Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
er car will cost about $35 to $55 extra (about the same as a night in a hostel), but you won't
lose out on a day of travel. Overnight trains also have normal seats if you don't want to fork
over the extra cash for a bunk.
Be spontaneous.
Many trains don't require a reservation, so there isn't a need to book
ahead. Simply show up at the train station before the train leaves and climb aboard. For trains
that do require reservations, the process of reserving a spot only takes a few minutes.
Beautiful views.
Europe has a lot of amazing countryside so traveling by train is a great
way to see some fantastic views.
Peace and quiet.
The train is the perfect place to sit back and relax. There is something very
peaceful about staring out the window as you ride silently at 200mph through the European
countryside. The train is also a good time to write a postcard to your friends and family, read a
book, write in your journal (you'll be glad you did), or continue planning your future travels.
Train travel is comfortable and nearly stress free.
Comfort.
Train seats are usually a little larger than plane seats (especially when compared
to many discount airlines). You're also free to move about the train whenever you feel like it.
Many trains also have seats that face each other and have a table between the seats. These are
perfect for groups or if you just like table space. Unless it is a holiday or you're on a very pop-
ular route, the train is rarely crowded, so there is a good chance you'll be able to get two seats
to yourself.
Reliability.
European trains run on schedule well over 90% of the time, but flights are only
on schedule around 65%. Most trains will leave exactly when scheduled, so don't be late or
you'll miss.
Beautiful train stations.
Historically, the train station was the central hub for commerce
and transportation. Many European cities showed off their wealth and status by building
grandiose train stations. While it isn't a huge deal, it is one of those nice, little perks.
