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Discover the World by Train with Omio
Europe and the rest of the world feature extensive, modern networks of train routes that can get passengers from tiny rural towns to bustling international cities. With train tracks stretching the width and breadth of the globe, getting around by train is an enjoyable, sustainable, and highly efficient way to travel.
New & Restored Routes
- Paris to Milan: The return of the direct Paris-Milan train service, provided by SNCF (TGV) and Trenitalia (Frecciarossa), offers an exceptional travel experience between France and Italy.
- Berlin to Paris: Operated jointly by Deutsche Bahn and SNCF, this route covers 878 kilometers in just 8 hours, passing through Frankfurt, Karlsruhe, and Strasbourg.
How to Get Cheap Train Tickets
Securing the best price on train travel requires a bit of strategy. Here is how you can find the cheapest train tickets for your next journey:
- Booking windows by operator: Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn release tickets 180 days ahead; TGV international 120 days; most operators 90 days; Eastern Europe ~60 days.
- Named advance fare types: Look out for UK Advance fares, German Sparpreis, and Austrian Sparschiene.
- Split ticketing concept: Breaking a long journey into multiple separate tickets can sometimes be significantly cheaper than a direct fare.
- Flexible vs non-refundable fares: Choose what fits your needs depending on trip certainty, as non-refundable fares are generally much cheaper.
- Off-peak explanation: Traveling during quieter hours saves money, though what counts as off-peak varies by country.
- Price alert / early booking strategy: Set fare alerts and book as soon as tickets release.
Train Types Explained
Different journeys call for different services. Here is a breakdown of what to expect on the rails:
| Type | Example operators | Typical speed | Advance booking needed? | Seat reservation needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed | TGV, ICE, AVE, Frecciarossa, Eurostar, Shinkansen | 250–320 km/h | Yes | Yes |
| Medium-distance | Intercity, EuroCity, Amtrak | 120–200 km/h | Recommended | Optional |
| Regional | TER, Regionalbahn | 80–130 km/h | No (cheaper, open seating) | No |
| Night trains | ÖBB Nightjet, European Sleeper | 100–160 km/h | Yes | Yes (Berth/Seat) |
Train vs. Flight
We have identified numerous routes where traveling by train is faster and more convenient than flying.
- City-to-city time comparison: For example, Paris–London is 2h16 by train vs 4h+ door-to-door flying.
- CO2 comparison: Taking the train results in ~80% less emissions than flying on many routes.
- Price comparison guidance: Trains are often cheaper if booked early.
- Convenience factors: Enjoy city-centre to city-centre travel, no airport security, and no luggage fees on most trains.
Our Train vs. Flight ranking is based on the 100 most popular routes by train, bus, and flight booked through Omio. CO2 emissions in kg per transport type were calculated using values from Atmosfair.
To determine true travel time, we factored in:
- Flight/Train time: Shortest possible travel time.
- Transfer times: Fastest possible public transit route from the city center to the airport/station, and from the destination airport/station to the city center.
- Check-in time: 60 minutes for domestic flights, 90 for international, and 120 for non-Schengen flights.
Train Travel Tips: First-Time Travellers
- How to validate tickets: Regional trains in France, Italy and Spain require stamping at the platform machine — not doing so is a common tourist mistake.
- How to read a European timetable: Learn the standard layouts to navigate stations easily.
- Platform finding tips: European stations announce platforms late, so stay near the screens.
- Inter-operator connections: Be mindful of what happens if you miss a connection when travelling on two separate tickets.
- Luggage: Most European trains have no luggage restrictions or fees; passengers carry bags to overhead racks themselves.
Train Travel in Europe
The European rail network seamlessly connects diverse cultures, languages, and landscapes. Here are the top countries for rail travel:
France - Key Operators: SNCF, Eurostar
Spain - Key Operators: Renfe, Ouigo
Italy - Key Operators: Trenitalia, Italo
Germany - Key Operators: Deutsche Bahn
Austria & Switzerland - Key Operators: ÖBB, SBB
Benelux & Netherlands - Key Operators: NS, SNCB
Eastern Europe - Key Operators: České dráhy
Scandinavia - Key Operators: SJ
United Kingdom - Key Operators: Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway
Night Trains in Europe
Night trains have made a massive comeback, driven by sustainability and the launch of exciting new routes across the continent.
- Accommodation types: Choose from a standard seat, a couchette (4- or 6-berth shared room), or a private sleeper cabin for maximum comfort.
