London to Paris and Beyond: Eurostar Guide for Families
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As TPG 's resident London mum, I am fond of traveling to mainland Europe on the Eurostar with my kids. London is a great place to visit with young children with endless attractions for little ones and plenty of points redemptions. But there's obviously more to Europe than just London, so since traveling by train in Europe can often beat flying , read on for suggestions for your family's next Eurostar adventure.
Kids Under 4 Travel Free (With a Catch)
Children under 4 do not need a ticket for the Eurostar but technically need to sit on an adult's lap the entire journey if they don't have a ticket. However, if you book a less busy train or an upgraded carriage there are often extra seats. You can also bring your young children to the dining car or walk the train. One TPG reader suggested finding a space on board and unfolding your stroller for your baby's nap.
You are also restricted to only one lap child per adult, so if you're traveling with two children under 4, as I often do, you have to buy at least one of them a seat. According to the Eurostar website, if you're traveling alone with children and alert the staff, they will provide extra assistance from check-in to the train. I have not seen this assistance but have not explicitly mentioned that I was on my own. Don't forget that even though children under 4 don't need tickets, they do need their passports (it's international travel, after all).
Child and Youth Tickets
Children between 4 and 12 travel on a reduced fare called a "child" ticket and children 13-25 travel on a "youth" ticket. If the adult price is already deeply discounted, like the fares below ($46.80 each way), then the youth ticket is the same price, and the child ticket is only mildly discounted.
There are three classes of service: Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier. Whichever you choose, be sure and pay with a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees . Bonus points (literally) if you choose one that also awards a category bonus on travel, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Periodically Eurostar puts on unannounced flash sales for a few days for tickets over the coming months. If you have a upcoming trip, we suggest following them on social media or signing up to their mailing list. I just snagged tickets from London to Amsterdam for $45 each way in June for the adults with my young kids riding free.
Book Ahead and Look For Early/Late Trains
The Eurostar website highlights the least expensive tickets. Often these tickets start early in the morning or come back late. Another option, if you have found a great hotel or Airbnb in either London, Belgium or Paris, is to book a day trip to the other country. I have made several single-day trips from London to Paris and back again to avoid overnighting in Paris with this train taking a bit over two hours each way.
Booking Seats
As soon as your Eurostar booking is confirmed, you will automatically be assigned seats. You can then log in to your booking and change your seat assignments so that your family can sit around a table for four (if available) or closer to the changing rooms or cafe, depending on your preferences. The seat map will show you where your seats are currently located. Also, if you are prone to motion sickness, sit facing in the forward direction (these seats often book up first).
We have had good luck in getting a table of four to ourselves on offseason dates, but remember that it can be more difficult to fit a child on your lap in this configuration if others are sitting across or next to you. In high season it could be worth purchasing all four seats, even if you have children under 4.
There is a bit more space to spread out at the tables for four in Standard Premier.
Check-in/Security
One of my favorite things about the Eurostar used to be that you could arrive 30 minutes before your train and still make it comfortably to embarkation. That, sadly, has changed. Long lines at immigration mean that arriving 90 minutes early is standard practice. However, I love that you can still carry a hot beverage through security and then nurse your coffee (for that cheap early-morning train!) throughout your immigration experience. Immigration is immediately after security so hold on to those passports. Other families reported a tight policy on removing babies from slings.
Hang on to your children on the travelator. The moving sidewalk to board the train means that your stroller will become heavy as it goes up. (Technically, strollers are not allowed on the travelators, but I have always used them and see other families that do the same.) Young children start to naturally fall back on the incline so hold on tight to them.
Luggage Tips
It helps to board the train as early as possible if you have a lot of large luggage or a stroller. On the Eurostar you wait in a holding area until your boarding announcement, but you may be able to go up early if you explain that you need the space for your stroller. Space in the storage compartments at the end of each carriage is limited.
On my last trip, I traveled Standard on the way out and Standard Premier on the way back and noticed more luggage space with Standard Premier. You can also fit a small item like a jacket or handbag above your seat.
Meanwhile, the Standard Premier fits this folded UPPAbaby Vista easily.
Food On Board
There are lots of food options at the onboard Eurostar cafe, which are reasonably priced, considering how captive you are to their selection. As there is no liquids restriction on the train like there is at an airport, you can bring Champagne on board and have yourself a celebration, if you want. Otherwise, I tend to pick up sandwiches at a local place in London or Paris before getting on board.
Virtual Reality?
On my last trip I saw this Eurostar virtual-reality headset for sale, so I purchased one for £3 (about $4). The Wi-Fi on board was terrible (make sure you have enough programs downloaded) and I could not get it to work.
Bottom Line
Traveling from London to Paris, Lille or Brussels on the Eurostar (plus changing trains to go farther afield) can actually be a highlight of a family vacation in Europe, especially if train travel is relatively novel for your family. TPG readers use points to get to London and then use the Eurostar to avoid flying back out from the UK, thus way avoiding the UK's notorious air taxes and fees.
Have you used the Eurostar as a family? Tell us about the trip.
All photos by Kathleen Porter Kristiansen/The Points Guy
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Travel documents
What documents do your customers need to travel? Discover all relevant information about what passengers need to know about travel documents and visas for adults, children and unaccompanied minors.
Those with an EU passport travelling between cities in France, Belgium, the Netherlands or Germany do not need a passport, however we recommend clients bring an identity document, as random spot checks do occur.
UK passport-holders
British passports must:
– be valid for the length of the passenger’s stay in Europe – have at least three months’ validity left from the date they intend to leave the EU – be less than 10 years old
Passengers must have a clear page in their passports, as it will be stamped when travelling in and out of the EU.
If passengers do not yet have a passport, or their current passport needs renewing, please ensure there is ample time for the application process to conclude, before travelling.
Passengers will not be permitted to travel if they have not received their passport in time.
Passengers can check passport processing times on the UK government website.
Passengers do not require a visa for trips to EU countries up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
If passengers visit more than one of these countries within a 180-day period, they will need to ensure they do not spend more than 90 days in total across the EU.
This is because most of these countries apply the 90-day limit as a group. Passengers may need a visa for longer stays or when travelling for work or business.
UK citizens living in the EU
If your customers’ main residence is in the EU, they will not need to get their passport stamped, provided they carry their EU residence permit.
If your customers cannot prove that they are an EU resident, they may be asked additional questions by border authorities and their passport may be stamped before they enter the Schengen area.
European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC)
UK citizens can no longer apply for a new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
If your customers have an existing EHIC, it will continue to be valid until its expiry date.
Once it expires, customers need to apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which provides access to state healthcare in the EU.
EHIC and GHIC do not replace travel insurance.
It is strongly recommended to take out travel insurance with medical cover when travelling abroad.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens travelling to the UK
Passports are required for all passengers travelling to the UK, including children.
Passports do not need to be valid for a minimum number of months to travel, as long as they are valid for the length of stay in the UK.
If passengers do not yet have a passport, or their current passport needs renewing, please ensure ample time for the application process to conclude, before travelling.
Passengers will not be permitted to travel if they have not received their passport in time for their journey.
Do you live in the UK with settled or pre-settled status?
Passengers can continue to use their national ID card to travel until 31 December 2025.
If your customers have both a valid passport and a valid identity card, we recommend they travel with the document linked to their settled or pre-settled status.
If passengers have a new passport and their pre-settled or settled status is linked to their previous ID document, they must remember to update their passport details in their UK Visa and Immigration account. This will avoid extra checks at border control.
School groups
The List of Travellers scheme is no longer available for school groups travelling from the EU to the UK.
All EU children need to carry their own valid passport to be able to travel.
Passengers can continue to travel to the UK for holidays or short trips without a visa.
For longer stays, EU citizens may need a visa. Ensure this is checked before travel.
Non-UK and non-EU citizens travelling between the UK and the EU
Passengers need a valid passport to travel between the UK and the EU.
Check whether your customers need a visa for their destination(s) before they travel.
– UK: UK government website – France: French government website – Belgium: EU visa website – The Netherlands: EU visa website – Germany: EU Visa website
Children who are not UK, EU, EEA or Swiss nationals need a visa to travel to the UK as part of a school group.
Unaccompanied under-18s
Unaccompanied minors (up to the age of 18) will need to carry extra travel documentation.
In addition to reading the relevant section below, it is strongly recommended to check the latest government advice before travel – for both the country the minor is departing from, and the country they are travelling to.
Children under 12 years old
Children under 12 must travel with a responsible person aged 16 or older.
- Children 12 to 15 years old (inclusive)
Children 12 to 15 (inclusive) can travel on their own to some Eurostar destinations, provided they have a completed Eurostar unaccompanied minor form and only travel on trains departing between 06:00 and 17:00 local time.
The form must be signed by their parent or legal guardian (or by a responsible adult, aged 18 or over, given consent by the parent or legal guardian) at the station in the presence of a member of the Eurostar team.
The child will need to keep this signed form with them throughout their journey and show it to the onboard team if requested.
When the parent or legal guardian gives written consent for the young person to travel, they accept and agree that the young person will travel unaccompanied and be treated as an adult passenger (ie the young person will not be supervised by a member of the Eurostar team) for the entirety of the trip.
The responsible person must also ensure arrangements are in place for the young person to be met on arrival.
