The original do-it-yourself travel guide to Europe SM


European Rail Stations

Travel Europe by Train, Bus, and Ferry

European rail details.
Train car numbers, seat numbers, facilities, crime, luggage, toilets, dining cars.



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The essential timetable and handbook for rail travelers.
European Rail Timetable Summer 2010 Independent Travellers Edition Thomas Cook
European Rail Timetable
Summer 2010
Independent Travellers Edition
Thomas Cook


My book will get you started.
How To Europe The Complete Travelers Handbook by John Bermont
How To Europe
The Complete
Travelers Handbook
by John Bermont


The best travel guide to all of Europe.
Europe on a Shoestring Lonely Planet
Europe on a Shoestring
Lonely Planet


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Have a good trip in life,
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Note: Italicized notations by the author.


Comprehensive guides to the rails throughout Europe.
Traveling the Eurail Express by Jay Brunhouse
Traveling the Eurail Express
by Jay Brunhouse


Two excellent maps to help you plan and execute your journey.
Rail Map Europe, 16th (Thomas Cook Rail Map)
Rail Map Europe
Thomas Cook Rail Map


Rail Map Britain & Ireland (Thomas Cook Rail Map)
Rail Map Britain & Ireland
Thomas Cook Rail Map


A comprehensive guide to 3,000 hotels and restaurants in 44 major cities throughout Europe.
Michelin Guide 2010 Main Cities of Europe
Main Cities of Europe 2010
Michelin Guide


Rolling luggage sure beats lugging a pack on your back.
Delsey Helium Breeze 2.0 Carry-On Upright, 21
Delsey Helium Breeze 2.0 Carry-On Upright, 21"


Day luggage for your walkabout.
Delsey Helium Fusion Personal Bag
Delsey Helium Fusion
Personal Bag


A rugged travel combo.
McKleinUSA Buckingham 58464 P Series Tech-Lite 1680D Ballistic Nylon Executive Travel Combo (Brown)
McKleinUSA Buckingham Tech-Lite Ballistic Nylon Executive Travel Combo


Wear a money belt under your shirt to protect your passport and valuables, especially if you are staying in hostels or dorms.
Victorinox Deluxe Concealed Security Belt
Victorinox Deluxe Concealed Security Belt


This portable combo door stopper and alarm will give you additional security in your hotel room.
GE 50246 Smart Home Door Stop Alarm
GE 50246 Smart Home
Door Stop Alarm


' ' ' ' ' '
It rains. Be prepared.

Totes Titanium Auto-Open/Close Umbrella


Weather protection is essential. This is a great lightweight water repellent windbreaker.

The Stormbreaker
by Turfer Sport


Womens's Light Weight Endurance Jacket
Womens's Light Weight Endurance Jacket


Look sharp and be comfortable.
Women's Long Sleeve Cotton Turtleneck by Lands' End
Women's Long Sleeve Cotton Turtleneck
by Lands' End


Jessica Simpson Women's Satin Trench Rainwear
Jessica Simpson Women's Satin Trench Rainwear


I wore one similar to this on my early spring trip to London and Dublin.
Lamb Leather Bomber Jacket - Brown
Lamb Leather Bomber Jacket - Brown


This is my "standard" shirt for most of the year in Europe.
Men's Combed Cotton Euro Design Ski Turtleneck
Men's Combed Cotton Euro Design Ski Turtleneck


My favorite T-shirt/undershirt has a pocket for securely carrying passport, cash, and credit cards.
Hanes 6.1oz. Tagless Pocket T-Shirt
Hanes Tagless Pocket T-Shirt


Doze off in comfort.
Bucky Fuzzy Wuzzy U Pillow With Snap & Go
Bucky Fuzzy Wuzzy U Pillow With Snap & Go


Be on time. Trains and planes don't wait.
Casio G-Shock Watch<br>G100-1BV
Casio Men's G-Shock Ana-Digi Chronograph Sport Watch


Casio G-Shock Watch<br>G100-1BV
Casio Baby-G Ladies Watch


You will need one or more of these plug adapters for your appliances and chargers.
Electrical Plug Adapter USA to Continental Europe
Plug Adapter
USA to Continental Europe
by Samsonite


SIMRAN PLUG ADAPTER - CONVERTS GROUNDED USA PLUGS TO EUROPE PLUG-GERMAN SHUCKO PLUG (VP 11W)
SIMRAN PLUG ADAPTER
Adapts grounded USA plugs to European plug


This is a universal plug adapter for the UK and Ireland.
Samsonite Grounded Adaptor Plug - United Kingdom, Ireland
Samsonite Grounded Adaptor Plug - United Kingdom, Ireland


To use this with American plugs you'll also need the USA to Continental Europe adapter.

