Italian International trains

• Q. What types of sleeping compartments or accommodations are available on overnight trains?

  A. There are Second class, First class, and on some overnight trains, Premier class accommodations.

  In Second class, you can relax in a reclining seat, a ‘couchette’ that is a shared compartment with up to 6 beds, or a compartment with 3 to 4 beds.

  In First class, you’ll share a more relaxing locking compartment with one or two beds and a wash basin in the compartment.

  Lastly, on some trains, you can book a Premier class ticket for a great night of sleep with private, lockable accommodations for one or two, a private shower and toilet, and includes breakfast and on some trans, dinner.

  Sleeping accommodations vary by train type and by route. Be sure to read the product details for the overnight train you’re interested in to see what that train offers in each class of service.

• Q. Can I choose a specific seat on a train when making my reservation?

  A. At this time, it’s not possible to choose a specific seat on our website when booking a reservation.

• Q. How early should I arrive at the train station?

  A. We advise travellers to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure. This allows you time to clear any security checks and locate the platform where your train will be departing. If you are departing from a larger train station (typically a city’s main station) and need to activate your rail pass prior to boarding, you will want to arrive even earlier to make sure you have enough time to get your rail pass activated and avoid doing a luggage-hauling sprint through the station.

  Please note: For Eurostar trains, follow the "check-in and Ticket Gate Time Limit" instructions which can be found on your ticket under "Additional Information".

• Q. Are lockers and luggage storage services available at the train station?

  A. Most major train stations have a left luggage facility offering either self-serve luggage lockers or staffed luggage facilities.

  Keep in mind that there is a fee to store your luggage at a train station. Typically, stations will charge a flat rate to rent a luggage locker that you’re free to fill. For staffed luggage facilities, you may incur a “per bag” fee. In either case, the fee is usually under 10 Euros. If you do leave your bags, be sure to keep some money in your pockets for the luggage lockers.

• Q. How far in advance can I purchase a train ticket?

  A. Train tickets can be purchased in a booking horizon of 30 to 180 days in advance of a journey. This booking horizon depends on the route and each rail carrier’s policy.

  In order to take advantage of the best prices and availability, always book as far in advance as possible. It’s particularly important to book early during peak travel seasons to ensure you can travel on the date you wish.

  Please note – when planning a journey you can always enter a date within 30 days of today to view general travel times and ticket fares.

  Booking horizon by country (in advance of the date of travel):*

  Austria - 90 days
  Balkans - 60 days
  Benelux (International) - 90 days
  Croatia/Slovenia (International) - 90 days
  Czech Republic (International) - 60 days
  Denmark - 60 days
  Finland - 60 days
  France - 90 days
  Germany - 180 days
  Great Britain - 75 days
  Hungary (International) - 90 days
  Italy - 120 days
  Montenegro/Serbia - 90 days
  Norway - 90 days
  Spain - 60 days
  Sweden - 180 days
  Switzerland - 90 days
  Poland (Domestic) - 30 days
  Poland (International) - 60 days
  Romania (Domestic) - 30 days
  Romania (International) - 90 days
  Russia - 45 days

  Booking horizons for the major train lines or carriers (in advance of the date of travel):*

  Allegro - 60 days
  ATOC Britain - 90 days
  Berlin-Warsaw Express - 60 days
  DB - 180 days
  Eurostar - 180 days
  France-Freiburg (Breisgau)TGV - 90 days
  France-Germany High Speed - 90 days
  France-Italy TGV - 90 days
  France - Russia - 60 days
  France-Spain High Speed - 119 days
  Germany-Italy Day - 120 days
  Hungarian Trains - 90 days
  ICE - 180 days
  Lusitania - 60 days
  Lyria - 90 days
  NTV Italo - 120 days
  RENFE - 60 days
  Romanian Night Trains - 90 days
  Thalys - 90 days
  Thello Night - 120 days
  Tolstoy - 60 days
  Trenitalia (Domestic) - 120 days
  Trenitalia (International) - 120 days

  *Subject to change.

• Q. Why should I purchase my train tickets before I leave for Europe instead of while there?

  A. While you can purchase train tickets locally, it has been our experience that the earlier you book the more likely you are to get the best fares. The longer you wait, the more likely the cheaper fares will be sold out. By booking early, you can avoid a higher ticket price.

  Buying in advance also can save you a lot of time. You won’t have to wait in line at the train station. And considering how precious your vacation time is, why not spend it relaxing instead of worrying about your next train ticket?

• Q. I am taking a cruise while in Europe. How do I connect between the train station and port of call?

  A. Traveling between a port and a train station is usually simple. Sometimes, getting between the two is an easy walk. And in other cases, it’s best to take a taxi, bus, or train.

• Q. I bought the Rail Protection Plan™. Can I exchange my train ticket, even though the ticket is non exchangeable?

  A. One of the greatest benefits of the Rail Protection Plan™ is that it provides you with the total flexibility to change your train ticket or rail pass – regardless of its refund/exchange policy- no questions asked. With the Rail Protection Plan™ you’re also protected in the event of a railroad strike, or the loss or theft of paper tickets or rail passes.

• Q. What happens if I don’t fill out my rail pass before boarding the train?

  A. Those who travel with a rail pass in which the travel date is not filled in the travel calendar box risk payment of a full fare ticket and a fine.

• Q. Can I print my rail pass at the station?

  A. At this time, most rail passes are printed as a paper document and must be shipped to you prior to your departure to Europe. If a rail pass is offered as an e-pass this option will be offered at the time of booking. For rail passes offered as e-passes, you will need to print it out on paper prior to arriving at the train station..

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