When should I arrive at the station? Check -In requirements by Train Operator
To ensure a smooth journey, we recommend arriving at the station with enough time to find your platform, locate your carriage, and board comfortably.
Please note that boarding procedures may vary by station, route, and country. Always check the information on your ticket and any communications from the train operator before travel.
Check-in requirements by operator
- Eurostar
- DB
- Renfe AVE
- Lumo
- Trenitalia
- Regiojet
- Iryo
- Glacier Express
- Bernina Express
- SBB
- SNCF TGV INOUI
- Italo
- OBB
- Ouigo
- Avanti West Coast
- SNCB
- TGV Lyria
- SNCF TER
Eurostar
Recommended arrival time
• Standard Premier & Standard: 60–90 minutes before departure
• Eurostar Premier: 45–60 minutes before departure
Check-in requirements
• Mandatory check-in before boarding
• Security screening similar to airport procedures
• Passport and immigration controls for international routes
• Boarding gates close approximately 30 minutes before departure
DB
Recommended arrival time
• 15–20 minutes before departure
Check-in requirements
• No check-in required
• No security screening
• Keep your ticket available for onboard inspection
• Reserved seats are marked on board
Renfe AVE
Recommended arrival time
• 30 minutes before departure
Check-in requirements
• Security screening at most major stations
• Ticket inspection before accessing platforms
• Boarding gates may close a few minutes before departure
Lumo
Recommended arrival time
• 20–30 minutes before departure
Check-in requirements
• No formal check-in
• Ticket inspections occur onboard
• Customers should be on the platform before departure
Trenitalia
Recommended arrival time
• 15–20 minutes before departure
Check-in requirements
• No station check-in
• Digital and paper tickets are accepted
• Tickets are inspected onboard
Important
• Some regional tickets may require validation before travel if not purchased digitally.
Regiojet
Recommended arrival time
• 15–20 minutes before departure
Check-in requirements
• No station check-in
• Keep your ticket available for onboard inspection
• Seat reservations are generally included
Iryo
Recommended arrival time
• 20–30 minutes before departure
Check-in requirements
• Security screening at major Spanish high-speed stations
• Ticket inspection before platform access
• Boarding gates may close shortly before departure
Glacier Express
Recommended arrival time
• 20–30 minutes before departure
Check-in requirements
• No formal check-in
• Mandatory seat reservation in addition to a valid ticket
• Staff may verify reservations before or during boarding
Bernina Express
Recommended arrival time
• 20–30 minutes before departure
Check-in requirements
• No formal check-in
• Mandatory seat reservation on Bernina Express panoramic trains
• Reservation and ticket are checked onboard
SBB
Recommended arrival time
• 15–20 minutes before departure
Check-in requirements
• No check-in required
• No security screening
• Tickets are inspected onboard
SNCF TGV INOUI
Recommended arrival time
• 20–30 minutes before departure
Check-in requirements
• No formal check-in
• Ticket inspections may occur before boarding at selected stations
• Tickets are also checked onboard
Italo
Recommended arrival time
• 20–30 minutes before departure
Check-in requirements
• No formal check-in
• Ticket inspection may take place before boarding or onboard
• Keep your ticket and identification available if requested
OBB
Recommended arrival time
• 15–20 minutes before departure
Check-in requirements
• No check-in required
• No security screening
• Tickets are checked onboard
Ouigo
Recommended arrival time
• 30 minutes before departure
Check-in requirements
• Ticket inspection before boarding
• Passengers must be present before boarding closes
• Boarding may be denied if arriving after gate closure
Avanti West Coast
Recommended arrival time
• 20–30 minutes before departure
Check-in requirements
• No formal check-in
• Ticket barriers may be present at stations
• Tickets are checked onboard when required
SNCB
Recommended arrival time
• 15–20 minutes before departure
Check-in requirements
• No check-in required
• No security screening
• Tickets are inspected onboard
TGV Lyria
Recommended arrival time
• 30 minutes before departure
Check-in requirements
• No formal check-in
• Ticket inspection before boarding may occur at some stations
• A passport should be carried for international travel between France and Switzerland
SNCF TER
Recommended arrival time
• 10–15 minutes before departure
Check-in requirements
• No check-in required
• No security screening
• Keep your ticket available for inspection
Important
• Some paper tickets may require validation before boarding if not purchased digitally.