Grounded Adapter
Europe to Switzerland


For charging the batteries of more than one gizmo at a time use this 250 volt universal power strip. It comes with a grounded Continental plug so it does not need an adapter plug for Europe. See the next item if you are going to the British Isles.
Universal Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip for AC 220V/240V Countries. Max Load 13A 250V 50/60HZ - 450 Joules. CE Certified
Surge Protector
Power Strip
6 Universal Outlets
220/240 Volt 50/60Hz


To use the surge strip in Britain and Ireland you will need one of these plug adapters. Grounded Adapter - Europe to England UK Britain
Grounded Adapter
Europe to
Britain and Ireland


Only use this if your appliance is not marked 110-240 v and uses less than 50 watts.
Grounded Transformer
USA to Continental Europe
50 Watts, 220v to 110v


This is a stronger transformer rated for 200 watts.
Transformer - 200 Watt Non Grounded Heavy Duty


Absolutely the best battery for digital cameras which use AA batteries.
Energizer - AA Lithium Batteries - 4 Pack
Energizer
AA Lithium Batteries
4 Pack


Rechargeable batteries will save you money in the long run.
Sony BCG-34HRMF4 Battery Charger with LCD Display and 4 AA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries
Sony BCG-34HRMF4 Battery Charger with LCD Display and 4 AA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries


Make sure that your electrical appliances are dual voltage so they will work in Europe.
Conair's Dual-Voltage Ionic Hair Dryer
Vagabond Compact Styler
Conair's Dual-Voltage Ionic Hair Dryer


Conair Flat Iron 2
Conair Flat Iron 2" Ceramic Straightener
Dual Voltage


Remington H-1015 All That Quick Curl Travel Hair Setter
Travel Hair Setter
Dual Voltage
Remington H-1015


SteamFast SF-717 Home-and-Away Mini Steam Iron (dual voltage)
SteamFast SF-717 Home-and-Away Mini Steam Iron (dual voltage)



Braun Series 1 1-150 Men's Shaver
Braun Series 1 150 Men's Shaver with Automatic Worldwide Voltage Adjustment


For light sleepers here is an international "white noise" machine.
Lewis N. Clark Immersion Heater 120/240V
Marsona TSCi-330 White Noise Travel Sound Conditioner For both USA and International Use


Keep your stuff organized.
eBags Medium Packing Cubes - 3pc Set
eBags Luggage Packing Cubes - 3pc Set - Raspberry


Samsonite Space Saver Bags for Travel
Samsonite Space Saver Bags for Travel


The two gallon size is excellent for packing your clothes, but it is hard to find in Europe.

2 gal. clear plastic bags
ZipLoc by SC Johnson



Quart clear plastic bags
One-Zip by Hefty


Bring home the memories.
Olympus FE360 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Dual Zoom (Silver)
Olympus FE360 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Dual Zoom (Silver)


A camera case protects your LCD screen.

Case Logic ECB-1 EVA Compact Camera Case (Black/Red)


This is the camera that I use,
Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)


with this amazing lens,
Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR [Vibration Reduction] DX Lens
Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR [Vibration Reduction] DX Lens


and this filter.
HOYA 72mm Circularizing Polarizing Filter
HOYA 72mm Circularizing Polarizing Filter



Affiliates


Save up to 90% with Rebtel for International Calls

Wireless Emporium

Rail passes and tickets from Raileurope.com

The World's Largest Map Store!
NEW! — Stephanie's Paris Blog
O hey Europe

Chapter 17, Part 2. of
HOW TO EUROPE
The Complete Travelers Handbook
Internet edition.
All photographs by the author.
A page from enjoy-europe.com with John Bermont



The main departure board for international trains from station Zuid/Midi, Brussels, Belgium.
The departure board for international trains at the station Zuid/Midi in Brussels, Belgium shows trains departing for Paris, France, Köln (Cologne), Germany, London, England, Zurich, Switzerland, etc., etc. Doesn't this sign just get your blood excited. You can go anywhere! My train was the second in line, the 10:40 Thalys to Paris Gare du Nord (North Train Station) departing from platform 6. That Thayls, what a beautiful train. By the way, Brussels has three major train stations — Nord, Centraal/Centrale, and Zuid/Midi. The Thalys stops only at Zuid/Midi, the southernmost station. If you are visiting Brussels you probably want to be near the Grand-Place/Grote Markt which is near Centraal/Centrale. Local trains take about two minutes between these stations but don't pay if you are on an international ticket. Notice that everything has two names in Brussels, including the city, Bruxelles/Brussel, because the city is officially bi-lingual, Walloon (French) and Vlaanders (Dutch). [p1020015]

GOING TO THE STATION

Find Your Station

Know which station your train departs from. Major cities usually have more than one. London and Paris have at least half a dozen stations but neither city has a "central station." Go over to your station the day before departure and do a little exploring. Some stations, especially in Spain and Italy, are poorly posted. The non-Latin alphabet in some of the eastern countries will give you pause. You don't want to be mad-dashing around, lugging your suitcase and working up a sweat trying to find your platform at the last minute, or after the last minute. The beautiful Atocha train station in Madrid, Spain is unique. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/p1050253.jpg


Madrid has a couple of major train stations, Chamartin and Puerta de Atocha. This is the interior of the beautiful and unique Atocha. It looks more like a tropical garden, which much of it is. [p1050253]

There are two basic designs for train stations. In the majority of stations the trains come in at one end and exit at the other end, straight through. In the rest, primarily in major cities, the trains come in and exit from the same direction. If you are continuing a trip through one of these stations you will need to change seats if you still want to face forward, or backward.

