London Spezial

Where: London to any city in Germany
How much: €59 one-way (around £50)
When to book: 91 days in advance

The ‘London Spezial’ – also known as a Saver Fare - is best known for offering London to Berlin trains for £50. What few people know is that the same ticket deal also applies to trains from London to any city in Germany! The trick to finding a London Spezial is finding the Eurostar trains which connect with specified departures from Brussels. Every day there are four Intercity-Express (ICE) trains which offer these bargain train tickets. Monday – Sunday they depart at 06:25, 10:25, 14:25 and 18.25. Bear in mind Eurostar operates a different weekend timetable so you won’t always be shown connections that are eligible for the Saver Fare on Saturdays and Sundays.

Regardless of your destination, maximise your chance of finding a London Spezial ticket by searching for trains as soon as booking opens – typically 91 days in advance. Search at 6am to include the first Eurostar of the day, which often connects to the 10:25 Brussels service. You can set up an email alert by clicking on the relevant destination below and we’ll send you a booking reminder.  Alternatively, input your dates and search for trains to another destination that isn’t featured. You’ll be able to set an alert direct from the no-results page, which is shown when a search is too far in advance.

London to Berlin | London to Cologne | London to Frankfurt | London to Munich

Intercités de Nuit

Where: All over France, while you sleep
How much: £44 one-way for a bunk in a 6-berth couchette
When to book: 3 months minus one day

The Intercités de Nuit is the collective name given to night trains in France, and was formally known as the Lunéa sleeper. Paris is the hub for sleeper train services travelling as far as Cerbère, Nice and Port-Bou and many more besides. With the popularity of high-speed TGVs and direct day trains (see ‘Prems’ below) it’s easy to overlook the night train, but if you want to enjoy a real European rail experience then you can’t beat the sleeper.

It’s possible to reserve a bunk in a 6-berth couchette from just £44, sometimes even less, excellent value when you consider that you’re also saving on a night’s accommodation. The trick is to search for trains 3 months in advance, less one day. That’s because the entire journey must be within the 3 months booking horizon (which applies to most trains in France)  including the night spent asleep.

Paris to Nice |Paris to Toulouse | Paris to Cannes

Eurostar

Where:  London to Paris, Brussels or Lille
How much: £39 one-way
When to book: 120 days in advance

If you’re a seasoned international rail traveller then finding a £39 ticket for the Eurostar might seem like child’s play. However, if you’re new to booking European trains it pays to start with the basics. Each Eurostar train has a batch of their cheapest fares, which are £39 one-way or £69 return. To find these, simply search for trains 120 days in advance, or set an alert for your preferred travel dates to get a reminder when booking opens, using the links below. The closer you book to the booking horizon of 120 days, the greater your chance of finding the cheapest Eurostar tickets. However, if you want to go further afield in France, it may be worth waiting until the French Connection fares come on sale a month later (see below).

London to Paris | London to Lille | London to Brussels

Eurostar French Connections

Where:  London to more than 50 destinations in France
How much: £50-£67.50 one-way (depending on distance)
When to book:  3 months in advance

In addition to operating trains to Paris, Brussels and Lille, Eurostar also offer a number of low-cost train tickets to other destinations in France. However, unlike their namesake, these tickets come on sale 90 days in advance to be consistent with the booking horizon for the rest of France.  Though French Connection fares aren’t always cheaper than buying a Eurostar and TGV ticket separately, you’re guaranteed a seamless itinerary and avoid the hassle of multiple purchases.

Take trains to Avignon for example – bought separately at their cheapest, tickets for a Eurostar (120 days ahead) and TGV to Avignon (90 days) can be £62 in total. However, you run the risk of being stuck with a non-flexible (and therefore non-refundable) Eurostar ticket and not finding a suitable train in France when they come on sale 30 days later. If you wait until the French connection fares come on sale 90 days ahead, you’ll pay just £67.50 one-way or £119 return and be guaranteed that your whole journey is in the bag.  

The list of destinations is quite long, but in the meantime here’s a few to whet your whistle or see our Trains to France guides for more inspiration.  

London to Aix en Provence | London to Bordeaux | London to Cannes | London to Reims

TGV Prems

Where: French domestic and international TGV stations
How much: from £23 one-way
When to book: 3 months ahead, or longer during summer

The list of stations served by the TGV is vast, and far too many to list here! Suffice to say that this high-speed veteran gets around. With so many trains in operation, and TGV keen to run trains at full occupancy, there are plenty of good deals on offer to tempt you onto their tracks. Prems fares are the cheapest tickets available on the TGV. There’s no discount for a return journey, and they’re non-exchangeable and non-refundable so once you’ve got your ticket you’re stuck with it. But  the prices are small enough that it’s a risk worth taking.

Tickets typically come on sale 90 days ahead, but during summer SNCF often extend the booking horizon. Sign up to our newsletter to be among the first to know about summer extension, or use our booking alerts to get a route-specific reminder when booking opens.

Paris to Avignon |  Paris to Milan | Paris to La Rochelle

Thalys

Where: Between Paris, Brussels, Cologne and Amsterdam
How much: from £17 – £32 one-way (depending on distance)
When to book: 3 months in advance

The instantly recognisable red high-speed trains operated by Thalys have been in operation for almost 20 years. Thalys dominated the high-speed rail market for more than a decade, Travelling at a cool 300kph between Paris, Brussels, Cologne and Amsterdam, with only a few intermediate stops. Although there is now competition on some routes, ICE trains from Brussels to Cologne for instance, there are still excellent value tickets on Thalys routes.

The cheapest tickets can be found by searching 3 months ahead, but bear in mind that if you’re considering a train which begins or ends in Germany you should wait until 91 days so you can see the whole range of fares on that route. Brussels to Cologne is a good example – search 3 months in advance and you’ll see the Thalys and some marked up tickets for the ICE, but wait until 91 days and you can see Saver Fares on the ICE alongside the Thalys tickets.  This is simply because the rail companies have different rules about when they release their tickets, Thalys has a 3 calendar month horizon, while Deutsche Bahn uses 91 days – luckily Loco2 has both so you can compare your options. Use the links below to create a booking reminder on Thalys routes and we’ll email you just as soon as booking opens on your planned journey.

Amsterdam to Paris | Brussels to Amsterdam | Brussels to Cologne 

Image credit: Darkroom Daze & Les Chatfield, praha1952Reproduced with thanks under a Creative Commons licence via photopin

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Luzern station, Switzerland

Then: This old postcard of the main station in Luzern shows the distinctive cupola that sets it apart from others.

Now: The glass and stone facade is all that remains of the grand station that once stood on the banks of Lake Lucerne. A new modern building now accommodates the trains that serve this lake-side station.

Gare d’Orsay, France

Then: Opened in 1900, Gare d’Orsay was the was the first electrified urban rail terminal in the world. But it has a rich history going back much further than that, as the grandeur of the building indicates. The site was originally known as the Palais d’Orsay, and housed the offices of France’s state council.

Now: In 1939 the station became unsuitable for modern trains and the wrecking ball loomed. But in a stroke of good thinking the French government had the building listed, and in the 1970s converted it into an art museum. Quite the transformation!

Interlaken West, Switzerland

Then: When it was built, Interlaken West was the only station serving the area, and was thus known simply as ‘Interlaken station’.

Now: As more and more railway stations were built to serve the Swiss canton Bern, the station was renamed Interlaken West. But the imposing building remains largely unchanged.

Madrid Atocha station, Spain

Then: When it was first inaugurated in 1851, the station we now know as Madrid Atocha station was known as Estación de Mediodía. 

