how do the trains in europe work?

[bakwoi]

jus got a question about the eurail trains.

im ognna be traveln in a month. I got one of those 15 trip passes in a 30 day perio, but am i able to just hop on any train or do i have to book the train like a day or so in advance?

[JiveTurkey]

Well, It depends.. If you are traveling during the busy season, then you should make a reservation just to make sure you can get on the train (that it's not full). Some trains require a reservation no matter what. One thing to keep in mind, is when you make a reservation, you normally pay like 2-5 euro just to make it... So, if the reservation is not required, and you know there will be space on the train, then just hop on and go.. You need to get the Eurorail timetable book, it will list the times, and if a reservation is necessary.

I had the unlimited travel ticket, but some girls I was hanging out with had the 15 travel days one and they just had it stamped when they came by to check for tickets.

Also, if you can, get a night train.. You can just crash on the train and not waste a day in a train..

[skorch]

If you want a sleeping cabin (couchette) then you have to make a reservation and pay a fee. The fee varies from route to route. I've paid as little as 15 euro and as much as 40.

[JiveTurkey]

Originally posted by skorch@Feb 27 2005, 01:28 AM
If you want a sleeping cabin (couchette) then you have to make a reservation and pay a fee.* The fee varies from route to route.* I've paid as little as 15 euro and as much as 40.

yeah, the couchettes rock! awesome experince riding around europe sleeping in a train bed with 5 other people you have never met and sometimes you can't even speak the same language. you should try it at least once... I never travel any other way at night.

[omisan]

Well, umm, just like the trains in America or Asia or anywhere else, they are generally pulled by a diesel-powered locomotive - sometimes pushed - along 2 parallel rails.... oh, wait, I just saw the message body.