The train departure schedule is posted at the West Train Station in Vienna, Austria. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/p1090020.jpg
Abfahrt at Westbahnhof in Wien (Vienna) is translated into English, French, and Italian, except for the small print that really counts. Detailed departure information is usually posted on yellow or buff colored posters like this one in train stations throughout Europe. The columns from the left give you the Zeit (time), Zug (train number and type), Nach (destination and intermediate stops), and track/platform number. A similar poster, though white, for arrivals is posted nearby. If you are doing serious time on the trains of Europe carry a Thomas Cook European Timetable. [p1090020]

Find Your Train

As you enter major train stations you will usually see a large airport style departure board hanging about a mile high in the main hall. Scattered around on the station walls will be poster size schedules of departing trains. Smaller stations usually have only the posters. Locating your train is most easily done by using departure time and destination, rather than by train number. The track or platform number will be with the train identification information, though you will not see the word "track" or platform. It will be the local name, e.g. voi, spoor, etc.

Sometimes, while you are standing on a platform, everybody around you grabs their bags and starts trotting toward the exit stairs. They probably just heard an announcement over the public address system saying that there has been a change and your train will depart from another platform. Quickly find a conductor and ask for help. Failing that, ask one of the local citizens in the migrating herd. You are bound to find an English speaker very quickly.

Find Your Car

Platforms in major stations of some countries have boards showing the complete assemblage of each train. The train number, departure time, and destination are shown, followed by an outline of the train with engine, first class cars, second class cars, diner, mail, etc., in the same order as on the train. An indicator on the board shows where the board is located relative to the train when it stops. In Germany there are also zones A, B, C, D on the board and above the platform to further help you find your car. The car location board also shows the car numbers. You can be standing next to your car when it stops and not have to haul your luggage through the narrow, crowded passageways of several other cars.

A Wagonstandenzeiger sign indicating where the individual cars of a train will stop at Westbahnhof station in Wien (Vienna) Austria.
The Wagenstandanzeiger is literally the "rail car position indicator," auf Deutsch (in German). This is a typical one at Westbahnhof in Wien showing you where to find the 1st class (yellow with number 1), 2nd class (white with number 2), sleeper (blue with bed), and restaurant wagons (red with crossed knife and fork). It shows train type and train number, times for arrivals and departures, car numbers, and the destination for each car. If you have a reservation, stand by your car. Click on the picture to see it in greater detail.
[P1090022]

These boards are not evident in some countries. Often, track numbers are not even posted in Spain and Portugal and you must ask at a ticket window where to go to get on your train.

In Italy, car locations are stated on the yellow departure posters, Treni in Partenza. They tell you where the first class cars are located: testa (front), centro (middle), coda (rear), verso testa (toward the front) or verso coda (toward the rear) is about as descriptive as it gets.
A Composition des Trains sign in Marseilles, France. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/p1070328.jpg
Here is the Composition des trains board for departures from platform F at Marseilles, France. The red dot indicates the approximate position of this board. All pertinent information about the train is shown: departure time, train number, and destination, number, class of service for each car, and type of train. On this platform all trains are TGV type, the high speed trains of France. [P1070328]

Spotting yourself for a first class coach in York, England train station. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/102N0346.jpg Spotting yourself for a second class coach in York, England train station. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/102N0455.jpg
Here we are at the train station in York, England. Signs like these are placed along the platform. Coaches are identified by letter, not numbers as on the Continent. If you have a reservation, walk along the platform until you find the sign for your car. In a "Quiet Coach" cell phones are prohibited. [102N0346, 102N0455]


If the train is originating in your city it will probably be in position long before departure time. Get to the station a half hour early, get on board, and pick a good seat. If the train is passing through, get there early enough to locate the track, eyeball the board giving the Composition des Trains, and position yourself near the designated stopping point for a first or second class car (as your case may be) going your way. If there is no board showing car locations, ask a conductor on the platform or at the station master's office before the train arrives.

Double check to make sure you are boarding the correct car. Almost all cars have a signboard near the door, either outside and/or inside, showing the car number and origin and destination of that particular car. Some will have a sheet of paper with the destination taped to a window and visible from outside.

Just because a car is sitting on the track from which your train departs does not mean that it is going your way, or that it is going all the way, or that it is going at all. Trains are split and portions are sent in different directions along the way. Sometimes the first few cars nearest the main hall are not even attached to the train. If there are no signs on the cars, go to the head of the train and ask a conductor or engineer. Just point to the train and ask "Madrid?" or whatever city you are bound for.

Find Your Seat

When the train stops, move quickly to a door and scramble on board, not waiting for other travelers hauling six oversized suitcases up the narrow steps. Get a seat, stash your bags on the overhead rack, spread out, and don't budge until the train has pulled out of the station and the seat grabbing flurry has settled down.