Now: A fire destroyed Estación de Mediodía and it was rebuilt in 1892 in the same style in wrought iron, and renamed Atocha, after a nearby basilica. Though seemingly unchanged from the outside, the addition of a sub-tropical garden on the main concourse in 1992 sets the modern station apart from its former self.

Basel station, Switzerland

Then: Designed by Emil Faesch and Emmanuel La Roche, Basel station was built in 1907 in neo-Baroque style and is considered a heritage site of national significance.

Now: As can be seen from the picture below, not much has changed, although where there once stood a fountain you’ll find tramways to explore the now much larger city of Basel.

Roma Termini, Italy

Then: The first incarnation of Roma Termini, Rome’s largest and most central station, was completed in 1874 and was almost too big for the Papal State (which was home to just over 180,000 inhabitants). However,  in fewer than fifteen years  it had already proved inadequate for Rome’s ever-increasing railway traffic and a series of enlargements began.

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Then again: In 1947, plans to modernise and expand the station were opened up to competition. The result was a prime example of ‘rationalist’ architecture, which celebrated the functional aesthetic that was popular at the time.

And now: The modernist curves and gravity-defying cantilevered design still remain and gave rise to a modern day nickname, the ‘dinosaur’.

Kings Cross railway station, London

Then: In 1851 the station at Kings Cross didn’t have enough capacity to accomodate the stampede of visitors to the Great Exhibition, so a temporary station was built next door. ”The London Temporary Passenger Station” remained for some years, later being converted into a potato warehouse as the permanent station established its place as the London hub for the Great Northern Railway Line.

Now: In 2005 a £500 million restoration project begun, scheduled for completion by the end of 2013. Earlier this year, another “temporary” station feature was removed at long last (this one lasted 40 years), bringing the new station design closer to completion.

St Pancras International, London

Then: When it opened the arched Barlow train shed was the largest single-span roof in the world.

Now: As part of the station renovation, 20,000 litres of “Barlow Blue” paint were commissioned to repaint the ironwork and restore the station’s former glory.

Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Germany

Then: When it opened in 1871, the architecture for Berlin’s Lehrter Bahnhof station was ahead of its time. Built in the French neo-Renaissance style, it was known as a ‘palace among stations’.

Now: After the fall of the Berlin wall, a new reunified transport plan for Berlin was put together, culminating in Berlin Hauptbahnhof. The new station opened in 2006 on the site of the old Lehter Bahnhof station.

Lille Flanders, France

Then: Construction ended in 1892 for Lille Flanders station. The station facade once belonged to Paris’ Gare du Nord and was dismantled and rebuilt in Lille at the end of the 19th century, with the addition of a large clock.

Now: Lille station still looks just as grand as it ever did!

Rostock

Then: Rostock station was first opened in 1886, operating a combined railway/ferry line to Nykøbing Falster in Denmark.

Now: The station was heavily damaged in WW2 which saw extensive modernisation to the building after Germany was reunified.

Angelo Trusiani, Roma Segreta, London Reconnections, railstaff, Wikimedia, archinoah, Przemyslaw Sakrajda, Matt Thorpe,  jurjen_nl, Craig Stanfill, Churchil Angelio, rarepostcard.com, Gryffindor

This post Train stations then and now appeared first on Loco2.

Day train services

Up to 70% off these daytime domestic services:

Paris to Perpignan

Paris to Narbonne

Paris to Toulouse

Night train services

Grab fares from just £31.50 one way in a 6-berth couchette for the following sleeper services:

Paris to Toulouse

Paris to Carcassonne

Paris to Perpignan

Paris to Nice

Paris to Cannes

Paris to Fréjus

Paris to St Raphael

Don’t miss out great fares to the South of France and book before 6th June 2013 for travel between 31st May and 25th June 2013. If you want to find out more on taking the train to the French south coast, check out our Cote D’Azur booking guides for Nice, Cannes and Antibes and our France Destinations homepage for more detail.

Small print: Prices are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change and availability. Cheap train tickets to France prices quoted are per person in the lowest available standard class one-way promotional fares from Paris.

Image credit: Marko Reproduced with thanks under a Creative Commons licence via photopin

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The tallest railway viaduct

Taking 4 years to complete, the Mala Rijeka Viaduct or ‘Little River viaduct’, rises 200m above the river valley below. The impressive structure contains 36,000 m³ of concrete and 100,000 tons of steel. To put that in perspective, the base of the largest supporting pillar is the size of a tennis court! It’s not to be confused with the tallest railway bridge, an accolade that goes to China’s Beipanjiang River Railway Bridge.

The steepest funicular railway

If you consider plunging off a plateau on the edge of a 200m cliff scenic, then Katoomba Scenic Railway in Australia’s Blue Mountains will live up to its name. For the rest of us, perhaps terrifying is a more appropriate description. With a 52-degree incline this is the steepest cable railway in the world, so overcome your vertigo and take the 310m plunge. You’ll be treated to miles of Jurassic rainforest when you reach your valley destination.

The highest railway station (in Europe)

Although the world record for highest railway goes to the Qinghai-Tibet railway in Asia (at 16,640 feet above sea level) we thought we’d put the spotlight on Europe. At over 11,000 ft, the Jungfraujoch railway station, in Switzerland’s Bernese Alps is Europe’s highest, thus deserving its nickname as the station at the ‘Top of Europe’. It can be reached via a 7.3 km long railway tunnel, accessible from nearby Interlaken. If you’ve got a real head for heights make your way to the observation deck for spectacular Alpine views.

Search for trains to Interlaken | See Switzerland booking guides

The longest rail ‘n’ road bridge (in Europe)

The Oresund Bridge stretches from Copenhagen in Denmark to Malmö in Sweden, allowing cars and trains to cross the 16km stretch of water which separates one country from the other. And if the image above looks like an optical illusion it’s because the 2-track railway and 4-lane highway abruptly descend into the sea as the bridge becomes a tunnel for the last stretch. Is it a tunnel or a bridge (a brunnel)? Either way it’s the continent’s longest road and rail bridge by a mile!

Search for trains to Copenhagen | See Denmark booking guides

Longest undersea tunnel

The notion of a tunnel under the Channel was first envisaged back in the 1800s. Nearly 200 years later, and after 3 years of digging, there was literally light at the end of the tunnel, as the machines boring through the seabed finished their task. Affectionately known as the ‘Chunnel’, the Channel Tunnel now boasts the world’s longest undersea tunnel at 23.5 miles.

Search for trains to Paris | See France booking guides

The world’s first undersea rail tunnel

From the world’s longest undersea tunnel to the world’s first. Though not initially designed for rail traffic, London’s Thames Tunnel was the first of its kind. Designed by the infamous Marc Isambard Brunel it was considered the ’8th Wonder of the World’. And after 18 years under construction half of London’s population paid the penny toll to walk the tunnel when it finally opened in 1843. Since 2010, it’s formed part of the new London Overground service that connects Rotherhithe with Wapping.

See UK booking guides

The deepest railway tunnel

Japan’s Seikan tunnel connects the islands of Hokkaido and Honshu via the notoriously stormy Tsugaru strait. Despite being in a known earthquake zone, dynamite and drills were used to blast the tunnel through rock down to 790 ft below sea level. Despite this danger it was a much-needed alternative to boats, that frequently sank in the treacherous waters above. When it was opened it was the longest and deepest railway tunnel in the world, but is soon to be eclipsed by the Gotthard tunnel (below) in the length stakes.

The longest railway tunnel (to be)

Okay we’re cheating a little here because this tunnel isn’t finished, but we pride ourselves at being ahead of the curve. Once complete the 35.4 mile Gotthard Base tunnel in Switzerland will be the world’s longest rail tunnel. With an estimated cost of £6.6bn (that’s around £850 per Swiss citizen), and 16 years of construction under their belt, we hope that the thrill of travelling by train under the Alps is worth the effort. And if you just can’t wait, you can keep track of their progress via a live webcam feed.

