HOW TO TRAVEL EUROPE BY TRAIN | A Step by Step Guide for Beginners

1st timer confused about how to take trains in Europe? This Europe train travel guide was created with beginners in mind, with a step by step breakdown on how to travel Europe by train. Be sure to read the written guide for the full scoop: happytowander.com/how-to-trav...
➡️ Follow me on Instagram for real-time Stories and shenanigans: / happytowander
➡️ Follow me on TikTok for more casual content: / happytowander
0:00 INTRODUCTION
0:36 DECIDE IF TRAIN TRAVEL IS RIGHT FOR YOU
1:12 BUY TICKETS
5:27 GET SNACKS
5:53 ARRIVE AT THE STATION
7:18 GET TO THE PLATFORM
8:45 FIND YOUR SEAT
9:45 GET COMFY & ENJOY
10:39 DISEMBARK
CHRISTINA'S TRAVEL GEAR
Note - many of the links below are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info on what this means, check out my website privacy policy and disclosure: happytowander.com/privacy/
➡️ My Camera {Paid Link}: amzn.to/3MhZ0VQ
➡️ My Favourite Regular Packing Cubes {Paid Link}: amzn.to/45OdSlI
➡️ My Favourite Compression Packing Cubes {Paid Link}: amzn.to/3MbIiYs
➡️ My Favourite Noise Cancelling Headphones {Paid Link}: amzn.to/46J6cTg
➡️ My White, More Elegant Carry-On {Paid Link}: amzn.to/3tESqlS
➡️ My Black, More Minimalist Carry-On {Paid Link}: amzn.to/478ROnf
➡️ My Pretty Re-Usable Toiletry Bottles {Paid Link}: amzn.to/3SeqaAJ
➡️ My Amazing E-Reader That Links to the Library for FREE Books {Paid Link}: amzn.to/3Mgfca2
OTHER TRAVEL RESOURCES
➡️ My favourite travel credit card - Wise: {Referral Link} happytowander.com/Wise
➡️ Honey for finding coupons automatically: {Referral Link} happytowander.com/Honey
➡️ Where I search hotels {Paid Link}: www.booking.com/index.html?ai...
➡️ Where I search flights: www.google.com/travel/flights
➡️ Where I compare/book transport in Europe {Paid Link}: happytowander.com/omio
➡️ My go-to travel insurance {Paid Link}: happytowander.com/WorldNomads
➡️ Where I book activities/tours {Paid Link}: happytowander.com/GetYourGuide
➡️ Rakuten USA for cash-back on purchases {Referral Link}: www.rakuten.com/r/LECOUR23?ee...
➡️ Rakuten Canada {Referral Link} for cash-back on purchases: www.rakuten.ca/referrer?refer...
➡️ Airfare Watchdog {Paid Link}: happytowander.com/airfarewatc...
➡️ American Express Platinum Referral Link (for 60,000 points!): happytowander.com/AmexPlatinum
➡️ Airhelp {Paid Link}: happytowander.com/Airhelp
MORE EUROPE TRAVEL VIDEOS:
➡️ • HOW TO OUTSMART PICKPO...
➡️ • HOW TO SPEND A WEEK IN...
➡️ • FIND THE BEST HOTELS I...
➡️ • HOW TO PLAN A TRIP TO ...
➡️ • CHEAP FLIGHTS TO EUROP...
➡️ • TRAVEL EUROPE CHEAP | ...
➡️ • EURAIL PASS REVIEW | 5...
➡️ • PACK LIGHT FOR EUROPE ...
➡️ • 20 TRAVEL APPS YOU MUS...
➡️ • 20+ EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS...
EUROPE TRAVEL TIPS & MUST-KNOWS:
➡️ Written version of this guide: happytowander.com/how-to-trav...
➡️ My best Europe travel tips: happytowander.com/europe-trav...
➡️ Grab my free Europe trip planning workbook: happytowander.com/EuropePlann...
➡️ Grab my free accommodation checklist: happytowander.com/accommodati...
➡️ My (brutally honest) Flixbus review: happytowander.com/honest-flix...
➡️ My honest RyanAir review: happytowander.com/honest-ryan...
➡️ My honest WizzAir review: happytowander.com/wizz-air-re...
➡️ Europe summer packing list: happytowander.com/packing-sum...
➡️ Europe winter packing list: happytowander.com/travelling-...
➡️ Minimalist packing list: happytowander.com/minimalist-...
➡️ How to avoid pickpockets in Europe: happytowander.com/how-to-avoi...
➡️ 7 scenic train routes you can't miss: happytowander.com/most-scenic...
➡️ Europe car rental hidden costs: happytowander.com/travel-euro...
➡️ 17 unconventional travel hacks: happytowander.com/travel-life...
Wondering how to take trains in Europe like a pro? This step by step guide to Europe train travel will walk you through general tips that help you understand how the train systems work in European countries, with tips on how to save money on trains in Europe, how to buy train tickets in Europe, how to navigate European train stations, and more. Make sure you don't miss this guide to Europe train travel for beginners!

