How to Travel Europe by Train — Eurail, Interrail and Night Trains
11 November 2026 · GoFlyLo Blog
Flying is fast, but the train is the best way to see Europe. You step on in the city centre, watch the mountains and rivers pass your window, and step off in the next city centre — no airports, no long security queues, no baggage fees. Trains in Europe are fast, clean and safe, and they connect almost every city worth visiting. But train travel has its own rules: rail passes, seat reservations, and tickets that are cheap when you book early and expensive on the day. This guide explains it all in simple English — Eurail and Interrail passes, night trains, and how to book step by step.
TL;DR — The Short Version
Eurail pass: for travellers who live outside Europe — unlimited travel on set days, in 33 countries.
Interrail pass: the same pass for people who live in Europe.
Night trains: sleep on the train and save a hotel night.
Cheapest tickets: book high-speed trains 6–8 weeks early.
Best routes by train: Paris–Amsterdam, Berlin–Vienna, Rome–Florence, and London–Paris by Eurostar.
Tip: some trains need a seat reservation on top of your pass.
Eurail and Interrail Passes — How They Work
A rail pass is one ticket for many trains. The Eurail Global Pass is for travellers who live outside Europe. The Interrail Global Pass is the same idea for people who live in Europe.
Both cover trains in 33 countries, and you pick how many travel days you want — for example, 7 travel days in one month, or 15 days in two months. On a travel day, you can take as many trains as you like.
A 7-days-in-a-month pass costs around $300–$400 for an adult, and less for young travellers under 27.
A pass is good value if you travel a lot. If you take three or four long train trips — Paris to Amsterdam, Berlin to Vienna, Rome to Florence — the pass usually pays for itself. If you only take one or two short trips, single tickets are cheaper.
Important: a pass is not always a ticket. Many high-speed trains in France, Italy and Spain need a seat reservation on top of the pass, which costs $10–$35 per train. Regional and local trains usually need no reservation at all. Buy the pass online before your trip and activate it on your first travel day.
Night Trains — Sleep on the Train, Save a Hotel Night
Night trains are back in Europe — and they are brilliant. You board in the evening, sleep in a bed, and wake up in a new city. A night train from Vienna to Venice, Berlin to Stockholm, or Paris to Nice saves you one hotel night and one day of travel time.
The Austrian Nightjet network is the biggest: it runs night trains from Vienna and Munich to Venice, Rome, Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels.
There are three kinds of sleeping places. A seat is the cheapest ($30–$50) but hard to sleep in. A couchette is a bed in a shared cabin of 4 or 6 people ($50–$90) — the best value for most travellers. A sleeper cabin is a private room with 1, 2 or 3 beds ($100–$200) — the most comfortable, and good for families.
Book night trains early: the cheap beds sell out weeks ahead. Pack earplugs and a bottle of water.
Booking Train Tickets — Step by Step
Step 1: Plan your route. List the cities you want to visit and check the train times on a map app or a train booking site. Read our guide to public transport in Europe for how metros and city trains work.
Step 2: Decide pass or single tickets. Three or more long trips means a Eurail or Interrail pass usually wins. One or two trips means single tickets are cheaper.
Step 3: Book high-speed trains early. A Paris to Amsterdam ticket bought 6–8 weeks early can cost $30–$50; on the day it can cost $120 or more. Book on the national railway website of the country you are travelling in — SNCF for France, Deutsche Bahn for Germany, Trenitalia for Italy.
Step 4: Reserve seats where needed — the booking site will tell you.
Step 5: Arrive 20 minutes early and check the departure board: big stations have many platforms and trains leave exactly on time. Keep your ticket and passport with you. And if you are flying into Europe first, search your flights on Aviasales — then let the trains take over.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Eurail and Interrail?
Eurail is for travellers who live outside Europe. Interrail is the same pass for people who live in Europe. The prices, the trains and the rules are almost the same — only who can buy which pass is different.
Do I need a seat reservation with a rail pass?
Sometimes. Regional and local trains need no reservation. High-speed trains in France, Italy and Spain usually need one, costing $10–$35 per train. Book the reservation when you book the train.
Are night trains comfortable?
Yes — a sleeper cabin is a real bed in a private room, and a couchette is a bed in a shared cabin. A seat is the cheapest option but hard to sleep in. Bring earplugs and a bottle of water.
Is the train cheaper than flying in Europe?
Often, yes — when you book early. A high-speed train ticket bought 6–8 weeks early can cost $30–$50. Add the money you save on airport transfers and baggage fees, and the train usually wins for trips under 5 hours.
Related Guides
How to Use Public Transport in Europe · Solo Travel in Europe · Berlin Travel Guide · Vienna Travel Guide
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