Please note: Children under 16 years of age cannot travel unaccompanied on the direct trains to or from the Netherlands.
Documents the child will need:
– Eurostar ticket – Passport – Eurostar unaccompanied minor form signed by a parent or legal guardian
Additional requirements for French residents As above, plus: – Authorisation de sortie du territoire (AST) form signed by a parent – Photocopy of the identity card or passport of the parent who has signed the AST form”
Minors 16 and 17 years old
16 to 17-year-olds can travel by themselves, as long as they have all the necessary travel documents and meet all the legal requirements.
– Eurostar ticket – Passport
Additional requirements for French residents
As above, plus: – Authorisation de sortie du territoire (AST) form signed by a parent – Photocopy of the identity card or passport of the parent who has signed the AST form
The Man in Seat 61
European train travel
Travel with children.
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Babies & infants go free
TGV-Lyria trains from Paris to Switzerland offer an inexpensive baby pass for around €12 which gives your wriggly 2 or 3 year old their own seat. A brilliant idea!
Children travel at a reduced fare
But watch out for these pitfalls, tips & advice for travel with kids.
I take a backpack-sized Eagle Creek roll-along for my clothes and a matching Eagle Creek daypack for my reading books, travel documents, camera, phone, and so on. My wife also takes an Eagle Creek roll-along for her clothes and a daypack for her own camera, reading book and so on.
We then take two small holdalls, one for each of our two kids, a pink one for madam and a blue one for sir. These holdalls can either sit on top of the Eagle Creeks and be pulled along or can be slung over our shoulders whilst the Eagle Creek is pulled. The daypacks are worn on our backs. We don't generally bother with a buggy, the children walk. If I need to carry one of the children, Nicolette can pull both Eagle Creek roll-alongs - however we've generally found that the kids manage to stay awake (and excited) even for relatively late train arrivals, even the 21:45 arrival in Milan of the TGV from Paris.
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Child age limits on European trains
Within the UK , children under 5 go free, children from 5 to 15 (inclusive) travel at half the adult fare.
On Eurostar , children under 4 go free, and a special child fare (currently £25 single, £50 return to Paris or Brussels in standard class) applies to children from 4 to 11 inclusive. Children 12 & over travel at the youth fare (for ages 12-26). All children under 12 must travel accompanied by an adult, and unaccompanied children from 12 to 16 require a consent form signed by their parent or guardian. See www.eurostar.com for details.
On other European trains , age limits for children vary from country to country, so here's a summary. Just make sure you tell your booking agency how old your children are, and they will do the rest. Online booking systems will ask you the ages and will work out the fares for you. The child fare is normally 50% of the adult fare, although on international trains where special 'global fares' are charged, a special child fare applies. Note that these age limits are for the main national train operator, private open access operators may have different child age limits.
* Alleo is the consortium of French/German national railways running the Paris-Frankfurt/Stuttgart/Munich high-speed daytime trains. The French show child age limits as 4-12, the Germans apply their own 6-14 age limits, so even the operators can't agree which child limits apply! I suggest you book with the Germans if you have children aged 5, 13 or 14!
Watch the video : Why k ids love train travel
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My Top 20 Tips For Packing & Travelling on the Eurostar with Children
As much as I love family holidays together, travelling with kids can be, well…a bit of a nightmare!
Packing for the whole family can become a full blown military operation ( I start 2 weeks before the holiday, yes really)- while flying with young kids (my own are worse on short than long haul-go figure?) can frankly, induce fine lines and grey hair by arrival.
Thank goodness for Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream pre and during flights, and in-seat yoga (and breathe)!
Seriously though, to avoid the headache, travelling by Eurostar with kids is far less hassle than flying when travelling to mainland Europe.
Eurostar have taken the stress out of preparing to travel, and the actual journey so getting away with all the family can honestly, be a joy!
And what’s more, children under 4 travel for free with Eurostar! Yes you read that correctly, FREE my friends!
I utterly adore the Eurostar, always have, always will.
I have many a sentimental memory of blissful train journeys and visits to Paris for girlie, romantic and of course family breaks in the capital. Touchingly, my Mum and I made several visit to Paris for wedding dress fittings a decade ago with designers Cymbeline at the famous Galleries La Fayette.
Ooh la la indeed!
But back to the brilliance of Eurostar and travelling en famille.
I love that their carriages are far more comfortable and spacious than that of a plane, allowing you and your fidgety little ones the freedom to move around.
A wander up and down the train is an amazing way to nip any temper tantrums in the bud before they begin, (which your fellow passengers will no doubt LOVE you for) and of course your holiday starts the minute you board, as you marvel at new sights and cities through the window.
Another great thing about travelling with Eurostar is that you can literally pack everything – (hello my whole wardrobe, because if you’re heading to Paris, a girl needs choice, right?).
‘How?’ I hear you cry.
There are literally NO weight restrictions on luggage, and each passenger can have 2 suitcases per person, PLUS hand luggage.
Photo by Kirsty Mattsson Photography .
It’s also the perfect mode of transport for family getaways or even if you’re just an indecisive packer cum fashionistas like myself!
As a family, we have been lucky to travel to some incredible countries and along the way I’ve picked up some valuable travel tips. So with the holiday season on the horizon, here are my top ways to make travelling as a family easy-
The early bird catches the…train
As all parents can vouch, everything with kids takes longer. Dinner time, bath time, bed time…and travelling is no exception. To make life easier for you though, Eurostar have check-in times that are just 30 mins before departure meaning more time for toddler melt downs, demands for food and general tardiness that won’t mean you miss your train. PHEW!
Check your passports
Just the two of us!
Unfortunately I had to learn this lesson the hard way when last year, my husband and eldest son Oliver were forced to stay home from a family holiday to Marbella, as we only discovered Oliver’s passport had expired the night before we were due to fly.
Passportgate was certainly not FUN! (Children’s passports are only valid for 5 years unlike adult’s). I still cringe now, thinking back to it and although Oliver and Peter had an amazing boys holiday in Wales, I always, ALWAYS make sure I check our passports’ expiration dates at least 8 weeks before travelling. You live and learn huh!
Start a family travel project
When I would vacay as a kid, I’d create a holiday diary where I would write and draw our journey and holiday (I was always destined to be a blogger!)
I used to love documenting and reliving my travels once home, and this is a tradition I’ve passed down to my sons, Oliver and Alexander.
The diary is a great way to keep kids entertained whilst travelling and allows you to truly capture all those amazing moments of your holiday, in a creative, stimulating way.
Plan for all weather
Here in the UK we’re used to unpredictable weather (shades and umbrella in one bag anyone?), so when we travel to sunnier climes, we pray for clear skies and warm temps. However, the weather across Europe can be equally unpredictable, so make sure you’re not caught out by packing waterproofs and plenty of layers to keep kids warm on the potential cool days and evenings.
If the sun shines, which it hopefully will, got forget the sunscreen and hats too!
Take medicine
Photo credit
Taking a well stocked first aid kit is a holiday essential here. You can either buy a pre-prepared kit or make your own that can be tailored to your holiday. For example, if you’re planning on doing lots of outdoor activities, then pack lots of band aids.
First aid kits basics include antihistamines, kids aspirin and Calpol, re-hydration solution, travel sickness pills, tweezers and support bandages.
Buy a child locator
Even the most-hawk eyed parent worries about their kid running off and in the excitement of going on holiday, children have a tendency to stray off exploring their new surroundings.
Thanks to the wonders of technology (one above is a Filip Wearable Child Smart Locator and Phone), you can now track your kids’ whereabouts with lightweight, wearable devices that set off a sound alarm if your child exceeds a certain distance, allowing you to track them down.
These devices offer peace of mind on your travels.
Snooze cruise
Make sure you take plenty of blankets in case your babe wants to have a nap. When the kids were younger, we would always try and time nap times around travelling as much as possible, hoping that they would sleep for the duration of the journey. This often meant travelling by night if we could if it fitted with the schedule.
Travel pillows for the whole family are a must and will prevent sore necks too.
Take plenty of snacks and drinks
The fabulous thing about travelling by Eurostar is that you can take your own food and drink on board – this is especially great if anyone in your family has allergies or dietary requirements, and is also perfect for tiny fussy eaters too (and those like Xander who likes to eat with chopsticks)!
Keep kids hydrated with plenty of water, and satisfied with healthy sandwiches and snacks that provide slow releasing energy. My boys love a little pack lunch box and I always carry bananas in my bag.
Do avoid sugary snacks and drinks like the plague – hyped-up kids in a confined environment is a recipe for disaster. Full kids equals happy kids.
Take plenty of nappies, travel nappy changing kit and swimming nappies
Changing your little one’s nappy whilst travelling is not a pleasant experience. Changing facilities on most airlines are pretty basic – if they even exist at all- and changing a nappy in public is not going to make you the most popular with fellow passengers.
Eurostar trains have dedicated baby changing facilities that are private.
For longer journeys, make sure you have plenty of nappies easily to hand, and a nappy changing kit including a mat, baby wipes and nappy rash cream.
If you’re potty training your kid, make sure you stock up on plenty of pull-up nappies, and don’t forget swimming nappies if where you are heading has a pool or beach.
