The Austrian Railway website (www.oebb.at), is a handy resource for checking train schedules, platform information and more. It covers all of Europe, including small towns and international connections, and it’s possible to print out schedules for your clients. Departure schedules and platform information can be found in all train stations, ranging from posters (departures on yellow paper, arrivals on white) boards providing up-to-the-minute information. Larger stations almost always have a staffed information counter as well. On the platforms themselves, there are also usually displays confirming the next train’s departure time and destination.

Clients can download the free Railteam mobile application straight onto their iPhone/Android/Blackberry or other mobile devices – refer them to the following website for more details: www.railteam.eu

Most larger cities have multiple train stations and trains do not always stop at all of them! Be sure to inform your clients that if they want to arrive at a specific station in a particular city, they should double check from which station the train departs from.

Station stops are not always announced or may be announced in a foreign language.

Therefore, clients should take note of their scheduled arrival time and the names of the stations before their final destination. Pass holders should also be prepared to exit the train quickly because most trains only stop for a few minutes at each station.

Many long-distance and high-speed trains have full-service restaurant cars offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. On express trains, there are sometimes buffet and bar cars that sell light meals throughout the trip, and vendors who pass through the carriages selling snacks and beverages. However, food service is not very common on local domestic trains. Most trains permit pass holders to take their own food and beverage onboard, although they should look out for signs onboard the train which suggest otherwise.

ATMs affiliated with Plus (Visa) and Cirrus (MasterCard) can be found in most train stations. It’s always advisable for pass holders to carry small denominations of cash at all times.

Remind Eurail Pass holders to travel light because it’s their own responsibility to carry their own luggage through European train stations and getting on and off trains. Depending on the type of train, luggage racks can be found above the seats and/or at the end of the car. Railways are not responsible for lost or stolen bags. Most major train stations offer storage facilities or coin-operated lockers for luggage.

Train stations can be busy, exciting and sometimes even overwhelming places. In Europe, they are generally quite safe, but those with a lot of tourist traffic will sometimes draw thieves and pickpockets. Inform clients to be alert in stations and especially on trains going to or from the airport.

Remember that European time is displayed using the 24-hour clock: after 12.00 noon comes 13:00 (1 pm), 14:00 (2 pm) etc, up to 24.00 (midnight).

After checking the schedule and departure platform, it’s time to find the respective train. If the traveler has made a reservation, he/she has to check the car number and seat number printed on the ticket.
Glass-enclosed cases on platforms at some stations called “Composition of Trains” show long-distance and overnight trains, car-by-car. These display exactly where the travelers car will stop on the platform. Alternatively, the traveler can ask for assistance from train personal waiting on the platform. The traveler should be ready to board the train the minute it arrives; station stops are often very short unless boarding is done at the beginning of the train’s route.
Numbers posted near the train’s door or on a window show if the car is 1st or 2nd class; some trains have both classes in one car.
Destination placard and car numbers are placed near the door. Trains can be split and sent in different directions. Advise your client to be sure the car he is on goes where he wants to go!! Once the car is found, finding the right seat is easy. If a seat is reserved in a compartment, a sign on or next to the compartment door showing the seat’s number must match the seat number on the ticket.
For open-car seating, seat numbers are on the headrest. Travelers have to be prepared to vacate a reserved seat that does not belong to them when the rightful seat-holder arrives.

Special amenities for disabled people are offered on trains and at many train stations in Europe. At the station they are clearly indicated with pictograms (special toilets, telephones, elevators or ramp entrance for wheelchairs). In addition, special equipment for boarding a train is available. This equipment must be reserved in advance in Europe and the traveler must specify whether he/she requires personal help and of what kind (wheelchair, help for boarding, etc.) Please advise your client to check on the spot.

It’s possible to travel with dogs in most European countries; small dogs travel for free or at a minimal charge, large dogs travel at half the 2nd class fare (even if traveling with a passenger in 1st class). Often, dogs are required to be kept in a traveling container or must wear a muzzle and a leash. In some countries (e.g. Spain and Great Britain) dogs are not allowed on trains. Please advise your client to contact the respective railway before traveling with regards to this matter.

Many high-speed trains do not permit access onboard, but most local trains will accept them. Please refer your client to one of the online timetables to find out whether their train will permit them to board with a bicycle. After filling in the departure and destination station, it’s possible to select “carriage of bicycles required”. The timetable will show trains that allow bicycles onboard. An additional supplement is generally required which is not included in the Eurail Pass. Before boarding a train with a bike, it’s necessary to go to the local ticket window to ask for a bicycle ticket and to reserve space for transportation.