Food & Drink on European Trains

Trenitalia (Frecciarossa & Frecciargento)

Best for: Italian-style dining and premium service 

Trenitalia offers one of the most complete onboard food experiences in Europe. 

• Bistro car with hot meals, sandwiches, snacks, desserts  
• Authentic Italian coffee and a selection of wines  
• Meal boxes available (breakfast, lunch, dinner)  
• At-seat service in higher classes  
• In Business & Executive: meals and drinks are often included.

A great choice if you want a  full dining experience with Italian flair. 

Italo 

Best for: light snacks and modern service 

Italo focuses on convenience and quality snacks rather than full meals.  

• Snacks, pastries, and drinks served at your seat 
• Italian coffee available onboard 
• Vending machines on trains 
• Enhanced service in Club Executive class 

Ideal for short to medium journeys or light dining.

Renfe (AVE & long-distance trains)

Best for: traditional high-speed catering 

Renfe provides a classic onboard catering experience. 

• Buffet car or trolley service  
• Sandwiches, hot meals, snacks, drinks 
• Free meals in some first-class fares

A reliable, airline-style service on high-speed routes. 

Iryo

Best for: premium, modern dining  

Iryo combines Spanish high-speed travel with Italian-inspired hospitality. 

• Bistro/bar service onboard  
• Fresh meals and snacks with a modern touch  
• At-seat service depending on class  
• More inclusive offers in premium classes  

A stylish, upgraded alternative to traditional services. 

Deutsche Bahn (ICE & IC)

Best for: full restaurant experience   

Germany’s long-distance trains are known for their excellent catering. 

• BordRestaurant with freshly prepared hot meals  
• BordBistro for snacks and drinks  
• Beer, wine, and regional specialties  
• At-seat service in First Class  

One of the  closest experiences to dining in a restaurant on rails.  

SNCF (TGV INOUI & Intercités)

Best for: flexible bistro dining  

SNCF offers a convenient and modern approach to onboard food. 

• Le Bistro bar car with snacks, sandwiches, and hot dishes  
• Seasonal and locally inspired options  
• Pre-order meals before departure (on selected routes)  
• Limited at-seat service in First Class  

A  balanced option between quality and convenience. 

National Rail (UK trains)

Best for: variety depending on operator

Food options vary widely across UK train companies. 

• Trolley service on many routes (snacks, drinks)  
• Full catering on some long-distance services (e.g. LNER, Avanti)  
• Complimentary meals in First Class on selected routes  

Expect  different experiences depending on the train operator and route. 

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)

Best for: high-quality, consistent dining 

Swiss trains are known for reliability — and that includes food. 

• Full restaurant cars on many InterCity trains  
• Swiss specialties and freshly prepared meals.
• Bistro/takeaway options also available.

A  premium and consistent dining experience across the network. 

OBB (Railjet & EC)

Best for: modern premium dining 

OBB offers high-quality onboard catering, especially on Railjet trains. 

• Restaurant or bistro car with hot meals  
• Snacks, drinks, and Austrian specialties  
• At-seat service in First & Business Class  

A  top-tier experience comparable to Germany and Switzerland.  

OUIGO (low-cost trains)

Best for: budget travel 

OUIGO focuses on low fares, with minimal onboard services. 

• Limited snacks and drinks  

• Vending machines or small selection onboard  

• No restaurant car or full meal service  

Best to  bring your own food or plan ahead. 

At a glance 

• Full dining experience: Trenitalia, Deutsche Bahn, SBB, ÖBB  

• Bistro & snacks: SNCF, Renfe, Italo, Iryo  

• Limited options: OUIGO  

Varies by route: UK trains