Take a buggy
Even if you wouldn’t use a pram/buggy at home, I recommend taking one on holidays where you might be out and about exploring for long periods of time. That way, tour tot can rest their weary legs while the whole family is still on the move.
If you are heading to a rural or beach destination it might be worth investing in an all terrain buggy too.
I love this shot below, from a few years ago with both kids fast asleep on holiday!
Invest in a Trunki suitcase, and Enchanted Forest & Friends rucksack
Make travelling fun for your kids with a Trunki suitcase. These super cute suitcases also double up as a fun ride and ensure that the ‘journey is as enjoyable as the destination’.
They are the perfect way to keep kids entertained whilst travelling and they will love the sweet, vibrant animal designs.
Oliver loves a rucksack too. This one is from Enchanted Forest & Friends and is the ideal rucksack for storing a Jurassic Park style herd of toy dinosaurs in which *just have to come everywhere with us!
Take extra batteries, chargers and adapters
As a blogger/vlogger, I’m forever snapping away and filming our family holidays. I always take extra batteries, and to keep costs down, invest in rechargeable batteries.
Don’t forget your laptop, tablet and phone chargers too, and make sure, that you have an adapter for the country you are travelling to.
There’s an app for that
Beyond traditional travel games such as ‘Eye Spy’, apps for your phone or tablet are an ideal way to keep kids entertained during journeys.
There are so many brilliant apps at the press of a button so research and download pre-journey.
Entertain kids with games and DVDs
Stop the relentless ‘are we there yet?’ questions by keeping your kids entertained with DVDs.
It’s a good idea to invest in a robust, portable DVD player too, or you could alternatively use your own laptop.
We always carry headphones to keep the noise down for passengers.
I personally love playing traditional board and card games. You can also buy travel and pocket sized board games which make for excellent family fun.
Don’t forget to take books
Both my children are bookworms and not only does taking books away with us mean the kids are occupied, but my eldest, Oliver, aged 6, can also practice his reading.
We love to read pre-bedtime too, so packing some favourites means keeping up with bedtime rituals while in our new surroundings.
Pack a change of clothes for the kids
Spillages happen and are more likely to, when on the move. Make sure you take a change of clothes for your kids, as well extra layers, to hand. If you are travelling with a baby, then make sure you also take a spare outfit for yourself as well as them as nobody wants to travel with baby sick down them! Been there, done it and (sadly) worn the T-shirt!
Keep kids cool
We love a handheld fan, particularly as my eldest son is so seemingly hot-blooded. That kid is always warm, even when it snows?! Fans are of course useful in warmer climates and we always pack two on our travels. Xander insists we take the ‘fan’ above with us everywhere (I suppose it does the job)!
Keep it clean
Make sure you pack plenty of baby wipes for sticky fingers, spillages and foodie faces. Hand sanitiser is also a must to keep bugs at bay too.
Parents, do you remember life before baby wipes?! I literally use them for everything-cleaning jewellery, shoes, wiping down tables and of course my kids!
Buy an extra seat
It always amazes me how such tiny beings can take up so much space, but kids need room and if you’re travelling with 2 or more kids (if budget allows) I would recommend buying an extra seat, where you can store toys and extra clothes.
And don’t forget yourself!
Photo by Kirsty Mattsson Photography.
When packing and planning for a whole family it can be easy to forget about yourself. Make sure you take plenty of your own books, magazines and music to keep yourself entertained on the journey – especially for when the kids are occupied and napping. Hello Beyoncé! Dancing in your seat (considerately) is allowed you know! Ha!
…I always take my laptop with me too as I find that travelling leaves me feeling most inspired, so it’s a great time for me to write.
I hope you’ve found my tips useful, I’d love to read yours in the comments.
I am a spokesperson for Eurostar and this is a commissioned post. As always, all opinions are my own and honest.
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Los of great tips there my lovely. I’m off to Nantes next month and I’m going by Eurostar with only one of my little ones (!!). Since she is under 4, it is free for her to travel on my lap via Eurostar. To make sure we are not too squashed, I booked 1st class tickets. That can only mean one thing: we’re getting fed yummy food! (she gets her own meals for free even though I only have 1 ticket for the 2 of us – I love the Eurostar!!)
Amazing tips lovely. Still remember last year when your little one’s passport expired and you found out too late. As you know we travel all the time, mostly flying, but whenever we visit Paris (and that’s at least once a month for my husband who has meetings there often) we take Eurostar. I have never taken kids with us, and had no idea that under 4s travel for free! we better go before Olivia turns 4 next month! Lovely photos too!
You must go away via Eurostar, amazing that under 4’s go free and such a super way to travel xx
I absolutely love Eurostar. I spent a summer living in Brussels so became accustomed to using the service. I’m yet to take the kids on the Eurostar but i think they’d love it. Great tips you’d come up with.
They would absolutely love it John, I really want to visit Brussels 🙂
Great tips, I haven’t been on the Euro Star as yet hoping that will change soon when I take the girls off for a little weekend away will be coming back to your tips then! xx
Great tips here – I am also a fan of a visit to the pound shop and spending about a tenner on little things that I hand out at various stages of the journey, particularly when I can sense a meltdown coming on. Works like magic! We too go nowhere without a first aid kit and it has been a life saver. Love Eurostar and the romance of travelling by train. Haven’t made a trip to Paris for a while but your post has already got me looking at possible weekends when I can go. Love that pic of Xander with ice-cream everywhere! x
Oh what a wonderful idea Nomita, staggering things across the journey is genius, thank you for that tip and you are so right, the Eurostar is so romantic and it’s such a joy to travel with them. Enjoy your trips (Xander and ice cream is always a mess)! xx
You’re putting ideas into my head. I now want to go to Paris on the euro tunnel 🙂
Go book it girl, so dreamy x
some fab tips! thankyou 🙂
Thanks Emma, so pleased you’ve found them useful 🙂
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Is there a minimum age for joining Club Eurostar?
Yes, from 7 February 2023 travellers must be at least 16 years of age to join. From then, you can enjoy all the benefits of Club Eurostar. Children aged 4-15 who joined the Club Eurostar programme before 7 February 2023, will still keep their membership. Subject to conditions governing the travel of unaccompanied minors and guardian approval, as set out in Eurostar’s Conditions of Carriage
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FAQs about traveling alone on Eurostar
Is there an age limit for children traveling alone on eurostar, can children aged 12 and above travel alone on all eurostar routes, can unaccompanied minors travel during any time of the day, what documents are required for an unaccompanied minor to travel on eurostar, can unaccompanied minors be accompanied by a sibling or friend, are there any additional fees for booking an unaccompanied minor on eurostar, what happens if the child misses their train, can unaccompanied minors bring their own food and drinks, can unaccompanied minors use electronic devices during the journey, is there a specific waiting area for unaccompanied minors at eurostar stations, can unaccompanied minors request assistance for special needs or disabilities, can parents or guardians accompany the child to the eurostar platform.
Eurostar allows unaccompanied minors to travel on their trains from the age of 12. This means that children aged 12 and above can travel on Eurostar without an adult accompanying them. However, there are certain conditions and guidelines that need to be followed to ensure the safety and well-being of the young travelers.
Children aged 12 to 15 who are traveling alone on Eurostar need to be booked as an unaccompanied minor. This can be done through Eurostar’s website or by contacting their customer service. The child will then receive a unique reference number and a special wristband to wear during their journey. This ensures that Eurostar staff can easily identify them as an unaccompanied minor and provide any necessary assistance.
During the journey, Eurostar staff takes on the responsibility of looking after the unaccompanied minor. They will accompany the child through the security and passport control procedures, as well as boarding the train. Onboard, the staff will ensure that the child is comfortable and safe throughout the journey. Upon arrival at the destination, the child will be handed over to the designated adult who is responsible for picking them up.
No, there is no maximum age limit for children traveling alone on Eurostar. However, children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Yes, children aged 12 and above can travel alone on all Eurostar routes. The unaccompanied minor service is available on all Eurostar trains.
Yes, unaccompanied minors can travel on Eurostar trains at any time of the day. However, it is always recommended to check the train schedules and choose a time that is convenient for the child’s journey.
The child will need to have a valid passport or ID card to travel on Eurostar. Additionally, they must have the necessary travel permissions, such as visas or travel authorizations, if applicable.
No, unaccompanied minors cannot be accompanied by a sibling or friend. They must travel alone or be accompanied by an adult.
Yes, there is an additional fee for booking an unaccompanied minor on Eurostar. The fee varies depending on the route and can be found on Eurostar’s website or by contacting their customer service.
If the child misses their train, Eurostar staff will assist them in catching the next available train. The child’s safety and well-being are the top priority, and Eurostar will ensure that they are taken care of until they reach their destination.
Yes, unaccompanied minors can bring their own food and drinks onboard Eurostar trains. However, it is important to note that there are restrictions on the types of food and drinks that can be brought, such as no alcohol or hot meals.
Yes, unaccompanied minors can use electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, during the journey. However, it is always recommended that the child follows Eurostar’s guidelines for safe and responsible device usage.
Yes, Eurostar provides a designated waiting area for unaccompanied minors at their stations. This area is supervised by Eurostar staff and provides a safe and comfortable space for the children before their departure.
Yes, Eurostar provides assistance for unaccompanied minors with special needs or disabilities. It is important to inform Eurostar in advance about any specific requirements, so they can make the necessary arrangements.
