The Best Tips for Traveling by Train in Europe

Train travel is a comfortable and budget-friendly way to explore several countries where the journey itself becomes part of the adventure. This is especially true when traveling across Europe as you can visit France, Germany, and Switzerland without wasting time in airports. The PrimaSIM team has put together a list of top tips to make your train journey even more enjoyable.

Buying Tickets Online: Best Time & Promotions

Most railway companies have their own apps, so it’s a good idea to download them ahead of time. Book your tickets there at least a month before your trip to catch special deals and seasonal discounts. 

For example, in Germany you can save a lot by purchasing a Day Ticket for Germany, which allows unlimited travel and transfers on all regional trains. 

Also pay attention to departure times: on the same day the price for the same route at 11:00 and 14:00 can differ by two to four times.

Buy an eSIM: Save on Roaming

Mobile data will make your train journey more enjoyable. While some trains offer Wi-Fi, it is often unstable + less secure than mobile internet. You can purchase a PrimaSIM eSIM in advance for a specific country or even an entire region. For example, we offer eSIMs for Germany, Australia, and the USA. You can choose a plan with the amount of data you need from 1 GB to 50 GB so you can stay connected without overpaying for roaming.

Pack a Balanced Snack Set

Bringing your own snacks will make your trip more comfortable. A well-balanced selection can include:

  • Carbs that give you energy. Choose options with minimal sugar to avoid feeling sleepy, such as crackers, rice cakes, oat cookies + a small portion of dried fruit.
  • Proteins that keep you full, like cheese sticks, nuts, seeds, or sliced hard cheese.
  • Vitamins for lightness and energy, for example apples, bananas, and tangerines.

If you have several connections, especially at night, take a protein or granola bar, dark chocolate, or a nut and dried fruit mix to help you stay alert. Also remember to bring drinks, as dehydration can increase fatigue.

Choose Window Seats and the Right Side of the Train

Window seats are a great way to start getting to know a new country. It is also a good idea to check the train’s direction and route in advance to pick the best side. 

For example, if you are traveling fromMunich to Salzburg, choose the left side to enjoy more views of Alpine lakes. On the Swiss train fromZermatt to St. Moritz, the right side is better for seeing the Rhone Valley, meadows, and historic bridges.

Keep an Eye on Your Luggage During Transfers

Even in the safest countries it is important to stay alert, as train stations often attract pickpockets. Never leave your luggage unattended and keep your money and documents in a small bag that you can always carry with you.

Conclusion

Train travel can turn into an exciting adventure if you buy your ticket in advance through an app, choose a seat on the right side of the train, and take care of your comfort with a PrimaSIM eSIM and a well-balanced snack set. It is also important to remember to keep your luggage safe.