10 tips for travelling on a Eurail Pass: Best Train Trip Travel Tips!

This past summer I spent 2 months travelling around Europe with a Eurail pass, where I took a total of 12 trains through 8 cities and 7 different countries. Over the course of the trip I rode a mix of high-speed trains and regional trains, I sat in crowded trains and empty trains, and I even missed a few tight connections.

Travelling by train proved to be a really fun way to see Europe, however, I also picked up a few tips and tricks after having a couple of train mishaps along the way. For anyone thinking of seeing Europe with a Eurail pass, here are a few things to keep in mind:

The Rail Planner app is your best friend

What I loved about this app is that it downloads all the train schedules on to your phone so that you can access them offline. It’s perfect for planning your travels on the go and making alternate plans to catch a later train if you missed a tight connection. Also, the app allows you to filter your rail options based on: direct connections only, trains without a compulsory reservation, and trains with a bicycle carriage. Super handy!

Don’t forget to validate your Eurail pass

Your Eurail pass needs to be validated at a train station before you can start using it, and you want to give yourself plenty of time to do so. Don’t try validating your pass on a Sunday morning in small-town Germany when they run on restricted schedules…your train may leave before the office even opens!

Take extra care filling out your pass

It’s also really important that you fill out your pass every time you start a leg of your journey. Because the Eurail pass gives you a specific number of travel days within a certain time frame, if one of the train officials catches you with an incomplete pass, they’ll think you’re trying to squeeze some free travel days. Same goes if you make a mistake filling out your pass; if you try to change your mistake, this will look like tampering. You must fill out your pass in ink, and you want to be really careful since any errors could result in a lost travel day.

Be aware that some trains require reservations

Yes, even with your Eurail pass, some of the high speed trains and overnight trains require that you make a reservation ahead of time. You can check this on the Rail Planner app when you plot your route – trains requiring a reservation will be market with an ‘R’. Additional reservation fees and surcharges apply to these trains on top of the cost of your pass.

Consider taking the regional trains to save money

If you don’t want to pay additional fees to travel on certain high speed trains, and if you have time to spare, you can always opt for the regional trains that travel at a slower speed and make more frequent stops along the way. It may take you twice or thrice as long to reach your destination, but it’s a good opportunity to enjoy the scenery or read a book.

When I was travelling from Luxembourg to Paris, I had the option of taking the regional trains which would get me to Paris in 6 hours, or taking a direct high speed train that would have me there in 2 hours. Since the later required paying an additional fee, I opted to take the slower train and catch up on some work instead.

Know when to bite the bullet and pay out of pocket

Travelling on the regional trains may save you money, but if you need to cover a lengthy distance and you don’t want to spend 2 days stuck on a train, you’ll have to pay out of pocket to upgrade to the faster trains.

As an example, I needed to get from Paris to Madrid in a day. When I filtered the routes avoiding trains requiring a reservation, I found that the journey would take anywhere between 44-55 hours – I couldn’t do that. However, if I was willing to upgrade to trains requiring a reservation, I could cut my travel time down to 10 hours. Sometimes it’s worth paying out of pocket.

Need reservations? Make them well in advance

Train travel is a popular way to see Europe, and during the summer months certain routes can fill up. You don’t want to show up at the station a few hours before catching an overnight train from say Prague to Amsterdam, only to discover that there are no seats available. If you’re planning to travel on a route that requires a reservation, book it as soon as you have concrete travel plans.

source: Samuel and Audrey on YouTube

Sometimes it’s worth missing a tight connection

If there’s one thing that stressed me out about train travel, it was the tight connections. I travelled on routes that gave me as little as 12 minutes to haul all my luggage off one train, check the timetable for my next connection, run halfway across the station to find the next platform, weave my way through a mass of people, and then haul my luggage onto the next train. That’s enough to make you break out into a mild panic!

That’s why I decided that sometimes it’s best to just miss that tight connection and catch the one leaving after that. If it’s a popular route, the next train may leave within the hour or sooner, which gives you plenty of time to grab a snack, go to the washroom, and find your way without feeling rushed.

Choose your pass carefully

I had a Global Pass that gave me 15 days of travel within a 2 month window, and it also gave me the freedom to travel through 28 countries. However, looking back, I hardly made use of all those available travel days! Before you get a pass, think about where you want to go, and then decide if you really need the Global Pass or if a One Country Pass or a Select Pass (that covers 2-4 neighbouring countries) would be more efficient and wallet-friendly.

Lastly, bring snacks on board!

I don’t know about you, but I like to snack all day long (it’s what keeps ‘hanger’ at bay). However, what I found was that not all trains sell food onboard. This is especially true of regional trains, so if you have a long travel day ahead of you, it’s best you bring a few snacks on board.

Beyond the Basics: How to Get the Most Out of Your Eurail Pass Adventure 🚆✨

Mastering the Art of Packing for Train Travel

Let’s start with the luggage. Traveling by train is a dream for those who hate airport lines, but it comes with its own set of packing challenges:

• Opt for soft-sided luggage or backpacks: These are easier to squeeze into overhead racks or under seats, especially when trains get crowded.
• Pack light, pack smart: You’ll thank yourself when you have to haul your bags up a flight of stairs at a tiny countryside station (not every station has elevators or escalators).
• Essentials to keep handy: Passport, Eurail pass, reservation slips, a refillable water bottle, snacks, hand sanitizer, phone charger/power bank, and a scarf or light sweater (trains can be chilly even in summer!).
• A small lock: For peace of mind when you’re napping, especially on overnight trains.