Yes, parents or guardians can accompany the child to the Eurostar platform. However, they will not be able to board the train with the child. Eurostar staff will take over the responsibility of the child from the platform onwards.
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12 Things You Need To Know Before Riding Eurostar Between Paris and London
Riding Eurostar between Paris and London is an amazing travel experience. Not only is it a smooth and fun ride, but it can save you time and stress when compared to flying. If you’ve never ridden Eurostar before, here are some tips to help you have a better trip.
- 1 How Early Should I Arrive For The Eurostar Train
- 2 Are Passports Checked on the Eurostar Train
- 3 How Long Are You Underwater on the Eurostar
- 4 Is Eurostar Quicker Than Flying
- 5 Does the Eurostar Feel Fast
- 6 Is It Better To Fly or Take Eurostar to Paris and London
- 7 Is Eurostar Scary
- 8 Is Eurostar a Double Decker Train
- 9 Can You See Underwater on Eurostar
- 10 Does Eurostar Check Your Bags
- 11 Do You Keep Your Luggage With You On Eurostar
- 12 Are There Tables on Eurostar
- 13 Booking Train Tickets In Europe
How Early Should I Arrive For The Eurostar Train
You should arrive at least 1 hour before your scheduled departure on Eurostar. On our recent ride it took 30 minutes to get through customs and immigration on our way to London. On top of getting through these security checks, you’ll want to arrive early enough to enter the train when boarding opens, which is 20-30 minutes before the train leaves.
Are Passports Checked on the Eurostar Train
Passports are checked when riding on the Eurostar train. You passport will be checked at the Gare du Nord station in Paris before boarding the Eurostar train from Paris to London. There are separate lines for EU passport holders and all other passport holders. The check is made after you go upstairs to the London Hall.
How Long Are You Underwater on the Eurostar
The speed limit in the Channel Tunnel for trains is 160kph / 100mph. The Channel Tunnel is under the English Channel for 37.9 km or 23.5 miles, which is the worlds longest undersea tunnel. When riding the Eurostar you’ll be underwater for about 13 minutes.
Is Eurostar Quicker Than Flying
It takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to go from Paris to London on Eurostar. With security and customs checks taking an additional 30 minutes, your total travel time from the city center can be 3 hours. Eurostar is quicker than flying due to airport security taking longer than train security and the location of the airports.
Does the Eurostar Feel Fast
The Eurostar does not feel fast while you are riding on it. It is a very quiet and smooth train and you’ll have trouble figuring out how fast you are going without looking at a speedometer. Even though you’ll be travelling at around 100mph through the tunnel and 160mph outside of the tunnel, it won’t feel that fast.
Is It Better To Fly or Take Eurostar to Paris and London
It is better to take Eurostar to Paris and London versus flying. When riding on Eurostar the stations are in the city center, which will save you time and money once you reach your destination. If you fly, you’ll be landing at a remote airport and need to take a train into the city. It is also a big time saver to ride Eurostar versus flying.
Is Eurostar Scary
Eurostar is not scary and will not feel different than riding any other train. Most trains go through several tunnels at some point, and the Channel Tunnel will feel just like any other tunnel, just a little longer. If you didn’t know you were underwater you wouldn’t be able to tell. Riding Eurostar should not be a frightening experience as it is a very smooth and quiet train ride.
Is Eurostar a Double Decker Train
The Eurostar is not a double decker train, it is a single level train. Seats can be purchased in 3 separate classes, but all classes are on the same level. There are no stairs to negotiate when riding on Eurostar. You’ll have a choice of sitting in the direction of travel or away from it, but there are no levels to choose from.
Can You See Underwater on Eurostar
Eurostar trains have nice picture windows at the seats that let you see outside. When you are in the underwater section of the ride you will only see the inside of the Channel Tunnel. You cannot see underwater while riding on Eurostar, so no you will also not see any fish.
Does Eurostar Check Your Bags
There is a bag check before boarding Eurostar. Since you are changing countries while on the train, your bags must pass through customs, where they will be scanned and checked. It is a much quicker check than at an airport. You’ll load all of your luggage onto the belt and it’ll be scanned in a matter of seconds.
Do You Keep Your Luggage With You On Eurostar
When riding Eurostar you’ll keep your bags with you on the train. Your bags will either go in the luggage racks at the end of the car, or in the overhead space above your seat. There is plenty of space for your bags. You’ll need to label all of your bags with your name before riding. Simply put your bags on the racks, find your seat and enjoy the ride, then grab your bags on the way off the train.
Are There Tables on Eurostar
Each train car on Eurostar will have tables. Not every seat will have a formal table though, as most just have a fold down tray from the back of the seat in front of them. If you want to sit at a table, reserve seats that face each other, as those seats have tables between them.
Booking Train Tickets In Europe
We book our train tickets in Europe using either Trainline or Rail Europe . These services offer an easier customer experience as we’ve found our credit cards work better when booking through these sites. Eurostar Tickets can be booked on either platform. In addition Rail Europe offers rail passes if you are planning a longer trip.
Eurostar is a marvel of the train world. What many once thought was impossible is now possible by travelling under the English Channel. It is certainly one of the most unique and memorable short rides on a train you can take.
No matter if you are travelling from Paris to London on Eurostar or the other way around, we hope you have an enjoyable and memorable trip!
Robert Marmion
Everything you need to know about booking Eurostar train travel across Europe
I f you're already based in Europe, the iconic Eurostar train likely needs no introduction; if you're only visiting the continent, however, you may not be quite aware of the service or how speedy and convenient its connectivity is between the U.K. and mainland Europe.
If you're looking for an easy (and typically cheaper) alternative to flying in Europe , then Eurostar might be just what you're looking for. It provides easy access to several countries — if you're short on time during your vacation, you could opt to take a daytrip from London to Paris using this train service.
Keep reading to find out more about traveling on Eurostar, including how to book tickets and save on fares by using your points and miles . Plus, check out our in-depth overview of each fare type on the Eurostar .
Eurostar trains travel to several destinations
Eurostar began operating in 1994 and is one of Europe's most well-known high-speed train services. The train currently offers direct service to London; Paris; Brussels; Rotterdam, Netherlands; and Amsterdam.
Further connecting Eurostar services will take you to Antwerp, Belgium; Liege, Belgium; Dusseldorf, Germany; Duisburg, Germany; Essen, Germany; and Dortmund, Germany.
In addition to operating its own trains, Eurostar serves as a connecting rail service for other high-speed carriers to destinations like Disneyland Paris.
Related: 7 reasons why your next family vacation should be a train trip
What are the different ticket types for Eurostar trains?
The fare classes on Eurostar come in three tiers. The lowest and most affordable is Standard, which is the equivalent of coach or economy class with an airline.
Next up is Standard Premier, which is akin to premium economy. Finally, there's Business Premier, which is Eurostar's version of business class.
The fare classes are broken down as follows:
With regards to pricing, the cost of fares in Standard and Standard Premier fluctuates based on seasonality, peak periods and destination. Business Premier, on the other hand, remains fairly consistent year-round in terms of pricing. Eurostar tickets can usually be booked up to 330 days before your return travel date.
Generally speaking, if you're considering a trip from London onward, you can expect prices to fall somewhere within the following margins for a one-way trip:
If you're looking to snag a bargain, it's worth keeping your eye out for flash sales, which Eurostar regularly runs throughout the year, often with tickets for as little as 30 British pounds (around $38).
How do Eurostar trains compare to flying?
Compared to flying to your destination and transiting through European airports, traveling via Eurostar is much more low-stress.
The most obvious difference is the security experience, which, compared to that at an airport, is effortless, with no removal of liquids or large electric items. Although queues can mount up during busy periods, we've found that we're through security in under 10 minutes when we travel with Eurostar.
Check-in is similar to airport check-in in that you must show your ticket and passport at a desk or kiosk. London's St. Pancras International Station , however, is currently testing biometric face scans , which may make checking in even faster.
Regarding lounge access, it's worth noting lounges are only available at the St. Pancras, Paris Gare du Nord and Brussels Midi/Zuid stations.
If you're used to airline-run business-class airport lounges, you may need to lower your expectations somewhat here. Although comfortable and pleasant, the lounges are somewhat basic — don't expect too much in the way of food.
Related: The best lounges at London Heathrow — and how to get inside
On board the Eurostar, it's like most modern trains you may have taken at home. The differences between Standard Premier and Business Premier are nominal. You'll get slightly more legroom and a slightly more modern seat in both classes than in Standard.
What you're paying for in these classes is the luggage allowance and food service. If you don't deem either of those things a huge must-have, you'll be more than comfortable in Standard.
That said, the food service on the Eurostar is much better than on most airplanes and currently features a menu designed by the renowned Raymond Blanc. Champagne and coffee services are also served free of charge in Business Premier.
How to book the Eurostar train with credit cards
Travel on Eurostar, booked directly with Eurostar or through an online travel provider, should be coded as travel.
The following credit cards offer bonus points for travel expenses, along with strong welcome bonuses:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card : Earn 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 2 points on all other travel purchases.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve : Earn 3 points per dollar on travel purchases.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Earn 2 points per dollar on all purchases, including travel.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Earn 2 points per dollar on all purchases, including travel.
