There are many reasons you should consider exploring Europe by train. Here, Rail Europe shares the top reasons to pick trains over planes and cars.
1. Hassle free
With no check-in queues or traffic-related issues, you can simply show up at the train station minutes before the train departs (unless it’s the Eurostar, which requires more time). The convenience of city centre to city centre connections also ensures you gets to your final destination quicker.
2. Freedom and flexibility
With the choice of passes and point-to-point tickets, you can decide the options that best suit your travel needs, and go anywhere and at any time across 33 countries in Europe. This also makes day trips and short excursions convenient.
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3. Cost effective
When booking in advance, you can save a significant amount of money. And when travelling on overnight trains, you save on hotel costs, too. Families also enjoy savings as children under 16 travel free when accompanied by an adult in Switzerland, and the Eurail Pass allows free travel for children under 11. Moreover, passes come with all sorts of added bonuses including discounts to attractions, hotels, restaurants and tours.
4. Comfort and convenience
Trains in Europe offer comfortable and spacious seats with lots of legroom across all the classes. In addition to good onboard dining services (trolley or restaurant/bar carriage), most modern trains also have power points available for charging electronic devices. And unlike air travel, there is also no baggage limit on trains. However, to ensure a comfortable journey for all, it is advisable to not over-pack.
5. Views for days
One of the biggest highlights of train travel is the exposure to endless panoramas. From verdant valleys to vibrant cities, and from major attractions to destinations off the beaten track, one can easily stay glued to the train windows to take in the ever changing landscapes, colours, architecture and more during their journeys.
Read: Five rail travel mistakes to avoid
6. Environmentally friendly
Trains, especially the well-established high-speed rail systems such as the Eurostar, France’s TGV, Spain’s AVE, Italy’s Italo and many others emit a lot less carbon than air and road options.
7. Social
Europe has an extremely efficient rail system used by most locals. To get acquainted with the people and learn more about their culture, or obtain some tips and local insights, you can easily strike up a conversation with other fellow passengers in the relaxed environment of a train.
For more information and bookings, head to www.raileurope.com.
Is travelling Europe by rail on your wishlist? Which country do you want to head to first? Let us know in the comments section below.
One main point is that most European trains, especially Swiss rail, run on time. I have travelled quite a few times on Swiss and German rail, and if they say 1 minute past the hour that’s what it will be, and they stop precisely on the dotted line.