See Switzerland booking guides

Oldest railway tunnel in the world

Also hot off the press are reports of what may be the world’s oldest railway tunnel. In Derbyshire, England, archaeologists have unearthed a tunnel dating back to 1793 concealed under… a garden rockery. Loconuts may point out that the advent of the steam engine wasn’t until the early 1800s and they’d be right. However, it’s thought the tunnel was the conduit for horse-drawn trains before being used by steam locomotives during the 20th century.

See UK booking guides 

The amphibious train

We’ve blogged on train-boats and boat-trains before on Loco2, but we couldn’t resist another mention for amphibious trains. The Ostróda-Elbląg canal in Poland is a beautiful example of where rail and hydro engineering combine. To move from one canal to another at a higher level, boats on the Ostróda-Elbląg go a short distance by rail, solving the problem of a difference in canal elevation.

See Poland booking guides

Image credits: Pranav Bhatt, jonahjones, Cornelius Bechtler, Omsc7, sanpani, OneFlameintheFire, Dao-hui Chen, Derbyshire Archeological Society, Bilfinger SE, sinfin.net  Reproduced with thanks under a Creative Commons licence via photopin

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Macaroons in Montmarillon

The ‘macaron’ (not to be confused with a macaroon, which is a different sweet treat), is a meringue based delight available in an array of colours and flavours. Pick up a dozen at Paris’ famous Ladurée bakery or head to Montmorillon, where one family’s secret recipe has remained unchanged for 150 years. The Maison Rannou-Métivier is the town’s oldest macaron bakery, where you can sample these delectable edibles fresh from the oven.  And, such is this town’s dedication to the art, there’s a Macaron Museum too.

Trains to Montmorillon: Search for London to Montmorillon trains

Baguette en Paris

Derived from the French for ‘little stick’, baguettes were first baked in France in the early 19th century.  To the delight of the French aristocracy, the advent of the steam oven meant that bread could be baked to remain soft on the inside while staying deliciously crispy on the outside. From the double sized flûte, to the half-loaf batard or the long, thin ficelle, there are several varieties to take your fancy. Head to Boulangerie Mauvieux, last year’s winners of the coveted ‘Best Artisan Baguette’ prize, for the best breads in Paris.

Trains to Paris: Search for London to Paris trains | Read the Paris booking guide

Champagne in Champagne

Although the term is often bandied around, real Champagne must meet strict rules to be worthy of its name. So since it’s named after the French region where its grapes are grown, we recommend you go straight to the source.

Reims, in the Champagne-Ardennes region, is at the heart of some of the France’s finest champagne production. Many of the major houses, or ‘grand marques‘, have their headquarters here and there are thousands of bottles ageing in the tunnels and caves beneath the city. With tastings, tours and subterranean exploration on the menu you’ll have plenty to raise a glass to!

Trains to Reims: Search for London to Reims trains | Read the Reims booking guide

Brie in Melun & Meaux

Now produced the world over, Brie, one of the best-known varieties of soft cheese, originated in France’s Seine-et-Marne region. While there are many pretenders to the throne only 2 varieties – Brie de Melun and Brie de Meaux – are certified by the French government to be sold under the name. Brie de Melun is the supposedly the father of all Bries, with an ancestry dating back hundreds of years. While Brie de Meaux has earned the title “cheese of Kings” and the “King of cheeses”, thanks to being enjoyed by nobility and peasantry alike.

Every year both towns mark their cheese heritage: Melun celebrates an annual Festival of Brie on the first Saturday of October, while Meaux hosts the National Brie Championships. At this auspicious event each cheese is marked on criteria including form, appearance, colour, consistency, smell and taste, with the winner taking home the Best Brie prize. Head to the Fromagerie Ganot (which claims to be the oldest cheese shop in the region) to stock up on the good stuff before you go home.

Trains to Melun & Meaux: You can reach Melun & Meaux by regional train from Paris Est. Simply walk up and buy your ticket on the day, there’s no need to purchase in advance.

Crêpes in Vannes

Can’t wait until Shrove Tuesday? Head to Brittany where appreciation for crêpes is an all-year-round affair. Traditionally prepared paper-thin, sprinkled with sugar and rolled into a cigar shape, Crêpes are a hallmark of Breton culture.

These days you can take your pick of flavours, from chocolate praline to caramel & sea salt. Or if you fancy something savoury opt for buckwheat flour crepes, called galettes, filled with cheese and mushrooms. Head to Métairie de Kérozer,  winners of the Creperie of the Year 2009, or Balade en Crepanie that was recently awarded Gourmet Crepe status for its deconstructed take on the traditional crepe.

Trains to Vannes: Search for trains from London to Vannes

Quiche Lorraine in Lorraine

For a dish that seems to be so quintessentially French, you may be surprised to learn that the quiche actually has its roots in Germany and is taken from the German word kuchen, or cake. However, the French took the savoury crust dish, filled it with bacon and made it their own. Now served throughout France (and in your local supermarket), this popular dish originated in Lorraine on the eastern border

Strictly speaking, quiche Lorraine is made with double-cream and eggs but no cheese (!) although it is often added. Restaurants serving food purely from the Lorraine region are rare, but head to Nancy, one of Lorraine’s principal cities and you can sample quiche Lorraine in one of the town’s many bistros and patisseries. Try Bistro Héré on Stanislas Place – a great location only moments from the Gare de Nancy.

Trains to Nancy: Search for trains from London to Nancy | Read the Nancy booking guide

Clafoutis in Limoges

The traditional French dessert of Clafoutis is flan with cherries suspended in a light batter, baked and traditionally served warm. Originating in France’s Limousin region, it began making waves in the 19th century and is now popular throughout France. Purists will demand that the cherries that go into a clafoutis have pips in as this is said to make the final result more flavoursome. Judge for yourself by heading to Limoges, Limousin’s administrative capital, to try this irresistibly sweet tart locally.

Trains to Limoges: Search for trains from London to Limoges 

Bordeaux in Bordeaux

For years Bordeaux has been synonymous with the luscious claret that is produced there. And since the region is home to more than 8500 châteaux, 120,000 hectares of vineyards and produces 700 million bottles of wine every year, it’s not hard to see why. It’s believed that the vine was introduced to the French almost 2000 years ago by the Romans but it wasn’t until the 17th century, when the Dutch spotted a business opportunity in the murky swamps of the Médoc, that trade took off in a big way.

Make Bordeaux your base for exploring the Garonne and Dordogne and visit one of the many châteaux. Or head to the Bordeaux Wine School, where they claim to turn amateurs into experts in just 2 hrs!

Trains to Bordeaux: Search for trains from London to Bordeaux | Read the Bordeaux booking guide 

The booking horizon for trains in France is currently open until 25th August, so book now for your summer holiday. Tickets for travel up to 2nd September will be released on 14th May. Read extended booking for French trains for more information. 

Image credits: emmadiscovery, 3liz4,  jedrzejb, aktivioslo, ulterior epicure

This post French Fancies: 8 train trips inspired by French food appeared first on Loco2.

Provins

This UNESCO listed world heritage site is sometimes known as the ‘town of medieval fairs’, a niche it fits very well! An hour and 25 mins south-east of Paris, departing from Gare de l’Est, this ancient town transports you back to the Middle Ages. With winding streets, beautifully preserved buildings and fortifications including a tower and underground passages, this makes a great day trip for history lovers. In warmer months cavalcades, jousting tournaments and falconry events help recreate a time gone by. Provins is also well-known for its rose-derived produce so use it as an excuse to stock up on rose petal jam.

Trains from Paris to Provins

You can take a local train from Gare de l’Est – they leave every half an hour. You won’t save any money by booking in advance so you can just stroll up on the day.