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express : Earn 3% cash back on transit, including taxis, parking, tolls, trains and buses.
- Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees ): Earn 2% on every purchase, with 1% cash back when you buy and an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Related: 14 best travel credit cards
How to earn points and miles for Eurostar trains
Eurostar operates its own loyalty program named Club Eurostar. For every British pound spent (about $1.27), you will earn 1.2 points. This means you earn around 1 point per $1 spent.
Elite members receive the following points bonuses when booking:
- Avantage: 25%
- Carte Blanche: 50%
- Etoile: 75%
Eurostar tickets can now be booked through the Uber app , and you will earn 10% back in Uber credits on Eurostar bookings and National Rail train tickets in the U.K.
Additionally, you can earn 10% back when you purchase your coach tickets with the following U.K. operators: National Express and Megabus. If you decide to opt out of taking public transit, you can also hire a car from Avis, Hertz and other companies in your Uber app. When you book your trip, you'll receive £10 off (about $12).
You can also transfer 2,000 Accor Live Limitless points and receive 300 Eurostar points.
How to redeem points and miles for Eurostar trains
You can redeem 2,000 Club Eurostar points for a round-trip ticket in Standard class (or 4,000 points for a Standard Premier ticket), though these tickets are limited. For 1,000 more points, you can book any Standard or Standard Premier seats available.
A round-trip ticket can easily cost over $200 in Standard class (and double this at peak periods), making Club Eurostar points very valuable.
Business Premier tickets are available for 6,000 points round-trip for any available seat (saver-level space is not offered).
A one-way upgrade from Standard to Standard Premier is 600 points.
If you don't wish to redeem Club Eurostar points for train travel, you can transfer 500 Eurostar points and receive 1,000 Accor points .
You can redeem Virgin points through Virgin Red for the following Eurostar vouchers:
- 2,000 points for a 10-pound E-Voucher (about $12)
- 5,000 points for a 25-pound E-Voucher (about $31)
- 10,000 points for a 50-pound E-Voucher (about $63)
- 20,000 points for a 100-pound E-Voucher (about $126)
We would not recommend redeeming Virgin points in this way under any circumstances, as this will only give you a redemption value of 0.5 cents each, which is only one-third of our current valuation of Virgin points . You can obtain far more value from your Virgin points by redeeming through flights on Virgin Atlantic or partner airlines like Air France, KLM and Delta Air Lines.
Related: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: How to earn and redeem points for maximum value
Bottom line
Eurostar's popularity boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic as travelers looked for ways to move around Europe without relying on airlines. As a result, Eurostar fares can be more expensive compared to flights with the same route. For short journeys like between London and Brussels, taking Eurostar is a much quicker and more relaxing experience, while on longer journeys like London to Amsterdam, the price can be similar.
If you want to travel within Europe and like the idea of keeping your feet on the ground, book in advance or redeem points and enjoy the stress-free Eurostar rail experience.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Senior Savings on European Train Travel: The Ultimate Guide to the Discounts
Expert Wanderer
Savvy seniors over the age of 60 can get a range of discounts on the European railroads. For frequent travel in a specific country, you can purchase a country-specific senior discount pass. There are also Interrail and Eurail discounts that work out OK for heavy travel in a short period. However , most countries offer no worthwhile senior discounts if you’re just visiting the country for a short time—but we’ve still got some ways that you can save .
Read on for our complete guide to senior discounts and other savings on my favorite way to cross the European continent: train trav el.
This article was first published on May 23, 2019. It was given a full update by the editorial staff in June of 2022. Updated again in January of 2023. Minor updates in November of 2023.
My Interest in Senior Travel Discounts on European Trains
I’m a travel writer and constant train traveler in Europe and elsewhere, always in search of the best deals. I’ve arrived at the age where several of my classmates have posted their AARP membership invitations on Facebook recently. ( This is an organization for older Americans whose membership offers a wide range of benefits including travel discounts.) But since I am mainly based in Europe, I wanted to look into travel benefits available to seniors and retirees here. I don’t qualify quite yet, but you’d better believe I’ll soon be taking advantage of as many of these discounts as possible. In the meantime, I hope the i nformation below can help some of you.
How Old Do I Have to Be for Senior Discounts on European Trains?
Senior discounts on European trains are available when you hit 60, 65, or even 70 in some cases. Read the individual country sections below for details. Generally they involve buying a national senior card (an annual subscription) in order to get the discounts, and so are only worthwhile if you’re travelling extensively in a particular country.
Why European Train Travel is Great for Seniors
- Trains in Europe are more comfortable and friendly. Airports and airplanes are notoriously difficult to deal with, and the stress is compounded as you get older. Seated in a train, you have more room to get comfortable, travel with whatever luggage you need, and the easy ability to get up and move around.
- For many destinations within Europe, train travel can actually be quicker than traveling by plane, especially when you add in all the extra time it takes to get to the airport, wait around for two hours, factor in delays, stand in line to get your passport checked, and wait for your luggage to come off the carousel. European trains tend to depart and arrive right in the centers of the places you want to visit , and the high speed trains, aside from being technological marvels, save you lots of time.
- Train travel is sometimes less expensive than traveling by plane, especially when you factor in available discounts. There are very few airlines that offer senior discounts. And if you’re taking a cheap flight on a low-cost airline, you often have to pay extra to for a larger piece of luggage (which is checked). This is not usually the case on trains.
- Want to bring your pet on vacation? Trains don’t usually charge extra for your furry friend , nor do they make them travel separately in a luggage hold. As long as your pet is kept in a carrier or muzzled, they can ride the rails with you by their side.
- You can get up and stretch your legs on trains . Sure, you can do this on a plane, too, but only for a quick trip to the bathroom and back. If you want to walk up and down the length of the train, no one is going to stop you.
- There’s usually a restaurant on board . You don ’t have to wait for the cart to come by before eating like you do on planes. When you’re hungry, just head to the dining car. If you’re sitting in first class, you might even have the option of ordering food from a staff member as they come through the compartment.
- Speaking of helpful staff , there are also generally people on hand to help you with your luggage , give you information about your destination, tell you where to make your connection, or even give you advice on how to travel in the most inexpensive and convenient way possible.
- Then there’s the scenery . Europe has some drop-dead gorgeous views (our picks for Switzerland) that can be (best!) enjoyed from train windows.
- Finally, trains are better for the environ ment . Like, a lot better. EcoPassenger has a calculator that shows you how much of an impact your travel has on Mother Earth.
General Info About Senior Rail Discounts in Europe
While there are typically discounts on local and regional lines as well, this post focuses on each country’s national train service. But note that some national rail companies do include local transportation in their networks and senior discount packages, as well as deals on bike, bus, ferry, tram, and subway travel.
Some also include additional benefits like special offers on accommodations, restaurants, and tours.
The discounts generally apply to 2nd class travel, but I’ve noted when they can be used to upgrade to 1st class.
Finally, when taking advantage of senior discounts on European train travel, be sure to carry a photo ID with you that shows your date of birth. Some of us don’t look our age!
Are Senior Rail Passes and Discounts Really Worth It?
There are actually a lot of instances when it’s not worth trying to get the senior discounts that we discuss in this article, especially if don’t reside in Europe.
Senior discounts are generally applied to full-fare ticket prices only, so be sure to look for other opportunities to save. For example, see our in-depth guide to strategies for finding cheap train tickets in France as well as the other articles on other countries’ systems on this site.
- Often the early booking prices or weekend travel specials or other deals are a better deal than the senior discount.
- Many major destinations like France, Germany, and Spain offer reduced fares only with the purchase of an annual discount card; the overall cost is usually not worth it if you are visiting the country for a short time.
- Dealing with the red tape necessary to get a pass might not make it worth your time. Some countries want you to be a national resident with a local address to which they mail the senior card once it’s purchased. Others require specific documents like paperwork showing that you’re a pensioner.
The easiest one-stop way to check for specific European train route prices is Trainline . It offers generally the same prices as each national carrier, and will automatically direct you to senior discounts for countries when it can (and you have already gone through the paperwork for the national senior card—which it can point you to). Trainline is far easier to use than most national booking sites, and, in some cases, can save you money on complex trips — like those with multiple connections or international border crossings. The downside is that Trainline charges a small booking fee (~3%), though that’s less than other booking sites. It’s usually well worth it for the ability to book in advance via internet and without a hassle.
For general strategies that work for all ages, check out our advice on how to book cheap train tickets for Europe .
Eurail and Interrail Passes for Senior Travelers — Are They Worth It?
Before moving on to the individual countries, it is worth noting that there are the popular Eurail Senior Pass (for non-EU travelers) and Interrail Senior Pass (for European residents), which offer senior discounts on their single and multi-country passes. Essentially, if you’re 60 or over on your first day of travel, you can get a 10% discount on a pass that lets you take certain types of trains as you cross through a particular country—or all of Europe.
Keep in mind that these Eurail/Interrail passes are for serious travellers who plan on doing a lot of traveling within a short time period — they were originally meant for backpackers and gap years travelers. If you’re a spry senior crossing countries off your bucket list quickly, then by all means, consider a pass.
Otherwise, you might find other options more practical and economical. At this (minimalist!) site, we tend to encourage slow travel and getting to really know each location for more than a couple of days, so for us, these passes are rarely worth their cost for that kind of travel.
