FAQs

There are many options available for customising your rail holiday. We can add hotel nights to give you extra time to explore your destination, or add in additional destinations to help you discover new ones! We can also add transfers for ultimate ease and convenience and have an extensive range of sightseeing options, so you can make the most of your trip. Just speak with our Rail Experts and we’ll start creating the perfect rail holiday for you.

If you are travelling by train in Europe, you will find that upgrading typically means that the seats are slightly larger, with more room to stretch your legs out and enjoy the journey. Most European trains are open plan, and First-Class carriages are typically laid out with three seats across an aisle as opposed to four in the Standard equivalent. So, larger seats, as well as, the option for more seating options (for example tables for two and individual seats) as a result. Fewer passengers also mean more space to store your luggage, as well as a quieter travel environment. Click here to learn more about Classes of Service Onboard the Train.

Absolutely! Our pricing on our website is based on double occupancy, for individual traveller pricing, please give us a call and one of our Rail Experts can assist you!

There are no set departure dates with our holidays, with the exception of private train journeys such as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Most trains will run every day, which means our holidays do too!

Meal service and food options will vary from train to train across Europe but typically there will usually be a Cafe car attached to each train where you can purchase meals. Some trains do offer food included with your upgraded ticket, but this is not always the case.  Of course, passengers in all classes of service are welcome to bring their own food onboard. Some examples where food is included with a first-class ticket include travelling on Eurostar where the Standard Premier and Business Premier options do have included meals. First-Class service on many trains in Italy includes a welcome drink and snack, or check-out the exclusive Executive Class for a full meal. Overnight trains in North America like Amtrak and VIA Rail have meals included with their sleeper compartments. Perhaps most impressive, upgrading to Excellence Class on the Glacier Express will include a 5-course feast!

Yes! We can offer a reverse option on any of our itineraries. If you are already planned to be in one destination and would like to visit cities on one of our itineraries in a different order or start/finish in a different location, please call us and speak with a Rail Expert.

We’re always advocates of taking the scenic route! With so much to see from the train windows on all our rail holidays, you’re in for a treat. If there’s a different route you could take for some extra special scenery, we’ll be excited to let you know!

Call Railbookers to speak with one of our knowledgeable Rail Experts to book your perfect rail holiday, call your local travel advisor or submit an instant quote via the website.

With Railbookers, most of our holidays can be booked up to 24 months in advance.  To make a booking, please call Railbookers today!

From Crossing Platforms to Changing Stations, View all You Need to Know About Train Changes in the EU

If you’re headed across Europe by train, it’s likely you’ll likely have to change trains! This will commonly happen in Paris, Brussels, or Lille; the Eurostar’s termini.

If you are connecting from the Eurostar to an onward destination, Railbookers will always allow enough time for you to connect – whether you’re changing stations or simply finding a different platform. You will likely need to change stations in Paris, where in Lille or Brussels you’ll probably only need to leave the Eurostar arrivals and find your connecting platform. We can also provide private transfers at your request!

Connecting in Paris:

Eurostar arrives into Gare du Nord in the north of Paris. If your onward train requires a station connection rather than a platform change, please refer to the information below. Railbookers are also able to book transfer services between stations if you require them. Just speak to one of our Travel Consultants.

Gare de l’Est is a short walk away from the Eurostar terminal.

Gare Saint-Lazare is just one stop on RER line E, or is about a 30-minute walk from Gare du Nord (not recommended with heavy luggage). As an alternative to the Metro, we can include a private transfer for you!

Gare d’Austerlitz is accessible directly on the Metro. Travel on line 5 in the direction of Place d’Italie. As an alternative to the Metro, we can include a private transfer for you!

Gare de Lyon can be reached on RER line D, heading towards Melun or Malesherbes. Be aware that although the station is only two stops away, the station gets very busy. As an alternative to the Metro, we can include a private transfer for you!