Giverny

Even if you’re not an art buff, you’ll no doubt recognise the series of water lily paintings by famed Impressionist Claude Monet. Just 45 minutes away from Paris’ Gare Saint Lazare station by fast train is the house and garden that inspired his life’s work. You’ll arrive into Vernon, from where it’s an hour walk at a leisurely pace, a 15 minute cycle (several companies offer bike rental immediately outside the train station) or a short bus ride to Giverny. Expect to queue if it’s tourist season, but once inside you’ll find the garden surprisingly peaceful as you stand on the iconic wisteria-shaded footbridge once immortalised in oil. Summer is the time to go, when the gardens are in full bloom. And for more art-related trip inspiration see our post on famous painting locations.

Trains from Paris to Vernon

Trains depart from Paris Saint Lazare once every 2hrs and take a little less than an hour to make the journey to Vernon.

Search Paris to Vernon trains

Auvers-sur-Oise

From one French master to another and to Auvers-sur Oise where painter Vincent Van Gogh famously worked and died. In 70 short days, Van Gogh painted prolifically, creating on average one work every day until his eventual death. Whether you’re a Van Gogh fan or not, you can’t fail to appreciate the pretty town and iconic cornfields that inspired his later work. Head to the Auberge Ravoux to see the attic apartment where Van Gogh lived his final months and take lunch at table number 5 where the artist took his meals, sampling the absinthe for which the town is known (it even has the dedicated Musée de l’Absinthe!). You can also amble past the village church to the cemetery where Van Gogh is buried alongside his beloved brother Theo.

Trains from Paris to Auvers-sur-Oise

On weekends and holidays from April – October a direct train to Auvers leaves from Gare du Nord around 10am, taking 35 minutes. All other times, visitors must take a train from either Gare du Nord or St. Lazare, then transfer to an Auvers-bound train at Valmondois, Pointoise or St. Ouen. These are regional trains so you’re not likely to save by booking in advance, just walk up on the day.

Fontainebleau

As you step off the train at Fontainebleau-Avon it’s hard to believe you’re just 40mins from the hustle and bustle of Paris. The sprawling forest of Fontainebleau is just moments from the station and covers 100 square miles and is a prime climbing location thanks to its concentrated bouldering areas. Enjoy a picnic in the former royal hunting grounds or download a walking trail from the Fontainebleau tourist board and amble toward the castle, the town’s main attraction. The Château de Fontainebleau, once the country seat to French royals – most notably Napoleon – dates back to the 16th century so there’s plenty to see on rainy days too. With hundreds of opulent rooms, galleries, art and artefacts there’s lots to see (including Marie Antoinette’s bed!) so give yourself plenty of time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Trains from Paris to Fontainebleau

It’s a straightforward 40 minute train ride from Gare de Lyon to the Fontainebleau-Avon station. This is a local train you needn’t book in advance. If you’re headed for the castle then take the ‘Ligne A’ bus destined for Les Lilas, alighting at the ‘Château’ stop. Alternatively it takes 35mins on foot.

Bruges

We’re cheating a little bit here since this is a day trip that involves leaving France altogether. However, with fast trains operating between the French and Belgian cities, you can afford to include a day trip to Bruges on your Paris holiday. Sometimes known as the “Little Venice of the North”, canal-lined Bruges is full of charm. Its medieval heart is one of the most beautifully preserved in Europe, so you can wander without an itinerary, taking in quaint houses and finishing up at the Grand Place (Grote Markt in Dutch), the town’s historic centre, with its colourfully decorated guild house terraces. Enjoy an al fresco Belgian beer or indulge your sweet tooth with a Belgian chocolate-laced waffle or two. In summer, from around April to October you can enjoy Bruges from the water on a canal cruise and appreciate the city from the waterways.

Trains from Paris to Bruges

Paris is linked to Bruges by high-speed Thalys train to Brussels and InterCity trains within Belgium. Depart Paris’ Gare du Nord on a Thalys train to Brussels-Midi. Here, you’ll change onto a local InterCity train toward Bruges. There are frequent high-speed departures throughout the day, with a journey time of just over 2.5hrs. Fares begin at £43 for an adult one-way ticket.

Search Paris to Bruges Trains

Image credit: Frank Z,  dalem,  dalbera, P.poschadel, luizfilipe

This post 5 Day trips from Paris by train appeared first on Loco2.

Such is the human mind’s adeptness at perceiving faces in inanimate objects, a psychological phenomenon known as Pareidolia is named after it. But that’s the science lesson over. Here we present to you Loco2′s groundbreaking face-finding mission with our rundown of trains with faces:

Arriva train with a broken nose

A beady-eyed Greater Anglia train

This train is putting out its feelers!

Ths Starsky and Hutch of the train world

Electric train or electric eel?

The lights are on but no one’s at home with this slightly dim looking train

Pikachu train?

This one’s got a 5 o’clock shadow!

This train thinks it’s a barn owl

This train has some pretty sweet grillz!

This train just likes to clown around

This one takes grooming very seriously!

Snake train

This pair go way back!

This train has a rather wry smile

Darth Vader and/or dalek train

This post wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the original trains with faces, Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends!

Do you have any further examples to add? Link to them in the comments below!

Image credit: www.miac.org.uk, seeveearr, Paul Mutant, Hornby, wnxx, Telegraph, London&Partners, Discovery KIDS, RAIL-Pictures.com, Bitter Wallet, Brisbane Times, victorianrailways.net, Michael “Comeng301M” Coley, EDP24, 47843 Vulcan, jamiecooke1991, LivinginTaiwan Reproduced with thanks under a Creative Commons licence.

This post Trains with faces appeared first on Loco2.

What to expect from Guardian Trains

Visitors to the Guardian’s travel pages can now access a “Guardian Trains” tool, bringing Loco2′s ease of booking to the thousands of people who visit the Guardian online every week. Users can expect the same high standard of usability and Loco2 customer service, all under the trusted Guardian travel brand.

Head of Consumer Offers at the Guardian, Jo Burns, comments:

It seems fitting for Loco2 to be partnered with the publication that first spotted our potential. And we’re delighted to have more customers on board as we continue our mission to make booking European trains as easy as booking a flight.

Thanks to everyone at the Guardian who has worked hard to make this happen. Stay tuned for more exciting developments as the partnership evolves!

This post Introducing Guardian Trains – Loco2 partners with the Guardian appeared first on Loco2.

Holidaying with kids can be a bit like herding cats, but when the journey itself is part of the part of the adventure, it can be an enriching experience. Thanks to games, picnics, family-friendly seating, and so many things to see from the window, choosing to travel by train can get your holiday off to the best possible start. We enrolled the help of top travel bloggers and asked them to share their hard-won wisdom on going by rail with the kids!

At the station

1. Encourage your child’s natural curiosity

Debbie Dubrow of Delicious Baby suggests allowing additional time before your train departs to give children a chance to savour the sense of adventure:

“Kids can be very curious about trains, so it helps to arrive at the station early and allow some time to explore. Look at the “big board” that lists train departures and arrivals, check out the tracks, and take a seat on a bench to watch a train pulling out of the station. Depending on how interested your child is in trains, you can choose to allow anywhere between thirty minutes to an hour.”

2. Practice the ‘sandwich rule’

Heather Greenwood Davis of Globetrotting Mama suggests the ‘sandwich rule’ as a fun way of reminding your kids to stay close:

“In the station we practice the sandwich rule. Mum and Dad are the bread and the kids get to pick which filling they are (peanut butter and jam, cheese and ham). The filling always stays between the bread. No one wants their peanut butter on the outside of a sandwich!”