Пікірлер: 97

  • @HappytoWander
    @HappytoWander Жыл бұрын

    Hey everyone! Hope you enjoy this (general) video guide on how to take trains in Europe! Let me know in the comments if you'd like any country-specific guides in the future :) PS: Written version of the guide is here: happytowander.com/how-to-travel-europe-by-train/

  • @myalin7

    @myalin7

    7 ай бұрын

    Hello I’m visiting in the summer 2024. What’s the best way to travel from FCO airport to a hotel in Milan

  • @myalin7

    @myalin7

    7 ай бұрын

    I’m leaving out of FCO that’s why I flew in to FCO

  • @syh9426
    @syh9426 Жыл бұрын

    Very informative. Thanks.

  • @aliuddinkhaja5965
    @aliuddinkhaja596510 ай бұрын

    Very informative- to the point - thank you.

  • @jojoin514
    @jojoin514 Жыл бұрын

    My husband and I love train travel in Europe. We've travelled all over Europe by train. Definitely better than renting a car in most countries and avoiding airports for many journeys. Although we've travelled pretty much to every country in Europe in spring and autumn, since 2018 we've now been repeating destinations for Christmas market season. Currently planning to spend the entire month of next December in Benelux and part of Germany. All the best to you and safe travels!

  • @jessied4210

    @jessied4210

    3 ай бұрын

    There are train cards now on sale! We can purchase together to get discounts!

  • @EILEENZ0122

    @EILEENZ0122

    3 ай бұрын

    Sounds great!🎉 and now buy EU rail tickets can get a discount!!

  • @code-on-Trip-app

    @code-on-Trip-app

    3 ай бұрын

    There is an extra 5% discount recently, I am so happy!

  • @code-TRAINPAL-XY777B

    @code-TRAINPAL-XY777B

    3 ай бұрын

    Actually there is a discount that you can apply for buying train tickets now

  • @user-cd9rd7jb2z

    @user-cd9rd7jb2z

    2 ай бұрын

    Hello, please suggest some nice night trains?

  • @moonmagicflows
    @moonmagicflows20 күн бұрын

    This is a great concise video! Very informative and helpful.

  • @0617kitty
    @0617kitty Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for making this video!

  • @HappytoWander

    @HappytoWander

    Жыл бұрын

    You’re welcome!! Thank you for watching :)

  • @isabelg8788
    @isabelg8788 Жыл бұрын

    This was very helpful! Thank you.

  • @CodeRT777E-TRAINPAL

    @CodeRT777E-TRAINPAL

    2 ай бұрын

    Agreed!I just bought a very affordable train ticket and I am looking forward to the upcoming train journey🤓

  • @beejereeno2
    @beejereeno210 ай бұрын

    Wow, thanks for the exhaustive video explaining not only how to get tickets, but also how to find the platform, the car, the seat, and how to ride and disembark! I thought I had already seen all your train/rail videos because the thumbnails & titles seem similar, but this was 100% more helpful than the others.

