Check your station
Many larger cities have multiple train stations, and trains to and from the city do not always stop at them all. Double check exactly which station you need to depart from so you don’t miss your train. If there is a specific station in a city you want to arrive at, also check that the train you’re taking does stop there.
Train schedule and platform information
Most European railways have a website where you can consult train schedules, platform information and sometimes even make
reservations online. See the section with railway information. Departure schedules and platforms are posted at all trains stations. At larger ones, computerised boards provide up-to-the-minute information. On the platforms, you’ll also usually find displays confirming the next train’s departure time and destination.
Baggage
Most major railway stations have baggage carts, left-luggage offices or coin-operated lockers for storage of your luggage. Aboard the train, luggage racks are found above seats or at the end of the car, but do keep an eye on your baggage as the railway is not responsible for lost or stolen bags. Since you will generally be carrying your baggage around yourself on your trip, it’s a good idea to pack as light as possible.
Bicycles
At most larger train stations there are facilities to rent or store a bicycle. The rules for taking a bike on the train are different per country and sometimes even per train. Sometimes bikes may be carried free of charge, often you have to buy a separate ticket for the bike at the station. Some trains have special compartments for bicycles. There may be rules that you can only bring a bike outside rush hours. You can find information about transporting bicycles in some countries at the websitewww.railpassenger.info or at the websites of individual railway companies.
Many high-speed trains don't accept bicycles. To make sure your train accepts bikes, you can consult an online timetable. Besides filling in your destination and the departure date, you can select the option “carriage of bicycles required”. The system will then show you trains that have enough space to carry a selected number of bikes.
Getting on, off and seating on trains
You’ve checked the schedule and know the departure track, now you’re ready to board! If you’ve made a reservation, you’ll find the car and seat number printed on the ticket. Displays on platforms at some stations show the composition of long-distance and overnight trains, and indicate where your car will stop on the platform. Be ready to board the train the minute it arrives; station stops are often very short.
You can see if a car is 1st or 2nd class by the numbers posted near the train’s door or on a window; some trains have both classes in one car. Pay close attention to destination displays and/or car numbers near the door. Trains can be split and sent in different directions, so make sure the car you’re in is going where you want to go. Once you’ve found your car, finding your seat is easy. If you’ve reserved a seat in a compartment, look for a sign on or next to the compartment door and match the seat number on your ticket to the one on the list. For open car reserved seating, seat numbers are on the headrest.
Are we there yet?
Station stops aren’t always announced, or may be announced in a foreign language you don’t understand. Take note of your scheduled arrival time and the names of the last stations before your stop so you’ll be prepared to exit the train when it arrives at your destination. Station names are clearly visible at platforms. Ask a railway employee or a local passenger if you’re not sure.
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