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Eurorail 101: How to Travel Europe by Rail

The patchwork continent lends itself to rail travel quite unlike anywhere else on earth. Nikki Wallman reveals how to make the journey as stress-free, safe and scenic as possible.

Put simply, travelling Europe by rail is magnificent.

The startling way entire countries and cultures unfold one after the other is the reason travellers flock here.

It’s romantic and beautiful – but what makes it really attractive is the practicality.

Firstly, there’s the issue of time. For example, the Eurostar takes about two hours and 20 minutes from London to Paris, while a flight clocks in at just over one hour – but factor in airport cab journeys, checking in and collecting baggage, and the train is ahead.

“In Europe, high speed trains travel at up to 350 kilometres per hour," says Greg McCallum, National Sales and Marketing Manager for Rail Plus Australia.

For some longer journeys, it’s quicker to fly, but you miss out on getting up close and personal with the landscape. Castles, fields of wild flowers, forests, even the suburbs you’d otherwise never see – your train window becomes a silent, moving film.

Bells and whistles are constantly being added – many trains have free wi-fi; the Swiss Travel System recently launched the first Starbucks carriage; some French TGV trains have family-friendly areas; and double-decker Swiss Intercity trains boast kids’ playground carriages. Plus, you can save on hotel costs by taking an overnight train on longer journeys.

But what about the bewildering array of ticket options and the daunting task of piecing together an itinerary?

Director of Railbookers Australia, Lisa Tilley, says: “The most challenging part of booking rail is that each European country has its own rail operators, timetables and language."

Booking operators, such as Railbookers, can help with this, creating individually tailored rail and hotel packages.

“It’s much easier speaking to someone who knows how long each journey takes, what’s feasible, what journeys are scenic and comfortable, and also where to stay in each city," says Tilley.

Rail Europe and Rail Plus (50 per cent owned by Rail Europe and offering the same products) provide extensive online information.

“It’s safe to say that Rail Europe covers pretty much every service and route in Europe, apart from very small and specific routes in the Baltic States," says Richard Leonard, Rail Europe’s Australasia manager.

“If you know where you’re going and the journeys are short and only a few, the cost of point-to-point tickets when booked in advance usually end up being cheaper than a Rail Pass," says Leonard. “However, if there’s lots of travel involved, then a pass is more convenient and allows for more flexibility."

Rail passes can be single-country or multi-country and give you the freedom to really explore Europe on your own terms, with the convenience of paying one fare.

But even with these passes, planning ahead is crucial. Booking online can net you savings of up to 70 per cent when booked at least three months in advance, claims Leonard.

All high-speed and overnight services require seat reservations (even if you have a pass), which also helps to keep groups together.

You must also validate your pass before boarding the train and have your passport handy at all times as you’ll be asked to show it at various points.

Don’t pack more than you can easily carry: you need to be able to fit your luggage in the overhead racks, and lift it on and off the train.

Keep your valuables close and your luggage where you can see it. Also, check in advance any platform changes (online) so you don’t miss your connections.

Finally McCallum says, “always travel with a corkscrew. There’s nothing better than sharing a bottle of Burgundy in France or Chianti in Italy."

Popular ticket options

Eurail Global Pass:
The Big Kahuna – great for longer adventures or ambitious sightseeing plans – allows unlimited travel on high-speed and local trains within a time period (10 days – 3 months) across 24 European countries.
From $715 for an adult saver 1st class ticket (based two people travelling together).

Eurail Select Pass:
For when you want to visit more than one country in the same region.
Allows between 5–15 days of continuous or ‘flexi’ rail travel in either three, four or five participating (France is no longer included) bordering countries within two months.
From $360 for an adult saver 1st class ticket.

Single-country passes:
Explore one country at your own pace.
A German DB Bahn rail pass, for example, allows you between three and 10 days of rail travel in Germany for one month.
From $289 for an adult saver 1st class ticket.

Useful websites:
raileurope.com.au, railplus.com.au, railbookers.com.au

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What the European heatwave means for your summer travel plans

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK. 

    Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

    And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

    Why is it so hot in Europe?

    Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

    France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

    In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

    The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

    Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

    How travel is impacted

    A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius
    A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

    During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

    If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

    Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

    people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris
    People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

    With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

    Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

    How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

    Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

    Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

    Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.