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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.

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.

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!

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 have to change trains!  Changing trains is easy, and will usually just require a quick hop across platforms. When you book a vacation with Railbookers, we will always make sure you have time to comfortably make the connections between your trains. Changes of trains aren’t difficult, and will normally just be from one platform to another, although occasionally a city will have two or more stations, and a station change may be needed. Speak to us about organizing transfers between stations, or ask one of our Rail Experts for details on directions.

Stations:

Wondering 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. Arrivals and departures will be clearly signaled on large boards in the station’s main concourse, and you should be able to find your train number and platform easily.

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. One of our Rail Experts will advise you on the facilities available during your vacation.

Passport, Visa, and Insurance Requirements:

Before you depart on your Railbookers vacation, please ensure 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, but 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 Rail Experts.

Connecting in Paris:

Eurostar arrives at 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 it 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, it 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.

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 the 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 driving 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.

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 traveling 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 vacation.