Eurail Travel Advice Archives

Tip Categories

Eurail Basics (53)
Eurail Budget Travel Tips (25)
Eurail Facts (4)
Eurail Reservations (9)
Eurail Safety (16)
Eurail Travel Advice (110)
Overnight Eurail Travel (19)
Region Specific Eurail Information (20)

Know the Name of the Station Prior to your Stop
If possible, learn the name of the station that is prior to your destination so that if you do not...

Look for the Right Information Booth
When asking for information in train stations, make sure you got to the right information booth. Tourist information and train...

Watch for Tunnel Stops
If your train stops in a tunnel at the time it should be arriving at your destination, it may be...

Ask for Seating Change if you have Problems
If you have a problem with your compartment mates on a reserved ticket, ask the conductor if you can change....

Stike up Conversation with Conductors
If your conductor is friendly and speaks English, strike up a conversation. You may get a free drink in return....

Watch Your Step
Be especially careful when rushing up stairs and elevators in train stations with a pack on the back. The wrong...

Information Booths Closed
Many information booths at train stations close in the evenings and weekends. If you think you will need assistance when...

Bring Newspaper to Sit On
Many train stations do not have sitting areas or enough seats near departure boards or platforms. Bring a plastic bag...

Seats with Most Leg Room
Seats that face each other generally have less leg room, so if you are choosing a seat, opt for ones...

Know the Best Side to SIt On
Know your route for the best side of the train to sit on. Consult a map or ask a fellow...

Motion Sickness = Sit Forward
If you are susceptible to motion sickness, when sitting in a train, try to sit in a seat facing forward....

Get Currency Before you Go
Try to have local currency before you arrive in your next locale, if you can. ATMs often have long lines,...

Get Receipt for Fines
If someone wants to fine you for some reason, make sure you get a receipt and see proper identification. There...

Smoking and Non-Smoking on Eurail Trains
Be sure to check if your compartment or seating area is smoking or nonsmoking. Sometimes, the smoke in the smoking...

Conductor Fixes Seat Issues
If there is ever any discrepancy over whose seat is whose, get a conductor. They will be able to sort...

Keep Your Ticket Visable
If you plan on taking a nap on the train, you might want to keep your ticket in a visible...

Do Your Research
If you are in a small station trying to buy tickets and you tell the teller your destination they may...

Getting Back at Trains
Train stations that charge to use their bathrooms are ridiculous, hold out until you are on the train then go...

It's ok to Move
If a diabetic woman gives herself a shot in the butt RIGHT in front of you and then proceeds to...

Dealing with Missed Connections
If you miss your connection don't bother standing in line to get another ticket, just get on a train and...

Avoid the Window
If it's a crowded train the aisle is the way to go, forget the window - it's not worth being...

Don't Rush to the Train
Get to the train station early and chill out with a cup of coffee and a gossip mag, it will...

Take the First Train
It is better to get up really early and take the first available train to your destination...you get there in...

Get an Entire Compartment
This is sneaky but if you want an entire compartment to yourself close the curtains and if anyone dares to...

Don't Brush Your Teeth in the Train Sink
Don't brush your teeth the in the train sink. The clear "Do NOT drink this water" sign means it's probably...

Ask for Translations
Ask, ask, ask! If you notice multiple announcements in languages you do not understand, you may be missing vital information,...

Ask Before Sleeping in a Train Station
Not all train stations have waiting areas open all night. If you are hoping to sleep in a station to...

Write Down Dates and Times
When asking questions about travel time or booking reservations with a sales agent who does not speak English, writing down...

Verify Tickets
Before leaving the ticket counter after purchasing a ticket or making a reservation, always verify it by checking dates, locations,...

Be a Good Citizen
Other countries recycle--even on the train. Pay attention to which bin you put your unwanted items in....

Sunglasses as Light Dimmers
Dark sunglasses are excellent to use as light dimmers when you want to sleep on brightly lit trains....

Where to Spot Outlets
Should you need to charge electronic devices, some trains offer outlets in the bathrooms, hallways, and above or below some...

Travel Freebies
Some night trains give its guests favors--like water, ear plugs, tissues, hand wipes. They will either be on the windowsill...

Watch for Smoking Signs
Pay attention to smoking signs in train stations--you can smoke in many European train stations, but not in all, and...

Write your Travel Date Before Boarding Train
If you are using a flexipass, write your date in BEFORE you get on the train. If you do not,...