3. Do some research

Loco2′s tip: Many stations have interesting features (like these works of art) so do a quick search online before you go to know what to look out for at the station. If you’re travelling from London, your first port of call will be London St Pancras International, a grand Victorian station filled with interesting things for adults and kids alike. Adults should check out the station’s fascinating curios, and kids will no doubt appreciate a stop-off at Platform 9¾ from where the Hogwarts Express departs.

Onboard the train

4. Plan entertainment for the ride

Talon Wandwalker of 1 Dad 1 Kid advises packing games to last the length of your journey:

“For entertainment, why not bring along card games like Uno or a regular deck of cards? We also travel with a small puzzle in a zip-loc bag. They’re super light and so easy to pack, and since there are usually tables on longer distance trains, you’ll have room to spread out a little.”

5. Plan fun that is considerate to other passengers

Globetrotting Mama, Heather Greenwood Davis advises picking the things you bring with you for a train trip with care, and packing a simple daypack:

“We limit the amount of things we travel with generally. On the train, while we want the kids to be entertained we also want them to respect the fact that they are in a shared space: headphones (over the head are better than in-ear for really little kids) are a must, and you’ll need to remind the little ones that they may need to play it with no sound at certain times. The best approach? If it could annoy you or fellow passengers, or create the possibility of a tantrum, leave it at home!”

“We pack one of the kids daypacks for time spent on the train. We stick to small toys like matchbox cars, playing cards and such like. Things with small pieces are just asking for trouble and expensive gaming systems will likely cause more worry than fun. A small jack that allows two headphones to plug into the laptop or small DVD player is also a lifesaver [search for headphone splitter online].”

6. Prepare free activities

Loco2′s tip: Entertainment onboard the train needn’t be costly. Encourage kids to watch out for interesting landmarks or animals from their train window, or download some free train games to play en route.

Eating and drinking

7. Pack a picnic to savour onboard

While there if often food available to buy on board there are no rules against bringing your own snacks. If you’re travelling as a family you’ll certainly save money by taking a packed lunch, and you can also avoid the risk of “I don’t like this” sandwich disasters. Amy Whitler, of Go Green Travel Green says:

“Bringing your own food is always cheaper than purchasing on-board. What’s more, your luggage and carry-on allowance isn’t as strict as when taking a plane, so packing a meal is a straightforward affair”.

8. Book ahead to secure a table

Loco2′s tip: Buying your tickets well in advance will not only save you money, but will maximise your chances of being allocated a table for groups of 4. If you’re early enough to get a shared table you can dine as a family, but most European trains have at-seat tables so either way you can plan to eat on board.

Travelling overnight

9. Consider a sleeper train

Amy Whitley of Go Green Travel Green suggests you familiarise yourself with the different levels of accommodation and pick one that suits you best. She says:

“Overnight trains are a great way to save daylight for sightseeing, and are a great adventure for kids. However, it’s helpful to know what to expect. In second class, you usually have the choice between sleeping compartments (small compartments of bunks that are gender specific unless booked outright) or couchettes, which are cabins with 4-6 beds that are non-gender specific (perfect for families with older children).”

10. Book sole occupancy of sleeper compartments

Loco2′s tip: If you’re travelling as a family on an overnight sleeper, we often recommend booking an extra “phantom child” ticket to secure sole occupancy of the entire cabin. This bypasses the single-gender rule for sleeper compartments and means more room, more privacy, and less disturbance for fellow travellers.

At your destination

11. Be ready for when you need to alight your train

The stop for your destination might not be the final destination of your train, so Globetrotting Mama suggests you to prepare well so you don’t miss your stop:

“Listen out for arrival cues and be ready to go. Little ones should stay seated until the train is at a complete stop but, if possible, have at least one adult get up earlier to make sure all bags are quickly accessible and easy to go. The tricky thing about a train is that unless yours is the final stop, you won’t have the luxury of taking your time to get everyone organised. Have a plan – “you get the bags, I get the kids!”- and clean up and put away all toys and munchies at least 5 minutes ahead of arrival. If by the time you pull into the station the kids have their backpacks and jackets on and your hand in theirs, you’re golden”.

12. Count down to your destination

Loco2′s tip: Take a map or print out an itinerary and use it to count down the stations to your destination, pointing out fun things along the way. Then when you approach your final stop it won’t be a chaotic rush to disembark the train.

About our contributors

Debbie Dubrow lives in Seattle with her three children, aged 3, 6 and 8. Her blog DeliciousBaby – Making Travel with Kids Fun features kid-friendly city guides for cities around the world, as well as helpful tips and family travel gear recommendations. She is also the co-creator TripDoc, an iPhone app that lets you map everything you want to do on holiday on a single map so that you can plan your days easily and find your way around a town.

Talon Windwalker blogs at 1Dad1Kid.com. He’s a  single dad travelling the world slowly on an indefinite journey to raise his young son as a global citizen. He hopes to inspire people to live their dreams through his work.

Heather Greenwood Davis is Globetrotting Mama where she blogs on travelling with children. She is an award-winning freelance writer, travel columnist, speaker and journalist, and has recently returned from a year-long trip around the world with her husband and two sons, earning them the accolade of National Geographic Traveller Magazine’s “Travellers of the year”.

Amy Whitley is an adventure, eco, and family travel writer based in Oregon. When she’s not writing at Go Green Travel Green, she’s the founding editor of Pit Stops for Kids and content editor of Trekaroo, as well as a columnist for Outdoors NW Magazine.

Image credit: saebaryo, visithelsinki Dustin Diaz amanky Reproduced with thanks under a Creative Commons licence.

This post 12 tips for travelling by train with children appeared first on Loco2.

Details of extended booking for French summer holidays

4th July – 25th August: Sales will open on Thursday 4th April (that’s tomorrow!)

26th August – 2nd September: Sales will open on Tuesday 14th May

Although this extended booking for French summer holidays doesn’t mean there are more cheap tickets, it does make it easier to find advance fares so you’re more likely to find a great deal. Early bird rates are always the lowest but they will sell out fast! If you want some inspiration check out our Trains to France guide which has lots of ideas to get you on track.  The extension also applies to international TGVs so if you fancy going further afield why not check out trains to Milan or trains from Paris to Zurich.

Sign up to the Loco2 newsletter to stay in the know and this other useful European rail news.

The small print: The services that you will be able to book further in advance than usual are:

• SNCF domestic trains (including TGV and Intercités de Nuit formally Lunéa)
• TGV France-Italy
• TGV Lyria
• TGV Brussels-Provinces
• TGV France-Spain
• TGV Paris-Luxembourg

Please note that there are some exceptions, which are as follows

• TGV EST (services between Paris and eastern France)
• Services to/from the Alsace region will not open on 4th April, these include routes such as Paris-Strasbourg
• TGV Intersecteurs (services that do not go via Paris)
• Services to/from eastern France will not open on 4th April

INTERCITÉS - The following services will not open on 4th April:

• Paris-Caen-Cherbourg
• Paris-Rouen-Le Havre
• Paris-Mauberge
• Toulouse-Henday
• Nantes-Lyon

LUNEA - 80% of Intercités de Nuit (formally Lunéa) overnight trains will open on 4th April, however the some services will remain closed for sale.

Image credits: ]Babi] Reproduced with thanks under a Creative Commons licence.

This post Extended booking for French summer holidays appeared first on Loco2.

Luxembourg City station, Luxembourg

If you come into Luxembourg train station, you’ll be greeted by the stunning display of the city’s skyline in stained glass. The station was rebuilt between 1907 and 1913 by a trio of German architects (Rüdell, Jüsgen, and Scheuffel) in the Moselle Baroque Revival style characteristic of many of Luxembourg’s public buildings.