Gare Montparnasse is the furthest station from Gare du Nord, though is still a direct journey. Take line 4 on the Metro in the direction of Mairie de Montrouge. As an alternative to the Metro, we can include a private transfer for you!

Connecting in Brussels:

Eurostar trains arrive in Brussels at Brussels Midi Station (also known as Brussels Zuid Station). Many trains to the rest of Belgium and Europe run from this station. If you are connecting in Brussels, you will likely just have to find a new platform. Platforms will vary depending on the type of train you are getting. High-speed trains, such as Thalys and ICE services, will normally leave from platforms 3 and 4. For local trains, be sure to check the departure board located in the main terminal. Your Railbookers Travel Consultant will be happy to advise you on timetables.

Connecting in Lille:

This will generally be a platform change if you are connecting to high-speed services, such as a TGV. Some local rail services also operate from Lille-Flandres, a short walk away. Sign up for special offers to receive a free EU Route Map.

Stations:

What to expect at the train station as you start and continue your adventure

Train stations in Europe range from ornately sculpted, historical caverns to ultra-modern, “destination stations” of enormous scale. In many cases, the station will be your first taste of a city and the beginning of your adventure. If you are leaving the UK by rail, your first port of call will be one of Eurostar’s three termini:

St. Pancras International:

Eurostar’s main hub is situated in the centre of London, connected to stations in the rest of the UK by both Kings Cross, St. Pancras, and nearby Euston stations, as well as by six London Underground lines. Railbookers can organise your UK rail tickets with your holiday, coordinating timings so you arrive in plenty of time to check-in for Eurostar.

Parking: We recommend taking public transport to St. Pancras International. There is an NPC car park located at the station in Pancras Road, NW1 2TB. More information can be found at www.npc.co.uk or by calling NPC directly on 0845 050 7080. Remember that the London Congestion Charge may apply if you are diving to St Pancras International.
Eurostar trains no longer run from Waterloo International. Eurostar’s London station is now St Pancras International.

Ashford International:

Some, though not many, Eurostar services also stop at Ashford International. The station is a 10-minute drive from Junction 10 of the M20 or can be reached by train.
Parking: There are 2,000 car parking spaces located at Ashford International. Parking can be pre-booked by visiting http://ashfordintl.co.uk/parking.

First-Class Lounges at Stations in Europe:

Larger stations across Europe will often have lounges available for first-class ticket holders. Facilities will vary, but you will invariably be greeted with a quiet, peaceful place to wait for your train. Some lounges also offer beverages and free Wi-Fi internet access. Your Railbookers Travel Consultant will be able to advise you of the facilities available on your holiday.

Passport, Visa, and Insurance Requirements:

To leave the UK and travel into Europe, the USA, or beyond, you will need to make sure you have satisfied your destination’s passport and visa requirements. All passengers, including infants, are required to have a valid passport. Please check your documents to ensure all passports and visas are valid prior to purchasing your tickets. If your passport is in your maiden name this should not normally cause any difficulties, please take a copy of your marriage certificate with you when you travel.

For information relating to visa requirements, please refer to the relevant embassy. Some are listed below.

France
French Embassy – tel: 020 073 1200

Italy
Italian Embassy – tel: 020 7312 2200

Belgium
Belgian Embassy – tel: 020 7470 3700

The Netherlands
Dutch Embassy – tel: 207 590 3200

Germany
German Embassy – tel: 020 7824 1300

Switzerland
Swiss Embassy – tel: 020 7616 6000

USA
US Embassy – tel: 020 7499 9000

Canada
Canadian Embassy – tel: 0207 004 6000

Insurance:

It is a condition of booking with Railbookers that you have sufficient travel insurance to cover your trip.
If you have any further questions regarding ID requirements or insurance, please contact one of our Travel Consultants on 020 3327 2440.

