Whether or not COVID-19 has gone away or not (because it really hasn’t) there is now becoming an ever-ensuing push to get things moving again. While most probably won’t be dabbling in travel abroad until next year now, there will be those who are screaming to get out of the house, get exploring and try to embrace the new normal. Or maybe you’re just trying to plan a fantasy trip for when things seem like they’re just about back as they were. Either way, I’m here to give you some tips on planning a trip by train around Europe.
Do you even NEED one?
It might sound ridiculous but…do you actually need an Interrail pass in the first place? Plan all of your journeys and rough routes first and decide whether a pass is economical in the first place, particularly if you’re only visiting one or two countries, or visiting countries where rail travel is exceptionally cheap anyway. Blowing a load of money on a Global Interrail pass if you’re just going to make the odd journey every day, or maybe even every few days isn’t a smart idea, so do your research. Passes where you can use them for a select number of days within a longer period do exist, so work out what you’re going to do when, before making the purchase.
If you’re sticking within one country, also check. National rail operators sometimes offer cheaper national or regional tickets that would be otherwise cheaper than purchasing an Interrail pass. These tickets will also often include local transport such as trams and buses (particularly within Germany and Switzerland), whereas Interrail passes are strictly for trains (with occasional exceptions). Also consider how much you’re going to be using the train, as if you’re just wanting to visit the “big” cities and make a journey at a time, individual tickets will likely be cheaper.
HOWEVER, one massive advantage of a “Global” Interrail pass is that includes a free return journey within your home country to either London (for the Eurostar) or an Airport/Seaport. This in itself can reduce the cost of return travel from your home city to Brussels/Paris to as little as £47 in standard class or £62 in Standard Premier class, meaning that if you intend to use the train all the way from the UK to Europe, you could still make a sizeable saving by purchasing a Global pass.
Do you need a reservation?
More specifically, are you travelling in Spain? If so, don’t even bother. ALL long-distance trains require a reservation fee and most medium-distance trains do too. Exceptions are some “Regional-Express” trains which are often, VERY far from an express train, and the suburban Cercanias trains. The latter are often subject to unmanned ticket barriers which presents a different challenge in itself (and a lot of vaulting gates when you realise that you’re trapped).
Another country that may prove to be a challenge is France, where most long-distance trains require reservations, though the fee is lower and the reservation can be booked online. The difference with France too is that local “TER” services can also be used for a more sedate albeit slow adventure to your destination. Please note also that your pass is NOT valid on local “Transilien” services within Paris, even though the majority are operated by the national operator, SNCF.
Most long-distance services in Italy require a reservation, though ItaliaRail (an agency) will sell you reservations where required. In Sweden, the same principle applies, though the national operator SJ will sell you reservations. Be aware that PKP (Polish Railways) require a reservation on all Intercity services (of which there are various types, including “EIP”, “EIC”, “IC” and “TLK”). On some services, including “TLK” (Tanie Linie Kolejowe) which is the slower, low-cost version, reservations are free from a ticket office locally. EIP (Express Intercity Premium) will require an extra fee.
Interrail “friendly” countries include Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Austria and Switzerland, where very few or no reservations are required at all. There are exceptions, so plan ahead in advance and ensure that you have all required travel documents before boarding.
DO NOT BUY FROM THE INTERRAIL RESERVATION SERVICE UNLESS YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO!! Hefty fees are levied and costs can spiral. Check that the national operator or a relevant agency sells a reservation first. For example; Swedish, Danish, Czech, Austrian and German Railways among many will sell seat reservations and sleeper berth supplements without charging extra booking fees.
Is your ticket valid on the company?
Interrail isn’t unanimously valid on all companies. However, this will pose a greater problem in some countries compared to others.
In Germany for example, it doesn’t particularly matter who’s operating your train, as your ticket is valid with some exceptions on what are often lines off the beaten track. In Switzerland, the trunk routes between towns and cities are all valid, with charges being levied on the mountain routes geared more towards tourists.
Your ticket isn’t valid on Italo, Ouigo, IZY or any other “low-cost” rail operator.
In Romania, it is ONLY valid on the national operator, CFR. It isn’t valid on ATC, Softrans, Regio Calatori or any other private operator.
In Poland, most local trains (other than ones operated by PolRegio) are operated by private companies and your ticket won’t be valid.
In the Czech Republic, there has become an increasing issue with private operators being awarded contracts to run services, meaning that lines are suddenly off limits to visitors with Interrail passes unless they pay more. If your train is operated by GW-Train Regio or Arriva, it is not valid. If it’s a “local” train (that is, in the category Osobni Vlak or Spesny Vlak) operated by LEO Express or RegioJet, it is also not valid. This will pose very few problems to casual travellers with the exception of the trains to Cesky Krumlov, which are solely in the hands of GW-Train Regio (other than one daily train pair from Prague).
