Guide to buying European train tickets How to buy European train tickets

You may also use train tickets when traveling in Europe, so the following is to tell you how to buy or tickets. The editor will give you a detailed introduction. If you go to Europe, you can Check out this guide, it’s definitely very useful.

In recent years, more and more Chinese people have traveled abroad. Europe, with its profound cultural and artistic heritage and beautiful environment, is undoubtedly one of the popular destinations for Chinese outbound travel. Statistics from the National Tourism Administration show that the number of Chinese citizens traveling to Europe has continued to rise in recent years. In 2015, the number of Chinese citizens visiting EU countries as their first stop was approximately 3.4276 million, a year-on-year increase of 22.9%. For many European countries, it is an indisputable fact that China has become the largest source of overseas tourists.

When traveling abroad, food, accommodation and transportation are all important. As far as travel is concerned, European countries are small and dense, with well-developed railway transportation systems. Traveling by train is the best choice for traveling in Europe. However, buying train tickets in Europe is a skill. Only by buying the right train tickets can the Schengen visa in your hand truly allow you to travel smoothly among more than 20 countries on the European continent.

There is a kind of train ticket called "Pass"

There are three types of "European Pass": Global Pass, Select Pass and Single Country Pass. The "Global Pass" does not really travel around the world, but only covers 28 European countries; the "Optional Pass" includes the Four-Country Pass, the Three-Country Pass and the Two-Country Pass, that is, tourists can choose among the 28 European countries. A combination of several countries; a "single country pass" refers to a pass that can only be used in one country.

The price of a Europass is related to its general scope, validity period and number of travel days. For example, under the same validity period and number of travel days, the pass with greater coverage is more expensive; and compared with two passes with the same coverage, the longer the validity period and the more travel days, the more expensive the pass is. In addition, the same pass is also divided into youth prices (12 years old to 25 years old, adult prices (26 years old and above) and family prices (adults and children aged 0 to 11 years old).

The biggest advantage of the Euro Pass It’s about convenience. Take a Global Pass that is valid for one month and has 10 days of travel. During this month, you can choose any 10 days and ride most trains in these 28 countries at any time. And this "most" mainly refers to local trains. Like China, European trains are also divided into express trains and local trains. Since only some seats are reserved for pass holders on each express train, it is best to use the pass to take the express train. Book a seat online or at the train station first, otherwise you may be stuck without a seat on the train during rush hours. In different countries, you will usually be charged a small reservation fee with different prices. Seat reservations are also required for night trains, and due to higher fares, fewer trains, and more passengers, the reservation fee for night trains is relatively high.

Compared with multi-country passes, single-country passes also have some options. Unique benefits. For example, with the Swiss Pass, you can not only take trains in Switzerland for free, but also take state-owned buses, ships, etc. In addition, you can visit most museums and some attractions in Switzerland for free. In terms of transportation or attractions, there may be discounts with the Swiss Pass, but the multi-country pass generally cannot be used for public transportation other than trains, and it is difficult to get discounts when visiting attractions.

Although the pass is convenient. , but it is also expensive, has time limits and limited days, and sometimes requires booking limited seats in advance. Therefore, whether to buy a pass and what kind of pass to buy must be determined according to the itinerary. "Make the most of it", it is necessary to make travel plans in advance and book trains with limited seats. In fact, for long-distance travel in Europe, low-cost airlines are sometimes a better choice than trains in terms of time and price. . But passengers who have purchased the pass may give up choosing other more convenient modes of transportation in order to make the pass purchase more convenient.

Train tickets in various countries are surprising

For the convenience of people. Travel, sometimes in order to encourage people to travel more by train, European countries have different tricks on train tickets.

Germany has a discount train ticket called "weekend ticket", which only costs 28 euros. From 6:00 on Saturday or Sunday to 3:00 the next day, you can take all trains in Germany except ICE and IC (equivalent to China's T trains). A weekend ticket can be used by 5 people at the same time. Similar ones are also available There is a "state ticket" that can be used within the federal states of Germany from Monday to Friday. The fare ranges from 21 euros to 23 euros. It can also be used by 5 people at the same time. Therefore, in Germany, whether traveling on weekends or within the state, The best way is to find people with the same route and share the cost. This way it only costs a few euros per person, which is quite cheap. You can even buy a valid weekend ticket or ticket at a low price after arriving at your destination. State tickets are resold to travelers who are about to purchase tickets.

