How to Plan Your Train Trip

[Eric T. Pilgrim]

When planning a train trip, the first thing to do is look up the schedule and find out when the trains are running. You will want to book your tickets well in advance as they can sell out quickly, especially if you are travelling to a busy city. If possible, you should book a sleeper coach since it is more comfortable for long trips. There are different types of seats for different lengths of time, so it is important to plan your trip ahead of time.

The next step in planning a train trip is to find out where the stations are located. Most major European cities have more than one train station. Make sure you read the platform boards carefully, as information can be confusing. When you are looking for a specific train, search by the number, the company name, and the time it departs. If you have a specific destination in mind, you can try searching for a specific train by the name of the city or the number.

If you are traveling alone, you can exercise your mind by doing Sudoku or crosswords. These types of activities flex the vocabulary part of your brain, which actively helps you learn new words. Another good idea is to read a book while traveling. Whether you are traveling on a long distance or just escaping from space and time, reading a book will help you pass the time.

Remember that paper tickets must be validated before boarding. Train stations have kiosks at the platform for this purpose. Be sure to keep your ticket handy, as the conductor may come by and check if you have a valid ticket. Often, a student or a person under 26 years old will get a discounted ticket.

Another important tip is to book your tickets well in advance. Whether you are traveling alone, with a family, or with a large group, good planning will ensure a great trip. With the help of a travel agent, you can book your train tickets and other arrangements. You may also want to look into the cost and find out where to stay.

Luxury train tickets can range from $1k to $15k, depending on the destination and length of your itinerary. Luxury sleeper train accommodations can vary from basic Pullman carriages to suites with full beds. Some even include butler service and excursions. You can check out these options to save money on your next train trip.

You can also make reservations online. Amtrak's main phone number is 1-800-USA-RAIL. Using this number, you can make reservations using an automated voice recognition system or a live agent. When making reservations, you will need to provide a credit card number to guarantee your reservation.