Trains to Luxembourg

Bilbao Abando station, Spain

A beautiful stained glass window overlooks the atrium at Bilbao’s Estacion de Abando Indalecio Prieto, also known as Bilbao-Abando. Designed by painter Caspar Montes Iturrioz and realised by the Union of Glazier Artists of Irun in 1948, it depicts a typical Basque country scene of workers in Vizcaya. Head to the upper level for the best view.

Gare du Lyon, Paris, France

With its grand frontage and impressive clock tower, as a stunning example of the belle époque architecture, Paris Gare du Lyon warrants a closer look. While you’re there, if you have time, head to the station’s Train Bleu brasserie for more discovery, both architectural and gastronomic! Level with the first floor, you’ll find four bas-reliefs which symbolise industrial and commercial gains won by transport. From top left, look out for Mechanics by Louis Baralis, Navigation and Steam by Felix Charpentier and Electricity, by Paul Gasq.

Trains to Paris

Prague Hlavní Nádraží, Czech Republic

When Prague emerged from behind the Iron Curtain in the 1990s, it delighted western travellers with its first impressions. Arrive into Praha Hlavní Nádraží (the main station) and you’ll see one of the city’s most beautiful examples of Art Nouveau, envisioned by Czech architect Josef Fanta.

Trains to Prague

Budapest Keleti, Hungary

If you head to Budapest by train you don’t naturally expect to see references to British engineering. However, take a closer look on arrival at Budapest Keleti station and you’ll find the statues of James Watt and George Stephenson, famed pioneers of steam engineering who helped give rise to the golden era of railways in Europe.

Rautatieasema, Helsinki, Finland

Two pairs of statues holding glass lamps make Helsinki’s Rautatieasema train station pretty iconic. The main building is finished in glass and Finnish granite, making for a grand first impression. Which is just as well, since the station houses an exclusive presidential lounge to host the Finnish president and guests.

Tottenham Court road, London

From Sherlock Holmes at Baker Street to escalators at Oxford Circus, London underground stations are famed for their intricate tile work and mosaics. Tottenham Court Road tube station may not look much from the outside but visitors to the station never fail to notice the colourful mosaic walls of its interior. They were created by Scottish artist Sir Eduardo Paolozzi in the 1980s and reference local sights and the banalities of modern day life.

Trains to London

São Bento, Porto, Portugal

The stone façade at São Bento station in Portugal is pretty enough, but it’s what lies inside that will take your breath away. Ceramic artists spent 11 years adorning the walls with 20,000 ‘azulejo’ tiles, which depict scenes of everyday life, royal spectacles and epic battles from Portuguese history.

Edgware Road tube, London, UK

The largest vitreous enamel artwork in Europe, Jacqueline Poncelet’s ‘Wrapper’ is a permanent addition to London’s Edgware road tube station. 700 panels, inspired by the area’s history, transport, waterways, architecture and communities cover its perimeter wall, making a bold and colourful statement in north-west London.

Trains to London

Grand Central Terminal, New York, USA

Grand Central Terminal, built in Beaux Arts style, celebrates its centenary this year and has much to get excited about. A giant Tiffany clock, iconic information booth, and vaulted ceiling painted with signs of the zodiac and studded with fibre optic lights are just a few of the things that make it special. This train station really is a destination for many tourists – take the audio tour to make sure you don’t miss any of its gems.

St. Pancras International, London, UK

Almost all train journeys to Europe from the UK begin at London St. Pancras International, but you don’t need a train ticket to visit. After an £800 million makeover, which included 300,000 of dirt being removed and the restoration of 8000 glass panels, the ‘Barlow train shed’ is quite a sight. Spanning 240 feet and over 100 feet high, we challenge you not to be impressed. Make a stop at the station’s restaurant to take in one of London’s most glorious Victorian landmarks or book yourself in for a night of luxury at the spectacular St. Pancras Renaissance hotel next door.

Trains to London

Antwerp Centraal, Belgium

Known as the ‘Railway Cathedral’, Belgium’s Antwerp station, a mass of glass and marble, has many features vying for your attention. An enormous arched dome, iron vaulted ceiling, dramatic staircase, monochrome floor and diamond gallery (phew!) are just some of the reasons it’s worth stopping to appreciate this incredible public space.

Trains to Antwerp

Port Dauphine Metropolitain, Paris, France

It’s a pity that only 2 of these stunning Metro entrances, designed by Hector Guimard, still exist. Head to Porte Dauphine in Paris’ 16th arrondissement (pictured) or Abbesses in Montmartre to see these whimsical Art Nouveau creations in real life.

Trains to Paris

Image credits: eddiemcfish, electrofork, paris1800artnouveau, igrigorik,  smallritual,  Tupolev und seine Kamera, flöschen, dalbera, BabyDinosaur All reproduced with thanks under a Creative Commons licence.

This post Art in transit: train station art appeared first on Loco2.

Book now for train travel between 18 March and 11 April 2013. The offer is only valid until 22nd March and tickets will sell out quickly so you’ll need to be quick off the mark to find these specially discounted fares.

If you’re tempted by these cheap tickets, but don’t know where to go, check out our France Booking guide for lots of ideas for taking the train to France.

The small print:  All domestic French promotional fares are also available from Lille (except to Lourdes). Prices quoted are lowest available standard class one-way promotional fares from Paris or Brussels. Prices quoted are per person, correct as of 6 March 2013 and are subject to change and availability.

This post Sale on TGV train tickets appeared first on Loco2.

As trains become easier to book, more people are choosing to embrace the slow travel ethos and go solo. With that in mind, we’ve compiled ten of the best scenic trains that are easy to book yourself, on their own or as part of your own mini rail adventure. So without further ado, here’s our selection of Europe’s finest scenic train trips for independent travellers, without an escorted tour in sight.

The Bergen Line: Oslo – Bergen, Norway

Passing fjords, glaciers and snow-capped peaks, the infamous Bergen Line is one of Norway’s most impressive train journeys. Travelling from Oslo to Bergen over 7 hours, you’ll travel through some of Scandinavia’s most imposing landscapes and Europe’s largest mountain plateau, Hardangervidda (pictured).

Not only are the views impressive, the railway itself is pretty extraordinary. A workforce of more than 15,000 men laid track high into the peaks and dug 182 tunnels out of mountain rock by hand. Unsurprisingly then, building work which started in 1875, took 34 years to complete!

Search for trains: Oslo to Bergen | Journey time: Approx. 7 hours

The Bernina Express: Chur, Switzerland – Tirano, Italy

Travelling at around 20mph, the slowest scenic train in our selection, the Bernina “Express” hardly deserves its title. But as it winds its way through the southern Alps, over bridges, gorges and precarious mountain passes, you wouldn’t want it to go any faster. Navigating close to 200 bridges and boring through mountains via 55 ­tunnels, this is a feat of engineering so impressive it has earned itself Unesco World Heritage status. The glass-roofed train has been designed to offer the best panoramic views; as the train climbs over the Albula pass to St Moritz, you won’t be disappointed by the views.

It’s not currently possible to buy tickets for the Bernina Express on Loco2, but you can travel as far as Chur where the Bernina Express departs. Route map, timetables and tickets available from Rhaetian Railways

Search for trains to Chur | Bernina Express available via Rhaetian Railways | Journey time: Approx. 4  hours

The West Highland Line: Fort William – Mallaig, Scotland

The West Highland Line between Glasgow and Mallaig is considered Britain’s most scenic train journey. And in fact it’s so popular that it was voted ‘top rail journey in the world’ by Wanderlust readers in 2009, pipping the iconic Trans-Siberian and the Cuzco to Machu Picchu railways to the post.