How to Make the Most of Your Time Onboard

Train travel isn’t just a way to get from A to B—it’s a whole experience in itself.

Window Seat Wonders

Always try to snag a window seat. European train routes often pass through spectacular scenery: think rolling vineyards in France, the snow-capped Alps between Switzerland and Italy, or the craggy coastlines of Portugal.

Connect and Disconnect

• Use longer journeys to journal, read, or even sketch—trains have a special way of inspiring creativity.
• On the flip side, connect with locals or fellow travelers! Don’t be shy about starting up a conversation. Some of my favorite Europe travel tips have come from impromptu chats with strangers.

Pro Tip: Download Podcasts, Music, and Maps Offline

Wi-Fi is not guaranteed, and cell service can be spotty, especially in tunnels or remote areas. Download entertainment and offline Google Maps for your destination.

Navigating Train Stations Like a Pro

The grand European train stations are a treat—some are practically palaces (hello, Antwerp Central!)—but they can also be daunting. Here’s how to breeze through:

• Arrive early: Especially at major hubs, allow extra time to navigate sprawling terminals, find your platform, and maybe grab a snack.
• Always check the departure boards: Platforms can change at the last minute, so keep an eye on the live updates (“Gleis” is platform in German, “Voie” in French, “Binario” in Italian, etc.).
• Restroom situation: Many stations charge a small fee for toilets—keep some coins handy!
• Left luggage lockers: If you have a long layover or want to explore a city for a few hours, look for luggage storage options—most big stations offer them.

Overnight Trains: A True Eurail Adventure

Night trains are a classic European experience. They’re also a great way to maximize your travel time and budget (think: accommodation + transport in one).

• Book as early as possible: Popular routes and private cabins fill up fast.
• Cabin options: From basic seats to couchettes (shared bunks) to sleeper cabins with full beds and private bathrooms. Choose based on comfort (and wallet).
• Pack the essentials: Eye mask, earplugs, toothbrush, and maybe even a pair of flip-flops.
• Security: Use the lock on your compartment door, and keep valuables within reach.
• Wake-up call: Conductors will usually wake you for your stop if you’re in a sleeper, but set an alarm just in case—especially if your destination is not the final stop.

Eating Well on the Rails

Let’s talk train food! Some long-distance trains have restaurant or café cars, but many do not—especially regional routes.

• Stock up at local markets or bakeries before you board: European train stations often have fabulous food options—from French baguette sandwiches to Italian paninis to German pretzels.
• Picnic on the go: Bring fruit, cheese, cold cuts, and a treat (chocolate, always). Some of my best memories are of “train picnics” as the scenery whooshes by.
• Don’t forget water: Especially on hot days. Trains can get warm, and you’ll be glad you brought a bottle.

Flexibility: Your Secret Weapon

One of the joys of Eurail is spontaneity. While it’s wise to have a rough itinerary, don’t be afraid to change plans on a whim—maybe you meet someone raving about a town you’ve never heard of, or you spot a festival poster at the station.

• Build in buffer days: If a place steals your heart, you can stay longer without stress.
• Research as you go: The Rail Planner app is invaluable, but supplement with regional tourism sites for festivals, events, or hidden gems.

Making the Most of Stopovers and Layovers

Got a few hours between trains? Don’t waste it in the waiting hall!

• See the sights: Many stations are in the heart of the city (think Zurich, Prague, or Budapest), making it easy to dash out and explore for a few hours.
• Find a café: Sip a coffee and people-watch. You’ll feel like a local.
• Day-use hotels: If you’re between overnight trains, some hotels offer “day rooms” for a shower and a nap.

Managing Reservations and Tickets

Eurail passes are wonderfully flexible. But sometimes reservations are a must.

• Use official Eurail sites or national railways for reservations: If you’re stuck, visit the ticket office at any station—staff can usually help you book onward travel, even across borders.
• Paperwork: Keep a folder (digital or paper) with your reservations, pass, and any required documents.
• Last-minute changes: If you need to swap a reservation, act quickly—spaces can disappear, especially in high season.

Budgeting & Money-Saving Hacks

• Travel off-peak: Avoid major holidays or summer weekends if you can—trains (and cities) are less crowded and accommodations are cheaper.
• Picnic lunches: Besides being delicious, picking up supplies at supermarkets saves a bundle over dining cars or restaurants.
• Pass perks: Check for Eurail partner discounts—sometimes your pass scores you reduced admission to museums, ferries, or city cards.

Embrace the Adventure: Mishaps Happen!

Miss a connection? Platform change at the last minute? Trains running late? It’s all part of the story.

• Stay calm and flexible: Most of the time, there’s another train coming soon.
• Travel with a sense of humor: Your future self will remember the funny “oops” moments far more fondly than the perfectly planned days.
• Journal your journey: Jot down the quirks and surprises—these are the details that will make your Europe-by-train adventure unforgettable.

Pick the Right Seat Type Before the Conductor Does

High‑speed lines often offer multiple reservation tiers. Example on France’s TGV:

*Prices fluctuate by route/season; book in the Rail Planner app to see live fees.

Coffee, Wi‑Fi & USB Power—Country‑by‑Country Snapshot

Got your own Eurail tips or unforgettable train moments? Drop them in the comments! Wishing you happy travels and panoramic views out every window. 🚄🌍