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Trains in Europe: An Online Resource Guide

Here's a list of useful websites for intercity train travel in the European countries most visited by Americans.
Monday, March 19, 2007 |

Multi-country European train travel:

The most intuitive way to figure out train times for any European rail journey is to visit the website of the German rail line Deutsche Bahn, which has comprehensive listings for all major European train companies. But the website makes it difficult for Americans to purchase travel, so book your tickets at RailEurope, Railpass.com, or European Rail. These sites offer point-to-point tickets, rail passes, and student discounts.

For railpasses for travel within the Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, visit Railkey's website.

Eurostar offers fares and times for routes reaching London, Paris, Brussels, and other nearby destinations. But Eurostar's website doesn't offer reservations for overnight trains. Expect to make such reservations by phone instead. Another warning: Eurostar will not mail tickets to the U.S., but you can dodge this problem by booking your Eurostar tickets separately at Eurostar.com and then picking up your tickets at Waterloo station in London, says British rail expert Mark Smith. If your train will travel on through France, after stopping in Paris via the underground Chunnel, then opt to pick up your onward tickets at any major ticket office in France.

Country-by-Country Guide to European Rail Websites

Austria: ÖBB's website offers train times and fares in Austria.

Belgium: SNCB offers times and fares for Belgium, but not all fares for intra-European travel.

Britain: Americans can buy a BritRail pass for unlimited train travel on Britain's many private rail lines at BritRail's website. But BritRail passes are not the least expensive option for many simple itineraries. Check the prices of ordinary point-to-point tickets first by using National Rail. For travel in Northern Ireland, visit Northern Ireland Railways. For general advice on British rail travel, visit the website of British rail expert Mark Smith, Seat61.com.

Croatia: HZ's website offers times and fares for Croatia.

Czech Republic: CD's website offers times and fares for Czech trains.

Denmark: DSB's website offers times and fares for rail in Denmark.

Estonia: Edelaraudtee, a privately-run rail line, offers times and fares for rail in Estonia.

Note: This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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