Myths About Train Travel in Europe

Many people prefer to drive or fly when in Europe and I frankly think this is a huge mistake. Below I’m busting some common myths:

1. It’s better to be in control, thus we want to drive
   The driver always misses out, they can’t take in the sights while driving/navigating. Plus, signs are in foreign languages and there are a TON of roundabouts.
2. It’s faster to fly
   Oftentimes, it may seem tempting to take that cheap Ryan Air or Easy Jet flight when in Europe, but by the time you arrive early to check in and clear customs on the other side it would likely be the same as taking a train. Minus, the turbulence!
3. You can only stop in small villages if you drive
   We passed some of the most remote villages that I don’t even think we’re accessible via roads on the Glacier Express. We passed several ski areas where you could hop off the train and go straight up the gondolas to the slopes. Trains are very frequent in Europe, especially Switzerland, so hopping on and off is no problem. Just be sure to check the last train home!
4. I have to haul my bags and look for open seats
   Switzerland Travel System now offers a great service that handles your bags for you. Say goodbye to them at the airport, or train station and hello again once you’re inside your hotel room. We tried this and it was incredibly efficient and amazing to not haul heavy suitcases up the stairs to the second level of a train. In Switzerland, and most European high speed rails, you can opt for first class service which allows for a reservation. Show up to your specified car and a seat is waiting with your name on it. These services do come at a cost, but it is reasonable.
5. The food will be awful
   Au contraire, many of the high-speed rails offer gourmet 3-course dining options. Bar carts and snack carts pass by frequently.
6. Planning will be a disaster
   With a travel agency, or operators like Rail Europe and EuroRail, you book online and travel to multiple European countries with one pass. The routes and maps make it easy to understand and the pricing is transparent. Voila!