If it's night and you want to sleep but have not reserved a bunk, get in an empty compartment if available, pull the seats down, turn off the lights, and pull the curtains closed. This discourages other travelers from intruding into "your" compartment and cramping your sleeping style. However, don't hesitate to open the door and pull back the curtains of other compartments at any time. Often you'll find one person comfortably occupying a curtained compartment while five may be stuffed in the next one. Park yourself where you will have the most comfort.

Try to get a seat on the shady side of day trains. On the shady side the sun is not glaring on your window, perhaps giving you a sunburn, and it's much easier to see out and photograph the countryside. Don't immediately sit down on the shady side though. When the train leaves it might toot toot north for a few minutes and then head south. Know your route and which way the train is going. Sit on the north side of east/west trains, the west side of morning trains, and the east side of afternoon trains.

When you get settled, make a note of your car number and seat number so if you forget something it will be much easier to find it or report it. I saw one worried man telling the conductor that his coat and luggage were stolen while he was in the restaurant wagon. He was simply looking in the wrong car, which the conductor pointed out after looking at the passenger's reservation receipt.
England's National Express posts seat numbers at the door. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/102N0472.jpg

England's National Express posts seat numbers at the door. There is also a map of the system as you enter. No smoking has become nearly universal. Maybe they'll just stop posting it in a generation. [102N0472]


Information near the door of a rail car in Germany. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/pa100062.jpg

The sign next to the door of a wagon on a German ICE, InterCity Express, gives you the paticulars of this car. The big number 1 tells you that it is a first class car. For the rest see the next photo. [PA100062]

Here is the detail of the sign above. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/pb100062.jpg


The sign next to the door in the previous photo is too small to read, and fuzzed anyway because it is an LED display. It reads that this is car 27 on ICE 611 from Dortmund to Munich. Smoking is not allowed but those pesky cell phones are OK. I'd rather have a fly on my nose than one of those within earshot. Hbf is something you will see fairly often in Germany. It means Hauptbahnhof, the main train station in that city. Many German trains stop at Flughafen. Those are airports.
[PB100062]


ON THE TRAIN

Smoke Zone

The smoking situation has really changed in Europe over the past decade. Indoor smoking is now forbidden or severely restricted in most countries. Where smoking is allowed, train cars are divided into smoking sections and non-smoking sections. Sometimes the whole car is nonsmoking. Sometimes the whole train is non-smoking, as in Italy. My train tickets in Germany even had a notice that smoking is forbidden on all trains in Italy. Smoking is prohibited almost everywhere in Spain, France, Holland, and other countries. I am an ex-smoker and really appreciate this. Nonsmoking is always posted, and smoking usually is.

In addition to the multilingual notices, look for the cigarette symbol with or without a line through it. A cigarette symbol is usually posted at each door, and again in the car. Cigars and pipes are allowed, and common if you are in a smoking section. Be prepared for beaucoup plenty of smoke. When requesting your reservation, specify non-smoking or smoking.

You can sit in non-smoking and then go to the smoking area when you want to puff. Even smokers get burning eyes if they sit in that haze too long. If you want to relocate to another seat after getting on the train, just do it as long as your chosen seat is not reserved.

Information icons in the Krakow, Poland train station. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/p1200188a.jpg
Information icons in the Krakow, Poland train station second part. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/p1200188b.jpg
A typical train station tell-you-where-it-is board, courtesy of the Krakow, Poland station. At the left is an exit to Nowa Huta, money exchange, platforms/tracks 1, 2, 3, 5, exit to the center of the city, restaurant, and toilets. In the next photo is the continuation of the sign showing luggage storage, waiting room, ticket windows, taxi stands, and the smoking zone. Pretty easy, huh? These modern day hieroglyphics are used throughout Europe, an almost nation with about four dozen languages. It is interesting that so much communication these days uses the oldest form of writing known, pictures. Everybody knows this language. [p1200188a&b]

Luggage

Luggage can sometimes be checked, but almost everybody carries theirs on board. The only exception I ever saw was a Saudi princess who, with her 20 servants, filled an entire baggage car with their stuff.

There are one or two luggage racks above the seats which easily hold any bag which you can carry on a plane, plus a smaller bag. Can you lift your luggage and put it on a narrow ledge six feet above the floor? If not leave it on the floor.

The newer airline-style coaches operated on some trains, especially the premium trains, have luggage compartments near the doors in addition to luggage space above the seats. Some have space for a bag between back-to-back seats. I prefer to keep my goods close at hand. If you leave your luggage in a luggage area near a door keep your eye on it when the train is making a stop. Never leave any valuables in your luggage.

Bicycles

Many people, locals and tourists, bring a bicycle on the train. I've done this a few times in Holland. If there are not many people on board you can stand with your bike in the entryway area of any car, so try to avoid the rush hours. However you must pay to bring your bike aboard. The fee is rather steep, especially if you are making a short one-way run. The pay period runs from midnight to midnight so it would be worthwhile to do this if you wanted to take a day trip on the train to ride around another city in Holland. The Hague is a beautiful city for bike riding. If you have a fold-up bike it has a free ride, but those little things cost a small fortune.

