How to Travel Europe by Train: Basic Guide (P2)

Disadvantages of Traveling by Train Across Europe​

It can be expensive.​

When you first travel through Europe by train, you might assume it is more affordable than flying, but due to a combination of factors, including extremely cheap budget airlines in Europe, that's not actually the case.

Typically, a budget flight between two major cities in Europe will be cheaper than taking the train.

However, the severity of the difference can vary significantly, and there are many tips you can apply to your train travel in Europe to minimize costs that we will discuss in this blog post.

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If you are traveling long distances, train routes can take a long time.​

For example, when traveling from Paris to Venice, the route we took by train could easily take up to 10 hours, while the flight time is under 2 hours.

Now, that does not account for getting to and from the airport, checking luggage, or security checks, all of which add to the actual time of a flight , but it is still a significant difference.

Train travel in Europe is not everywhere.​

As you move further into Eastern Europe and the Balkans, train travel becomes much less common (even the famous Dubrovnik is not connected to the rest of Europe by rail).

Moreover, where it does exist, it can take longer and be less comfortable than flying or even taking a bus depending on the destination.

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Rail strikes can disrupt your European train travel plans.​

Generally, these are planned in advance, so you will know what to expect ahead of time, but they can be somewhat inconvenient.

Previously, we have had trips to both Italy and France affected by rail strikes.

If you have mobility issues, train travel can be challenging.​

Lifting and storing luggage, navigating small staircases and bathrooms, and moving through crowded train stations can be difficult if you have mobility challenges, so keep that in mind when deciding whether to travel through Europe by train.

This is especially true for short transfer trains – we once had to sprint through a station to catch our connecting train on time in Germany!

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Traveling in Europe by train can be a bit daunting.​

This is not exactly a scam, but certainly, the confusion surrounding train travel in Europe can deter new travelers to the continent from trying the experience, especially if they are concerned about language barriers or navigating multiple countries.

However, if that’s your only hesitation, we recommend putting those worries aside.

Traveling through Europe by train is an incredibly rewarding experience and well worth stepping a little outside of your comfort zone!

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Different Types of Train Travel in Europe​

When discussing train travel in Europe, it’s essential to remember that not all trains are created equal or exist for the same purpose.

Here are some general types of trains to keep in mind as you plan your trip.

Metro/Subway Systems​

Metro, also known as subways (although some run above ground), are public transportation systems used within a specific city.

While they are technically trains, major cities are entirely a class of their own, and this guide to trains in Europe does not further address them.

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Commuter Rail/Regional Trains​

Commuter rail and regional trains are not entirely synonymous, but for the purpose of this guide, they are similar.

These are slower-moving trains used to connect surrounding villages to a major city (for example, Versailles to Paris) or trains that travel within a specific country or region (for example, from Siena to Florence in Tuscany).

Most of the tips in this train travel guide in Europe apply to these trains, but sometimes they have fewer amenities (such as snacks/drinks available for purchase) compared to high-speed or long-distance trains.

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All aboard to Cascais from Lisbon, a regional trip that takes less than an hour.

To be continued...