UK Rail Tours

European Rail Guide

Austria -
This is a national operator. Intercity trains run across Austria and the new Railjet services are being introduced throughout the country on many fast services.The German ICE trains are also used on some routes.
Most overnight services have sleeping cars (up to three berths), couchettes (four/six berths) and 2nd class seats. Seat reservations are available on long-distance train services.
Most stations do have the facilities for customers to leave their luggage.
 
Belgium -
The rail system in Belgium is operated by the Dutch and French railway companies.Seat reservations are available on international journeys only. Left luggage and cycle hire is available at most stations.

Bulgaria -
Operated by the Bulgarian State Railway. There are many express, fast and stopping trains. These trains can often be crowded. Reservations are highly recommended and they are compulsory for express trains. Some long-distance trains convey buffet cars.
Most overnight services have sleeping cars 1st, 2nd class and seats. Signs at the stations are in Cyrillic

Croatia -
Operated by the national railway company. Zagreb is the major hub and station for international trains. The service is efficient but there is a limited network and services can be infrequent. Daytime trains on the Zagreb - Split line are operated by modern tilting diesel trains. There is normally left luggage, bar and WCs at the rail stations in Croatia.

Czech Republic -
Operated by the national railway company. The Czech Republic has a extensive rail network with many branch lines. The trains can be overcrowded. The best mainline trains are classified IC, EC or Ex. The fastest Praha - Ostrava tarins are classified SC (SuperCity) and are operated by tilting Pendolino trains - a compulsory reservation fee applies on these trains of around £10.00 per person. Many long distance trains have dining or buffet cars. Seats for express trains may be reserved.

Denmark -
There is a good railway system in Denmark, much of it is now operated by private rail companies. IC (InterCity) trains can reach up to speeds of around 140mph. RE (Regionaltog) trains are frequent, but slower. Refreshment trolleys and vending machines are available on most IC trains. Reservations are recommended (not compulsory) on IC and Lyn trains. Baggage lockers at most rail stations.

France -
France has an excellent rail network from Paris to all the major french cities with TGV connections, using dedicated high speed lines (up to 270 mph on the Est line to eastern France) as well as conventional track. Trains can get very busy at peak times so it is advisable to reserve seats. Prior reservation is compulsory on the TGV services and is included in the ticket price. If customers are travelling on rail passes they will have to pay for a reservation for the TGV.
Reservations are also compulsory on all overnight trains; most convey couchettes and reclining seats only ( sleeping cars are only conveyed on international trains). A certain number of couchette compartments are reserved for women only only or those with small children; otherwise, couchette accommodation is mixed. There is a minimal bar/trolley service on most long distance trains. Larger stations have left luggage facilities.

Germany -
The German rail system is excellent and very efficent. Long distance trains travel at speeds in excess of 220mph and are known as ICE trains. There are also many regional services named IRE,RE, RB (modern and comfortable and connect with the long distance network). Frequent local S-Bahn services operate in major cities. Some local services are now operated by private railways. Overnight services convey sleeping-cars (up to three berths) and/or couchettes (up to six berths), also reclining seats - reservation is generally compulsory. Most long - distance trains convey a bistro or resturant car (an at seat service is offered in first class). Seat reservations are possible on long distance trains. Stations are well staffed, often with left luggage and bicycle hire. Main station is Hbf (Hauptbahnhof)

Hungary -
The railway is operated by the Hungarian State Railway and connects most major cities and towns. Express services link Budapest to major centres and Lake Balaton. IC (InterCity) trains require compulsory reservations and supplements. The local services are very slow. Sleepers need to be booked well in advance.

Ireland -
The Enterprise express service Dublin - Belfast is operated jointly with  the Northern Ireland Railways. Services also operate from Dublin to the south of the country.

Italy -
The trunk high speed line from Torino to Salerno via Milan, Roma and Napoli is now complete, giving fast journey times between major cities. Eurostar Italia and Eurostar City trains also require payment of a higher fare. Reservations are compulsory on all types of services, except between Austria. Services are reasonably punctual. Sleepers: single or double berths in 1st class, three (occasionally doubles) in 2nd.
Couchettes; four berths in 1st class, six in 2nd-class couchettes. Refreshments on most long-distance trains.

Netherlands -
The Dutch national railway company provide most services, though some private operators run local train services in some parts of the north and east. Through tickets can be purchased between all stations in the Netherlands, regardless of the operator. Cycle hire is available at most stations. Baggage storage is available at most larger stations.Seat reservations are not available except on International journeys.

Norway -
All trains convey 2nd class seating. Most medium and long distance trains also convey Komfort class accommodation, this is a dedicated area with complimentary tea/coffee and newspapers. Sleeping cars have one, two or three berth compartments (passengers may reserve a berth in any category with a 2nd class ticket). Long distance trains convey a bistro offering hot and cold meals, drinks and snacks.

Poland -
Most long distance trains are classed as Intercity. Reservations are compulsory on these trains. Some train tickets in Poland are not transferable between the different train companies. Fares for First class are usually around 50% higher than the 2nd class fare.Overnight trains usually have 1st/2nd class sleepers, plus 2nd class couchettes and setas. Left luggage and refreshments in major stations.

Slovakia - Trains are cheap but often very crowded. Apart from a small number of EC and IC trains (for which higher fares apply), the fastest trains are expresny and Rychlik. Sleeping cars and couchettes need to be booked well in advance especially in the summer months. Seat reservations are recommended for express trains.

Slovenia - Efficient network, but fewer services on Saturdays. Reserve for Intercity trains.

Spain - This is mainly a National Operator.
Long Distance Trains include the following;
AVE High Speed Trains
Altaria, Alaris, Eoromed, Talgo and IC Expresses.
There is also sleeper train services operating in Spain, one being the TrenHotel (Hotel Train)
Most long distance trains in Spain reservations are compulsory.
Most trains in Spain have 1st and 2nd class accommodation. Some of the AVE trains also have a Super First class "Club".
Other Information - The Barcelona to Madrid has some of the fastest trains in Europe operating on this route.

Sweden - This is mainly a National Operator. There are also a few local and private railway lines.
X2000 trains - Supplements are required.(Seat reservations are compulsory)
These trains operate between Sweden and Copenhagen, Denmark via the Oresund bridge.
Sleeping Cars - (Seat reservations are compulsory) 

if you have any questions on the rail system in Europe please call 0191 246 0708 or email mail@railtourguide.com