For an excellent discussion of bringing your bike on trains go to the web site of Brian Wasson at Bikes on trains in Germany, Austria and Czech Republic. The first-hand details in this report will save you time and plenty of anxiety. You'll be an expert before you get there. To learn about taking your bicycle for a ride on the trains of France, Italy, and a few other countries visit the European Trains and Bicycles section of Q. May's web site.

Windows

On most of the older trains, you can pull the window down for a better look and a breath of fresh air. Newer cars are air conditioned and have sealed windows.

Windows have blinds. Some are like curtains, some are like shades, and some cars have manual or electric venetian blinds between the inner and outer sealed windows. Play with them for a minute to see how they work.

Newspaper

Carry a newspaper or magazine. Put it on your seat while you are in the dining car, the toilet, or just roaming around. This will discourage others from rearranging themselves into your window seat. A newspaper is also handy for relaxing your feet. Put it on the seat opposite and prop up your leathers. Otherwise you must take your shoes off, which could spoil the appetite of others nearby.

Plumbing

Functioning toilet and hand wash facilities are found on virtually every train. The unisex toilet is at the end and has a locking door. Bring your own butt wipes or tissues because you never know if there will be TP in the WC. Floor pedals, levers, or push buttons activate the flush and basin water. The basin water is nonpotable. Do not drink it or brush your teeth with it.

Use of the toilets is normally forbidden while the train is stopped in a station. The reason is that they flush right down onto the tracks. Stations would soon start smelling like construction site porta potties. Some of the newer premium trains have enclosed sanitary systems so toilets can be used at any time. Check to see if there is a notice in the toilet advising against use in a train station.

On some trains in Spain, the toilets are locked at the origin until the train is out of the station. When the conductor comes around to check tickets, which could be a half hour later, he unlocks the toilets. Don't drink coffee until the toilets are unlocked.

There is usually a 220 volt electric shaver outlet. See chapter 11, Electricity in Europe, to get juiced up on electro info for Europe.
Typical wash basin and pottie in a European train toilet room. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/p1040222.jpg


Here is a typical throne and wash basin on a train. Hey, it has TP! Well, it has a little bit of TP. There is slightly more room than there is in an airplane toilet. [p1040222]

Crime

Keep your seat and keep your eye on your luggage while the train is in a station. Professional thieves loiter on some platforms, board trains, walk through the cars, grab what they can, and jump off just before departure.

Keep your valuables under your control at all times. Elizabeth had her purse rifled while we slept on an overnight train from Venice to Vienna, probably by a fellow passenger. A friend of mine went to the toilet and had his cash and camera taken out of his bag by a new-found "friend" on a French train. Never leave money or valuables in your bag anytime anywhere anyway.

Laptop computers are targeted by criminals, especially on airport commuter trains. The common modus operandi is to stage a distraction as the passenger is getting on the train or is in the process of stowing luggage on the overhead rack. Any bag that is not being held is fair game. The criminals grab and jump off the train just as the doors are closing.

I have heard reports of other problems, including a bizarre story of a couple who were offered oranges by some other travelers on a train in Portugal. They ate the oranges and the next thing they remember was waking up with no wallets and no luggage. At least twice I have heard the story of a gang which operates on trains from Milan. They open the train compartment door, mace the passengers, and grab their wallets and suitcases.

As discussed in other parts of this book, do not stand out as wealthy or as an American. If you do you are making yourself a tasty target for the vermin. Most Americans are open and trusting by nature and are the easiest pickings on the street. Orientals should be aware that pickpocket professionals know that you are likely to be carrying a large quantity of cash. It's part of your culture. Less cash and more credit cards would be advisable when traveling in Europe.

Please see chapter 8, Cash, ATMs, Credit Cards, Personal Checks, for more examples of the underworld at work, and sure-fire means of defense against these lowlifes. Typical reservation card holder on European trains. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/p10700370.jpg


This is a plexiglass bracket designed to hold reservation cards. You'll see it on the window facing the corridor of train compartments. All of the seats in this compartment are reserved for at least part of the journey, though none was occupied at the time I came on board this train from Geneva to Milan. [p1070370]

Seat Reservation Card

Never sit in a seat displaying a reservation card, unless it's yours. However if the reservation card indicates that the seat is reserved from say Karlsruhe to Frankfurt, and you are going from Basel to Karlsruhe, just help yourself to the seat. The reservation card will be attached to the seat, or be in a holder on the outside of the compartment. On those reservation only trains in Sweden and Norway, though, reservation cards are not evident. Ask the conductor if there is a seat available. On a train with reservation cards, all seats without a card are available. First come, first served.