  • @EILEENZ0122

    @EILEENZ0122

    3 ай бұрын

    U should know how to use TrainPal to buy EU tickets, it has super discount🤣

  • @code-TRAINPAL-XY777B

    @code-TRAINPAL-XY777B

    3 ай бұрын

    Actually there is a discount that you can apply for buying train tickets now

  • @janeynget3059
    @janeynget30595 ай бұрын

    Thanks for a detailed explanation 👏👍

  • @CodeRT777E-TRAINPAL

    @CodeRT777E-TRAINPAL

    2 ай бұрын

    If you're traveling to the UK, there are some great deals available now😊Enjoy your days~

  • @EILEENZ0122
    @EILEENZ01223 ай бұрын

    Detailed and clear expression🙏 Thx for ur devotion😘 I tried the app mentioned by comments section, amazingly it is 💥super save🤩

  • @JayJay-fw2jt
    @JayJay-fw2jt Жыл бұрын

    This is a great video

  • @borisjc
    @borisjc11 ай бұрын

    Great description 👌

  • @CodeRT777E-TRAINPAL

    @CodeRT777E-TRAINPAL

    2 ай бұрын

    I also think it's very helpful~Btw there is a great discount on UK train tickets now🤩

  • @user-xx3qg4dr7i
    @user-xx3qg4dr7i9 ай бұрын

    That’s an absolute guide .. after that we must do it with eyes closed 🎉

  • @AlexD5241
    @AlexD5241 Жыл бұрын

    YESSSSSS!!!! I'm doing a month of eurobackacking this summer, this is just what i needed

  • @jessied4210

    @jessied4210

    3 ай бұрын

    Let's buy the train cards ogether to save more! Just found it

  • @EILEENZ0122

    @EILEENZ0122

    3 ай бұрын

    Wish your joy through journey's end! BTW why not try TrainPal which has a discount code for EU railways😂😂😂

  • @JamesMcLinTr
    @JamesMcLinTr2 ай бұрын

    Nice idea! Travel on train!!

  • @chandellemarie4882
    @chandellemarie48825 ай бұрын

    ♥ Your videos.

  • @Lisa-kz7vw
    @Lisa-kz7vw Жыл бұрын

    I really wanna do a train trip through Switzerland and Austria the views look amazing.

  • @EILEENZ0122

    @EILEENZ0122

    3 ай бұрын

    U should! The most beautiful route I have ever taken 🥹 do u heard about TrainPal? I just saw it has discount for European rail tickets😮😮😮

  • @RVarrun
    @RVarrun6 ай бұрын

    Fantastic. Love to travel by train

  • @Phuong.Nguyen-
    @Phuong.Nguyen- Жыл бұрын

    Good image ❤😊

  • @islandhisea
    @islandhisea3 ай бұрын

    helps me a lot!! My friends told me a way to get bigger discounts for train tickets.

  • @Westoakian
    @Westoakian5 ай бұрын

    Love the Ch. and your videos. Still a little confused on Eurail vs Omio. If I get a Gloabl pass can I book trains on Omio or do I have to use the Eurail pass? We are visiting 4 countries. Thx for ANY guidance. 😊

  • @Judy-zs4gz
    @Judy-zs4gz3 ай бұрын

    This video helps me a lot!! Last time, my friends told me a way to get bigger discounts for rail trips. so i plan to have a rail trip

  • @code-TRAINPAL-XY777B

    @code-TRAINPAL-XY777B

    3 ай бұрын

    I found a discount too

  • @islandhisea

    @islandhisea

    3 ай бұрын

    omg I also know there is a way to save money with ➎% discounts

  • @CodeRT777E-TRAINPAL
    @CodeRT777E-TRAINPAL2 ай бұрын

    The train is my favorite way to travel.Btw there is a great discount on UK train tickets now.❤

  • @kwfown
    @kwfown10 ай бұрын

    For someone that’s been traveling by train for 8 decades @ 0:12, you sure look YOUNG!

  • @soniiabaybee

    @soniiabaybee

    6 ай бұрын

    For “a decade”. Not 8. Lol.

  • @chardmahanlud1734
    @chardmahanlud1734Ай бұрын

    Hello. I loved the video! The one that I am looking for. Trip by train. I’m planning a solo trip to Europe this year. Hope you can help me to guide steps by steps. Is there a possibility that I can travel by train the whole Europe?

  • @Westoakian
    @Westoakian5 ай бұрын

    Hi Christina, great ch and great advice. I am more than a little confused with train travel. If I buy a Eurail pass, (global) can I use Omio for seat reservations or do I ONLY use the Eurail app? SO CONFUSED 🤷‍♀️ Going to Paris, then Switzerland, eventually Amsterdam, Brussels and back home from Paris. Thx for any advice. Been through MOST of your videos!