The exceptions are RegioJet “Rychlik” trains (currently just the line R8 between Brno and Bohumin via Ostrava) and proper RegioJet Intercity trains, which have recently begun to accept passes. You can also use your pass on LEOExpress trains between Prague, Ostrava and Kosice/Krakow provided that you make a reservation online first.
Ultimately though, check before you travel.
Plan ahead!
In some parts of Europe, engineering works aren’t seen as much of a big deal and can affect a mere slither of services on a line. Particularly in parts of Central Europe, nothing much will be thought of closing part of the track for a few hours and just running a bus. Download the app for any national rail operator that you’re using as it will contain the latest information. Excellent examples include the DB App for Germany, Muj Vlak (Czech Republic) and “MAV” (Hungary).
Don’t fret though as in many countries, railways run at slower speeds, and so using a bus is unlikely to delay your journey to any extreme extent. In some cases, no extra time is given at all and the process will be incredibly efficient.
Download the Interrail app too, but use it with caution. Information in some countries is incomplete and it hasn’t actually updated to reflect the reopening of some International borders. For example, it does NOT include any services in Ireland or Greece, does NOT include any local services in Spain or Serbia, and lacks information on private operators (on which tickets are valid) within Germany. However, it works offline and can be a good starting point for planning your trip. Just bear in mind that some engineering works are not shown, particularly those at short notice.
Good eating means good travelling
If you’re on a budget, know what’s nearby. In most instances that means popping to the supermarket before a trip.
Did you know that in Hungary, Slovakia and Czechia, you can also pop to Tesco? In many countries, you’ll usually find a Lidl or Aldi nearby, and there will usually be a supermarket near a station (such as REWE/EDEKA in Germany, or a Spar in many countries across Europe). Do some research on Maps and find out where supermarkets and fast food outlets are. Don’t spend silly money on a crap sandwich from a “Relay” store.
On many trains within Europe, you can find a dining car. It might even bring the food to you if you’re in First Class. Unlike in the UK where on-train dining is laughably expensive, it isn’t the worst option in countries like Poland, Czechia, Austria and Slovakia. Even in Austria, you can get yourself a main meal with a beer for about 10EUR, while Czechia will serve you beer on tap for a pittance. Menus are usually bilingual, so don’t be afraid to grab the attention of the host or get yourself to the restaurant and place an order! Payment is usually in cash but on some trains, multiple currencies and cards are accepted.
Finally, in First Class on some services, complimentary services are available, though they aren’t as opulent as in the UK. You can usually expect a bottle of water and some newspapers on some services, all the way up to sleeper trains on Swedish and Austrian Railways which include a breakfast in the morning among other goodies.
Language barriers?
People aren’t all going to speak English. Learn some words of the local language so you can at least read the basics but accept that you aren’t going to master a dozen local tongues either. In particular, the local greeting will do you fine with rail staff: get the Google Translate app so you can be ready if an issue arises!
As a general rule, staff on International trains will usually speak some degree of English, and on most domestic Intercity trains too. Hungary however gets a special mention for having staff with both exceptionally poor English skills and very poor skills in dealing with Interrail passes- don’t be surprised if they’re a little hostile but they are quite harmless! On the other hand though, you probably don’t know any Hungarian (it is very difficult to master) so be patient and understanding.
Learn the basic words for things like “train”, “platform” and “delay” and that’ll cover you for most situations.
First or Second Class?
First Class passes aren’t actually too much more expensive than Second Class. That may be a shock to British readers where FC travel is often several times pricier and is more the domain of business travellers and the well-to-do.
However, it doesn’t include all the goodies, complimentary meals and lounges in all instances. See it as a chance to stretch out and enjoy some peace instead, with some possible perks included. However, be mindful that first class provision in many countries can be very poor (often just one carriage on a long Intercity service) meaning that space may actually be at more of a premium if you don’t pick correctly. Reservation costs can also be a lot higher.
However, if you’re travelling alone or for a long period within countries that will provide it, then absolutely go for it. It’ll maximise your chances of a seat and maybe that all-important power nap. If you’re in a large group or aren’t particularly bothered, then you could always save your money.
Bear in mind too, that if you’re travelling away from the main Intercity services in many countries, then there will be no First Class provision at all. For example, in Hungary, First Class is only available on services that require a compulsory reservation. “Gyorsvonat” (fast trains that make more stops) between major cities have only second class. However, in the likes of Switzerland and Germany, the vast majority of trains will have First Class, particularly in the former where there might be 1/4 of the train or more dedicated to it.
Of course, if you purchase a First Class “Global” pass, it will be valid in First within your home country, meaning that it’s an exceptionally cheap of travelling from say, Newcastle to London in First before paying just £31.50 to travel to Paris/Brussels in Standard Premier. If you fancy treating yourself before a big trip, then it offers a very substantial discount.
Please note- You should follow all guidelines given by local health authorities and take all relevant precautions when travelling. This post is not an encouragement to break any government guidance. DO NOT TRAVEL FOR LEISURE until the authorities in relevant countries allow you to.
The Lone Bon Voyager 