Typical train car door sign indicating the class of service, seat numbers, and smoking or not. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/p1210324.jpg Typical train car door. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/p1210313.jpg







The photo above shows the outer door area of a car ready to go from Prague to Berlin Lichtenberg station, with stops in Decin, Dresden (where I got off), and at Berlin Schönefeld airport. In case you have a seat reservation notice that seats numbered 81 through 116 are at this end of the car. The cigarette symbol indicates that smoking is allowed. The hl.n. stands for hlavni nadrazi (main station). Flugh is short for Flughafen, German for airport. D378 is the train number. [p1210313]

The photo at left is from the inside showing the handle you push down to open the door. The warning on the floor in front of the door is serious. I was standing on the top step when the door suddenly closed and this thing flipped down on top of my feet. The car number, 265, should be prominently displayed on the outside of the car. [p1210324]

If someone claims that you are in their reserved seat (though the seat does not have a reservation card), politely ask to see his/her reservation receipt and make sure to check the car number. The car number will be posted in large numbers on the outside and/or inside of the car near the door and it will be indicated on the reservation receipt. Being in the wrong car is the most common mistake made by people with reservations. The reservation system is computerized, and it works better than you would expect. Request a window seat if you want it.

Seat Numbers

Seat numbers in compartments vary from country to country. The numbers may be in sequence from the door or from the window and may have odds and evens on opposite sides. Numbers normally start with 11, 21, 31, etc. in each compartment, but you can find some like 1, 2, 4 opposite 5, 6, 8 and other combinations around Europe.

Back and Forth

Train cars travel in both directions. With a reserved seat, you are just as likely to be traveling forward as backward. In those stations where the train comes and goes at the same end of the station a new engine will be attached to the former rear and the train will take off. On one train in Spain when it reversed in a station, the passengers got up, pushed a lever at the base of each seat, and rotated all the seats so they faced forward. This feature was unique. I've never seen it on any other train.
Azulejos tiles on the wall of the Vilar Formoso, Portugal train station. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/p1040167.jpg

Even if you aren't using the trains, many stations in Portugal are worth a visit just to see the azulejos (tiles) on the walls. This is at Vilar Formoso.
[p1040167]


EATING ON THE TRAIN

Dine Well

At the moment of writing this (which was many years ago) on a TEE (Trans-Europe Express) train from Amsterdam to Paris, the head waiter came through the car, suitably attired with menu in hand and announced the first sitting, speaking in French. Immediately the stampede to the dining car started. Late arrivals do not get much attention. If you wish to eat, get up and get moving with the locals. American deference, courtesy, and service are pretty rare in Europe.

TEE trains don't exist anymore and my nostalgia for a by-gone era will never be cured. On the successors to the TEE, the InterCity, TGV, ICE, and others, the dining cars are very nice and the food is generally very good, though it costs more than in a normal restaurant. Dining is pleasant on these trains. It's a good way to pass the travel hours and presents opportunities to meet others. Most eaters are European businessmen or relatively well-to-do Europeans. Occasionally a few drops of wine may splash out of your glass, thanks to rough tracks.

The dining car of my night train from Fulda, Germany to Copenhagen, Denmark. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/p1110111.jpg Breakfast was served in my compartment on the overnight Fulda, Germany to Copenhagen, Denmark train. Later I went for a coffee in the diner. It cost €2.70, equal to about $3.25, for one cup of coffee. Ouch!! Most of the dining cars I have been in are much better appointed than this one. [p1110111]


Tea service on the National Express.. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/40224.jpg Everywhere you go in Britain you see cups, tea, and sugar set up and ready for hot water. These are on the National Express train from Edinburgh, Scotland to York, England. That upside down T under the table is a British electrical outlet. Before you use it read chapter 11, Electricity in Europe. [40224]

If you intend to have dinner on the train make sure that there is a dining car. Consult a timetable and look for a crossed knife and fork. For example, I was expecting a nice meal on a TGV train in eastern France one Sunday evening and asked the conductor where the dining car is located. The conductor replied that the dining car only ran on weekdays. Weekenders are served from a small bar and can get a croque monsieur or pizza. I was severly disappointed.

One of my most pleasant European diners was on an IC coming down along the Rhine River from Essen en route to Frankfurt. Not only was the meal great, but the moving scenery along the river is outstanding. Utterly relaxing.

Before boarding inspect the train composition board to locate the diner. It is often placed between the 2nd class and 1st class cars. On some trains, the head waiter will accept reservations for a seat in the dining car. Ask as soon as possible. Specify nonsmoking or smoking for your comfort, if smoking is allowed. National laws throughout Europe have just about eliminated smoking everywhere.

Cart Service

If there is no diner car or snack bar, a waiter pushes a cart through the trains except on local commuters. Food and drink are sold on virtually all of the international trains and on most other long distance trains. Selections are normally limited to coffee, milk, beer, wine, soft drinks, yogurt, cold sandwiches, and sausages which resemble hot dogs. Service is available for only part of a journey, even though the attendant is on board for the duration of the trip. However even though there is cart service, the "service" may be less than you expect. I saw a young man push his cart into the far end of a car I was in and then he had a call on his cell phone. He stopped right there for half an hour talking his important business while the customers in the car watched the dork. Fortunately I had brought my own beer on board.

Service at Your Seat

Diner can be served at your seat on some trains. On a Talgo in Spain the head waiter came through the car at about noon to see who would like to have lunch. I volunteered. An hour later he put a tray on my seat similar to those on some airplanes. Then followed a delicious fish with pimentos, a pork chop, peas, a half bottle of vino tinto (red wine - very good, but the train shook up the sediment), roll, sweet roll, banana, and coffee. Total cost for a great meal was about the same as you would pay in a restaurant at home. Spain still has good values compared to the northern countries.

