Step 3: Navigating Transportation (Train and Car)
Ready to get from Point A to Point B (and maybe C, D, and E)? You've landed in the right place to figure out your European transportation!
Train Travel: My Top Pick
Train travel is my favorite! Many European countries are even considering eliminating short-distance flights for routes easily covered by train. It's often more comfortable and hassle-free.
Planning Your Train Journey:
Map It Out: Scour train maps and trip times. A Rome to Vienna trip? That's about 10 hours.
Break Up Long Journeys: Instead of one long haul, consider a midway stop to explore and spend the night. Two 5-hour segments (e.g., 6 AM-11 AM or 7 AM-Noon) still leave you the afternoon and evening to discover a new town.
Long-Distance Train Perks for First-Timers:
Scenic Views: Enjoy amazing countryside views, especially on high-speed trains.
Cafe Cars: Always available, serving drinks, snacks, and light meals (like jamón sandwiches in Spain or sausages in Germany).
First Class: Often includes cart or waiter service.
Comfort: Large, comfortable seats with tray tables, even in coach.
Tech-Friendly: Most newer trains offer complementary Wi-Fi and charging ports.
Local Transfers: Many major train stations include a free exchange to board a local train. (More details in my dedicated post on Trains!)
Car Travel: Is It for You?
Taking a car is a valid option, but it depends on your travel style.
Considerations Before Renting a Car:
Local Drinks & Driving: If you enjoy local drinks, driving for 2+ hours after a night out is neither fun nor legal. Policing yourself on vacation isn't enjoyable either.
Active Travel: After hours of hiking or walking tours, being stuck in a car with tired legs might not be ideal.
Tight Spaces: European streets, especially in older towns and cities, are incredibly narrow, and parking spaces are very tight. Always rent the smallest car you're comfortable with! It will make navigating and parking significantly easier.
Car Rental Anecdote:
Train to Lisbon: A train from Spain to Lisbon is another story; as of this writing, the overnight train requires a change mid-journey.
Our Long Drive: Our last trip day involved an 8-hour drive from Lisbon to Madrid. It was beautiful, but nothing stresses you like having to be somewhere to catch a flight.
Pluses of Having a Vehicle:
Spontaneous Exploration: You prefer the freedom to follow your curiosity and drive to that hillside city you see from the highway.
Flexible Itinerary: You want to move around without a clear, fixed plan.
Traveling with Pets: A car was a must for our Europe move since we flew with three dogs and couldn't get them on a train to our final destination.
Traveling with Small Children: You prefer the comfort of your own family bubble.
Other Options & Next Steps
Options like bus and ferry are also available, and we've used both. Your choice depends on your comfort level and what brings you the most enjoyment for interim travel.
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