  • @ThomasTuttle
    @ThomasTuttle Жыл бұрын

    Your guide is very informative. I know the world prefers digital/cell phone apps for ticketing needs. I have tried to create accounts on the Swiss national rail network, the Austrian one and the German one (SBB/OEBB/DB). However, they all have their own issues with recognizing me and my account. As a result, I have opted yet again for a paper Eurail pass, since we shall be in Germany, Switzerland and Austria for a duration of 15 days with daily treks on trains. For most of our trains seat reservations are not even optional, but the occasional EC/ICE/IC trains suggest seat reservations. Since I can't get the phone app to register my needs correctly, I shall need the paper version. Waiting in the long ticket lines manned by rail personnel waste too much of our holiday time, so we're left with using the kiosks/ticket automats in the stations. Can you advise or better yet, do a step by step demo on how to purchase seat reservations without purchasing an actual ticket. You can cancel your demo ticket, once we have the button sequences viewed. Each time we try the online versions of the SBB/OEBB/DE, the reservation only cost is nearly as high as the regular ticket. Reservations should cost no more than 10 Euros for most trains, if one has a Eurail pass. The online versions are showing like 30-90 Euros; that cannot be correct. Once I know how to buy one seat reservation on the kiosk, all I need to do is repeat the steps and exchange the new train info into the fields. Thank you in advance.

  • @csbstar53
    @csbstar536 ай бұрын

    Do you have a video for train travel from Frankfort, Germany to Koblenz? Also from Merzig, Germany to Frankfort, Germany?

  • @user-cd9rd7jb2z
    @user-cd9rd7jb2z2 ай бұрын

    Hello! Is there any site that displays the visual map of train connections between countries in Europe?

  • @pilartellez1302
    @pilartellez1302Ай бұрын

    Hello, I bought my tickets on Omio to get around Belgium. but I have two doubts; Do the tickets have to be printed? And the platform doesn't come but there is a legend that says Intercity and a number, would that be the # of the train? Hope you can answer, thanks!

  • @terridowda357
    @terridowda3579 ай бұрын

    can you do Italy. Rome to Pompeii in particular.

  • @A-level.helper
    @A-level.helper Жыл бұрын

    I will be coming to budapest and want to travell to debrecen which train should i choose and which website should i use to book my ticket

  • @deniselimovic7530
    @deniselimovic7530 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the video😊. Its very informative? I got two kids, 6year and 3.5year and planning a trip from Ljubljana to Munich, visiting our friends in january. Is there any more advice ? Is it a smart idea, we never traveled by train?😂

  • @taniacruz5080
    @taniacruz50803 ай бұрын

    Can I start my train trip from Budapest to Munich but get off at Salzburg for a quick stop and resume my trip to Munich with the same ticket? Thanks!

  • @Magic_beans_
    @Magic_beans_ Жыл бұрын

    5:53 (Arriving at the station) - Trains don’t have nearly the boarding & baggage ritual that planes do, so you don’t need to be at the station as early as you would for a flight. Getting to the station 45-60 minutes before departure is good if you’re concerned about finding your way around or if you need assistance from the staff. Otherwise 30 minutes should be fine. (That’s not a hard limit, it’s just more of a gamble as you cut it closer.) That could be a factor in your choice between train or plane travel. For a shorter trip like Munich-Berlin, your door-to-door travel time may be about the same either way. The train itself isn’t as fast obviously, but flying may mean you have to get out to an airport on the edge of town and then sit around for an hour.

  • @jessied4210

    @jessied4210

    3 ай бұрын

    Yes, definitely agree! Join me for the train card discounts I just found! Let's save more for getting trains.😆

  • @eprohoda
    @eprohoda Жыл бұрын

    this is unusual ~ farewell! amigo-😮

  • @myalin7
    @myalin72 ай бұрын

    I need help !! Which trains and passes do I need ? Going to different places

  • @evertonblue14
    @evertonblue148 ай бұрын

    Will there be helpers who may no English there? This just raised my anxiety I never been to Europe and I’m coming solo soon

  • @user-pb2pn4qp6v
    @user-pb2pn4qp6v4 ай бұрын

    Places where you need to validate tickets do they also give you an option to buy online so you can skip the validation process

  • @code-TRAINPAL-XY777B
    @code-TRAINPAL-XY777B3 ай бұрын

    Thank you for sharing. Actually there is a discount that you can apply for buying train tickets now

  • @islandhisea

    @islandhisea

    3 ай бұрын

    I also know that Info. I got 5% discount on TrainPal.