One type of Dutch train ticket is a "same day ticket". This kind of ticket only stipulates the origin and destination stations, and does not limit specific flights. As long as it is on the date of use, you can take any train from the origin station to the destination station. The advantage is that you don’t have to worry about missing the train or delaying the train time due to temporary matters. In addition, if there are other stops between the departure station and the terminal station of the ticket, you can choose to get off the bus midway, and use this ticket to continue riding to the terminal station at the station where you got off later in the day.

For example, the train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam passes through The Hague. If you buy a same-day ticket from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, you can get off the train in The Hague on the way. After visiting and sightseeing here, you can get on the train from the train station in The Hague with this ticket. Go to Rotterdam.

Trains in Italy are also divided into express trains and local trains. Express trains generally run between larger cities, while local trains pass through more smaller cities. Express train fares in Italy change over time. The earlier you book, the cheaper the fares. Sometimes express trains with an original price of 30 to 40 euros can be purchased for only 9 or 19 euros. If you book before traveling, you can generally only buy original-price tickets. However, if you don’t want to pay too high a fare and have plenty of time, you can choose the local train, because the local train fare is fixed. Since European countries are generally small, for two cities that are not very far apart, the time spent by express train and local train will not differ much.

In fact, many European countries have similar discounts on train tickets. Therefore, you can inquire in more detail before traveling to a certain European country.

Cross-border train tickets and monthly passes

When traveling in Europe, you often encounter the situation of taking cross-border trains. If you are using a pass, just make a reservation and get on the train according to the regulations. If you want to buy point-to-point tickets, you can only buy them at the stations or official websites of the countries of origin and destination and the official website of European Railways. Interestingly, however, the price of the same cross-country train ticket can vary greatly in the origin and destination countries. So before purchasing, you can check and compare on the official website.

In addition to passes, some European countries will also launch monthly passes during specific periods. A monthly pass does not refer to a natural month, but a month starting from a specified day. For example, from June 30, 2014 to August 31, 2014, Deutsche Bahn sold a single monthly pass for 309 euros and a double monthly pass for 459 euros.

In Italy, there are also monthly train passes specifically for traveling between two cities. This type of monthly pass is more suitable for people who need to travel between two cities for a long time, such as commuters whose residential addresses and workplaces are not in the same place.

Ticket checking and inspection

Many train tickets in Europe, such as passes, same-day passes, monthly passes, etc., do not have specific travel time on the ticket. The ticket will take effect after checking in, and its validity period will also start from the time when the ticket is checked for the first time. European train stations usually only have one automatic ticket machine. Put the ticket into it, and the ticket machine will print the time on it. In addition, there is neither manual ticket checking nor ticket gates. In other words, checking tickets basically depends on consciousness. You can still get on the train even if you don't buy a ticket or check it. Therefore, fare evasion is not uncommon when taking trains in Europe.

But this does not mean that fare evasion will not be punished. On European trains, conductors will suddenly board the train at irregular times and locations to check tickets. Once it is discovered that a passenger does not have a ticket or even if he has a ticket but does not check the ticket, it is regarded as fare evasion. At this time, no matter how many reasons the passengers have or even take the initiative to ask for a replacement ticket, it will not help. The most common punishment for fare evasion is fines. Fines vary in different countries, usually ranging from tens to hundreds of euros at a time, and more serious fines will be imposed. In addition to high fines, if you are caught evading fares a certain number of times, you will receive a court summons and even be recorded in your integrity file, which will cause obstacles in credit, job hunting, starting a business, etc. Foreign tourists who are caught repeatedly evading fares may have their passport numbers recorded, which may have a negative impact on their future re-entry into Europe.

