Train Travel Tips & Advice

Slow down, look out the window, and let the journey be part of the adventure.

Whether you're navigating Japan's high-speed bullet trains, rolling through the Rockies, or hopping on a scenic European route, train travel is one of the most relaxing and immersive ways to check items off your bucket list. Here's how to make it stress-free, efficient—and magical.

 

 

General Train Travel Tips (Local & International)

Plan Ahead—But Stay Flexible

  • Some routes (like high-speed or cross-country trains) require advance reservations, especially during holidays or tourist season.

  • Others (especially commuter or regional lines) are open seating or unreserved—you just buy a ticket and board.

 Download Key Travel Apps

  • Use apps like Trainline, Rail Planner, or your local/national rail app for real-time schedules, delays, seat reservations, and platform changes.

  • Download your ticket and trip details before you travel—some rural stations have limited Wi-Fi or signal.

Know the Ticketing System

  • In some countries, you must validate your ticket (stamp it at a kiosk) before boarding or risk a fine.

  • Other places use QR codes or contactless passes.

  • Be aware of peak vs. off-peak pricing, and consider rail passes (like Eurail, Japan Rail Pass, or Amtrak USA Rail Pass) if you're traveling often.

 What to Bring & How to Pack

  • Travel Light if Possible: Luggage space on trains can be limited. Pack a bag you can lift yourself and stow above or behind your seat.

  • Pack a Day Bag: Keep valuables, snacks, entertainment, chargers, medication, and ID in a small bag you can keep at your seat.

  • Bring Your Own Snacks & Water: Food options vary widely and may not be available. Long-haul trains may have a dining car, but it's often expensive.

  • Dress in Layers: Trains can be hot, cold, or both depending on your car or country.

 

Unique & Overlooked Train Travel Tips

Learn the Boarding Culture

  • Some places (like Japan or Switzerland) queue quietly in designated lines. Others (like India or parts of Europe) involve surging onto the train. Knowing what to expect reduces stress.

Quiet Cars Are Real (and Glorious)

  • In some countries, “quiet cars” are common—no calls, no noise, no loud conversations. Look for signs or symbols when reserving your seat.

Trains Don’t Always Wait

  • Unlike planes that delay boarding for stragglers, trains leave on time. Be on the platform 10–15 minutes early, especially at large stations where finding the platform takes time.

Mind Your Seat Reservation

  • If your ticket has an assigned seat, don’t assume it’s optional. Someone will likely board and claim it later.

  • If it's open seating, claim your spot quickly and be ready to move if it was pre-booked by someone else.

 

International Train Travel Considerations

  • Border Crossings May Still Require ID: Even in the Schengen Zone in Europe, border patrol can occasionally board and check passports.

  • Language Barriers Exist on Trains: Train announcements might only be in the local language. Use apps or paper printouts to double-check your stops.

  • Currency Matters in Station Shops: Some stations don’t accept cards or foreign currency—carry small bills in the local currency.

Scenic, High Speed or Overnight Train Tips

Make the Train Part of the Bucket List

  • Routes like the Glacier Express (Switzerland), The Ghan (Australia), Coast Starlight (U.S.), or Trans-Siberian Railway are experiences in themselves—book the window seat and savor it.

·        High Speed Trains for Fast, Scenic, and Unforgettable Experiences: High-speed trains don’t just get you from point A to B—they can be bucket list experiences in themselves. Some reach speeds over 300 km/h (186 mph), linking iconic cities in Europe, Asia, and the U.S.

Overnight Train Considerations

·        Bring:

    • Earplugs, eye mask, neck pillow

    • Hand sanitizer and tissues (not all sleeper cabins have private bathrooms)

    • Lock or secure strap for your luggage

  • Understand the cabin types: Sleeper compartments, couchettes, or reclining seats—all vary in privacy and comfort.

 

Accessibility & Medical Notes

  • Request Assistance in Advance: Most rail systems offer help for mobility challenges, but you must arrange it at least 24–48 hours ahead.

  • Know Where the Accessible Cars Are: On some trains, they're in specific cars only, and not all stations have level boarding.

  • Pack Meds for Delays: Trains are more prone to weather or mechanical delays in rural areas—always have extra food and medication on hand.