Travelling around Europe by rail is an efficient, quick and inexpensive alternative to flying to both the near and more far-flung destinations on the continent. The adventure begins as soon as you board your first train - experience the culture of the different European countries from the comfort of your seat and stare at the ever changing countryside as you ride past at speeds of up to 186mph in state-of-the-art trains.

Journeys to all European destinations from the UK start at the Eurostar terminals at London Waterloo or Ashford International. Eurostar will take you in style to Lille ( from where many TGV' s depart for French destinations),Paris for more French connections or Brussels for further afield in Europe. From here it is up to you and your imagination!

From Brussels ( only 2 ½ hours from London) travel onwards to Amsterdam, Stockholm or St Petersburg. Paris will take you across France, Spain, Italy and parts of Switzerland. Europe is open to you for exploring! The TGV Med line extends the Paris South East line and these high speed trains can now complete the 750km journey from Paris to Marseille in just 3 hours!

If your final destination is further afield then many overnight services are available, but if you don't want to spend the night on a train then why not break your journey and spend the night in some of the cities en route. What could be easier than catching Eurostar from London Waterloo or Ashford International having a night in Paris before boarding the overnight train to destinations including Nice, Barcelona, Madrid, Florence, Rome or Venice?

Or if you want to take your car why not let French Motorail take the strain? Board your car in Calais and wake up in a choice of destinations including Avignon, Narbonne and Nice. Overnight accommodation includes "couchettes" or sleepers and it is an ideal option for families.


Rail passes - for example Euro Domino is valid in most European countries (soon to include Russia) and allows unlimited rail travel in one country for any 3 to 8 days within 1 month. The ScanRail pass can be used for a consecutive 21 days, or flexible 5 or 10 days travel around Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. Other Rail passes available include the France RailPass and the Euro Domino Youth Pass.

Want to ski in the French Alps but don't like the idea of flying? Then during the Winter Months use Ski Train! With one of our overnight trains from Calais or Paris, you can maximise the amount of time in the resort with up to 8 days on the slopes. Sleep the journey away in one of our comfortable couchettes and arrive refreshed for the holiday ahead. Or, for party lovers there's an onboard disco/bar carriage so you can dance until you drop. Most ski resorts are less than an hours transfer by road from the nearest railway station.

If you do not want to be restricted to one country, why not visit the whole of Europe and even "pop" across to North Africa with an Inter-Rail pass? Now available for 12 days, as well as 22 days and one -month Inter-Railing isn't just for the under 26' s. A pass can be purchased for single zones or multiple and reductions can be arranged on Eurostar fares and other cross - Channel services for Inter-Railers. Prices start at £119 for under 26' s and £139 for those over 26.

Always try to reserve seats, if you've toddlers a seat away from the doors is your safest option, not forgetting a table for play and picnics. If the train has old-fashioned carriages ask for seats in the center rather than over the wheels to prevent the possibility of travel sickness.

Check whether there is a buffet operating, but always play safe and take your own snacks in case the buffet is for some reason closed or out of stock.

Getting on and off your train can be tricky with children and luggage to contend with, especially if your are the only adult travelling. Rory and I recently embarked on a train journey with unfortunately two changes of trains and platforms (we had no option). With a 3 year old, an overnight bag (with wheels - always useful) and a heavy car seat in tow. The solution, ask the rail staff before you embark whereabouts on the platform your carriage is going to stop so you don't have a mad 50m dash from one end of the platform to the other after your train has pulled in. To ensure that you all get onto the train safely always ask, if you have young children with you, for help carrying your luggage from the nearest person in rail uniform. When it comes to disembarking, be prepared, trains generally only stop for a short time at stations, know exactly where your stop is and be ready by the door with all your luggage and children before anyone else. Ensure you are holding on to your child's hand and be aware that trains can often lurch forwards and backwards before coming to a complete stop.