Best Tips for Traveling by High-Speed Rail in Europe
Traveling by high-speed rail in Europe is one of the fastest, most comfortable, and scenic ways to explore the continent. From Italy’s Frecciarossa to France’s TGV and Spain’s AVE, these trains can whisk you from city to city at incredible speeds—often faster and more convenient than flying. Here are The Traveling Professor’s top European train travel tips to help you save money, travel smart, and make the most of your rail experience.
We spoke to Steve Solosky, of Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor for his recommendations for traveling by train in Europe. Here are his tips:
1. Buy Train Tickets Early
The best deals are often available when you book high-speed train tickets in advance. In Italy, for example, first or business class tickets can sometimes be cheaper than standard class when purchased early. Keep in mind that trains during holidays and peak days—especially Sundays—can sell out quickly.
2. Skip Reserved High-Speed Trains for Short Trips
If your journey is short, consider a regional train instead. For example, on the Traveling Professor’s tour to Italy, the Venice-to-Padua high-speed service costs about $18 and takes 28 minutes, but a regional train costs only $5.25 and takes just 44 minutes.
3. Use Trainline.com for Easy Booking
Trainline.com is an excellent one-stop platform for booking trains in the UK, Austria, France, Spain, and more than 40 other countries. The small service fee is worth the convenience, although it doesn’t cover every destination (such as Norway).
4. Choose Seats Near the Exits
Avoid the scramble when boarding and exiting by reserving seats near the doors, especially if traveling with luggage.
5. Know Your Car Location Before Boardin
Your ticket will list your car number—check platform maps to find where it will stop so you can avoid the “tourist sprint” to the right spot.
6. Let Passengers Exit Before Boarding
Be patient and allow travelers to get off before you get on—it keeps things moving smoothly and avoids crowding at the doors.
7. Bring a Picnic Onboard
Unless you’re in first or business class, train food options can be limited. Instead, bring along local cheeses, fresh bread, and a bottle of wine to enjoy while taking in the European scenery.
Conclusion
By following these tips, your European high-speed rail adventure will be smoother, more comfortable, and more budget-friendly. Whether you’re crossing countries or making short city hops, these strategies will help you travel like a seasoned pro.