  • @user-TolleLege
    @user-TolleLege17 күн бұрын

    “For me, personally” is redundant. Just say, “for me”, or “I”. I am enjoying your videos. Thank you! 😊

  • @merrillundgren1790
    @merrillundgren1790 Жыл бұрын

    I’ve seen eurorail bundles of train fare plus hotel. Like from Paris to London or Amsterdam to London. Any thoughts on this?

  • @galanfamily

    @galanfamily

    Жыл бұрын

    Hopefully someone replies. I'm planning on doing paris, Brussels to Amsterdam in the fall

  • @Susanneshares
    @Susanneshares Жыл бұрын

    Is there a size limit to the luggage lockers or do they come in multiple sizes?

  • @sedivcovanika

    @sedivcovanika

    Жыл бұрын

    In most cases, there are different sizes of the lockers, plus - most major train stations have "luggage room" with personel to look after your luggage if you have many suitecases, you don't want to use the lockers or they are full.

  • @WilDayne
    @WilDayne Жыл бұрын

    Planes, Trains AND flights?

  • @wigglytuff20031
    @wigglytuff20031 Жыл бұрын

    Can you do a video on transferring trains? We are planning on going to Europe in September and I don't know if that is a peak season or a more slower season. We're looking into taking the train from Amsterdam to ravensburg Germany and there isn't any direct flights to ravensburg from Amsterdam but there is a line that goes to ravensburg... The issue that I am worried about is that there is 3 to 4 stops on some of the trips depending on the times that we book and in those stops it says that there is about 5 to 7 minutes to transfer in between. This part stresses me a little cause to me it seems like there isn't much time to transfer trains in 5 minutes... But am I to assume that the station is smaller and that the trains would be near each other? Also how do I know if the train that I am arriving in is the same train that I should stay on and the 5 minute "transfer time" is just to fuel up or change out conductors?

  • @wigglytuff20031

    @wigglytuff20031

    3 ай бұрын

    @lingLuo-ol5nz thank you for the reply but your answer did not answer my question. It is okay though cause we went in 2023 and knowing what we know now. If you were to go on German trains and if you are on a train with short transfers (5-8 min transfer time to get to your next train) you can guarantee that you will not make your transfer trains. If the train was the last train coming out of that station through no fault of your own and it is deutsche bahn fault they will give you a new ticket for the next train out and will give you a voucher for a hotel near the station for a room up to $250 usd but you will have to pay for the room up front and get reimbursed at a later time. French trains are constantly being delayed. One train we were on was stuck on the tracks for an hour with the smell of gasoline in the air. Trains in Spain are treated like an airport and you have to be there 2 hrs ahead of time to go through security and their trains are always on time with very few to minimal delays/cancellations.

  • @iShootWild
    @iShootWild11 ай бұрын

    Thanks for putting this together! I learned a lot. One question: Do trains have luggage limits like the planes, specially those budget planes like Ryanair, EasyJet etc? In another word, can I have a decent size backback and a suitcase without paying additional fees?

  • @LoveQuimper

    @LoveQuimper

    11 ай бұрын

    Nope! You can bring as much as you can carry. I've seen people carry art projects, pets, musical instruments etc on trains. It's all fine. However, big luggage can be annoying for other passengers, especially at busy times or if your luggage is blocking seats. I often take the IC in the direction of Schiphol airport to get to my university and it's honestly quite frustrating when I'm just trying to get to school or work and people are blocking seats or hallways with their gigantic luggage, rubbing their vacation joy all in my face while I have to stand because there are no seats left available 😂

  • @iShootWild

    @iShootWild

    11 ай бұрын

    @@LoveQuimper Thank you and I am sorry, the travellers are creating not so fun experience for you. I am not planning on bringing too much. One under 30L bag (like the size of a normal college/school bag and a 20-22 inch suitcase that most of the US airlines allow as carry on. I would like to take trains to most of my destinations.

