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Railing Through Europe...

Ok, you’ve passed railpass 101, ordered your pass and now you're ready to hit the rails. Here is some helpful advice to help you weave your way between and over all those tracks.
	

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The train stations: The European train station is the transport center for most cities. It seems like the whole city or town revolves around it. They come in different sizes. Some are very small with only a couple of tracks, while some are large complexes with as many as 70 tracks offering the traveler an enormous amount of amenities. For example, the Munich station has a large selection of services: restaurants, Burger King, lockers, ATM machines, book stores, magazine shops with newspapers from all over the world, change offices, Avis, and even day hotels. You name it, you’ll likely find it. Some stations even have laundry facilities, mini-grocery stores, and showers so you can clean up after a long night train. In some cases, the European train station is like a city in a city.

Multiple train stations: Some cities have more than one station. For example, Paris has six; each one serving a particular region of France. London has too many to count. Interlaken has just two. Keep this in mind when you travel.

Train information and ticket offices: This is where you can get information about routes and schedules. I only use this service when I am uncertain about times and stops. For the most part, I usually consult the timetables first and then confirm with the conductor before I get on the train. In some cases, the information window will also sell tickets. However, in many cases there is a separate window for tickets and information - it varies. Since lines can be long, make sure you are in the right line. Sometimes there is a window for local routes, international routes, express trains, and one just for information. Ask before you wait. In some stations, the information office is separate from the ticket office. Every station has its own unique layout.

Never judge a town by its train station: Some train stations are close to the center, some are not. For example, the Assisi station is a bus ride or a very looong walk from the old town. On the other hand, the Koln station sits right next to the Cathedral. In some cases, the station is located in a seedy part of town or in a part of town that is not very attractive. Don’t be fooled by this. Although the area around the station may not be very nice, the part you came to see is.

Room finding services and tourist information: Many train stations have a helpful room finding service right in or near the train station (ex. Wien or Vienna). In some cases, the tourist office is either in or near the station - not always. I don’t know about you, but the tourist office never seems to be open when I arrive.

Lockers: Most train stations - small and large - have lockers. This is so you can store your luggage while you tour the city. For the most part, they are safe, very useful, and a good value. Old-style lockers have a key, while new lockers print out a combination for you - Madrid is an example. If you can, leave a photo ID in your bag. Thus, if you lose your claim check or key, you can easily prove that the luggage is yours. In some stations, getting a locker can be very difficult (Amsterdam). Moreover, some stations do not have lockers (for security reasons - Paris - or just not available). This is one reason why packing light is such a plus. Some cities do not have lockers, but do have a luggage storage facility. Examples include Florence and Venice. Like lockers, you pay a small fee. Make sure you know when you can and cannot get your luggage! The left-luggage office may not be open for 24 hours.

Waiting rooms: Most stations have waiting rooms. In some cases there is a first class and second class waiting room. I rarely use these to wait. In most cases, the chairs are uncomfortable and the facilities are rather unpleasant. Moreover, there is a tendency for these rooms to attract people you would rather not wait with. I either find a comfy spot in the station or sit in a restaurant, sip a cup of coffee, and write in my journal or read a book. A hotel lobby or cafe across the street also makes a pleasant "waiting room".  

Connections from the station: Most station have a myriad of transportation options to the center of town. In many cases, the subway is directly linked to the station. Often, the bus station is nearby or even just across the street. Taxis are almost always available. In some cities, the airport is linked directly by rail to the train station (Amsterdam Schiphol, Barcelona Prat, London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Rome Leonardo da Vinci) 

Finding the right track: First - well before my departure - several days to several hours before my train departs, I take a look at the train schedules for that day which are posted in the train station - often in several locations. You are interested in departures only (usually in yellow, but may be on white paper also). Here you will find the destination, most stops, type of train (ex. EC, IC, AVE), track number, and departure time. The information provided can change, especially the track number, but for planning ahead, the posted trains schedules are quite reliable. Second - as my departure time nears, I take a look at the current departure/arrival board or screen. Like airports, trains leaving soon are posted. Use the current departure board to verify your times and track before you get on the train. The track and departure times may be posted several minutes to several hours in advance. This board will tell you if the train is on time, actual departure time, and track number. Third - before I get on the train, I always verify if it is the right train. Ask the conductor (in simple English or using a piece of paper) or even ask a local to double check. Be warned, you may get several different answers if you ask the locals. In many cases, you will be confident you are are on the right train.