To quickly check if Interrail/Eurail is worth the cost for you on your preferred series of train rides through Europe, make up a sample itinerary with the spots you most want to see and count the number of days of travel that entails. Then:
- Add up the total cost of both the senior pass linked to above and the cost seat reservations (you can check those here for Interrail or Eurail ). Seat reservations are required when using these passes for Europe’s lovely high speed and overnight trains. In particular, seat reservations are almost always required for France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. They can add significantly to trip costs and often make the cost of the pass itself less worthwhile.
- Compare the same itinerary on Trainline , which will efficiently find the best individual tickets for most of Western Europe including senior discounts if applicable. (For the countries not served by Trainline, see the individual train operators in the country listings below.) There are certain types of trains that you have access to when not using a pass, such as budget high-speed private train operators, that can make this à la carte option both cheaper and faster, particularly for France, Spain, and Italy.
- If you want to go even cheaper (but not as comfortably), Trainline can also show you bus options.
We have done a much more in-depth discussion of when and whether Eurail and Interrail actually save money .
Masks and Covid-19 Restrictions When Travelling by Train in Europe
The restrictions on masks, negative tests, and vaccinations have generally been lifted for travelers in Europe as of spring 2023. For piece of mind if you want to make sure that you can travel to a specific place and meet the requirements, you can easily check the official EU site for requirements for re-opening here ; there is information updated for each country.
It is certainly acceptable to wear masks in transport and many people still do so.
European Senior Discounts on Train Travel by Country
We haven’t yet been able to cover senior travel in Albania, Belarus, Georgia, Greece, Ireland, Kosovo, Latvia, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Serbia, or Ukraine. Soon, we hope .
Most of the senior discount cards discussed below must be purchased annually and entitle you to discounts throughout the year.
There are no trains in Andorra.
Austria’s ÖBB offers the Vorteilscard Senior for passengers over the age of 65 at a cost of €29. You need to have an address in Austria where this can be mailed to you.
Or this card is available for free at train ticket counters upon presentation of “proof of eligibility”, which seems to mean being a resident senior in Austria receiving state benefits (“a compensatory or supplementary allowance”).
The senior card gives you generally 50% off of second class fares on ÖBB trains. Some regional trains already have senior citizen discounts on tickets which are greater than this 50%. The card also allows free travel on your birthday.
ÖBB provides a calculator to help you determine if this card is worthwhile; many major routes and otherwise discounted fares are not included in the discount.
Otherwise, tickets for the Austrian train system can be purchased directly from the ÖBB English site or (much easier, but with less complete offerings for Austria) Trainline .
Alternatively seniors can also buy a family card for travel with up to four children completely free of charge—compared to the half-price they would normally pay.
Belgium’s Seniors Ticket allows for same-day return tickets throughout the country for a low flat rate of 7.20€ in 2nd class or 15.30€ in 1st class. (If you want to return on a different day, you simply buy two of these tickets; one for each day.)
Travelers over the age of 65 can buy this Seniors Ticket online or at SNCB ticket offices.
This is not valid for Brussels Airport, for which a supplement is needed.
It is also not valid for travel to border points or international travel outside of this tiny country. If you are travelling to/from a neighboring country you’ll need to get a full-priced ticket from the Belgian Train’s pretty excellent English site or else from Trainline , which will often find cheaper routing options.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
A 30% discount is offered to Bosnian citizens over the age of 60 and their spouses when traveling together. The discount applies to 1st and 2nd class fares.
A retirement pass for in-country travel is offered but it appears to be only available to residents with a national “retirement certificate”. It gives retirees a 50% discount on tickets and passes. This discount applies to women over the age of 60 years and 8 months and men over the age of 63 years and 8 months. Enquire at ticket offices or train stations in Bulgaria.
The Railcard “S” is also available for international travel for those over the age of 60. This card costs a little over 15€ and is good for 25% off cross-border train trips for one year.
There is an annual senior discount pass but it is only available to Croatian citizens and residents. Retirees and those over 60 who can show that they are living in Croatia can purchase the K-33S ID card (available for 50kn or about 6.65 euros) at train ticket offices and train stations. They will get a 30% or 50% discount (both are advertised on the HŽPP website ) on regular ticket prices for unli mited one-way or round-trip tickets in 1st and 2nd class for all trains on any HŽ (Croatian national) train route.
Czech Republic / Czechia
Railway operator České dráhy (ČD) offers a discount of 50% for all passengers 65 and over and for pensioners on in-country travel (not crossing borders). These tickets are available via the website and at ticket counters. There are some regional limitations.
Those travelling to/from Germany will likely have better luck getting a good price through a Trainline search.
Denmark has three different options for senior travelers and retirees . The DSB Orange ticket has discounts on various routes purchased in advance. The DSB 65 ticket gives passengers over the age of 65 a 25% discount. Retirees get up to 40% off with the Travel Card Pensioner.
Discounted tickets are available on Estonian trains for seniors over the age of 65 with an ID showing their age and retirees in possession of an Estonian pension certificate.
Passengers carrying a photo ID that shows that they are over the age or 65 or paperwork that shows they are a retiree are entitled to 20% off the basic ticket price long-distance trains and 50% off commuter trains.
Those over the age of 60 can purchase the French train carrier SNCF’s Carte Avantage Senior for 49 euros. The discount card is valid for one year.
This senior card comes with a lot of complications concerning when it can be actually used. The card, in principle, offers 30% off on 1st class in TGV INOUI and 2nd class on Full Leisure Fares, but excludes cheaper train fares like OUIGO and INTERCITÉS 100% ECO, and also excludes any add-on services. It also excludes trips that both start and end in the Paris region and includes only the regional TER trains that choose to accept this card. You get 60% discounts with the same exclusions for accompanying children aged 4-11. And, the card gives you access to a set of “capped prices”, meaning certain types of tickets don’t get priced above a certain point, even if, for example popular route tickets are purchased at the last minute.
One of the reasons that France’s senior card may not actually work out cheaper for a lot of people is that there are other ways, if you’re flexible about travel dates and locations and other things, to get regular discounts on train travel in France , and these generally cannot be combined with the Carte Avantage Senior.
While the SNCF’s marketing claims that the 49-euro card pays for itself after the first round trip, this is only true for certain more expensive trips during peak periods booked at the last minute. As a general rule, we’d say this card is only worthwhile if you make a handful or more of trips in France over the course of a year .
The easiest way to purchase the Carte Avantage Senior is through Trainline’s page for discount cards , which sells at the same price as the official SNCF site ; (Trainline is also the site we generally recommend for booking train trips in France as it doesn’t have the website errors and comes up with better routes.)
It is also possible to buy the Carte Avantage Senior directly from SNCF , though in our readers’ experience that SNCF site tends to give errors on foreign credit cards and have issues shipping to non-French addresses.
For those with a German address who are travelling regularly by train, Deutsche Bahn’s Generation 65plus program offers reduced fares with the purchase of a discounted BahnCard . Essentially, the BahnCard 25 or 50 for seniors costs 38.90 euros and up depending on the travel classes etc. selected; they give one year of discounts (25% or 50%) on certain types of fares (flexible and saver). For the very serious train traveler, there is also a year of ticket-free travel offered for a set annual or lifetime rate. Note that three-month trial versions of these cards are also possible.
Before buying it’s worth checking out the actual savings on actual routes you would use by entering your age and the card you’re considering and searching for fares, either from the Bahn.de official site or from the booking platform Trainline (easier to use, often finds cheaper route options, but may not be as complete for travel to/from Germany and countries to its east). As an alternative, note that FlixTrain also now runs on many routes in Germany and is quite cheap; you’ll see these options if relevant in Trainline searches next to the traditional Deutsche Bahn offerings. FlixTrain is independent of Deutsche Bahn and so senior discount cards are not used for FlixTrain, but the fares will still often be cheaper.
One of the greatest countries in terms of train discounts for seniors is Hungary—but only if you’re an EU national. Travel for EU citizens over 65 is free on domestic trains in Hungary . You will still need to pay a small price for your ticket seat reservation and can do so in a train station —a recent search showed these reservations available for the equivalent of just a euro or two. Non-EU nationals pay the full price, but trains tend to be quite cheap here compared to other European countries. Booking is available online for Hungarian trains , though the site translation in English is not the best.
Italian national train operator Trenitalia has a Silver Card (Carta d’Argento) that costs 30 euros per year for those over 60 and is free for those over 75. It offers 10% off on certain types of overnight trains (Wagon-Lits and “couchettes”) and 15% off on the base fares in most other national trains. These cards are generally only worthwhile if you’re living in or travelling frequently in Italy; you can get them at train station ticket desks or travel agencies in Italy.
Once you have the card you can buy tickets either at Trenitalia or also use the card (and avoid the many Trenitalia website problems ) with Trainline ‘s easy booking.
If you’re taking an Italo train (the private competing rail service in Italy; it serves a few major cities) and you’re willing to wait to get your ticket until up to three days before departure, you can get a nice discount of 40% off of the Flex tickets in Prima ambiance (first class). These are available directly from Italo . and you’ll need a valid ID onboard.
You have to be 70 or older to get the generous discounts that Lithuania’s national train service offers. Passengers 70-80 years old get a 50% discount, while those over 80 get 80% off.
