Trains & Rail Travel
Practical tips for travelling between cities by train, booking tickets, choosing the right routes, and enjoying a smoother rail journey.
EXPLORE MORE BY TRAIN
Train travel can be one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to move between cities and regions.
You can often travel directly from one city centre to another without dealing with airports, long security queues, or expensive airport transfers. Rail journeys can also give you a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way.
However, train systems, ticket rules, and prices vary between countries. Understanding a few basics before booking can save you both time and money.
HOW TO TRAVEL BY TRAIN WITH CONFIDENCE
1. Check Whether the Train Is the Best Option
Before booking, compare the train with other ways of reaching your destination.
For shorter and medium-distance journeys, trains can often be more convenient than flying because stations are usually closer to city centres.
For longer distances, compare the total journey time and cost rather than looking only at the time spent on the train or plane.
2. Book Early When Prices Change
In some countries, train fares remain fairly consistent. In others, prices increase as the departure date approaches.
High-speed and long-distance trains can be considerably cheaper when booked in advance.
Once your travel dates are confirmed, check whether booking early could save you money.
3. Compare Different Train Options
The fastest train isn’t always the best choice.
Some routes have high-speed, intercity, regional, and local services with very different prices.
A slightly slower train may save you a significant amount without adding much time to the journey, so compare your options before booking.
4. Check Whether You Need a Seat Reservation
Buying a train ticket doesn’t always mean you automatically have a reserved seat.
Some trains include a seat reservation, some make it optional, and others require you to reserve separately.
For busy routes or longer journeys, having a reserved seat can make the journey much more comfortable.
5. Check the Station Carefully
Large cities sometimes have several major railway stations.
Before travelling, check the exact departure station shown on your ticket and make sure you know how long it will take to get there.
Also check your arrival station. A cheaper ticket isn’t necessarily better value if it leaves you far from where you actually want to be.
6. Arrive With Enough Time
Train travel normally requires less preparation than flying, but arriving at the station at the last minute can still create unnecessary stress.
Large stations can have many platforms, different levels, and separate areas for local and long-distance trains.
Give yourself enough time to find the departure board, locate your platform, and board comfortably.
7. Understand Your Ticket
Before boarding, check whether your ticket is valid for one specific train or can be used on different services.
Also check whether it needs to be activated or validated before travelling.
Rules vary between countries, and assuming every rail system works the same way can lead to unexpected charges or fines.
8. Travel Light When Possible
Travelling by train with luggage is generally easier than flying, but large suitcases can still become inconvenient.
You may need to lift your luggage onto the train, carry it through stations, or store it in limited luggage areas.
Packing a little lighter can make rail journeys much easier, especially when you’re changing trains.
9. Allow Enough Time for Connections
If your journey requires changing trains, check how much time you have between services.
A very short connection may look good when booking, but delays or an unfamiliar station can make it difficult.
When separate tickets are involved, I prefer allowing even more time because missing the next train may mean buying another ticket.
10. Enjoy the Journey
One of the best things about rail travel is that the journey itself can become part of the travel experience.
Instead of concentrating only on reaching your destination, look out of the window, enjoy the scenery, and use the time to relax or plan what you want to do when you arrive.
Some train journeys can become as memorable as the destination itself.
💡 MY TRAVEL TIP
Before taking a train, I usually save my ticket on my phone and take a screenshot of the important information, including the train number, departure time, station, and seat number if I have one.
That way, I can still access everything quickly even if the internet connection at the station isn’t working well.
BEFORE TAKING A TRAIN
Before heading to the station, quickly check:
Am I travelling from the correct station?
What time does my train leave?
Do I need to reserve a seat?
Does my ticket need to be validated?
Which platform do I need?
Do I need to change trains?
Is there enough time for the connection?
Where will I store my luggage?
A few minutes of preparation can make the entire journey much easier.
TRAIN TRAVEL CAN BE PART OF THE ADVENTURE
Travelling by train isn’t simply a way to get from one city to another.
It can be comfortable, convenient, scenic, and sometimes much less stressful than flying. It also allows you to see more of a country as you travel between destinations.
Choose the route that gives you the best balance of price, journey time, convenience, and experience rather than automatically choosing the fastest or cheapest ticket.
NEED AN EASIER WAY TO GET AROUND?
Public transport and trains won’t always take you exactly where you need to go. For some journeys, a taxi or ride-hailing app may be the more convenient option.