One other place for information: On the side of some trains, the final destination and a major stops are listed. All stops are usually not listed.

Track 13a vs. 13b: Some tracks are divided into sections for smaller local trains. For example, if the time table lists track 13, this means the whole track will be used for this train. If it lists track 13a, this mean only part of the track will be used.

Where to stand? Some stations provide a chart indicating the layout of the train (ex. where the 1st class compartments will be once the train stops). This is provided so you can find your assigned compartment easier. Moreover, trying to wiggle your way inside the train with a pack on your back is a real pain. I often ask the conductor where to stand if a chart is not provided. In some cases, like the AVE trains in Spain, your assigned compartment number is painted on the platform. Just match the number on the platform with the number on your ticket.

First class: First class is often a bit more comfortable and less crowded. To find a first class compartment, look for a long yellow strip over the windows or a big 1 on the car.

One other point: Some stations have outgrown their original size. Thus, some tracks may be adjacent to the central portion of the station. This means the track you are looking for may not be readily visible (ex. Munich). You may have to walk to an adjacent building to find your track.

Other devices: Computers are now available in some locations where you can acquire updated times and schedules. Use them to understand your rail options. Some stations also have free mini-timetables for a given region (France). Moreover, in some stations, you can buy regional tickets from a machine. This is a great way to avoid long lines.

Train splitting: In the middle of night, while you are asleep, the train may split. One half will go to Belgrade (not good), the other half will go to Munich (good). Make sure you are on the right part of the train. Hint: if no one seems to be on the train, you may want to move to a different part of the train.

Tracks do change: It is not uncommon for for the track number to be changed for a given train. So, if you are standing on a platform waiting for your train and all of a sudden everybody moves in response to something said in Italian, you may want to follow them. Also, if you are the only one waiting on the platform for a train, you may want to verify your track number.

Timetables: Rail timetables are not difficult to figure out, but you do have to practice. The most confusing portion is the universal symbols which are used to identify the type of train and exceptions (what day the train runs and does not run). When you purchase a Eurail/Europass, you will receive a free timetable booklet. On page 1, you will find an explanation of the symbols. This is very useful. Moreover, a train user's dictionary in five languages is also provided. You should take a look at it well before you get on your first train.

Eurail Aid offices: The free basic Eurail map lists the location of Eurail Aid offices throughout Europe (Munich has an office). These offices can issue new maps or timetables and can deal with pass problems. If you lose your pass, this is the second place you should go. The first is the police to file a report.

More on timetables: Some trains only run during the week, some only on weekends, some do not run on Sunday. Some only run on holidays. Several run everyday. The symbols will tell you what day they run and what days they do not. The symbols will also tell you when you will need to change from one train to another, when reservations are required, if a couchette or a sleeper is available, and if a dining car is available. Learn the symbols and bring your timetable with you to Europe. With the symbols in hand, you should do fine most of the time.

Planning your exit upon arrival: When you arrive, check the departure times and platforms for the trains going to your next destination. Make a reservation if needed, or reserve a couchette if you are taking a night train. Buy a phone card if you need one. You can get a phone card at newspaper kiosks. If you didn't call earlier, get on the phone and call for accommodations. Some train stations have a post office in the station or nearby where you can call without the need of a phone card or coins. You simply make as many calls as you need and pay at the window. This is also a good time to call home. While at the station, get things done when you can so you will have plenty of time to see the sites later.

Communicating with personnel: The train personnel can be helpful. However, English is not always spoken. Regardless, keep it simple. For example, write on a piece of paper where you want to go followed by a question mark (Napoli?). Use arrows, times, and question marks. This is especially true in southern and eastern Europe.