Look for A, B and C
Some platforms have alphabetical separate platforms on it. For example, Platform 7 might have Platform 7A, Platform 7B, and Platform...

Party on a Train
Trains to some of the more popular backpacker destinations will be more similiar to a party than a train ride....

Know When Your Phone Can Ring
If you are traveling with a cell phone, look for the signs which indicate where you can have your ringer...

Double Check Your Arrival Station
If you have to make a transfer, check the locations on each of your ticket to make sure it is...

Smelly Feet on Trains
Take off your shoes only if you are sure your feet don't smell horrendous....

Take TP on Train
Take some TP with you on the train, a lot of the bathrooms aren't well stocked....

Hold It or Lose Your Seat
If the train is a super crowded local train with no reserved seats and you have to go to the...

Use Train Outlets
A lot of trains have outlets...use them to charge your stuff and that way you can charge and keep an...

Book or Water Bottles as Head Rests
A book or a water bottle behind the head is a suprisingly good head stablizer if you are trying to...

Escape to the Food Car
If the man next to you smells worse then death go sit in the food car and order a coffee...and...

Having a Bad Day? Upgrade
If you have had a bad day, splurge on a first class ticket...if nothing else, you will be sharing your...

Establish Routes with Flexipass
If you have a flexipass, it's a good idea to establish your route so you know when it's economically best...

Charge Batteries
Music can make a train ride much more enjoyable, so make sure batteries are charged and ready, if you have...

Look for People With Backpacks
When you have a long layover, and want to make a friend, look around for people with backpacks. They're generally...

Place Backpacks in Locker and Wander
Rather than sitting around the train station during long transfers, put your stuff in a locker and wander around the...

Double Check Correct Trains
Make sure you are getting on the right train--always show your ticket to the conductor before it leaves just to...

Gather Everything Before Your Last Stop
Try to get everything ready 20 minutes before your train is due to arrive at your stop. Get your bags...

Speak a Little of Native Languages
Before the conductor begins speaking to you, tell them in their native language, 'I don't speak (whatever language it is...

Never Rush Off the Train
Never be in a rush to get off the train--always have all your stuff together way ahead of time. Check...

Move Mini-Tables
If you are on a train with those little mini tables between the seats and you want to put your...

Pack Light or Suffer
As if there weren't enough reasons to pack light...when you are lugging a heavy pack through a train station, it...

Train Time is Catch Up Time
Use train time for catching up on crucial things, like writing postcards and letters, reading ahead in your guidebook, plucking...

Check Your Departure Station
Always check to see which train station your train leaves out of -- there are several in many towns, such...

Travel With Hand Sanitizer
Keep hand sanitizer in your bag--sometimes the water on the train might work. Walks to other carriages are necessary when...

Get an Aisle Seat
If you go to the bathroom a lot get an aisle seat...also more leg room this way as you can...

Avoid Sitting Near Doors
Avoid sitting by the doors..people move around a lot on the trains and it gets rather annoying....

Travel in the Last Train Car
Try and get the last car your class will allow..it's usually the least crowded....

Pay Attention to Departure Times
Look to see what TIME your train is leaving even if you don't know the final destination...especially helpful if you...

Going in the Wrong Direction on Eurail
If you're concerned that you might be going in the wrong direction and don't know the language, show your ticket/boarding...

Watch for Station Signs
Pay close attention to signs at stations--sometimes, signage is poorly makred and you may miss your stop. Keeping your eye...

Graffiti Art on Eurail
If you're into graffiti art, riding trains gives you access to some prime decorated areas....

Get to the Train Station Early
It's always better to give yourself extra time to get to a train station. Some trains, like Britrail, actually close...

Keep Change for Train Station Bathrooms
Some train stations offer bathrooms--at a cost. Be prepared to have some change, or use the facilities on the train....

Want a Friend?
Want a friend? If you're early for your train, chat up your nearest backpacker. You may make a friendship that...

Wear Layers When Riding a Train
When dressing for a train ride, LAYER! You never know if your train will be stifling hot or freezing....

Pay Showers at Train Stations
Public toilets in some stations offer pay showers. When you're feeling grimey and check in isn't for hours, try this...

Love Your mp3 Player
Music music music! Helps the train ride go faster....

Pay Attention to the Time You're Supposed to Arrive
Not all trains announce what station they are coming into over an intercom so pay attention and know the time...

Put a Book Bag Behind Your Neck
When trying to sleep in the upright position a large book behind your neck actually helps. It sounds uncomfortable, but...

