How to book cheap train tickets in Europe: A comprehensive guide
According to self-proclaimed ‘savviest shopper at Rail Europe’
Choosing to go by rail is often the most affordable way to travel Europe, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t jump at the opportunity to save even more! So here are some of the best ways to travel by rail and stretch your travel budget even further with cheap train tickets to Europe’s most popular destinations.
Book your train tickets in advance
Ever heard the expression “the earlier, the better?” When it comes to train tickets, it’s the “the earlier, the cheaper!” Rail operators ‘release’ tickets in phases, but not always at the same time. Here’s why. Train operators don’t want to sell all of their tickets last minute because it makes predicting accurate passenger demand difficult, so they often price tickets very low right when they are available for sale. But it’s not just about the timeframe. They usually only have a limited number of cheap train tickets that they can sell at their lowest price, so don’t wait! When you see a deal on a ticket you’re interested in, it’s best to book right away.
But how much in advance can you book your cheap train tickets? Ticket availability varies by operator. So here’s a quick guide for travelling to some of the most popular locations so you can start planning out and saving on your next train adventure.
France
- TGV trains: Domestic routes open 90 days before, while some international routes are available up to 180 days before the departure date.
- To Switzerland on Lyria TGV: You can book up to 180 days ahead of travelling.
- To Italy aboard TGV: Available up to 120 days in advance.
- To Italy aboard Frecciarossa: Tickets available up to 180 days (6 months) ahead of your travel date.
Switzerland
- Swiss panoramic trains: Book up to 60 days in advance.
Italy
- Italo trains: Available around 120 days in advance. This varies, so consider creating a booking alert on Rail Europe so you know exactly when they are available. More on this in a bit.
Eurostar
- To/from London: You can book up to 330 days ahead for core routes.
- Travel between France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany: Tickets open 90 to 120 days before.
Spain
- Renfe trains: Available 75 days in advance.
- Ouigo trains: Book up to 365 days ahead.
Germany
- Book up to 90 days before your trip.
Book in advance to not only save, but to also ensure you get on the train you want to travel on at the time you are looking to take off. We always tell you when booking opens on, for example, high-speed trains through France, or international train routes, so that you can get your seat abroad as early as possible!
And on that note…
Sign up for the Rail Europe newsletter and follow us on socials
One of the easiest ways to book cheap train tickets is to sign up for our newsletters to receive up-to-date, ticket release and promotion information. We also share travel tips and give you the inside scoop on all routes and deals. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X to stay on top of all train trends, and, of course, to get a heads up when there is a major discount available. Plus, we also think it is really fun content…but we might be a bit biased on that one.
Compare prices on Rail Europe
Compare all operators and their prices at one time and build out multi-leg journeys with different operators directly on the Rail Europe website. No need to search all the operators to find the best deal. We do that for you so that finding the best route and deal is just a few clicks away.
Set up a booking alert
Booking alerts are here to save the day…and lots of money! When you set up a booking alert, you will receive a reminder as soon as booking has opened on a particular route that you want to travel on.
Here’s how it works. Simply search for the route on the Rail Europe website. If tickets are unavailable, we will let you know and give you the option to set up an alert. Click the “Alert me when booking opens” button. You will then just need to provide the email address you want to receive the alert to and then just sit back and know you will have first access to the routes requested.
Have a change of plans? Not a worry! Just log in or register for a Rail Europe account where you can manage your booking alerts.
Opt for non-flexible fares
The three main types of fares sold are non-flexible, semi-flexible and fully-flexible. Fully-flexible and semi-flexible fares allow for some type of refund or exchange of tickets. On the other hand, non-flexible tickets are often non-exchangeable and non-refundable. If you know on which date and at what time you're travelling, you can save money on train tickets by choosing these non-flexible fares. They are typically the cheapest train ticket fare available.
Non-flexible tickets are available for most trains in the UK and on almost every major rail network in Europe, particularly on high-speed trains. Each rail operator has their own name for their non-flexible, cheap train tickets, so be sure to check the conditions. Non-flexible tickets are sometimes accompanied by a compulsory seat reservation that can't be changed. Depending on ticket conditions, some can be exchanged or refunded with a fee, while others are strictly non-exchangeable and non-refundable.
Ride slower trains
When you don’t have a need for speed, choosing a slower train, instead of a sleek high-speed train, typically ensures more affordable fares. It may take a bit longer to get there, but in our eyes, it is often the best way to go. With slower, non-direct journeys, you can really take in the countryside as you travel. Plus, with little traffic and connections directly to and from city centres, slower trains aren’t really “slow.” When you’re on a budget, they’re just right.
Take advantage of railcard reductions
A railcard is a card that offers discounts on certain trains in certain countries or regions. Once purchased, they offer major savings that quickly make the investment worth it. Here are some of the popular Railcards and the discounts they offer.
In the UK: One of the top ways to score cheap train tickets in the UK is by using a railcard. Most railcards in the UK give 1/3 off tickets, making it possible to redeem the cost of a railcard in just one purchase.
In Spain: The Carné Joven railcard offers youth discounts on fully-flexible tickets.
In Germany: Student travellers under the age of 27 can save 50% on the BahnCard 50. BahnCard 50 holders (suitable for frequent travellers) receive a 50% discount on certain fares.
In Switzerland: Youth discounts and cheap train tickets in Switzerland are available for travellers up to 24 years old.
In Italy: The CartaFRECCIA railcard offers up to a 50% discount on fares for passengers under 30 years old and passengers 60 years old and up.
The best part is Rail Europe takes care of the manual work of finding cheap train tickets in Europe. Not only do we allow you to compare the cost of all different fares at once, we also factor in Youth and Senior savings. Just be sure to enter the accurate ages of all of the travellers when searching on Rail Europe.
Travel at off-peak times
There is always a finite number of non-flexible, cheap train tickets, so the price will increase more quickly on popular days of the week, dates and routes. Also, in general, tickets are cheaper midweek and outside peak hours. If you do need to travel during peak times, it is worth scrolling down to tickets at later times in the day, because sometimes you will spot a cheap train ticket that is actually a flexible ticket, so you can still use it during peak hours. If you do manage to get a great value off-peak fare, be sure to stick to the fare conditions on the ticket. Also, being flexible with departure and arrival times which, can open you up to cheaper fares and sometimes emptier, more comfortable trains.
Take a night train and save on accommodations
Travelling on a night train is a fun, exciting experience that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. A night train allows you to catch up on sleep while travelling long distances across Europe, saving you the cost of a night in a hotel or hostel. To save the most money, book a solo reclining seat, as opposed to a solo sleeper because a solo reclining seat can cost as little as 25€. Think of it as your travel budget also covering your accommodations. Then you’ll arrive at your destination rested, fresh-faced and ready for a day of sightseeing – with some extra cash in your pocket.
Considering choosing a travel Pass
A rail Pass gives unlimited travel on the rail networks of the countries or regions covered by the Pass at one fixed price. If your itinerary includes three or more journeys, then a Pass will offer the most value. Passes are flexible, allowing you to choose when to travel (within a set period of time).
Other financial perks of certain Passes:
- Children often travel for free.
- Seniors and groups receive discounts.
- Passengers also get discounts on trains requiring reservations.
- Travellers receive discounts on public transportation, accommodations and attractions on certain Passes.
The most popular Pass for travellers trying to maximize travel and budget is the Eurail Global Mobile Pass. Enjoy unlimited travel in 33 countries during a set number or travel days that you select at checkout. This Pass also provides valuable travel bonuses to help you save even more money on your journeys.
Finding cheap Train Tickets in Major European Countries
So you’ve tried all of the money-saving tips mentioned above? Great. But before purchasing, be sure to check out these country-specific discounts to maximize your savings.
Finding cheap train tickets in Germany
Castles straight out of a fairytale are only a train ride away in Deutschland. Make the voyage a true fantasy by scoring a deal on your travels. When searching for cheap train tickets across the entire country of Germany on Rail Europe, keep an eye out for the “Super Sparpreis” or the Super Saver fare. This is usually the most affordable ticket. Bonus: Certain tickets also include a “City Ticket,” which allows free travel on public transport (bus, S-Bahn, subway and tram) to/from the departure or arrival station on the day of travel.
Finding cheap train tickets in Italy
From ancient ruins to modern culinary marvels, Italy always surprises and delights. To score cheap train tickets in Italy, be sure to select a “Super Economy” fare, which covers all domestic Trenitalia trains. Bonus: The Bimbi Gratis is a special offer for families, allowing children under 15 to travel for free in groups of 2-5 people, with at least one adult (minimum one adult and one child). This discount is available on Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabiana and Intercity trains for travel within Italy.
Finding cheap train tickets in Spain
Beautiful beaches, exceptional wine, edgy art, iconic architecture and heartfelt music – and that’s just Barcelona! See the entirety of Spain top to bottom, west to east, all while on a budget. The Basico (Basic) fare is the cheapest train ticket for travel in Spain. Bonus: Consider travelling aboard Ouigo, the budget provider that connects the most popular destinations in Spain via high-speed train for less.
Finding cheap train tickets in the UK
From the Tate Modern to the Scottish Highlands, the UK is a treasure trove of natural and cultural experiences – and the best way to see them is by train. For cheap train tickets in the UK, be sure to book in advance and consider travelling during non-peak times. You can also save around 33% on each ticket you purchase with a railcard.
Finding cheap train tickets in France
In France, you’re always just a few steps away from delicious food, exceptional entertainment, great conversation and fanstastic wine – no matter where you are. What’s not to love about that? Get around without spending a fortune by booking with OUIGO, the same budget provider that operates in Spain. You can also avoid paying a night’s accommodations by travelling aboard one of the country’s comfortable night train options.
Finding cheap train tickets in Switzerland
From the heights of the Swiss Alps to the shores of countless lakes, Switzerland has some of earth’s most breathtaking natural wonders, all within its relatively small land area. To explore it all and save money while you are at it, consider using the country’s vast network of regional trains, trams and buses. This network offers fares that are often more affordable than international or high-speed routes in the region.
If you plan on visiting multiple locations, a travel Pass is likely the best investment. Options like the Swiss Half Fare Pass allows passholders to travel by train, bus, boat and most mountain railway journeys at half the regular price. Or, consider the Swiss Travel Pass, which covers travel on intercity passenger trains, scenic trains and mountain excursions. It also gives Passholders perks like discounts on mountain railways and cable cars, discounted Passholder fares, unlimited use of public transit in over 90 Swiss cities and free admission to more than 500 museums.
Build out the best – and cheapest – itinerary with Rail Europe
Now that you have all of the tips you need to find the cheapest tickets for travel in Europe, it’s time to make your dream itineraries a reality. Rail Europe allows you to book your tickets and Passes quickly and securely while automatically providing and highlighting the cheapest train tickets with optimal routes across Europe. Don’t pay more to explore when you don’t have to. Use Rail Europe to book instead.
How to book cheap train tickets with Rail Europe
- First, head to our booking widget and enter the departure and arrival destinations.
- Add your traveller information to ensure you can take advantage of all possible discounts.
- Add your railcard or rail Pass (optional) or play with other parameters like multi-destination journeys.
- Click search and select your preferred time frame and fare.
- Choose a ticket delivery method and add passenger info before checking out and voilà, you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
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