Rail passes
Is a rail pass cheaper than buying train tickets in Europe?
2026 pass prices, the seat reservation fees a pass still needs, and a simple way to work out your break-even.
All guides
Practical guides to traveling Europe by train, for visitors from the US, Canada, Australia and the UK. Each guide lists its sources and the date its figures were checked.
Planning and booking
- Booking
How far in advance can you book train tickets in Europe?
When tickets go on sale for Eurostar, SNCF, Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia, Nightjet and more, and what to book first.
- Seat reservations
Do you need a seat reservation on European trains?
Which trains need one, what pass holders pay in 2026, and how to book. Fees by country from official tables.
On the journey
- Night trains
How do night trains in Europe work, and which berth should you book?
Seat, couchette or sleeper: what you get, starting prices, who runs the trains and how to book.
- Passenger rights
What compensation do you get when a train in Europe is late?
EU rail passenger rights: 25% or 50% of the fare for delays over 60 or 120 minutes, the exceptions, and how to claim.
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