​​​​Of course! If you prefer, you can easily pick and choose which of your rail journeys you would like to take in First Class vs. Standard Class. You may wish to upgrade to the relaxing comforts of First Class on the longer and/or more scenic parts of your holiday - or perhaps you are travelling for a special occasion and you would like to have extra-special service on your birthday, anniversary, etc. We are happy to assist in customising your holiday to 'mix and match' your rail classes to create the perfect trip. 

With the exception of Eurostar, which has a 45-minute check-in time, there is no official check-in required for train journeys in Europe or North America. Of course, we always recommend arriving at the station in plenty of time. It is worth remembering that, while there are no set check-in times, at some stations (such as in many Spanish cities, for example), your luggage will need to be quickly scanned before you can board.

Our itineraries don’t have set departure times, and if there is a train running when there are multiple trains a day, your Rail Experts will be able to talk you through the different departures. If there’s a particularly convenient time or a departure that will ensure you catch the best scenery, we’ll be sure to recommend it.

All luxury and private trains offer differing types of accommodation, with different inclusions and amenities associated with them. We have a dedicated page available for all of our best-selling luxury and private trains which will answer all of these questions and more. Enter the world luxury rail holidays now!

All passenger first and last names, and all dates of birth, are required at the time of booking. Certain train providers will require passport information.

The balance of your booking is generally due 90 days prior to your departure. For some trips, final payment will be due 60 days before departure. If the booking takes place within those windows, full payment will be due at the time of booking. The date for your final payment will be included in your invoice following booking and is also available from your Account Executive.

If you use a credit card to pay your deposit, we will automatically charge the card on file with the balance due on the appropriate date. This saves you time by eliminating the need to call us for payment. You do not need to contact us for final payment unless you would like to change the payment method.

If you'd like to update the card used for the final payment, kindly contact us at least 3 business days before your final payment due date to provide the updated card information for the remaining balance.

You certainly can. We know that many of our customers like to upgrade some or all of their train journeys to first-class. Upgrading will give you a larger seat, more legroom and even a meal and drinks on certain routes. To find out more information, please speak with one of our Rail Experts who will tell you the advantages of first-class on your specific route.

Before you depart on your trip, prepare for a hassle-free experience by knowing how to pack smartly. There are no weight limits when it comes to your luggage, but just keep in mind that where you go, your luggage goes. Just because travelling by train means you get to bypass airlines' luggage restrictions, it doesn’t mean you should overpack.

The reality is that you’ll probably be hopping on and off trains regularly. And you’ll walk with whatever luggage you choose to bring more than you think you will. The lighter the better. Also, it’s important to check your luggage allowances with your airline if you plan on flying at any time during your train holiday.

Once you book with your deposit or full payment, a confirmation email and invoice will be sent to your email within 24 hours. After we receive full payment, your travel documents will be sent to you by email 14-21 days prior to your departure with Railbookers. If you booked within 21 days of travel, please keep in mind that you will receive your documentation closer to your departure date.

*Please Note: Select rail services are only provided as paper documents. In that case, we will send them to you by mail in addition to your electronic vouchers.

Yes, you can add additional sightseeing activities and/or hotel nights to most existing rail trips we offer. When you speak with a Rail Expert, request an explanation of the upgrade options to your trip as you wish. Additional charges may apply.

Our hotels are centrally located within each city we offer. Most are within a short distance of local sights and/or your railway stations.

The short answer to this question is that you can never be too early – many sleeper trains will sell out of cabins a long way ahead of departure, especially during the peak Summer and Autumn/Fall seasons. Finding space last minute can be extremely difficult.

Due to logistics, there is only a finite number of cabins that can be fulfilled on any one train.  Where trains offer ensuite cabins, these will be even more limited – not all cabins will be ensuite, so booking early is paramount.

We accept all major credit and debit cards (except for American Express) for the deposit as well as full payment.

Of course! A small deposit secures your Railbookers holiday with any available sleeper cabins reserved at the same time.

Most sleeper trains run all year round, but remember that peak travel times will be even busier and will sell out faster.