Nasty Train Bathrooms
Train bathrooms = nasty, so bring some hand sanitizer!...

Avoid Smoking Sections if You Don't Like 'Em
Smoking cars are the fiery pits of hell...for a non-smoker anyway. Make sure you're not seated in one....

Buy Tickets in Advance
It makes your life a whole lot easier if you buy your train ticket a day in advance....

Take Off Your Shoes
You can put your feet on the seat IF you take your shoes off. Wiggle those toes!...

Bring Food to Eat and Drink
While there is usually a car for food and beverages, it can be expensive, or leaves much to be desired....

First-hand Eurail Information
Looking for Eurail info? Eurailblog provides first-hand accounts of traveling by rail....

Bring Cups on Europe Trains
Although the novelty of drinking out of a bottle can sound quite appealing, it really isn't very fun after the...

Eurail Train Bathrooms
Although most bathrooms will have toilet paper, having a few pieces stashed in your pocket or purse is a good...

Follow Along on Your Europe Train Tour
Keep a map handy on your ride and follow along on your ride. Hey, you've got nothing better to do,...

Seasickness and the Ferries
If you have a queasy stomach on boats - no matter what their size - it's better to be safe...

On the Rails - Hooking up on the Trains
Making out while you're on the Eurail is a tradition that is highly encouraged. For optimal privacy, place a heavy...

Keep Your Passport Handy
Keep your passport handy when crossing borders. It will be checked - even if you cross in the middle of...

Getting Rid of Currency
Looking for a place to blow the rest of your country-specific currency before you board the train? Check out the...

Double Check Your Stations
Large cities often have more than one train station. For instance, Paris has six of them! Double check your departure...

Eurail Extras
Although the Eurail is a great deal, it is not all-inclusive. Expect to pay something extra for reservations, super high-speed...

Packing Your Daypack
Think about everything you will need on your train ride and pack it in your daypack. Digging through your large...

Placing Your Bag on a Seat
It is very bad manners to place a backpack on a seat on a full train. Be expected to place...

Build In Transfer Time
Give yourself plenty of time when switching between trains - stations can be quite large and it can take awhile...

Meet People on the Road
Travelling on Eurail is a great way to meet people - it's easy to start up a conversation with people...

Smoking Cars on Eurail Trains
Most trains will have smoking and non-smoking cars. Make sure that when you reserve a seat - or look for...

Know Where To Go After You Get Off The Train
You have a long time on the trains - spend some of it looking at a map so you will...

Eurail Travel Through Non-Pass Countries
If you travel through a country not on your pass, such as a trip from Budapest to Prague, through Slovakia,...

Food to Bring on Trains
Non-perishable, easy snack-like foods are the best things to bring on a long train ride. Think trail mix, breakfast bars,...

Take a Sweater on High-Speed Trains
Have an extra layer available if you're taking a posh, high speed train, or one that has good AC. Chances...

Extra days or Fewer Days?
When deciding on the number of travel days you need and you're in between pass options, go with the lower...

Clothes to Wear on Euro Rail
While traveling on non-air conditioned trains during the summer, make sure to wear light, loose-fitting clothing. Yes, there will be...

Save Time With Trains in Europe
When traveling in Europe, it's actually faster to take a train than to drive or go by bus. High speed...

Eurail Schedule and Punctuality
Trains are punctual, especially in places like Germany and France (as long as there is not a strike), so you'd...

Conductors and Passports
Don't worry if customs or the conductor takes your passport away - she or he will bring it back. But,...

How Do I Pick the Best Pass For Me?
Not sure of the pass that would work the best for you and your itinerary? Don't worry, our exclusive online...

Don't Get Caught on the Wrong Train!
Trains can 'split' at a certain stops and cars sent in opposite directions. Pay attention to announcements onboard and if...

Lighten Your Pack at the Eurail Station
Leaving a country but still have a heavy guidebook? Before your train, look for once that's just arriving and offer...

Sneak a Nap on Eurail
If you're lucky enough to get on at the first station and find an empty car, if you spread out...

Why Buy Tickets Before You Go?
One of the best things about Eurail is that you pay for it before you go, so there aren't any...

When Not to Take Overnight Trains
Don't take an overnight train along the Mediterranean or through the Alps - the scenery is not something you want...

Enjoy Europe by Train with Friends!
A bottle of wine makes every train ride go faster, especially when you offer to share and make some new...

Questions? Fired up about Eurailing? Email us. Or start using the BootsnAll RailSaver to figure out where you want to go.

Or skype chat: