Everyone talks about how wonderful train travel through the UK and Europe is.
There are passes allowing train travel around Europe and the UK: some are affordable and others can be quite pricey. You might find that a relatively simple last-minute jaunt from Berlin to Munich costs way more than a prepurchased ticket between Berlin and Barcelona.
So how can you get cheap train tickets that actually get you to where you want to go when you want to get there?
Allow the Trainline app to keep your vacation on track when going between your wallet and your wanderlust.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Leonid Andronov. Image Location: Séjourné Bridge, Pyrenées-Orientales, France
How to Book Cheap Train Tickets in the UK and Europe
A step-by-step guide to booking cheap train passes in Europe and the UK.
Step 1: Define "cheap"
Cheap is a relative term, but for many, it means the lowest possible price. Cheap train tickets are available throughout the UK and Europe. Depending on when you purchase, you could score the lowest rate on a convenient departure time.
Or you could end up with an inconvenient departure time with multiple transfers, delaying you from enjoying your trip to the max because you wanted to save a few bucks.
Now consider the value of an affordable ticket versus a cheap one. Affordable means you’re getting the best value for your budget. For instance, a flight from London to Paris may seem “cheap”, but when you consider how much extra time and money you’ll need to get to and from the airports, the slightly more expensive train ticket may end up being the best overall value at an affordable price.
Keep in mind that there are multiple money-saving options, too. For instance, you can buy a flexible pass allowing train travel around Europe through multiple dates and locations. These include digital railcards like Eurail, BritRail, and Interrail passes.
If you’re rocking your way around the UK, the BritRail’s access to England, Scotland, and Wales will keep you rolling smoothly. Eurail passes up the ante and include travel through 33 European countries, both in and out of the UK. Pay no mind to Interrail passes; they’re designed specifically for residents of Europe. Unless you’re making the move across the pond.
Step 2: Research your destination
It may take a little creative thinking, but there are ways that you can maximize the value of your train ticket by tweaking your itinerary. For instance, a night or sleeper train can lower your hotel expenses while getting you to your destination without wasting any daylight hours in transit.
Step 3: Use multiple resources
You don’t have to plan your trip alone. Read blogs or ask fellow travelers questions to get a sense of how they leveraged train travel to their advantage. You can also use Trainline’s app to plan out your itinerary, find the cheapest tickets available via our best Best Fare Finder, and purchase e-tickets.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Crispin la valiente
FAQs About Using Cheap Train Tickets
Do I need to convert currency to buy a train ticket in Europe?
No, you can use credit cards at most stations. You can also pay in USD by purchasing your tickets online through Trainline. Skip the hassle of using a ticket machine and save your currency for where you need it most: the pubs.
Will I pay extra for luggage on a train in Europe?
Unlike airplanes, trains are much more flexible with luggage restrictions. For instance, UK’s National Rail allows you to take on 3 pieces of luggage free of charge while Switzerland’s SBB has no luggage restrictions, provided that your baggage fits and doesn’t disrupt other passengers.
Do I get my passport stamped when traveling through European countries?
Usually, no, you will not need to present a passport when traveling by train. Once you enter one country in the Schengen Area, you have permission to travel throughout the other 26 countries visa-free.
However, you will need a passport if you’re traveling into a non-Schengen country. This includes traveling between France and England via the Chunnel train.
Image Credit: Getty Images, westend61
Do I need a paper ticket to board the train?
No, most train companies allow you to purchase digital tickets. Trainline even lets you store all of your e-tickets on the app so all of your train tickets from different companies and countries are in one convenient place.
How to book cheap train travel in Europe
Taking the train in the UK and Europe might only be one of many vacation expenses, but it presents an opportunity to cut your travel costs. Trainline customers who book in advance save an average of 61% on their tickets; even those who don’t book super early save an average of 35% just by leveraging perks like our SplitSave tickets.
Download the Trainline app today and see how much you can save on your next journey through the UK and Europe.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, MStudioImages