Names of cities: Keep in mind, many cities in Europe are spelled and pronounced differently than you might have been taught in school. For example: Athens is Athinai, Cologne is Koln, Florence is Firenza, and Vienna is Wien. Be aware of this when you look at the schedules.

Time: All times are listed in Military time (2:00 PM is 14:00, 12 midnight is 00:00). Before your trip, consider getting a watch that can show military time. 

Sunday and the afternoon: Things tend to slow down on Sundays and in the middle of the afternoon. This is especially true in southern Europe. Keep this in mind when you plan a rail trip. Otherwise, you may be stuck in Borenna waiting for that last late oh so late afternoon train.

Safety: For the most part trains are safe, but you still need to take some simple precautions when you travel by train. Theft can be a problem. When I travel, I keep my bag with me at all times. If I want to take a nap, I lock my bag with my trusty dusty cable lock or at the very least clip my pack to something secure. Why make it easy? If I need to use the restroom, I often take my entire backpack with me - remember to travel light. I do not use an ATM machine in the Naples station or any train station late at night - so plan ahead. I do not sleep overnight in a train station. I do not expose my moneybelt to others in the Milan train station. Really, most of this is common sense. Take precautions and then have a good time.

Food and drink: You can bring food and drink on the train. A matter of fact, the train is a great place to have a picnic. The water from the faucet in the restroom is not drinkable, so always bring your own. You can often get food and drink on the train from a food cart or a dining car, However, the prices are steep. Nevertheless, if you’re hungry or thirsty, why not? Just try to bring your own when you can.

Toilets: Do not use the toilet while the train is standing still. Guess where it all goes? I try to use the toilet earlier than latter. They can get dirty on a long train ride. Sometimes the first class section has cleaner restrooms. Many night trains also have a tiny wash room in addition to a restroom..

Before you get on the train, bring a bottle of water and a stash of food. In the summer, the heat can be awful. You will get thirsty and hungry while on the train. I know I do.

Accommodations on the train: I like couchettes. They are fairly cheap and they allow you to lay down and sleep - barely for some. Moreover, they are much safer as compared to sleeping free. They cost anywhere from $18 to $25 (much more on some special trains, like the Talgo trains in Spain). I try to make reservations at least 24 hours before departure. However, you can get a couchette anytime if one is available. Even if everything is booked, ask the conductor if a couchette is available. Sleepers are expensive, but for a group of 3 it may be a pretty good option. The price varies from $35 to $100 plus dollars. In Eastern Europe, I often opt for a sleeper - much cheaper than in western Europe.

Free? Yes, I have slept free on the train many times. However, I don’t recommend it for safety reasons. Moreover, you won’t sleep very well - at least I don’t. However, if you want to sleep free and you are traveling alone, try to share a compartment with a few fellow vagabuddies or as I did on my first trip to Europe with a bunch of nuns (I had a blast - really). Most trains allow you to pull out the seats so as to create a "bed". In most cases, 3 people can share a compartment comfortably. However, on crowded trains, trying to keep people out of your compartment can be a chore - for some reason they never seem to wear deodorant. A common trick is to close the curtain, turn off all the lights and snore loudly as soon as someone opens the door. One time, I even resorted to hanging my dirty laundry all over the place, Yup, it worked. I had the whole compartment to myself - imagine that.

Finding a seat: Finding a seat is usually not a problem. However, on some popular routes it can get crowded. On some trains, reservations are made by locals even if they are not required - usually by businesses for their clients or employees. This can at times make it difficult to find a seat. However, many times these seats are never taken. This happens a lot. Before you sit down, take a look at the reservation notice just above or next to the seat and see which part of the trip the reservation was made for. In many cases, the person has already completed their journey or they won’t get on the train until latter. If you have to move later, no problem. Another seat will likely become available. Just keep your eyes open and look at those reservation slips. If you can, choose a seat without a reservation slip posted.