- Key operators: ÖBB Nightjet, European Sleeper, Snälltåget, SNCF Intercités de Nuit.
- Top routes: Sleep your way across borders on popular overnight journeys like Vienna–Paris, Berlin–Vienna, Brussels–Prague (European Sleeper), and Amsterdam–Zurich.
Scenic Train Rides
Some train rides are destinations in themselves. Here are some of the most spectacular routes to add to your bucket list:
Glacier Express
Bernina Express
Rhine Valley
Cinque Terre
Oresund Bridge
Train Travel in Asia
Japan
Japan's train system overview is defined by the incredible Shinkansen (bullet train), which connects major cities effortlessly. Whether you are starting your journey in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo or exploring the rest of the country, look into what the JR Pass covers, when it is worth buying, and how to purchase it. Check out our full coverage of JR and Trains in Japan for more information.
Southeast Asia
Travel through incredible destinations like Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. For each location, check our specific hub pages to see whether Omio covers trains, buses, or ferries for your route.
Train Travel in America
USA / Canada
Hop on a train from East Coast to West Coast or make your way down from the northern states to the south. The landscape of the USA is spectacularly varied. Start your travels in bustling New York City and zip to the capital, Washington DC, in just under three hours. For Canada, take “The Great Western Way” and discover the country from Toronto to Vancouver.
Key American Operators: Amtrak (USA), VIA Rail (Canada).
Top Routes Worldwide
Discover the most popular train connections booked by Omio travelers:
France & Benelux
- Train from Paris to Nice
- Train from Paris to Lyon
- Train from Brussels to Paris
- Train from Paris to Amsterdam
- Train from Amsterdam to Brussels
Italy & Spain
- Train from Rome to Florence
- Train from Madrid to Barcelona
- Train from Rome to Venice
- Train from Milan to Venice
- Train from Seville to Madrid
UK & Cross-Border
- Train from London to Paris
- Train from London to Edinburgh
- Train from Amsterdam to London
- Train from Brussels to London
USA & Rest of Europe
Frequently Asked Questions
The earlier you book, the cheaper your ticket will be — most operators release their lowest fares 3–6 months in advance. On Omio, you can compare prices across multiple train operators at once, so you always see the best available fare for your route. Choosing a non-flexible ticket and traveling off-peak (mid-week, outside rush hours) can also bring prices down significantly.
Enter your origin, destination, and travel dates on Omio and we'll search across 2,000+ routes and operators — including Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, Renfe, and Trenitalia — in one go. Pick your train, choose your seats and pay securely. You'll get your tickets by email, ready to use on your phone.
Train ticket prices vary widely depending on the route, operator, ticket flexibility, and how far in advance you book. A short regional journey might cost $5–15, while a cross-country or international high-speed train can range from $30 to $200+. On Omio, you can compare fares side by side so you always know you're getting a fair price.
Train operators use dynamic pricing — similar to airlines — meaning fares rise as the departure date gets closer and seats fill up. Infrastructure costs, peak-hour demand, and ticket flexibility (refundable vs. fixed) also affect prices. The good news: booking in advance, traveling off-peak, and choosing non-refundable tickets are the three most reliable ways to cut costs.
Yes. Omio is used by millions of travelers every year and works directly with train operators to offer real-time seat availability and secure payment. Your booking confirmation and tickets are sent to your email immediately after purchase. If anything changes with your journey, you can manage your booking directly from your Omio account.
You can book UK train tickets on Omio from anywhere in the world — no need to use a UK-based site or convert currencies manually. Just search your route, select your dates, and pay in USD. Your tickets will be sent to your email and work on any smartphone.
You can search and book Japanese rail tickets on Omio before you travel — no need to queue at the station or navigate a Japanese-language ticket machine on arrival. Simply enter your route, pick your train, and pay online. Your e-ticket will be waiting in your inbox.
Shinkansen tickets can be booked through Omio in advance — which is strongly recommended during busy travel periods. You can choose between reserved seats (specific seat assigned) and non-reserved seats (first-come, first-served in designated cars). Reserved seats are worth it for popular routes like Tokyo–Osaka.
Italy's two main rail operators — Trenitalia and Italo — both sell tickets on Omio. You can compare their high-speed services between cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Naples in one search. No need to visit two separate websites. Book at least a few days ahead for the best fares on popular routes.
Last-minute train fares are usually more expensive, but there are still ways to save: look for non-reserved seats, choose slower regional trains over high-speed services, and be flexible with your departure time. On Omio, you can filter results by price to quickly spot the cheapest option still available for your journey.
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