Types of trains
In Europe you can find various special train types, besides the regular local trains and intercities. There's a train for every wish and every budget. Are you in a hurry, do you want to enjoy the scenery or do you want to have a comfortable sleep while travelling overnight?
High-speed trains
Want to get there really fast? How does up to 300 kph sound? Many high-speed services criss-cross Europe, all offering comfortable 1st and 2nd class cars and catering. Seat reservations are compulsory and a supplement must be paid.
Other day trains
There is also a full schedule of domestic and international trains running at regular speed that can get you to your destination quickly and without unnecessary delay. These are commonly called Intercity (IC) or EuroCity (EC) trains. Others, such as Direct, Interregio or Express trains, make more frequent stops along the way.
Legendary scenic rail lines
Shimmering lakes, plunging gorges, snow-capped mountains, coastal splendours – Europe abounds with picturesque, back-country routes that boast breathtaking scenery. Try the line between Perpignan and La Tour de Carol in France or Italy’s Ventimiglia to Cuneo train. There are also legendary tourist lines that dot Europe’s landscape. InterRail Passes are accepted on many of these trains or entitle you to a discount. Reservations are often required or recommended.
Night trains
Imagine gently rocking to sleep to the rhythm of the rails and arriving at your destination the next morning relaxed, refreshed and ready for a day of sightseeing. European night trains with names like ‘Roma’, ‘Komet’ or ‘Wiener Walzer’ serve Europe’s major cities and offer a variety of sleeping accommodations to suit all budgets.
Reservations are required and InterRail Pass holders must pay a supplement. Although some night trains also offer ‘regular’ seats, please note that others only have sleeping accommodations. Most overnight trains offer either sleepers or couchettes, and some also offer seats . If you’re on a budget, consider a couchette or a seat. Couchettes are mixed compartments (men and women together), with four open bunks in 1st class and four or six open bunks in 2nd class. A sheet, blanket and pillow are provided, but be prepared to sleep in your day clothes. Seats are available on selected trains, and are generally only available in 2nd class.
For maximum comfort and privacy, reserve a 1st (one or two passengers) or 2nd class (two or three passengers) compartment. These compartments usually have a wash basin. Toilet facilities can be found down the corridor. These compartments are single-sex, except when couples or families occupy all berths. The supplement for sleepers is, of course, higher. In order to ensure a place, it is recommended to reserve sleepers as early as possible. You can do so at major train stations.
Hotel Trains
A Hotel train is a high-standard night train with a wide variety of sleeping accommodations, ranging from sleeperettes and couchettes to deluxe compartments with en-suite facilities. Most hotel trains have bar and restaurant cars, and dinner or breakfast is often included in the supplement. Reservation is compulsory. Your InterRail Pass entitles you to a discount on several Hotel Trains.
