Freedom and Economy classes?A. Premier class offers the highest class of service in trains. On a day train it will include 1st seats, meals, access to lounges, and no restrictions on being exchanged. Night trains will offer private sleepers with a private bathroom and shower, and meal service. These are the highest priced tickets.

Comfort Flexi class is offered when no Premier class is available on the route you selected. Day trains will offer 1st class seat and are the most exchangeable. Night trains will offer sleepers with a washbasin and are exchangeable.

Comfort class day trains will also offer 1st class seats, lower ticket prices that have restrictions on returns and exchanges. Usually cannot be returned or exchanged. Meal service may be available for purchase. Night trains will offer sleepers with a washbasin and restrictive exchange policy.

Freedom day trains will offer 2nd class seats that are exchangeable. Night trains offer a shared sleeping compartment containing beds for 4-6 people. These tickets are the least restrictive on exchanges.

Economy day trains will offer 2nd class seats that have restrictions on returns and exchanges. Usually cannot be returned or exchanged and offer the lowest price. Night trains offer a shared sleeping compartment containing beds for 4-6 people. The fares are usually the most restrictive on exchanges and offer the lowest price.

Q. What is the difference between 1st Class and 2nd Class accommodations?A. 1st Class seats often recline, there are fewer seats per car, and there is more space for luggage. On some high-speed trains, the price of a 1st Class ticket includes a meal. 1st class is generally quieter with more business and adult passengers.

2nd Class accommodations are less expensive, but not as spacious, as there are more seats per car.

For trips over 2 hours we recommend that you book 1st class.

Q. How do we get on a train? A. Train stations in Europe are very traveler friendly. Once arriving to the station there are large Departure and Arrival Boards located in the center of the most stations. Match the train number and departure time on your reservation / ticket to the train number listed on the departure board. Once you have found your train on the Departure Board, you will find a platform number where your train will be departing from.
Upon arriving to your your platform and you will notice that each car (also known as a coach) number on the train is clearly indicated on the side of each coach. Check your reservation / ticket for your car/coach number. You notice the class of service will also be listed in addition to the car/coach number on the side of the train.
Once onboard the train, you will find that similar to an airplane each seat is clearly labeled with a number. Match the seat number on your reservation / ticket number to seat number in the train car / coach.
Train stations in Europe have international pictograms that are easy to understand and are used in international airports. These pictograms will assist you once you arrive to the station.
If you still have difficulty in finding your train, the stations staff can always help point you in the right direction.

Q. Where can I find timetable information?Timetables for European Train schedules can be difficult to read and determine what the trains are running. For fast and easy schedule results view our train times on our Train Tickets and Schedules page to view each route.

Q. Is there a limit for luggage on trains? A. The standard of amount of luggage is 2 large items per person. Trains have either overhead storage racks throughout the car, storage room behind the back of your seat or luggage areas at the end of the car. There is no porter service available and all passengers are responsible for putting their own luggage on the train.
Note: Luggage kept by the passenger and placed in the luggage racks remains under the sole responsibility of the traveler. The railroads assume no responsibility in case of loss, damage, or theft.

Q. Can I bring my bike on the train?A. In some cases. Normally, your bicycle must be boxed and placed in a separate car, or it might have to be transported on a separate train. Extra charges may apply, and you must arrange bike transport locally.
Bikes are allowed as checked luggage on the EC, IC, ICE, and TGV trains. The bike must be wrapped, with the wheels and pedals detached, and the handlebars parallel to the frame.

Q. Are dogs allowed on the train?A. Generally, dogs are permitted on trains. Sometimes they may need to be contained in a pet carrier, or they may have to wear a muzzle or leash. Dogs normally travel at half the fare of a 2nd class ticket; this charge is payable directly to the conductor. Pets are not allowed on trains in Great Britain, Spain, Ireland, Norway, and Finland.

Currently the only animals that will be permitted to travel on the Eurostar are guide dogs for the visually impaired.

Q. Are dining cars available on all trains in Europe?A. Dining cars are available on most long distance trains. Normally, you can just walk into most dining cars, sit down, and eat without a reservation, but you are welcome to make a reservation for a meal when mealtime is busy, or when the train attendant announces the opening of the dining car. If your train does not have a dining car, it is likely to offer passengers a buffet bar car. On local trains, there may be an attendant with a snack cart who travels from car to car, selling snacks and beverages. Train Dining cars are part of the train experience and is unrivaled by any other means of transportation. In some trains the quality of the food and the wine is up to the standard of a gourmet restaurant

Q. Can I get off the train for a few hours and then get back on later that day if I'm holding a train ticket?A. A ticket that does not include a reservation for a specific train, does allow you to get on and off the train as much as you would like provided that your journey is completed within 2 months.

Most tickets now include the reservations within the ticket, and do not permit the traveler to hop on or off the train If you are looking for more freedom to hop on and off the train, a railpass would be the best choice.

Q. Is there a nonsmoking section on the train?A. Yes, non-smoking cars are available on all trains. Most high- speed trains are now completely non-smoking and all reservations are requested in non-smoking coaches when both options are available.

There is no smoking on all trains in France, Italy, Norway, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg, and Switzerland.

Q. Can I request a seat facing forward?A. Unfortunately, you cannot request a forward-facing seat. Trains generally pull into a station in one direction, and pull out in another direction and seat positions change, depending on the train.

Q. Do trains offer facilities for handicapped passengers?A. Special amenities for disabled travelers are offered on trains and at many train stations, and are clearly indicated with pictograms (for telephones, toilets, elevators, etc.).

Special equipment is also available for use by handicapped passengers. This equipment must be reserved locally in advance. Be sure to specify if you need personal assistance (whether with a wheelchair, boarding, etc.).

Q. Which station does the Heathrow Express arrive into?A. Heathrow Express arrives in London's Paddington Station.

Q. Which station does the Gatwick Express arrive into?A. Gatwick Express arrives in London's Victoria Station.

Q. How frequently do the Gatwick Express and Heathrow Express run?A. Gatwick and Heathrow Express trains run every 15 minutes.

Q. Will there be a bathroom on the train?A. Bathrooms are easily accessible on all the trains and are usually marked with the letters WC. Bathrooms can usually be found at the front or back of each train car (also known as a coach), and will include a sink, toilet and a locking door.