Many travelers consider the train by and far the best way to travel to and around Europe. There are so many advantages to going by train as opposed to other types of travel like by car or bus. The benefits are so perfect for tourists who want to see the country and not have to fight traffic or hop connection flights everywhere they go.
RailEurope.com can give you the inside track on all the great things the rail has to offer travelers or just keep reading for a list of some of the features that attract so many, such as:
- E-ticket retrieval—its available at self-service kiosks at the train stations—make your reservations online and pick up your tickets when you get to the station
- Many types of rail passes to choose from, with some providing unlimited rail travel between two, three, four or even five neighboring countries
- Twenty-four countries to choose from with access to the rail
- Continuous passes are available for 15 days, 21 days, 1 month, 2 months or 3 months
- First class available for adults, youth passes only available for second-class travel
- Discounts available for youth, seniors and couples
- Create a formal rail travel itinerary for a smoother trip experience
- Restaurant or café cars available on some longer distance routes
- Overnight trains offer sleep cars and a nighttime experience not to be missed
- Take a slower train for maximum savings
- Take one of the sleek, faster trains if you want to get there super quick
- Spacious and comfortable interiors—lots of leg room
- Faster in most cases than taking a plane
- Catch a train from virtually anywhere in Europe with a population of 50,000 or more
- Frequent connections
- Fast and convenient transfers
- Train stations also have bus hubs for traveling within the city or town
One of the advantages that can’t be passed up by tourists is the slow train trip with its beautiful views of the European countryside and a relaxing atmosphere. If you decide to travel by rail to Europe or while there, you will be glad you did. The only real downside to traveling by rail is the security. Beware of pickpockets and luggage thieves who frequent crowded commuter trains, but this goes for buses as well.
While planning your trip to Europe be sure to plan on getting your travel medical insurance in case of accident or injury. Most policies will cover emergency services, transport, hospital and doctor’s costs as well as medical evacuation if you need to be transported back home for medical care. Get your travel insurance while you are booking your flight and making your accommodation reservations. You’ll be very pleasantly surprised how cheap travel insurance can be.
