EuroCity (EC) trains offer convenient European cross-border connections between major cities in Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Poland.
A collaboration between the main train companies for each country including Trenitalia (Italy), FFS (Switzerland), Deutsche Bahn (Germany) and OBB (Austria) – EuroCity trains provide a quick and easy daytime service that hops between some of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Want to know more about travelling on EC trains in Europe? We’ve put together all the information you need to plan your journey including popular routes and how buy your EuroCity train tickets.
The EuroCity ticket pricing system is simple and easy to understand. There are two types of train tickets available to purchase – First Class and Standard Class – seat reservations are not always compulsory, but we’d recommend them for the more popular routes. We’ve listed a few EuroCity train ticket features below.
Tickets for EuroCity trains are usually non-transferable – this means you’ll have to provide your full name and date of birth at time of booking, so your ticket is unique to you.
It’s now possible to travel on many EuroCity trains without having to print out or pick up your ticket at the station. Just show your email with your reservation code (PNR) when boarding or when asked.
EuroCity train tickets are normally available to buy up to six months before the departure date. Book as early as possible to enjoy the cheapest prices.
EuroCity trains make travel between major cities across Europe simple, meaning you have a huge list of destinations to choose from. For those in need of a little inspiration, we’ve put together our list of the most popular routes you can take on EC trains.
In Italy, Trenitalia operate the EuroCity services. Some popular routes for EuroCity trains in Italy include:
In Germany, DB operate the EuroCity services. Some popular routes for EuroCity trains in Germany include:
Although EuroCity trains aren’t typically high-speed services, they can still reach speeds of over 90 km/h and usually travel through two or more countries during their journey. Depending on your destination, there are several types of EuroCity train you can travel on, operated by the different train companies of each country. We’ve listed the most popular trains and where they can take you below.
This long-distance Trenitalia service connects Geneva to Venice Santa Lucia. Trains run daily, and the entire route takes around seven hours in total. Hop on this train and you can also stop at Lausanne, Milan and Verona.
Operated jointly by DB in Germany and ÖBB in Austria, this service connects Munich, Innsbruck and Verona. Another daily service, trains run every two hours and can also stop at Bologna and Venice at certain times.
Travelling between Central Milan and Geneva daily, this EuroCity Trenitalia train also stops at Stresa, Domodossola, Brig and Montreux along the way. Expect an average journey time of around four hours and make sure you have a reservation for this trip.
Another Trenitalia operated service, the EuroCity 85 service runs between Milan and Basel. This long-distance train journey takes around four hours and also stops in Stresa, Visp, Thun and Olten along the way.
Unlike some other EuroCity trains, it’s mandatory to book a reservation for this service.
All EuroCity trains generally offer two levels of classes – First Class and Standard Class – Expect spacious seating in both classes, with a mixture of open-plan or compartment seating. We’ve highlighted what you can expect from each class below.
When you travel on a EuroCity train in First Class, you can expect air-conditioned carriages, power sockets and usually the bonus of access to the premium lounges at major stations too.
When travelling in Standard Class, you won’t always have access to power sockets, although you can expect air-conditioning if travelling on a newer train (some older models may not have air-conditioning).
Travelling on a EuroCity service? Find out everything you need to know about luggage, WiFi and other EuroCity onboard facilities here.
WiFi availability varies depending on the service you’re travelling on. You can enjoy free WiFi on Dutch or Swiss EuroCity routes. However, it’s not always available on others.
Luggage racks are normally available at the end of each train carriage.
Refreshment availability depends on the service you’re travelling on. A food and drinks trolley will offer hot and cold drinks, snacks and sandwiches on the majority of EuroCity services.
Most services will also feature a buffet car, and many even offer an onboard restaurant.