Over the course of 164 miles, the ’Road to the Isles’ speeds through dramatic landscapes, hugging the banks of Loch ­Lomond as you depart Glasgow, before speeding onward passed ruined castles, mountain peaks and waterfalls toward the west coast. Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, makes an appearance as you near Fort William. And as you approach your journey’s end you cross the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct en route to Hogwarts Mallaig.

Available from Scotrail | Journey time: Approx. 5 hours

Madrid – Oviedo, Spain

An unexpected scenic journey in Spain, the train between Madrid and Oviedo gives a glimpse of classic Spanish countryside on its way from the capital to the north coast. As it approaches the Asturias region, and its principal city Oviedo, the train climbs into the clouds atop the Picos de Europa mountains. The train remains the best way to explore this part of Spain – in Oviedo it’s possible to take a ‘Feve’ narrow-gauge railway along the north coast between País Basco (Basque country) and Galicia, calling at Santander on the way.

Search for trains: Madrid to Oviedo | FEVE trains available via Renfe | Journey time: Approx. 5 hours

Golden Pass Railway: Lucerne – Interlaken, Switzerland

The Golden Pass railway refers to the stretch of line between Montreax and Lucerne in the Swiss Alps. Though technically feasible in a day, the entire Montreax - Lucerne route isn’t one to “do” and tick off the bucket list – journeys through this part of Switzerland should be savoured, and as an independent traveller there are countless opportunities to explore without pressure from a tour guide.

The region is home to an array of scenic trains, including glass-topped panoramic trains and funicular railways, so it’s little wonder that the Oberland attracts such wide praise from train travellers. Between Lucerne and Interlaken the landscape is exceptionally beautiful, passing the emerald green waters of Lake Lungern and lakeside hamlets near the Brunig Pass (pictured).

Search for trains: Lucerne to Interlaken | Journey time: 2 hours

Zurich, Switzerland – Lake Como, Italy

The joy of some scenic train trips is the transition from one place to another, watching the landscape unfold before you as you cross borders on rails. Starting out in Zurich’s cosmopolitan centre, this train quickly ascends into the Alps, passing green lakes, snowy peaks and quaint Swiss villages. Just a few hours later you’re descending on the other side into Italy, and to the shores of Lake Como.

Though in the shadow of imposing Swiss mountains, Como has a distinctly Latin feel. The Zurich – Como route is on board an everyday train, with no panoramic windows or fancy title to its name. Yet, as you catch a glimpse of the cupola of Como Cathedral or lake-side villas lined with cyprus trees you’ll know you’re arrived in Italy, making this a trip to remember.

Search for trains: Zurich to Lake Como | Journey time: Approx. 3 hours

Messina – Catania, Sicily

A scenic train trip doesn’t have to be long to be beautiful. Taking the train from Messina to Catania in Sicily takes just 1 hour 30 mins, but the views of the coast and Ionian sea are spectacular. If you’re coming overnight from Rome you’ll awake at daybreak to the train being loaded onto a ferry. And from the moment you’re on Sicilian shores until your arrival in Catania your eyes will be glued to the windows watching the rocky Mediterranean coastline and bobbing fishing boats pass by.

Search for trains: Messina to Catania | Journey time: Approx. 1.5 hours

Train des Pignes: Nice – Digne les Bains, France

The narrow gauge railway from Nice to Digne les Bains, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, is a relative unknown in the world of scenic trains. As a private railway, it often remains undiscovered unless you’re on a tour. The train makes its 90 mile journey over 3 hours, crossing rivers and passing through picturesque towns such as St Andre les Alpes and Entreveux (pictured) en route. Though a private railway, it’s open for exploration by independent travellers, departing Nice CFP station four times per day. Timetable and fares information is available via the Chemin de Fer de Provence website (if you’re using Google translate beware that Digne les Bains translates to ‘Worth the bathroom’!)

Search for trains to Nice | Nice to Digne les Bains trains | Journey time: Approx. 3 hours

Venice, Italy to Munich, Germany

Despite not being a designated scenic train the once-daily direct train from Venice to Munich promises spectacular views. Travelling through Verona, Trento and Innsbruck on the stunning Brenner Alpine pass, you’ll see snowy peaks, green valleys and glacial rivers from your window. The section between Verona, Bolzano and Fortezza is particularly striking as the train follows the river Isarco north, in the shadow of the Dolomites (pictured), briefly crossing into Austria before arriving into Munich in time for dinner.

Search for trains: Venice to Munich | Journey time: Approx. 7 hours

Rhine valley and the Black Forest: Cologne – Mainz, Germany

Cologne to Mainz is just one section of many scenic routes along the Rhine Valley and around the Black Forest. And since journey times between towns rarely exceed an hour, the region is ideal for day trips. On this route, between Koblenz and Mainz, the train passes alongside the river Rhine for some 60 miles, winding its way through a picturesque valley. Keep your eyes peeled for medieval castles, which make regular appearances on both sides of the riverbank at Marksburg, Stahleck, Katz and Maus. One, called Pfalz, is actually on an island in the middle of the river bed.

Search for trains: Cologne to Mainz | Journey time: Approx. 1.5 hours

Image credits: Stefán Freyr | Skyzography, Joe Dunkley, Gali367, Bill Higham, lugarzen, 5D*Guy, Alessiomesiano.com, Mariocutroneo, Y. Ballester, Gigi 62 & Andywon Seligr
Reproduced with thanks under a Creative Commons licence via photopin

This post Ten scenic train trips for independent travellers appeared first on Loco2.

Sestri Levante , Liguria, Italy

A peaceful slice of paradise on the Mediterranean, the enchantingly named Bay of Silence sits on a peninsula that divides the shoreline between La Spezia and Genoa. The fishing village of Sestri Levante is a real gem on the Ligurian coast, and has become a favourite amongst Italians, even giving Portofino and Cinque Terre a run for their money.

On the other side of the bay is the Baia delle Favole, or Bay of Fairytales, named in honour of Hans Christian Andersen. And there are plenty of white sandy beaches to sink your toes into on the surrounding coastlines. To get to this beach by train, grab a Eurostar to Paris, take a sleeper service from Paris and a change at Milan for your connection to Sestri Levante.

London to Sestri Levante by train

Beaulieu-Sur-Mer, Côte d’Azur, France

We could write a whole blog post just on the beaches of the Côte d’Azur, but Beaulieu-Sur-Mer deserves a special mention. Translating as “Beautiful place on sea” and situated between Nice and Monaco on the French Riviera, Beaulieu is a pretty seaside village bordered by palm trees.The shallow (and therefore warm) waters make it perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s only a 10 minute train ride from Nice, which you can reach, by day or by night train, daily from Paris.

London to Beaulieu-sur-mer by train

Venice Lido, Italy

Not all visitors to Italy’s lagoon island of Venice know, that besides being famed for its labyrinth of canals and crumbling bridges, it’s also home to a fantastic beach. Technically an 11km sandbar, the Venice Lido is a welcome break from the tourist-packed city. Venice Santa Lucia is easily reached by train from Paris overnight, and it’s a 15min ride by vaporetto to the Lido itself.

London to Venice by train

Promenade des Anglais, Nice, Côte d’Azur, France

No beach breaks rundown would be complete without mentioning Nice, just one of the many Mediterranean jewels in the French Riviera. Take the “Train Bleu” night train from Paris and wake up to the sun rising over the sparkling waters of the Côte d’Azur the following morning.

The famed Promenade des Anglais, with its beachfront cafes, is a hop and a skip from Nice-Ville station. And if you’re in the mood for exploring, you can use Nice as your base to explore more Côte d’Azur beaches by train.

London to Nice by train

Tarragona seafront, Spain

Like France, Spain has its fair share of gorgeous golden sand beaches. Tarragona, just an hour south of Barcelona, is no exception with stunning pine covered headlands and 200km of unbroken beach lining its coastline. From Tarragona’s main station, it’s a short walk to the front, or you can hop on a bus to sink your toes into the sand elsewhere in the province.

