How to book tickets on Rail Europe
Rail Europe is designed to make booking European train tickets simple. Select the device you are using and follow the step below.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Website
- Phone
1. Search for trains
From the Rail Europe home page, enter your departure and arrival stations.
Select your departure date using the calendar. If you're booking a round trip, add your return date as well.
By default, the departure time is set to 06:00 (24-hour format). You can update the departure time to match your preferred travel schedule. This helps display the most relevant train options, especially on routes with multiple departures throughout the day.
Once you've entered your journey details, select Search to view the available options.
2. Add passengers
Select the number of passengers travelling using the passenger selector below the search bar. You can include up to 9 passengers in a single booking.
Choose the appropriate passenger type for each traveller, such as Adult, Senior, or Youth.
Note: Once a booking has been confirmed, you cannot add additional passengers to it. If you need to book for more travellers, you'll need to make a separate booking.
3. Add a railcard
If you have a railcard, you can apply the discount it offers by selecting + Add railcard and choose the relevant railcard from the list to apply an eligible discount. You can read more about railcards we support in the following Help article: Using railcards.
4. Search results
Review the available journeys and select your preferred departure time. Expand the options to compare travel classes, ticket types and fares.
To modify your journey, select Edit on the right-hand side of the page.
5. Review the fare conditions
Read the exchange and refund conditions for the selected fare. Once you are satisfied, select Continue.
6. Enter passenger and ticket details
Enter the passenger details and choose any available seating preferences, such as window or aisle seats or TGV Duplex deck preference. You can also select your ticket delivery method and, if you’re signed in to your Rail Europe account, choose from saved passengers or add new ones. Make sure each passenger’s name matches the correct passenger type.
Once everything is correct, click Add to basket to confirm your ticket reservation. You can view your basket at any time using the basket icon in the top-right corner of the page.
7. Review your basket and seats
The time your reservation can be held is displayed at the top of your basket and may vary depending on the ticket, from around 30 minutes to several hours or days. To remove an unwanted item from your basket, by clicking the bin icon next to it. Please note that individual passengers cannot be removed from a basket item. If the number of passengers changes, you’ll need to start a new search with the correct passenger details.
8. View your seats
Before proceeding to checkout, review your assigned seats to make sure you’re happy with them, as seat changes are usually not possible once your order has been placed.
You can also add additional journeys at this stage if you’d like to book multiple segments within the same reservation.
9. Checkout
At checkout, enter the required information, including your contact details, cardholder address, and payment details. Before placing your order, you’ll have another opportunity to review your ticket and passenger details to make sure everything is correct.
10. 3D-Secure
After entering your card details, you may be redirected to your bank's 3D-Secure service, where you can complete additional security questions to authorise the payment. If you have any trouble or need further information read the help article: Problems making payment.
11. Booking complete
Your booking is now confirmed.
A confirmation page will display your booking reference and journey details. You'll also receive a confirmation email containing your itinerary and ticket information.
Depending on the ticket type, you can:
- Download your PDF ticket(s)
- View your mobile ticket(s)
- Find instructions for collecting your ticket(s), if applicable
You can also access your booking later from Your Trips if you're signed in.
1. Search for trains
Open the Rail Europe website on your phone. Enter your departure and arrival stations, then select your travel date.
Add a return date when booking a round trip and choose your preferred departure time. Tap Find trains.
2. Add passengers
Tap the passenger section and select the number and type of passengers travelling.
Use Show more passenger types when you need to add Senior, Youth or other available passenger categories.
A maximum of nine passengers can be included in one search. Passengers cannot be added after the booking has been confirmed.
3. Add a railcard
Tap + Add railcard, then select the relevant railcard to apply an eligible discount.
4. Select a train
Scroll through the available journeys and tap your preferred departure time. Expand the journey to review the available travel classes, ticket types and fares.
To change your search, use the back arrow on your phone.
5. Review the fare conditions
Open and read the exchange and refund conditions for your selected fare. Tap Continue when you are ready to proceed.
6. Enter passenger and ticket details
Enter the passenger information carefully. Depending on the train, you may also be able to select seating preferences, you can also select your ticket delivery method and, if you’re signed in to your Rail Europe account, choose from saved passengers or add new ones. Make sure each passenger’s name matches the correct passenger type.
Tap Add to basket to reserve the tickets.
7. Review your basket
The time your reservation can be held is displayed at the top of your basket and may vary depending on the ticket, from around 30 minutes to several hours or days. To remove an unwanted item from your basket, by clicking the bin icon next to it. Please note that individual passengers cannot be removed from a basket item. If the number of passengers changes, you’ll need to start a new search with the correct passenger details.
8. View your seats
Before proceeding to checkout, review your assigned seats to make sure you’re happy with them, as seat changes are usually not possible once your order has been placed.
Scroll through the complete booking summary before tapping Checkout.
9. Checkout
At checkout, enter the required information, including your contact details, cardholder address, and payment details. Before placing your order, you’ll have another opportunity to review your ticket and passenger details to make sure everything is correct.
10. 3D-Secure
After entering your card details, you may be redirected to your bank's 3D-Secure service, where you can complete additional security questions to authorise the payment. If you have any trouble or need further information read the help article: Problems making payment.
11. Booking complete
Your booking is now confirmed.
A confirmation screen will display your booking reference and journey details. A confirmation email with your itinerary and ticket information will also be sent to your registered email address.
Depending on the ticket type, you can:
- Open your mobile ticket(s)
- Download your PDF ticket(s)
- View ticket collection instructions, if applicable
You can also access your booking later from My Bookings when signed in.