Have a couple of questions for you veteran travelers:
Do you really have to give your passport to the conductor when you are on a night train? Have there never been problems with that?
On both night trains and day trains, can I expect to have access to a power outlet? Has anyone seen trains offering wifi service?
Thanks all for your help - leaving in 8 days!!
With regard to Question No. 1, I suppose if you offer to stay up all night with the conductor, you could be sure your passport is safe. But sometimes, you just have to grit your teeth and hope all will be well . . . and it usually is.
On question #1, it is most common on night trains going across some borders to give your passport to the conductor. That way, he/she does not have to wake you up for border checks. This should not be a problem.
I have never seen a power output on a regional train in Germany. There was one on the only EC I rode in during my last trip (Oct). I've never seen Wifi, and I would doubt it considering the difficulties maintaining connections while moving.
I know from experience that first class carriages on both IC and ICE trains have outlets. On the older model cars the outlet is hidden behind the curtain. I'm not sure about second class.
I'm unaware of which trains you'll be using, but there is wifi available aboard some of the Thalys trains making the runs from Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam-Cologne (Koln), and by the end of 2008, all of their trains should be equipped. The internet access is free in 1st class, with a fee charged in 2nd. So it appears this may be a developing trend, at least on the high-speeds.
Joel,
I have traveled on Eurostar Trains in Italy (1st class) and all window seats had a power outlets. I always charged my ipod while traveling. Not aware of WiFi. YOu don't say which country you are traveling through.
I traveled from Italy to Switzerland (day time) and when we stopped at the border, there was only a brief check of some passports (not mine). Cannot speak to overnight trains.
First class trains generally have plugs. Didn't notice wifi service though, but I never looked out for it.
