Train travel is one of the best ways to get around Europe and to see the countryside. It's also efficient, clean and offers transportation to all but the smallest towns. Yet, rail fares can add up if you aren't careful. With just a little advanced planning, however, train travel in Europe can be surprisingly affordable. Here's how:
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Difficulty:
Moderately Easy
Instructions
1
Buy a pass. Rail passes are a great way to save money on European train travel if you will be taking more than just one or two train trips. Rail Europe, the European train consortium, offers a variety of passes for travel within one country, throughout Europe, within one or two countries, and for periods of several days to several months. In addition to saving money, rail passes make getting around Europe easier.
2
Sleep on the train. One way to save money on European travel is to take overnight trains instead of spending money on a hotel. This has the added advantage of allowing you to wake up in a different city, all rested and ready to sightsee.
3
Consider a couchette. Reserving a couchette, one of six to eight berths in one compartment, is a great way to save money on overnight train travel. These are generally not segregated by gender and travelers sleep in their clothes.
4
Explore Internet train fares. Like the airlines, Rail Europe and other rail companies offer deeply discounted, last minute fares. These point-to-point, 2nd class tickets are generally non-refundable and have to be purchased immediately.
Tips & Warnings
Guard your train pass carefully; if lost, they cannot be replaced.
Rail travel provides an unique experience for leisure, quick-commute and executive travelers. Higher ticket prices usually occur during seasonal travel times, however...
