The Traveling Professor has designed many of his small group tours to include high speed train travel in Europe. Europe’s high-speed rail network is one of the best in the world—efficient, scenic, and often faster than flying. Whether you're planning a trip from Paris to Barcelona, zipping between Italian cities, or riding the Eurostar under the Channel, these expert tips from The Professor will help you save money, travel smarter, and enjoy the journey.
1. Book High-Speed Train Tickets Early for the Best Prices
If you take away just one piece of advice, let it be this: book your tickets as early as possible. Just like airlines, European train operators offer discounted fares for early bookings. In countries like Italy, first or business class tickets are sometimes cheaper than standard class when purchased in advance. Trains on holidays or peak days (especially Sundays) often sell out, so avoid the last-minute scramble by planning ahead.
Bonus Tip: Many European train operators release tickets 60–90 days before departure.
2. Skip High-Speed Trains for Very Short Routes
Not every journey needs the high-speed treatment. For example, if you're going from Venice to Padua as we do on our small group Northern Italy tour —a short 25-mile trip—it might cost around $18 on a high-speed train (28 minutes), while a regional train does the trip in 44 minutes for just $5.25. That’s a huge saving for a minor time difference.
Smart move: Reserve the premium train experience for longer routes where time savings really matter.
3. Use Trainline.com for Easy Booking Across Europe
Want a one-stop solution for booking trains in over 40 countries? Trainline.com is The Professor's top pick. It covers major networks in the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Eurostar (for London–Paris/Brussels), and more.
While Trainline charges a small service fee, the user-friendly interface and wide coverage make it well worth it. Just note: it doesn’t support every country (Norway, for example, isn’t covered).
4. Choose Seats Close to the Train Exit
When booking your seat, try to select one near the door or the luggage rack. Seats located in the middle of the train can make boarding and exiting more chaotic—especially if you're lugging heavy bags.
Pro Tip: This is especially helpful at busy stations with short platform stops.
5. Know Your Car and Boarding Spot Before the Train Arrives
Avoid the dreaded "tourist sprint" by checking your ticket for the car and seat number. Then, find the carriage position map on the platform—it shows where each train car will stop. That way, you can stand in the right spot and board smoothly.
6. Let Passengers Exit Before You Board
It’s tempting to rush aboard, but high-speed rail etiquette matters. Always let passengers exit the train first to avoid a logjam at the door. Don’t worry—you won’t miss your train by waiting 30 extra seconds.
7. Bring Your Own Food for the Journey
Unless you're traveling in first or business class, food options on European high-speed trains are often limited to basic snack carts or crowded bar cars. For a better experience, pack your own picnic: think fresh local sandwiches, cheese, fruit, and maybe a bottle of wine picked up just before departure.
Enjoy the scenery as you eat—it's part of the charm of rail travel.
Final Thoughts
Traveling by high-speed train in Europe is one of the most enjoyable ways to see the continent—comfortable, fast, and scenic. By following these tips from The Professor, you’ll save money, avoid common pitfalls, and travel like a pro.
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