Train travel in Europe is one of the most scenic and efficient ways to explore the continent, but it can also get expensive if you’re not careful. With the right strategies, you can save money on regional and high-speed trains while maximizing the value of Eurail passes. Here’s how to book cheap train travel in Europe like a pro.
With these genius hacks, you can make train travel in Europe affordable, flexible, and stress-free. By planning ahead, taking advantage of regional passes, and using the right booking platforms, you’ll spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the journey.
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Best Apps for Train Travel in Europe
Trainline: Compare prices across multiple rail operators in Europe.
Omio: Book trains, buses, and flights in one place.
Rail Planner: The official Eurail app for route planning and offline schedules.
DB Navigator: Essential for German train travel, but it also includes routes across Europe.
Hacks for Train Travel in Europe
Consider Group Discounts:
Many operators offer discounts for groups of 3 or more. Look for group-friendly passes on national rail websites.
Avoid Dynamic Pricing by Locking in Tickets Early:
Book as soon as tickets are released—usually 90 days before departure for high-speed trains.
Travel Midweek for Cheaper Fares:
Trains are busiest (and most expensive) on Fridays, Sundays, and holidays. Plan midweek departures to save money.
1. Understand When to Use a Eurail Pass
Why It Works:
A Eurail pass is great for multi-country travel, but not always the cheapest option for shorter, regional trips.
How to Use It Effectively:
Use a Eurail pass for long-distance, cross-country trips, especially when traveling frequently within a short time.
For single-country or occasional train rides, buying individual tickets is often cheaper.
Check if your destinations require seat reservations, as these are not included in the Eurail pass price (e.g., TGV in France, AVE in Spain).
Pro Tips:
Use the Eurail app to plan your journey and track train schedules.
Book seat reservations early for high-speed trains, as they can sell out during peak times.
2. Book Tickets Early for High-Speed Trains
Why It Works:
High-speed trains like France’s TGV, Germany’s ICE, or Spain’s AVE offer discounted tickets when booked weeks or months in advance.
How to Do It:
Start looking for tickets as early as 2–3 months before your trip.
Use platforms like Trainline, Omio, or the country’s official railway website (e.g., SNCF for France, Renfe for Spain).
Avoid waiting until the last minute, as ticket prices increase closer to the departure date.
Pro Tips:
Sign up for alerts on Trainline or Omio to monitor price drops for specific routes.
Look for Promo or Supersaver fares often listed on railway websites.
3. Leverage Regional Passes for Shorter Journeys
Why It Works:
If you’re staying within one country or region, local passes are often more cost-effective than Eurail passes.
Examples:
Germany: The “Deutschland Ticket” offers unlimited travel on regional trains for just €49/month.
Italy: Trenitalia and Italo frequently offer discounted fares for regional routes.
Switzerland: The Swiss Travel Pass grants unlimited access to trains, buses, and boats.
4. Travel Off-Peak
Why It Works:
Tickets are often cheaper during non-peak travel times.
How to Do It:
Avoid traveling during rush hours (early morning and late afternoon).
Weekdays often have better deals than weekends.
Use apps like Trainline to find the cheapest times to travel on specific routes.
5. Take Advantage of Night Trains
Why It Works:
Night trains save you the cost of a hotel stay and can be a great value for long distances.
How to Do It:
Book night trains like the ÖBB Nightjet (Austria) or the Intercités de Nuit (France).
Choose cheaper sleeping options like reclining seats or shared couchettes instead of private sleepers.
Use your Eurail pass for night trains, but book mandatory reservations in advance.
6. Opt for Regional Trains Over High-Speed Alternatives
Why It Works:
Regional trains may take longer but are significantly cheaper than high-speed trains.
How to Do It:
Check for local train routes between cities—these often don’t require reservations and are flexible.
Example: In Italy, regional trains between Rome and Florence are much cheaper than the Frecciarossa high-speed trains.
Pro Tips:
Use apps like DB Navigator (Germany) or Trenitalia (Italy) to explore slower, budget-friendly routes.
Traveling shorter distances? Regional trains often offer unlimited daily travel passes.
7. Use Discount Cards and Memberships
Why It Works:
Railway companies often offer discounts for students, seniors, and frequent travelers.
Examples:
France: The Carte Avantage card gives up to 30% off TGV and Intercité trains.
Spain: The Renfe Spain Pass offers discounted fares for multiple trips.
Italy: Italo Più program offers rewards and discounts for frequent travel.
8. Book Directly with National Rail Operators
Why It Works:
National railway websites often have better deals and fewer booking fees compared to third-party platforms.
Examples:
France: SNCF (www.sncf-connect.com)
Germany: Deutsche Bahn (www.bahn.com)
Italy: Trenitalia (www.trenitalia.com) or Italo (www.italotreno.it)
Spain: Renfe (www.renfe.com)
9. Pack Light for More Flexibility
Why It Works:
Smaller bags make it easier to hop on and off regional trains, which often don’t have as much luggage space as high-speed trains.
Pro Tips:
Stick to a carry-on bag or backpack to avoid extra fees.
Keep valuables and essentials in a daypack you can easily access during the journey.
10. Use Apps to Streamline Your Travel
Why It Works:
Travel apps can help you compare prices, navigate schedules, and avoid unnecessary fees.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.