6 European train services, from TGV to regional lines


European train services range across five to six different types of service that vary based on the length of the route and the comfort and level of service offered on board, from the luxury, speeding TGVs to plodding local service.


European train servicesNearly all European trains have on-board restrooms (almost universally marked with the initials “WC”), but only intercity or high-speed trains have any on-board food or beverage service. Only intercity, high-speed or night trains will accept or require reservations; all regional and local trains are unreserved. Most conventional trains (those not using high-speed lines), from local to intercity, will operate at top speeds of 90 to 120 mph.

The most frequent (at least one train every 30 minutes, sometimes more often) and basic level of service within an urban area is called a city train, city line or S-bahn. They generally travel routes of up to 30 kilometers in length.

The next level of service is Regional or Regio trains, which generally serve routes of up to 60 kilometers, but make many local stops and have basic accommodations (though generally a bit more comfortable than local trains). These routes run at least once hourly. These will be designated as R, RB or RER on departure boards and schedules.

European train servicesThe next level of European train service is Regional Express (also called RegioExpress or TER, for Transport Express Regional, in France) trains. These serve routes up to 100 km and make more limited stops than Regionals, and generally run hourly.

The next level of European train service is Intercity trains — almost universally marked IC, or EC — for EuroCities) if they travel across national borders). These generally serve routes over 100 km in length, make few stops, and run during the day. Most intercity trains will offer on-board food & beverage service (though not always for the entirety of the route) and the ability to reserve seats in advance. The level of service varies on intercity routes, from departures every 2-3 hours to only 3-5 daily departures.

The final level of European train service is high-speed trains (such as ICE in Germany and Switzerland, TGV in France, Thalys [France-Belgium-Netherlands-Germany], Eurostar, and AVE in Spain.) These travel at top speeds ranging from 155 to 200 mph and make very few stops. Seat reservations are always possible and often required. These run anywhere from hourly to every 3-4 hours, depending on the route. They all have on-board food and beverage service, and many have on-board WiFi.

European train servicesOvernight sleeping car trains. There are also some overnight sleeping car trains, designated as EuroNight (EN), CityNightLine (CNL) or Trenhotel in Spain. Each route runs only once or twice daily. These offer both regular seating and sleeping accommodations.

Second Class sleeping compartments sleep three to six in couchette berths with shared restroom and shower facilities down the hall, while First Class sleeps one or two per compartment with private restroom and shower. Very few overnight trains offer dining cars, but most will offer a light breakfast, delivered to your accommodation, just before arrival at final destination (at least in First Class).

Sleeping accommodations always require advance reservation and the payment of a supplement on top of the ticket price or rail pass. (Note: Beginning in mid-December, Austrian Railways (ÖBB) will be taking over many of the CityNightLine routes currently operated by Deutsche Bahn and will rename them Nightjet, to match with its Railjet and Cityjet brands.)

European train servicesFirst Class vs. Second Class — What’s the difference?

Nearly all European train services (except TER in France and some local/city trains) offer both First and Second Class seating areas. There are almost always many more Second Class seats than First Class. If buying individual tickets, First Class, depending on the route, costs anywhere from 10 to 50 Euros more than Second Class (also called Economy Class on some railroads). Local and regional trains will usually have a small First Class section (8 to 16 seats) separated by a glass partition, while intercity and high-speed trains will have separate First Class cars. In most countries, the numbers 1 and 2 next to the doors designate the class of seating in that section of the car, and a yellow or golden stripe painted atop the window on the exterior designates a First Class section.

First Class seating is only marginally more comfortable than Second Class. Seats are generally leather rather than fabric, are slightly wider with more legroom, and sometimes recline. However, except on some high-speed trains, First Class passengers get no extra perks such as at-seat food and beverage service, priority boarding, luggage assistance, etc. On some trains, free newspapers are provided in First Class (generally only in the local language).

The First Class section of trains will almost invariably be less crowded and quieter than Second Class. Most Europeans travel Second Class, with only business travelers and foreign tourists using First Class. If you travel with a bicycle, the bicycle storage area is always in Second Class.

On some intercity and high speed European train services, generally those with older equipment, compartment seating will be available in both classes. Sometimes it is the only option in First Class. A compartment generally seats four to six in First Class and eight in Second Class with an even number of seats facing each other, with a window on one side and a sliding door to the aisle on the other, and a small table in the center. If you are traveling with a group of fewer than six and you reserve seats in a six-seat compartment, you will almost certainly be joined by strangers. Compartments have limited luggage space — only small overhead racks above each row of seats, perpendicular to the window. Even in First Class, your legs will almost certainly touch those of the person sitting across from you.

If you purchase a rail pass, you will have the option of buying a First Class or a Second Class pass. First Class passes can sometimes be not much more expensive than Second Class. First Class pass holders have the option of sitting in Second Class, but Second Class passholders may only sit in First upon payment of the supplemental charge for that segment.

 

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