Tips on European Rail Travel
For many people, the first time they get on a train in Europe is the first time they ever get on a train. With this lack of practical experience, many students are not well experienced in the techniques of effective, enjoyable train travel. I hope these tips help.

Why Travel Europe by Train?
The European Rail system is considered by many to be the finest on earth. European trains are known to be fast, reliable, economical, and pleasant. Rail is the preferred method of travel for Europeans traveling through Europe.

Many European trains operate at speeds in excess of 100 MPH. The French TGV (train a grande vitesse) is the current world speed record holder at 317 MPH, making regular passenger runs at 186 MPH (300 KM). Consider the many options available when travel times and distances are compressed into managable segments. High Speed trains also operate in Britain, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden.

European rail travel is reliable because of schedule punctuality and frequency, and the ability of trains to overcome adverse weather. Unlike air and automotive travel, rail travel is rarely affected by inclement weather conditions. The timely arrival and departure of European trains is legendary. European trains run punctually , though this varies somewhat by country. Stops are frequently measured in minutes, and so it is important to board and detrain quickly.

The frequency of trains, especially to major cities or towns is very high. In Germany, for example, the Inter City Express (ICE- 165 MPH) service departs hourly on business days to every major city within Germany. The Swiss railroad now offers hourly and sometimes half hourly service between major Swiss cities.

Railroad stations are generally located near the town or city center, usually where tourists want to get to. There is no need to spend time, energy or cab fare to negotiate oneself from a suburban airport location through frequently congested roads to a city center hotel or attraction if you took the train.

Individuals traveling long distances or with extremely tight schedules should consider the fine overnight accommodations offered by the European railroads. In addition to allowing one to travel great distances while asleep ( don't try that with an auto rental), the Night Trains can be an excellent value, allowing one to avoid overnight hotel stays. As noted above, train travel frequently takes less time than air or auto travel. For tourists with limited time, train travel can save hours in saved transit time. Time, after all, may be the most precious commodity of all, especially while on vacation.

Perhaps the most pleasant part of using trains in Europe is the opportunity it provides to meet other travelers. Trains are truly the preferred method for Europeans to travel Europe. You will have many chances to speak to and share experienes with Europeans and other international travelers.

Plan Your Trip Carefully Beforehand
When booking your rail travel always:
1. Always Check the prices of Rail Passes compared to Train Tickets, you could save a lot of money!
2. Seat Reservations (many trains are full and you could be standing the entire trip) - book before!
3. Plan your trip schedule and route and don't try to cram in every city.
4. Consider airports with good rail connections, it can save you time and money.
5. Consider sleeping on the train and saving accommodation prices (Sleepers, Couchettes and Sleeperettes. You can easily cover 500 Km in one night, opening up many additional itinerary options.
6. Finally, sit back, relax and take in the scenery!

Special Sleeper Trains
"On some important lines, e.g. Paris - Madrid, Zurich - Barcelona, Munchen Munster, Bonn Berlin, there exist special high comfort trains exclusively consisting of sleeping cars, couchettes and an all time opened restaurant car. These trains can only be used with special "Global Price Tickets" and they are very expensive (and probably quite comfortable)".

Sleepers
Sleepers are 1st class bedrooms for one or two passengers, or bedrooms for two or three persons in 2nd class. All bedrooms have a washstand. The toilets are located at either end of your car. In the sleeper coaches, there are regular beds with linen sheets, blankets and pillows. Each compartment has a power plug for razors and a wash basin with hot and cold water. An attendant acts as representative of his sleeping guests at the ticket control and also at customs inspection. He also serves drinks and breakfast.

Couchettes
Couchettes are open bunks with pillow and woolen blanket, which for a small charge, allow you to stretch out during the night, but afford no privacy. In first class there are four couchettes per compartment. In second class, there are six couchettes per compartment. In some trains there are 2nd class compartments with four berths available. In both first and second class, there is no distinction by gender in couchettes.

Consider the Eurail Passes
For unlimited train travel in the 17 participating countries: AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, DENMARK, FINLAND, FRANCE, GERMANY, GREECE, HUNGARY, ITALY, LUXEMBOURG, NETHERLANDS, NORWAY, PORTUGAL, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, SPAIN, SWEDEN, and SWITZERLAND.

Bonuses with the Eurailpass include selected international ferry crossings as well as certain lake and river steamers and bus services. Reduced fares for other services are also included with your Eurailpass. A complete list of bonuses is shown on the map which you receive with your pass.

Eurail Passes are offered in three forms: Eurail Flexipass for those not needing to travel by train every day during their journey, Eurailpass which offers 15 days to 3 months of continuous days of train travel, Eurail Saverpass for groups of two to five traveling together.

If needing to combine train travel with one or more long distance journeys in Europe, consider the euroAirPlaneTrain Transport Pass which combines train and plane travel options.

How to Book Rail Travel
You can either book direct with the Railways or contact any of the Student Travel Agents.