Brown Bag It

Budget travelers, including most Europeans and usually me, bring a sack of ham, cheese, rolls, fruit, and beer or wine on board and fix dinner at their seat. Do the same. There is often a mini market in or near the station with much better selection and prices than on the train. Can your trash. The symbol on the window of all trains, with windows that can open, means "Do not throw bottles out the window." Don't throw anything out the window. Don't stick your head out the window either, unless there is nothing in it.

Train information sign on the platform in Germany. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/p1100065.jpg
This sign for the DB, Deutsche Bahn, (German Rail) train at the Frankfurt Flughafen (airport) train station shows the continuing route. The train started in Köln (Cologne), not indicated here, and stops in Mannheim, Stuttgart, Ulm, and Augsburg on its way to München Hauptbahnhof (Munich main train station). The scale A through G indicates where the first class (yellow), second class (green), and bar/diner (red) cars are located relative to the corresponding zones on the platform, in this case platform 5. This is an ICE, InterCityExpress, train number 611, requiring a supplemental fee if you have a regular ticket but no supplement is required for Eurailpass holders. Seat reservations are not required. Ab (departure) is 16:54 which is 4:54 PM. Don't be late because only trains can do that, and they do that even in Germany. [p1100065]





NOTE TO READERS

I welcome questions and comments. If you have any concerns about your trip to Europe that have not been covered well enough in this chapter do not hesitate to write and ask. My email address is johnbermont@enjoy-europe.com.

When you write please include as much detail as possible. There are about 50 countries in Europe. It will help me answer if you mention the countries and/or cities you plan to visit. I will reply in a day or two.

Don't forget to scroll through the Table of Contents below. The other 29 chapters of HOW TO EUROPE are also available, free to read on line. In addition, the Google search box below can locate specific subjects in any chapter or page on site.

For a check-off punchlist of everything go to The Finale, Packing List and Last Call: What You Need to Travel in Europe, All in One Place.

If you know of someone else who would appreciate reading this web page please send the URL link to him or her. To easily do that, click your "File" tab in the tool bar and scroll down to "Send" or "Send Link." Your friend will thank you, and I thank you.




This internet edition of chapter 17 is in 4 parts due to its large size. This is part 2. Click the part numbers below to see more about trains in Europe.
Part 1 classes of service, train tickets, Eurailpass, other rail passes, reservations, official business
Part 2 finding your station, finding your train, finding your car, luggage, on-board train facilities, eating on the train.
Part 3 sleeping on night trains, night train reservations, night train facilities, departure and destination procedures, potpourri, train station facilities.
Part 4 international buses and ferry services. Sometimes there are no train tracks!


Who wrote this?

Home and general index.
Table of Contents
HOW TO EUROPE
The Complete Travelers Handbook

All of the text, updated to May 2010, is available on line, FREE. Updated photographs with captions are available on line for those chapters as noted "with illustrations."
The entire book, copyright 2003, can be purchased by clicking Amazon.com.
Chapter 1, with illustrations.
What's It All About?
In Europe, Travel Like a Native


Chapter 2
On Budget in Europe
Travel Costs


Chapter 3
Passport and Visas for Europe
Identity and Travel Documents


Chapter 4
Flying to Europe
Travel Starts at the Airport


Chapter 5
What to Wear in Europe
Travel Clothes for all Occasions


Chapter 6
Your Packing List for Europe
A Short List of Travel Accessories


Chapter 7
Luggage for Europe
Travel Light, Travel Light, Travel Light


Chapter 8
Cash, ATMs, Credit Cards, Personal Checks
Travel with Each in Europe


Chapter 9
Your Travel Diary of Europe
Notes Supplement Your Photos


Chapter 10
Guide Books, Maps, Dictionaries
Travel in Europe with a Good Guide Book


Chapter 11
Electricity in Europe
Travel Voltage Fundamentals


Chapter 12, with illustrations.
Photography in Europe
Travel with Your Camera


Chapter 13
Bring a Smile
Travel Europe in Good Attitude


Chapter 14
European Hotels, Hostels, B&Bs, Private Homes
Sleep Options for Travel in Europe


Chapter 15
Eating Your Way through Europe
Travel on Your Belly


Chapter 16
Getting Around Town in Europe
Travel by Bus, Streetcar, Subway, Taxi, Bike, and Shoe


Chapter 17, part 1,
with illustrations.
Trains in Europe
Travel Europe by Train, Bus, and Ferry


Chapter 17, part 2,
with illustrations.
Trains in Europe
European rail details


Chapter 17, part 3,
with illustrations.
Night Trains in Europe
Travel Europe by Train, Bus, and Ferry


Chapter 17, part 4,
with illustrations.
European Bus and Ship Services
Travel Europe by Train, Bus, and Ferry


Chapter 18
Driving in Europe
Travel by Car, Van, or Motorcycle


Chapter 19, part 1
Telephoning to, from, and within Europe
Codes, 10-10, telephone cards, cellular phones, PTT