Luxembourg doesn’t have discounts specifically for seniors , since travel is free on public transport within the country. Tickets are available from train operator CFL or through Trainline , which has a better routing search engine for crossing the borders to Belgium, France, and Germany. You do have to pay for the cross-border portion of any trip once outside of Luxembourg.
North Macedonia
Macedonia Railways gives senior passengers over the age of 60 a 30% discount (page in Macedonian or Albanian only) on all national routes, but it requires a K-13 card that is available from ticket selling offices.
Montenegro’s national train service has a K-5 card for seniors which gives passengers over the age of 60 a 30% discount. Those over the age of 75 travel for free wit h this card. The card costs 1 euro and is valid for two years.
Netherlands
Seniors living in the Netherlands over the age of 60 are eligible for certain limited discounts especially if purchasing classic subscriptions for frequent travel. There is, for certain discount card subscriptions, the option to travel for free for 7 days per year during off peak hours; the website only explains it properly in the Dutch version .
We have had trouble in certain smaller, unstaffed train stations with cash or a foreign bank or credit cards in station machines that only accept local cards. One commenter below reports that this has been fixed in 2023. In any case to be safe it may be worth buying tickets in advance. Trainline offers some but not all routes; the official NS site and app has all routes but can be very tricky to use in English.
Those aged 67 and older can get a 50% discount on single full-priced tickets for Norwegian train operator Vy , but various flexible, sleeper, and other discounted tickets are not eligible for this senior discount.
There is a 30% discount available for seniors over the age of 60 traveling in 1st or 2nd class on PKP Intercity trains in Poland. Discount tickets can be bought online, through the app, and at ticket offices and machines.
Many cities in Poland also have free or steeply discounted travel for seniors. Check with the local operator for more. For example, Warsaw offers a senior personal pass .
Passengers over the age of 65 can show their IDs to get a 50% discount on travel within the country. The easiest way to buy tickets is via the official CP (Comboios de Portugal) app or at CP.pt , but I haven’t been able to figure out a way to get this discount with those options; you may need to buy directly at a Portuguese train station. Fortunately the staff at main stations often speak English.
There is also a discount of 25% for those aged 60 and over on the international Celta service connecting northern Spain (slow, smelly train, not recommended).
For now, generally, Portugal is not connected in any useful way by train with Spain; for overland low carbon travel to main Spanish destinations, search the bus/train combinations presented by Trainline .
There are free tickets on many types of Slovakian trains for those over the age of 62, wherever they are residents or citizens. It is necessary to first register (for free! for life!) for a rail customer card at ZSSK (official Slovakian train operator) ticket desks; one commenter below suggests doing so at major train stations where it is more likely to find an English speaker working. Bring a passport photo and your address written out. For certain other types of trains there is a small fee.
Once you have this card you still need to get tickets but they cost €0 at ticket desks or for certain exceptions (fast trains) you pay a supplement. These tickets are limited per train.
This card is only for trains run by ZSSK; there are limited trains run by other operators.
There are also very steep discounts with less limitations on categories of trains for those aged 70 and over . And there is an annual rail card available for purchase offering discounts for those aged 60 and over .
Slovenian Railways offers a Seniors Railcard for those over the age of 65 or who are retired. It costs 10 euros and is valid for one year; its discounts are 30% on weekdays, 50% on weekends and for trips to Croatia, and 15% off of international fares.
Spain’s Tarjeta Dorada (Gold Card) is offered to seniors over the age of 60 and can be purchased for €6 at ticket offices inside major train stations and at select travel agencies throughout Spain. Cardholders get up to 25% off travel on most types of Renfe trains and 40% off on medium-distance trains (trenes Media Distancia). The cards cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts.
The website of the Spanish rail operator Renfe is a a bit of a disaster , so if you have issues there we recommend booking with Trainline for Spain, including if you have the senior card, in which case just be sure to specify your Tarjeta Dorada before searching.
Note that there are now budget operators for the high speed lines that cross Spain; these are often much cheaper than Renfe, even with any of Renfe’s discount cards. Trainline automatically shows these options in route searches. We also have detailed looks at the operators: Iryo and Ouigo , as well as Renfe’s Ave and Avlo .
Senior travelers over the age of 65 (or also those who have a certificate from the Swedish Pensions Agency) get a 10% discount on trains in Sweden. You simply select the category “Pensionär” when booking online and then carry a valid ID document showing your age on the trip.
Switzerland
For heavy travellers in Switzerland, the official operator SBB offers its beautiful rail rides to residents an an unlimited basis through a subscription program called the GA Travelcard that gives women over the age of 64 and men over the age of 65 discounts on 1st and 2nd class travel. (There are also versions of the card at higher cost for non-seniors.)
You can pay for the subscription (which automatically renews, be careful) online or at SBB ticket counters. Additional benefits include a 10% discount on day trips with RailAway, discounts on Rent a Bike, up to 15% off car rentals with Europcar, discounted admission at Swiss museums, and lounge access for 1st class ticket holders.
Be aware that there are no other senior discount rates on Swiss trains, and that the SBB site can confusingly offer half fares for which you are not eligible unless you are a resident who has purchased the Swiss Half Fare card. Trainline is a less bewildering experience if you want to purchase tickets in advance; it is also generally fine to just show up and get them on the spot.
Turkey’s TCDD gives discounts of 20% to passengers aged 60 and over and 50% to passengers aged 65 and older. Be sure to ask for these fares when booking at a train station. Tickets can in theory be booked online in English ; Seat 61 has a good guide for this.
United Kingdom
The UK has an annual Senior Railcard for citizens over the age of 60 that gives 1/3 discounts off of standard and first class fares on most trains. It can be combined with some bus/rail/sea journeys (except on Eurostar, which has no senior discounts) and can be bought at train stations (including on the day of travel), and on the National Rail website. Cardholders also get discounts on restaurants, accommodations, theatre tickets and more through Railcard Rewards . The annual cost of the Senior Railcard is £30.
You can use your Senior Railcard when purchasing UK train tickets with Trainline or with RailEurope .
London has its own senior discount programs that include the Freedom Pass and the 60+ London Oyster card. Both can be used on National Rail services on the London public transportation network.
UK (Northern Ireland)
Northern Ireland’s Translink has a 60+ Smartpass that offers free travel for permanent North Ireland residents between the ages of 60 and 64. Their Senior SmartPass offers free national and cross-border travel on Translink trains and buses for seniors over 65 who have been residents of Northern Ireland for at least three months.
Wrapping Up: Seniors on Trains in Europe
We tend to hear much better tales of travel by train than any other mode of transport in Europe. Particularly if you’re looking for slower-paced travel that puts you more in touch with local Europeans, trains are the way to go.
The discounts for seniors on trains are not always great and the purchasing process in some countries can be a bit complicated. But train travel is well worth it.
We continuously update this article and as always appreciate reader feedback and suggestions in the comments.
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10 thoughts on “Senior Savings on European Train Travel: The Ultimate Guide to the Discounts”
tarjeta dorada … not worth it. buy tickets early to save, the card saves nothing at all. We’re in Spain now. no savings on Madrid to San Sebastian. We bought tickets early all over spain before arriving (that was a waste too as they’re now all cheaper). So, wait until you get to Spain but price out tickets – you may have to buy about 8 days ahead (prices do go up after that).
Comprehensive article… thank you!
It is free for pensioners to travel in Warsaw – does this also apply to the whole country?
Nope, unfortunately. See the Poland section above.
I am a 75 year old Hungarian citizen who plans to travel in Spain on train. What kind of discount I can get? I Hungary I travel free on the train, bus ecet.
Sigh. I should have added, good compilation of the offers. Thanks!
Hi, one small correction: Hungary gives free travel to those over 65 who are EU Nationals, not EU residents. And BTW it applies to all public transport, i,e, buses, ant the Budapest metro too. However for a train which has a supplement over the normal fare, seniors do have to pay the supplement.
Thanks Edward; this has now been updated above.
Having visited Hungary many times, my Irish passport shows my age and there has never been a problem on trains, trams, metros, buses or even the airport bus service ! I’m left with the impression that free travel for 65’s plus, is to bring in orderly tourism. Budapest has a super public transport system….a bit like what Ireland had up to 1932 !
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Quick Take: Senior Train Travel in Europe
Seniors booking a handful of European train trips: The first, easiest, and often cheapest option is Trainline , which calculates applicable senior discounts (but this is rare) and often finds smarter, cheaper routes for complex trips. Purchasing countries’ annual senior passes is not worthwhile a few trips.
For many trips in a single European country throughout the year: This is where purchasing a senior discount pass for a specific country’s system may be worthwhile; see our specific country listings in this article.
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March 12, 2024
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A brief guide to birdwatching in the age of dinosaurs
by Abi Crane, The Conversation
Have you ever wondered what it would be like travel back in time to the age of dinosaurs? If you stumble upon a time machine, remember to bring your binoculars. Birdwatching is a popular hobby today, with an around 3 million participants in the UK alone, and in our modern world there are a staggering 11,000 species of birds to spot.
Despite the popularity of their modern-day descendants, we often forget about ancient birds because of their more famous dinosaur cousins.
