Explore by rail

Firstly, decide which Explore trip you want to book, or trips if you looking to combine tours. Discover our suggested trips for rail access further down this page.

To secure your place on your chosen Explore tour(s), we recommend booking and paying the 10% deposit while you sort your train travel with International Rail. 

Consider whether you'd like to travel by train one way, both ways or even break up your journey by enjoying a stopover or short break somewhere en route to your Explore tour.

Complete this short form, sharing your starting point, destination and travel dates with International Rail.

Sit back and relax whilst International Rail compile route suggestions and a quote for your journey.

When ready, International Rail's suggested journeys and routings will be sent to you, according to your request, along with full costings. At this point there's still room for manoeuvre and you can adapt the journey(s) to suit you - perhaps adding in a city stop along the way or adding a longer connection time so you can enjoy a stop off in a city of your choosing for lunch. 

Once you're happy with your trip and route, you will be asked to make payment for the train journey on the International Rail website. International Rail will confirm your tickets and send everything directly to you ready for travel.

Separately, we at Explore will confirm your trip booking, with final payment for the tour being required 70 days before departure.

Absolutely! International Rail will help you to plan the journey that best suits you – travel just one way by train, take the train there and back, or if you're lucky enough to be travelling for longer you could consider purchasing a rail pass to travel between destinations.

Of course - in fact we encourage it, as the real beauty of travelling by train is the flexibility to make the journey your own. Choose a route that ticks off some places you'd love to visit, or simply build in time for a quick look round or an overnight stop. You could choose trains with longer connection times so you can stop for a lunch and a quick explore, or take your time and spread your journey over a couple of days to make your journey into a mini-adventure.

All trains in Europe have a number, so it’s easy to spot which train you need on the departures board.  Give yourself enough time at each station so you're not rushing. There's always someone around to ask for help if you need it.

There are no weight restrictions for bags on trains, but it’s worth being mindful of the space available in each carriage. Typically, there are spaces for suitcases at the end of each carriage, and for smaller hand luggage style bags either in an overhead rack or under the seat in front of you. We always advise on packing light because you’ll need to be able to lift your bag on and off the train during your journey.

Unfortunately there's no assistance at train stations or on board to help with travellers' luggage. We recommend packing light as you'll need to be able to lift your bags on and off the train.  

Don't worry, if this happens then International Rail are just a phone call away and will help you continue your journey.

Travelling abroad by train is often more expensive than flying, but offers the benefits of stunning scenery, spacious seating, and a lower environmental impact. While flights may seem cheaper at first glance, taking the train travel provides a more relaxed and memorable journey, making it part of your holiday rather than just a means of getting to a destination. 

If reducing your carbon footprint is motivation for taking the train, ecopassenger.org is a great resource for comparing carbon emissions of various transport options.  By entering your start and end destinations the site will show emissions for travelling by train, plane and by car. 

With so many different routes, stations and arrival times, it's not possible for us to arrange transfers between train stations and hotels. Most stations are easily accessible and have brilliant public transport links to reach our hotels.

Because of the variety of options available, with numerous routes to choose from it’s not possible for us to arrange accommodation for you along the way.