Why you should consider traveling by train in Europe – Boston Herald

Passengers wait for the high-speed train to Milan, Italy, September 24, 2022 from Modane station in the French Alps. (Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)

By Elina Geller | Nerd Wallet

If you dream of visiting Europe this summer and eating ice cream in Italy or visiting the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Spain, good news: airfares are down 8% compared to the same period of last year, according to Hopper’s 2024 Summer Travel Outlook.

And once in Europe, you may be able to save money if you travel by train. Traveling by train in Europe is convenient and sustainable. Additionally, some trains, like the Glacier Express in Switzerland, are designed to pass through scenic destinations so you can sightsee while relaxing.

If you’re considering making train travel part of your European itinerary, here’s what you need to know about traveling and how to save money on tickets.

Rail system in Europe

There are several railway companies in Europe. Some only offer regional train service, while others offer trains between countries. When planning your trip, familiarize yourself with the train companies that serve your planned destination to determine if traveling by train makes sense for you.

Here are some railway companies that serve different countries in Europe:

• Eurostar trains travel between the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. (Although the UK is not part of Europe, it is a popular destination in its own right and often associated with a European itinerary.)
• NS is the main railway company in the Netherlands.
• Renfe is the national railway company of Spain.
• Deutsche Bahn (DB) operates long-distance and regional trains in Germany.
• SNCF Connect offers high-speed train travel in France.
• Trenitalia is Italy’s public railway company.
• Glacier Express offers scenic trains in Switzerland.

Some of these train companies have partnered with each other to provide convenient connecting options. For example, DB-SNCF is a joint venture between DB and SNCF that connects travel between Germany and France.

Booking train travel in Europe

Buying train tickets in Europe is quite simple. You can buy your tickets via:

• An online travel agency (OTA): Several OTAs that sell train tickets in Europe include Trainline, Rail Europe, Eurail and Omio.
• The railway company: If you know which train company serves your destinations, consider booking directly on the train company’s website in case you need to make changes, as booking travel through an OTA adds an extra layer of complexity .
• At the station: If you don’t know (or plan) your schedule in advance, you can buy a ticket at the station. Keep in mind that when buying at the station you run the risk that the desired train time is sold out or more expensive, since it is a last minute purchase.

3 ways to make your European train ticket cheaper

Depending on when and where you buy your tickets, there are several ways to save money on train travel in Europe.

1. Comparison store

If both the train company and an OTA offer tickets, compare prices to see where those seats are cheapest. We searched for a train from Paris to Amsterdam in August 2024 on the Eurostar website and on Trainline to see which option is the cheapest.

If you pay in euros, tickets on Eurostar and Trainline are the same price (60 euros). But if you pay in US dollars, the fare is slightly cheaper on Trainline ($68.30 versus $70). If you don’t have a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees, you’ll want to book the ticket with Trainline in US dollars.

However, in general, if you’re going to Europe – or anywhere outside the United States – consider using a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees, as those pesky fees are usually between 1% and 3% and can quickly add up.

2. Take advantage of discounts

Discounts are often available for students, seniors and families.

For example:

• Spanish train operator Renfe is offering up to 30% off tickets for 14-25 year olds.
• Eurail offers a family discount, a 10% senior discount and up to 25% off for travelers aged 27 or younger.
• Eurostar offers reduced fares for those under 26 and 60 and over.

Other discounts or sales may be available, so be sure to shop around. Booking early can also help you score a good deal. For comparison purposes, we looked for a ticket from Rome to Milan on Trenitalia one week and three months. Most tickets available one week in advance were priced at $108, while tickets three months in advance were around $48.

3. Consider travel insurance

According to NerdWallet’s annual summer travel survey, a staggering 84% of Americans plan to vacation in 2024, with 45% of them going on a summer trip (June-August). Summer travelers plan to spend an average of $3,594 on flights and hotel stays.

When considering an expensive vacation, travel insurance can be a good option, especially if your travel plans are non-refundable and you want overseas medical coverage. Even if you have a credit card that offers free travel insurance, most U.S.-based medical plans don’t protect you for medical care abroad.

In addition to travel medical coverage, a comprehensive travel insurance plan includes benefits such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage delay and baggage loss. If you don’t need travel medical insurance and the coverage provided by your travel credit card is sufficient, you may not need to purchase a standalone travel insurance policy.

Train travel in Europe summarized

Traveling through Europe by train can be a great way to experience one or more countries, while avoiding the hassle of the airport or renting a car. There are many options for finding train tickets, but in general, buying tickets in advance and directly from the train company can save money.

Elina Geller writes for NerdWallet. Email: [email protected]. Twitter: @themissmiles.

The article Why You Should Consider Traveling by Train in Europe was originally published on NerdWallet.