Birds are actually a type of dinosaur . They are closely related to smaller, agile meat-eating dinosaurs such as the Velociraptor. Ancient birds came in a variety of forms, from ones with teeth and claws to species barely distinguishable from farmyard chickens .
So, if you were to point your binoculars over the heads of Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex, what could you spot? Here is a quick introduction to six of the most interesting ancient bird species.
Archaeopteryx
Archaeopteryx is the iconic "dino-bird" from the Jurassic period. The discovery of Archaeopteryx fossils in Germany over 150 years ago provided scientists with the first clues about the link between dinosaurs and modern birds.
At first glance, the skeleton of Archaeopteryx is just like any other meat-eating dinosaur—sharp teeth, clawed hands and a long bony tail. Surrounding the skeleton of specimens such as the Berlin Archaeopteryx (discovered between 1874 and 1876 ) however, are imprints of feathers which form a pair of distinctly bird-like wings.
But for many years, paleontologists debated whether Archaeopteryx could have used these wings to fly. Scientists now think it is likely that Archaeopteryx could have flown, but only in short bursts , like a pheasant. Recent technological advances have given us our first insights into dinosaur color and studies of fossilized, pigmented cells have shown that Archaeopteryx had matt black wing feathers.
Confuciusornis
This crow-sized bird had a beak like that of modern-day birds, but still had large, dinosaur-like claws on its hands. It is thought that they lived in flocks, large numbers of which were killed by ash or gas in volcanic eruptions and preserved as fossils. Known from over 1,000 fossil specimens from China, Confuciusornis is one of the most common fossil bird species.
Some of these birds had a pair of tail feathers longer than their body, while others lacked these long feathers and would have looked comparatively stumpy. Scientists think these long-tailed birds were the males of the species and those with short tails were females . Like modern peacocks and peahens, the males probably used their extravagant tail feathers to woo the females.
Falcatakely
Discovered in 2020, Falcatakely , from Madagascar, would have resembled a small, buck-toothed toucan. Its oversized, banana-shaped bill only had teeth at the very tip . Although we don't know what this buck-toothed bird would have eaten, its close relatives ate a variety of food , including fruit, fish and even larger prey.
Scientists think that birds such as Falcatakely could fly the same day they hatched from their egg , unlike birds today which spend their first weeks or months helpless in the nest.
Hesperornis
One of the weirdest birds from the age of dinosaurs , Hesperornis would have looked something like a six-foot-tall penguin with a beak full of sharp teeth . Its tiny arms would have made T rex look like a weightlifter, so it definitely couldn't have used them to fly.
Instead, Hesperornis used its oversized feet to propel itself through the water like a modern cormorant. Out of the water, Hesperornis walked awkwardly upright and probably couldn't travel far overland.
Vegavis and Asteriornis
Towards the end of the dinosaurs' reign, the earliest groups of modern birds began to appear. The first of these birds to be discovered was Vegavis from Antarctica, which in the time of dinosaurs would have been covered in trees rather than ice.
It was probably an ancestor of ducks and geese and one exceptional fossil of Vegavis even has a rare preserved vocal organ . Analysis of this fossil suggested that Vegavis couldn't make a songbird melody but could have made simple noises such as goose-like honks.
Sixty-six million years ago, not long before the asteroid impact , which caused the extinction of the non-bird dinosaurs, lived Asteriornis . This quail-sized bird from Belgium was an ancestor of modern ducks and chickens. Although it would have looked unremarkable compared to the giant swimming lizards and huge, toothed seagulls it lived alongside, this may have been to its advantage.
Scientists think that the small size of birds such as Asteriornis helped them to survive the mass extinction . Because smaller animals need less food and take less time to reproduce, these humble birds were able to survive and evolve into the birds you can see through your binoculars today.
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COMMENTS
Under 12 years old: must travel with a responsible person aged 16 or older. 12 to 15 years old (inclusive): can travel on their own on trains departing between 06.00 and 17.00 local time, as long as they've got a fully completed Eurostar unaccompanied minor form.
Take the whole family to Europe in comfort with our special fares for kids aged 4 to 11 years old in Standard Class. A child ticket can only be booked with an adult ticket on eurostar.com. If you need to book a standalone child ticket, please get in touch with our contact centre. Child facilities on board Family seating
be less than 10 years old. Check that you have a clear page in your passport, as it will need to be stamped with your travel date when you're travelling to and from the EU. If you don't have a passport yet or your passport needs renewing, please allow plenty of time to apply before your trip.
If you require a seat for any child that is under four years old, please enter them as being a child of four years old and above. The relevant child fare will then be applied to your booking. Please note: All children regardless of age will require a valid passport. More information on travelling with children Was this answer helpful?
Regulation (EC) No 2021/782 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 on Rail Passengers' Rights and Obligations (recast) ("PRR") and all relevant national laws apply to travel on Eurostar London Routes Services. The PRR incorporates the Uniform Rules for the Contract of International Carriage of Passengers by Rail ("CIV").
Do I need a passport? Yes, you do need your passport. Or a national ID card for EEA citizens or Swiss nationals. ePassports are brilliant as you can go directly through the electronic gates, which are much quicker. But you have to be over 18 to use these gates.
Home Door to door Plan your trip Travel with Travelling with children Travelling with children Taking young children abroad presents parents and guardians with unique challenges. Discover everything clients need to know about travelling with children, to ensure a smooth journey for the entire family. Travelling to / from London Travelling between
Children between 4 and 12 travel on a reduced fare called a "child" ticket and children 13-25 travel on a "youth" ticket. If the adult price is already deeply discounted, like the fares below ($46.80 each way), then the youth ticket is the same price, and the child ticket is only mildly discounted.
Child age range: 4 - 14; Youth age range: 15 - 29; In Italy children aged under 4 travel free of charge without a seat in Trenitalia trains. Discounted fares up to 50% are available to children (including child under 4 with a seat). In NTV Italo - Children under 3 travel free of charge without seat. There is no separate discount for child ...
- be less than 10 years old Passengers must have a clear page in their passports, as it will be stamped when travelling in and out of the EU. If passengers do not yet have a passport, or their current passport needs renewing, please ensure there is ample time for the application process to conclude, before travelling.
Customs Everything you need to know about custom regulations when travelling between the UK and Europe. Your tickets Everything you need to know about how to book and manage your booking. Eurostar App Download the app for booking tickets, live updates and destination inspiration. Station guides
Within the UK, children under 5 go free, children from 5 to 15 (inclusive) travel at half the adult fare. On Eurostar, children under 4 go free, and a special child fare (currently £25 single, £50 return to Paris or Brussels in standard class) applies to children from 4 to 11 inclusive.
If you're 60 or older, you can enjoy our special offers across three travel categories: Standard, Comfort and Premium. Deals Senior fare Important: This info doesn't apply when travelling to and from London. Exclusive prices just for you We want our valued senior customers to experience the joy of European travel without breaking the bank.
Eurostar have taken the stress out of preparing to travel, and the actual journey so getting away with all the family can honestly, be a joy! And what's more, children under 4 travel for free with Eurostar! Yes you read that correctly, FREE my friends! I utterly adore the Eurostar, always have, always will.
Adventures don't stop at 60. In fact, with Eurostar's generous discounts for travellers 60 and above, it's just the beginning. Travelling between Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany Enjoy discounted fares for Standard, Comfort and Premium fares.
Yes, from 7 February 2023 travellers must be at least 16 years of age to join. From then, you can enjoy all the benefits of Club Eurostar. Children aged 4-15 who joined the Club Eurostar programme before 7 February 2023, will still keep their membership.
1. Is there an age limit for children traveling alone on Eurostar? No, there is no maximum age limit for children traveling alone on Eurostar. However, children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 2. Can children aged 12 and above travel alone on all Eurostar routes?
13 Booking Train Tickets In Europe How Early Should I Arrive For The Eurostar Train You should arrive at least 1 hour before your scheduled departure on Eurostar. On our recent ride it took 30 minutes to get through customs and immigration on our way to London.
You can now book your travel aboard Eurostar's high-speed trains for trains through France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands between 21 July 2024 and 9 September 2024. ... This is why we ask for the age of young passengers. Sometimes children below a certain age can travel without a seat for free. If you want to guarantee a seat for child ...
Eurostar's London to Lille service is the shortest trip offered by Eurostar, taking just 1 hour and 22 minutes. With nearly 20 daily journeys, Lille allows commuters and travellers alike to travel between France and the UK with ease. This ever-popular route has been available since Eurostar was first founded in 1994.
EU plug sockets Kids four and under travel free (if seated on an adult's lap) ️Convenience Travelling with Europe offers a number of travel conveniences. Depart from and arrive directly to a city centre, making it easy to make connections or step right into your adventures.
Eurostar trains travel to several destinations. Eurostar began operating in 1994 and is one of Europe's most well-known high-speed train services. The train currently offers direct service to ...
The Railcard "S" is also available for international travel for those over the age of 60. This card costs a little over 15€ and is good for 25% off cross-border train trips for one year. ... It can be combined with some bus/rail/sea journeys (except on Eurostar, which has no senior discounts) and can be bought at train stations (including ...
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Have you ever wondered what it would be like travel back in time to the age of dinosaurs? If you stumble upon a time machine, remember to bring your binoculars. Birdwatching is a popular hobby ...