Of course, if the situation is really urgent and there is no time to buy or check tickets, you must take the initiative to find the conductor to explain the situation and replace the ticket after getting on the train. Do not wait for the conductor to come up to check the ticket before explaining the situation. At this time, the conductor Fare evasion will be handled directly. Replacement ticket prices are generally higher than regular fares.

So when taking a train in Europe, you should abide by the rules and consciously buy and check tickets, and don't take chances. Once caught, you will not only lose more money, affect your integrity record, but also damage the country's image.

European train ticket types

In order to take into account passengers' itineraries, European Railways has launched a variety of train tickets for passengers to choose from.

Generally speaking, there are two types of train tickets. One is a point-to-point ticket, that is, from one city to another, such as Paris to Munich. This type of ticket generally includes a fixed carriage and a fixed seat. The other is a point-to-point ticket. Point-to-point open tickets, this type is specially launched for passengers who have not determined their itinerary, such as the open ticket from Berlin to Munich, which means that you can generally take the train from Berlin to Munich within a 15-day period with no time limit and no limit on trains.

The other is the Eurail Pass. The pass includes all state-run trains within the country and across countries. It should be noted that most of the trains in France, Italy and Spain are in addition to the purchased pass. In addition to the pass, you need to make a mandatory seat reservation. The reservation fee is generally more than 9 to 10 euros. France is slightly more expensive, usually more than 20 euros. In addition, night trains in all countries and scenic cars in Switzerland also require mandatory seat reservations. The passes currently include single-country passes, two-country passes, regional passes (such as the Nordic Pass, the Four-Country Pass and the All-Europe 27-Country Pass). At the same time, the passes are divided into current passes and continuous passes. The continuous pass means that every day after the activation date Take a train, and a current pass such as 6 days in two months (6 days in 2 months means you can choose to use the train for 6 days within a two-month period.

Note: The number of days on a European train pass refers to the actual number of days you take the train, not the number of days you travel. For example, a 6-day current pass does not mean you can only ride 6 times, but you can ride 6 days. , unlimited rides within a calendar day. In addition, the Swiss Single Country Pass can not only take trains but also take other means of transportation, such as subway ferries to visit 480 museums in Switzerland, etc. However, to enjoy this discount, you need to count the number of days in the pass.

Ticket issuance form: Train tickets are divided into two forms: paper tickets and electronic tickets. Paper tickets are rectangular coupons with ticket paper, with specific travel date and time on them, but generally There will be no names of the passengers. The electronic ticket is a PGF model. Passengers need to download it and print it on A4 paper to get the ticket. A type of station printed ticket has also been added, which is more common in France and Germany. This means taking the station printing code, which is usually an 8-digit number, and inputting it into the local train station ticket machine to issue a paper ticket.

Choose European train tickets

Price: After understanding the types of European train tickets, you can choose the appropriate ticket type according to your own itinerary

. To put it simply, if the number of train segments is small, for example, if there are only one or two segments, you can directly purchase point-to-point train tickets. If the itinerary is long and involves multiple countries, you can consider a pass, and the more segments, the more obvious the price advantage of the pass. (When considering the pass price, you need to add the reservation fees of some countries.

Method: For those with a confirmed itinerary, you can buy a point-to-point with a fixed time, but for those with an uncertain itinerary and worry about not being able to catch the train at the specific time For passengers, you can consider a pass with more flexible time. If you have purchased the pass and seat reservation, but do not catch the corresponding train, you can go to the local train station to re-book a seat for the next train and pay an extra seat reservation fee. You can continue to take the train.

Ticket types: Except for the Swiss Single Country Pass, those who have stayed abroad for more than 6 months are not allowed to purchase Eurailpass. Passengers traveling with multiple people can consider the pass type for 2-5 people traveling together, which is generally dozens of euros cheaper than a single adult ticket; those under 26 years old on the date of travel can purchase a youth ticket, but sometimes 2-5 people Tickets for traveling together are cheaper than youth fares, so traveling together is generally recommended.