  • @code-on-Trip-app

    @code-on-Trip-app

    3 ай бұрын

    Then you must take advantage of the recent European Railway offers!

  • @code-on-Trip-app
    @code-on-Trip-app3 ай бұрын

    Are there any tips for saving money when traveling in Europe, other than the 5% rail discount?

  • @islandhisea

    @islandhisea

    3 ай бұрын

    I just know there is a way to save money with 5%↓

  • @harlynjm
    @harlynjm10 ай бұрын

    Happy wanderer question we recently booked 4 trains connecting our destinations. My visa bill lists 3 Trainline charges which are much higher than the price on my tickets. What to do?? How can I fix this? Credit Card company states this is the amount presented to us. Something is not right here. Have you as a train traveler had this happen?

  • @code-on-Trip-app

    @code-on-Trip-app

    3 ай бұрын

    If it really doesn't work, consider transferring it to someone else. The more you can save, the better. Also pay attention to daily discounts, such as the recent promotions on European railways.

  • @shakeedahlee160
    @shakeedahlee16011 ай бұрын

    Do you need to travel with your passport when traveling in the EU via train or bus?

  • @LoveQuimper

    @LoveQuimper

    11 ай бұрын

    Within the Schengen zone there are no border checks. But as I'm assuming you're not in possession of an EU passport, you will ofc need it to enter the EU from your home country. So you'll already have it on you anyway.

  • @ericcoleman7633
    @ericcoleman763311 ай бұрын

    MAN PHOQUE

  • @jessied4210
    @jessied42103 ай бұрын

    Omggg I just found a train card that will help everyone save !! Let me know if you guys are interested:))))

  • @jewel7168
    @jewel7168 Жыл бұрын

    i'm going to freakin cry if I'm traveling alone in a foreign country and the station is that huge with all these specifications. I mean yeah they're pretty easy to follow but nerve-wracking when it's your first time, I am shit in directions, I just wanna be with someone who knows what to do while I float around and not use my head 😭 But i also wanna travel alone and feel independent with all these buying tickets and getting on my trips alone💃 does that makes sense? idk either sdhajgf

  • @loverollcake

    @loverollcake

    Жыл бұрын

    i feel u im going to japan with 2 other friends who have been before but i want to solo travel europe by train but im scared im gonna get lost

  • @hedark1135

    @hedark1135

    10 ай бұрын

    jesus christ tell me about it. trying to plan my honeymoon and i want to blow my brains out. Edit: I just got backed from my Honeymoon, it is now Mid-October. it was really easy. basically everyone in europe speaks english, so if you can't figure something out just ask someone. train travel is easy as pie, the worst part is sometimes track number isnt specified until about 30 minutes before the train leaves. if your seat number isnt specified then there are no assigned seats... overall pretty easy. if you can navigate an airport youll be just fine at a train station. navigating public transportation in europe wasnt as scary as i thought it would be. however, one caveat... it is neither clean, nor fast, nor cheap... glad we travel primarily by car in the USA.

  • @yhenbelmonte123

    @yhenbelmonte123

    9 ай бұрын

    me too i want to travel solo but m scared 😮😅i been to germany n france wit my frnds

  • @shawnmendrek3544
    @shawnmendrek35442 ай бұрын

    aggression level now 2/10. ty

  • @warrenr.johnson7990
    @warrenr.johnson7990 Жыл бұрын

    You talk too fast and we lose tne end of sentences.

  • @EMVelez
    @EMVelez3 ай бұрын

    You sound like I’m watching at 1.25x speed. Slow down. This is hard to follow.

  • @NzePriddie
    @NzePriddie Жыл бұрын

    Ma’am why are you ending the majority,of your sentences , using vocal fry ?. It is very very annoying and a turn off. Unprofessional. It appears that you have great information, however it’s a struggle, to listen.

  • @mikea6240

    @mikea6240

    11 ай бұрын

    Get a life

  • @EMVelez

    @EMVelez

    11 ай бұрын

    Because she’s American. Lol.

  • @NzePriddie

    @NzePriddie

    11 ай бұрын

    @@EMVelez tried again and finally made through too the end.

  • @NzePriddie

    @NzePriddie

    11 ай бұрын

    @@EMVelez do you know why do Americans speak with vocal fry ?

Келесі