Train travel in Europe

With the exception of a few very large, multi-level stations, 10-15 minutes is usually more than enough time to change trains. If you have to change in Antwerp, that might be an example where you want to allow a little more time. But even if you miss your connection, unless you're traveling 1st class on Belgian rail, you can simply catch the next train- you'll rarely have to wait more than 30 minutes.

Jaye,

Most European trains are timed so that passengers have lots of time to transfer. In many cases, all that's necessary is to walk downstairs from one platform, walk a short distance through a tunnel, and then up another set of stairs to the next platform. Most rail stations have a large printed sheet in a plexiglass case which shows all the arrivals & departures and the track number. There's also the overhead electronic board which will show train no., destination and departure time.

Note that the word for "track" in German is Gleis, in Italian Binario and in French Voie.

If you have a copy of Europe Through The Back Door at hand, have a look at the "Rail Skills" chapter. You could also download the FREE PDF Rail Guide from this website - CLICK THIS LINK and then look at the centre bottom for the link to the Rail Guide.

Happy travels!

You should not have any problems.

If you look up your connections on the German Rail website, and click the '>' symbol next to it, it will expand to show all of the trains and the stations where you change. It will also show you, in Germany, at least, the track numbers the the trains. In 10 years I've never seen German trains deviate from these assigned tracks.

For major trains, they will ofter have paper schedule distributed around the coach which will show the track number for that train in each station as well as the track number for connecting trains in that station.

So, you should have plenty of opportunity to know the track number in advance. If not, when you get off the train, look for one of the glass cases on the platform with the schedule of all trains departing that station, with track numbers.

Know the schedule of the train you are on. Know when you are going to arrive at your station. As the train enters the station, get up, gather your luggage, and move to the end of the car, ready to get off when the train stops.

When the train stops, the other people from the train will head for the stairs to the connecting tunnel. Follow them. Once in the tunnel locate the stairs (large number sign) for the platform you want.

It looks like most connections from Vienna to Rothenburg have changes in Würzburg and Steinach. If you look at that expanded schedule (the one with track numbers), at the bottom is an icon labeled "at the train station" click on it and it will give you all the stations as options and you can get the station map, with track numbers, if possible.

Thank you so much for the great help - I plan on using all the advice and feel much more confident now! This is a great tool - thank you, thank you!!!

jaye, you will be fine. i have done this many times throughout the north. the trains are very much on time. but the stations are well signed and the attendants very helpful. look for your connection and move to that platform. no problem. have fun. be safe.

Jaye - Occasionally trains are delayed. Not common, but it happens. That will be the only real reason you might not make a connection.

If that happens, don't panic. Sometimes the other trains will wait a little to allow the transer. Don't be afraid to ask conductors or attendents for help. You'll also find most people will be very willing and helpful too if you are polite.

And if worse comes to worse and you do miss a connection, another train will come along. Just check in at the ticket office and they'll help you figure it all out.

My only little piece of advice is don't get on a train at your platform until literally a minute or two before the assigned departure time. It is NOT like a plane...! Many times I've been tempted to get on a train sitting at the assigned platform only to have it pull away (to some other place!) and then my train rolled in. Nothing like ending up in Budapest when you intended on going to Paris!

You can also ask the attendant when they check your ticket. They usually know what track (gleis, voie, spoor) you will need.

2 suggestions:

1. As Mike said above, when the guy comes to check your ticket, ask him which track your connection is on, they can tell you.

2. If time allows and the lines aren't too long, go to the window at the station before you leave and ask them to print out a copy of your itinerary. It will show you which tracks your connections are on each stop of the way.

Kira, there are several ways to avoid the possibility of getting on the wrong train. Over the platform will be a sign showing the next train, it's type, final destination and important stops, as well as the departure time. In this example, the train is an ICE headed for Zurich, with stops at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe, Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe. It leaves at 12:17. The time is now 12:06 and the train isn't even there yet. Most trains, unless they are originating in that station, will not be there more than a couple of minutes.

Also, be sure to check the sign in the window next to the door of the coach. It will tell you the destination of that coach. Sometimes trains are "broken" in a station and cars go to different destinations.

For major trains, there will be a sign on the platform showing the makeup of the train, class of cars, destination, kind of seating, etc. Find the car you want, then note the letter (A-F) over that car on the sign. There will be corresponding letters over the platform, so you'll know where to stand to get on the right car. In the example above, 1st class cars will load on the A part of the platform, 2nd class from the rest of the platform; the dining car is in between.

Wow, more great information - thank you all! The example you posted, Lee, was especially helpful!