Out Traveling

There are few things as nice as watching a movie, listening to a good podcast or getting some work done on the train. And fortunately most long-distance trains in Europe today offer free wifi onboard .

Eurostar , Renfe , SNCF and Deutsche Bahn let you get access to wifi on the majority of their trains. If having wifi is very important to you, the best way to really know if wifi is available is to google the train number (that can be found on your ticket) and you'll find out.

For EU residents

Should the wifi connection let you down, as an EU resident, you still have the luxury to take advantage of free roaming in all EU countries, just remember to turn on roaming in your phone's settings. If you are an EU resident traveling through a non-EU country such as Switzerland, the UK, or Norway, it could be a good idea to bring a 4G dongle in your bag, and switch off roaming to avoid hefty bills.

Most long distance trains in Europe have power sockets available. In some cases, the number of power sockets may be limited in the 2nd class cars. In 1st class, however, it's most common that there are power sockets somewhere around each seat. If it's super important to you, the best way to really know is to google the name of the train (that can be found on your ticket) and you'll find out.

Wondering if there's free wifi available? Find more information here: Is there wifi on the train?

Most of the trains in Europe have restaurant cars open to all passengers, regardless of the fare. What is offered depends on the operator but also during what time you travel. They usually serve hot food, drinks and snacks available for all customers.

Onboard catering during covid-19

Many train operators don't have onboard catering due to the current situation. And face masks are required on many trains so if possible – eat and drink before you hop on the train.

International train journeys in Europe are covered by the CIV protection rules, a set of rules to make it easier to travel cross-boarder with train. Primarily providing compensation for lost baggage and a guarantee of onward transport.

You can find out if your journey is covered by CIV by checking the tickets. "CIV" should then be printed in a corner.

But...

...there are many cases when these rules does not apply. Therefore All Aboard advise you to have a valid travel insurance before going on your trip. It's never a fun thing either to miss a connection or to loose your luggage, we know, therefore it's very useful to have an insurance where you're fully covered.

Missed trains connections can happen, but no need to panic. If we plan our trips well, a potential delay is not that big of a problem. Here are a few things to think about:

Before you travel

• Plan trips that can handle a bit of delay. If you're switching trains, perhaps to jump on a night train, you should always have extra time so that you don't miss your connection if you're running late.
• Consider getting additional travel insurance. If a train is canceled or you miss a connection, you might need to get new tickets if you're unlucky. Travel insurances can cover this extra cost.

If you've missed your train

International rail travel is protected by the CIV rules - which means you're usually allowed to travel on the next available train free of charge.

• Always save your tickets. You might need them later.
• Ask the ticket inspector to validate your tickets as evidence of the delay.
• When arriving at the next station, ask the station staff what to do next.
• If you need to buy new tickets, save all receipts so that you can later show them to your travel insurer when making a claim.

Like a few things in life, strikes are out of our control. Although we will do everything we can to help you if your trip is affected, there is no guarantee that you will be refunded in event of a strike. It can take up to six months for a final response from the operators.

Contact us on support@allaboard.eu and we'll help you!