About European train ticket reservations

In most cases, point-to-point tickets generally include seats. You can get on even a point-to-point open ticket

It is not compulsory to reserve a seat on the train. For the pass, the seat reservation requirements are not based on the departure city and arrival city, but on the specific train number as the criterion. .

Specific pass reservation trains: high-speed trains in France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and all overnight trains in Europe (types with sleeper berths) are compulsory. The high-speed train train numbers in the above countries are: France: All trains starting with TG are high-speed trains, and reservations are required. Italy: Trains starting with F, E, and CIS and ICP are high-speed trains and must be booked. Sweden: Trains starting with X or XDE are required. They are all high-speed and must be reserved. Night trains: CNL, THT, ENT, TNC, NTZ, etc. are all night trains and must be reserved.

Note: In European trains, they usually start with TIC and TER buses are all regular buses and it is not compulsory to book a seat. However, if the journey is long, it is recommended to book a seat, because cross-border flights are less frequent and take longer, and it will be more comfortable if you have a seat.

Follow-up procedures for train tickets

1. Except for the pass, which needs to be activated at the local train station ticket window before taking the train for the first time, other point-to-point tickets and passes can generally be obtained. Take the bus directly.

2. You need to hold your own passport to activate. If you purchase a pass for 2-5 people, you need to have multiple people holding their passports at the same time to activate. It is best not to have any concerns about the pass before activation. and changes.

3. If the ticket is lost or stolen, it can only be purchased again, so please pay attention to your luggage when traveling abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I get the ticket?

Answer: First, look at the type of ticket. If there is a green "electricity" next to the price displayed on the ticket purchase interface, it is an electronic ticket. After the payment is successful, the staff will send a link. Print it yourself; if not, you can choose door-to-door ticket collection or domestic/Beijing and Tianjin express delivery.

2. How long does it take to get the ticket?

Answer: If the payment is successful before 5:30 on the same day, it can be sent by SF Express on the same day. For the specific arrival time, please consult SF Express (SF Express official website phone number: If you purchase an electronic ticket at 95338, the electronic link will usually be sent within one day. You can check and print it at the PDF download address of the order or the registered email address.

3. What else do I need after I get the ticket? Operation?

Answer: If it is a pass, the passenger needs to bring his passport to any train station ticket window in any country covered by the pass to activate it. If it is a pass for 2-5 people, how many passengers are required to travel together? You need to hold your passport to activate the electronic ticket and just print out the ticket and ride directly.

4. How do I pay for the express delivery if I want to place multiple orders?

Answer: When paying for the first order, select Domestic Express/Beijing and Tianjin Express. For subsequent orders, check the door-to-door pick-up box and make a note in the remarks column to express it together with other orders.

5. Can I buy a ticket when I am abroad?

Answer: Those who have been detained abroad for a long period of more than 6 months cannot purchase a pass (except for the Swiss Single Country Pass; if someone wants to travel abroad) Book a seat or buy a pass, but since we can't express it to foreign countries, we can only buy tickets at the local train station or have someone else deliver them on our behalf.

6. What if the order status shows failed after I book the ticket? What to do?

Answer: The failure to display the order status is most likely due to insufficient tickets. You can purchase the train at another time.

7. How do I purchase a family card or apply for a child ticket? Free of charge?

Answer: First determine whether the child meets the age requirement during the travel date, place an adult order when purchasing the ticket, and note the child's date of birth in the remarks column

, name and gender, call the staff, and the staff will add the corresponding child ticketing fee before payment.

8. How is the exchange rate calculated?< /p>

Answer: The daily exchange rate is increased by 0.1 based on the exchange rate released by the central bank at 9 a.m..

9. Our working hours and specific address and on-site ticket purchase. Notes

Time: Our working hours are from 8:30 to 18:00 from Monday to Friday, and we are closed on holidays and Saturdays and Sundays.

Address: Chaoyangmenwai Street. Room 521, Huapu International Building, No. 19; take Metro Line 2 to Exit A of Chaoyangmen and walk straight for 50 meters.

Note: You only need to bring your passport when buying tickets on site except for visa reservation. The exact name and gender of the passenger. The other office does not accept credit cards and only supports payment in RMB.