Chapter 19, part 2
Sending Mail to & from Europe
Air Mail, Priority, PTT, Poste Restante, Amex


Chapter 19, part 3
Internet and Email in Europe
Cyber Cafes, Keyboards, Password, Your Laptop


Chapter 19, part 4
Telegrams
Wiring Cash and Keeping in Touch


Chapter 20
Health and Safety in Europe
Travel in Confidence but with Caution


Chapter 21
Working in Europe
Travel for Free


Chapter 22, part 1
Moving to Europe
Travel to the Max as an Expatriate


Chapter 22, part 2
Living in Europe
Travel to the Max as an Expatriate


Chapter 23, with illustrations.
Shopping in Europe
Buy Your Souvenirs, Gifts, and Necessities


Chapter 24
Shipping Your Treasures Home from Europe
Travelers Have a Number of Options


Chapter 25
Passing Customs in Europe
Know the Rules When Crossing Borders


Chapter 26
Languages, Numbers, Alphabets
Encounter The Tower of Babel in Europe


Chapter 27
The Metric System in Europe
Traveling with Grams, Meters, Liters, and Celsius


Chapter 28
Time and Dates in Europe
Travel in a Different Time Zone


Chapter 29
The Weather in Europe
Travel with Your Umbrella


Chapter 30
Melding with Europe
Travel Is Interesting and Entertaining




The Finale
Packing List and Last Call
What You Need to Travel in Europe,
All in One Place
Learn the basic infrastructure:

Prime Travel Data
Elementary Travel Information for Europe
Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland

France
Germany
Greece
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Norway
Portugal
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom

Utilize John Bermont's exclusive:

TRAVELERS YELLOW PAGES
A Directory of Links to Products, Services, and Information
Airlines to Europe
National Tourist Offices
City Tourist Offices
City Information and Tours
Country Information and Tours
Luggage and Backpacks
Discount Air Travel
Villas and Homes for Rent
Hostels in Europe
Hotels in Europe
Auto Rental in Europe
Rail Services of Europe
Eclectic Travel Sites
Internet Search Engines
Photography
Guide Books for Europe
Educational Programs
Newsletters from Europe
Personal Travel Pages
Personal Trip Planning

Get open hours, costs, locations, and more:

Travelers Portfolio
Essential Visitors Information for the Top Sights of Europe
       Amsterdam       
Anne Frank Huis
Rijksmuseum
Van Gogh Museum
       London       
British Museum
Buckingham Palace
National Gallery
Natural History Museum
Palace of Westminster
St. Paul's Cathedral
Tower of London
Westminster Abbey
       Paris coming soon       
Arc de Triomphe
Tour Eiffel
Hôtel des Invalides
Musée de l'Armée
Opera
Montmarte
Cathédrale Notre Dame
Musée d'Orsay
Musée du Louvre

Exchange rates, weather, maps:

Up-To-The-Minute
Be informed before you go.
       Money Exchange
Currency exchange rates, including the euro, British pound, Swiss Frank.
       Weather in Europe
Current European weather conditions and forecasts. Good luck.
    Maps and Time Zones
Free online maps of Europe. Guide to setting your watch ahead.

Captioned photos from Europe

PhotoLog
Pictures of what we do in Europe.
       Queen's Day
Holland hosts a great one-day party, annually on April 30. Here is the action in Haarlem and Amsterdam.
       Keukenhof
A beautiful huge tulip garden blooms during middle spring. We made a leisurely bike ride from Haarlem.
       Bull Flight
My daughter Stephanie enters the ring and encounters a baby bull in Spain, then flies for her life!

Didn't find what you need yet?
Google It !!
 

Copyright
Internet edition
© 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2002, 2001 James J. Broad
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Travelers:
You may print one copy of this chapter for your personal use. To order the complete book with all of the captioned photographs see the next section below.

Permissions:
If you want to copy any of this material to your web site, book, article, or term paper please ask first. Note that plagiarism includes paraphrasing text and even copying ideas. Everything on this page is original. Students, professors, journalists, and writers are outed almost every day, caught stealing the works of others and presenting it as their own work. Then they make excuses when caught. Then they are thrown out of school or fired, or they run for Vice President when they get away with it. At least one other travel writer has plagiarized heavily from my work, claiming and getting credit for writing a few dozen books every year. Some of his books have included my work for years on end, without credit. For honorable people, permissions are freely granted so you don't need to steal and lie. Just say where you found the information and ideas. For permissions contact: publisher@enjoy-europe.com.

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The original
do-it-yourself
travel guide to
Europe.
SM


470 pages
7" x 10" softcover
345 b/w photos
Last Call checklists
and detailed index
© 2003
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$28.50


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HOW TO EUROPE
The Complete Travelers Handbook
2010 — Our 28th Anniversary!


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Keywords for this chapter:
rail, rails, europe, train stations, train, rail cars, train seats, train restaurants, eating on the train

Rail, Road, and Waves:
Travel Europe by Train, Bus, and Ferry