But there’s no reason not to stick in town – the immaculately preserved Roman Colosseum overlooks the main stretch so you can get your culture and R&R fix in one go. And getting there is simple too – an overnight train from Paris delivers you to Perpignan, where there’s time for breakfast before your onward  train to Tarragona.

London to Tarragona by train  

Sylt , Westerland, Germany

As well suggesting classic beach breaks by rail, we decided to end on a surprise note! Germany is not a place usually associated with beach holidays, which is why the little northernmost island of Sylt is so special. Situated on the North Sea, it’s supposedly the St.Tropez of Germany, with a New England Hamptons feel about it (or so we’ve heard).

Expect sand dunes and invigorating sea air! And, for those of your who like to be busy when you relax, Sylt is a haven for watersports, with surfing, kite surfing, sailing and catamaran sailing on the menu. And the best part? If you book in advance you may be able to nab a DB Spezial fare, beginning at just €59 one way, all the way from London to Sylt.

London to Sylt by train

Image credit: Trova Spiagge, Travels with Rosemary, ezioman, luizfilipe, melissayoungern, Wikipedia

This post Hit the beach by train appeared first on Loco2.

Once again, Loco2 fans did not disappoint! Over 2 weeks we had over 1200 entries, with people from all over the globe attempting to guess our pictogram puzzle:

Well, it’s time to put you out your misery, the answer was in fact, “German Engineering” (Germ-man-engine-ear-ring), in a nod to our recently launched integration with German rail provider Deutsche Bahn. The winner, picked at random, was Natasha Cross from Poole who wins €150 of accommodation vouchers and £150 to spend on rail travel to a destination of her choice. Congratulations!

Honourable mentions go to the clever people among you who pointed out the image of the engine looked a lot like Stephenson’s Rocket, an early steam locomotive. We certainly learned something, and we included those entries in the draw for the sake of fairness. Among the other answers were some that brought a smile to our faces, including “Angry commuters on a train make your ears ring” (we can see your logic, Saska!) and Bryce’s suggestion of, “Selective hearing”! There were also plenty of fun guesses for the first part of the puzzle, ranging from Cactus, Pearman and Sea urchin!

Big thanks to everyone who took part. And we look forward to finding out where Natasha plans to go with her prize! If you want to keep in touch with other Loco2 giveaways, you can sign up to our competition newsletter below:

This post Announcing our winner! appeared first on Loco2.

We’ve linked to our booking guides for each featured location, so you can get the lowdown on train fares and timetables, and use our handy pre-filled booking forms to find the cheapest tickets. So whether you’re eyeing a romantic weekend or something a little more action-packed, scroll down to find out just how easy a city break by rail can be.

City breaks by rail to France

London to Paris used to be the busiest European flying route, but with quick transfer times and even faster check-in an increasing number of travellers are opting to take the train to France. Leave London in the afternoon and you’ll be in Paris in time for dinner, it couldn’t simpler. Beyond Paris, France’s cities and villages are well-connected with a dense network of efficient, modern trains. From Paris, it’s only 3 hrs to the wine regions of Bordeaux, or take an overnight train to Nice that will have you waking up to a sunrise over the Med.

Trains to Paris booking guide | Trains to Bordeaux booking guide | Trains to Nice booking guide
or view all our French destinations: Trains to France booking guide

City breaks by rail to Italy

Discover the iconic cities of Italy, each one brimming with art and history, by taking the direct sleeper train from Paris to Italy. Catch a boat across a magical Venetian lagoon, get your fill of culture in the charming maze of Florence’s streets or make like a gladiator at the Colosseum. Italy’s major cities are all linked by super fast high-speed train that glide from A to B in just a couple of hours.

Travelling from London to Italy requires just a simple change of trains in Paris, before climbing aboard the Thello night train, that connects daily to Milan, Rome, Florence and Venice. When you book in advance, couchette fares are very affordable. When you consider the train doubles as your hotel for the night, it’s a *rail* bargain. Plan a stopover in Paris if you have time and combine two countries known for their style and romance into one holiday.

Trains to Rome booking guide | Trains to Florence booking guide | Trains to Venice booking guide
or view all our Italian destinations: Trains to Italy booking guide

City breaks by rail to to Belgium

It may be small, but it’s true in the case of Belgium that good things come in small packages. Discover the diverse capital of Brussels or hop on a train to the Belgian medieval canal cities of Bruges or Ghent. Intercity trains run frequently so you can sample city life, and then slow down and relax over a famous pint of Belgian brew.

Trains to Brussels booking guide | Trains to Bruges booking guide

City breaks by rail to Spain

Wonderfully weird architecture, lively nightlife and sunny beaches – the delights of Spain are less than a day away by train from London. Travel to Paris and then onward to Girona, Madrid or Barcelona with one simple change of trains. A direct day service from Paris to Barcelona is currently in the pipeline too so the journey time will be slashed in 2013. It takes all of 6.5 hrs and you’ll be treated to pretty scenery along the way.

Alternatively, travel on one of Europe’s best sleeper services – the Elipsos Trainhotel to Barcelona or Madrid will get you to your destination for breakfast the following morning. The cheapest fares are in a 4-berth couchette, ideal for families or small groups of friends.

Trains to Madrid booking guide | Trains to Barcelona booking guide

City breaks by rail to Germany

Tour the incredible Berlin Reichstag, enjoy a pint in a Munich beer hall or Frankfurt cider tavern, or be mesmerised by the grandeur of Cologne’s spectacular cathedral. These are just a few ideas of what to expect in Germany’s historic and cultural cities.

Book a Deutsche Bahn ‘London Spezial’ from London to anywhere in Germany from €59 one-way and you’ll still have change leftover for entertainment. Thanks to our recent integration with Deutsche Bahn, we can offer these fares and more on Loco2.

Trains to Frankfurt | Trains to Berlin | Trains to Cologne | Trains to Munich

Image credit:  Holger Eilhard, cuellar, *chiwai*, Zé.Valdi

This post European City breaks by rail from London appeared first on Loco2.

The deal at a glance:

• €69  (2nd class) and €99 (1st class) for a return ticket
• Valid on specified trains between two German destinations
• Price includes a seat reservation
• Available to book from 11th February to 10th March 2013
• For travel from 14th February to 24th March 2013
• Children under 15 accompanied by an adult travel for free (but still need to be booked)

The Deutsche Bahn sale in more detail

When to book: Search for trains from 11th February until Sunday 10th March. Tickets must be purchased at least three days before intended date of travel. 

When to travel: Travel between Thursday 14th February until Sunday 24th March.

Where to go:  Sale price tickets are valid for travel for return journeys between any two destinations within Germany. Though of course this means better value for some routes than others. For example, trains from Frankfurt to Cologne ordinarily start at €19 one-way so although you may be able to find €69 return tickets during the sale period, if you’re motivated by saving money then you’d do well to try a few dates to track down the €19 Second Class Saver fares. However, if you are intending to travel with kids then the deal may save money (see travelling with kids below). For longer distance journeys, like Cologne to Berlin, you’d be hard pressed to find an competitively priced alternative, even when searching 3 months ahead.

Price and validity:  Tickets in the sale are €69 (2nd class) or €99 (1st class) for a return ticket. However, if it makes sense, you are entitled to travel just one-way if you choose. Your ticket includes a seat reservation and subsequently is only valid on the specific train, time and date that you choose. There are a limited number of sale tickets allocated per train so if you are not able to find a ticket for your preferred dates, they may be sold out. If you can’t find a sale price ticket, try another time or date.

Which trains is it valid on? These discount return tickets are valid on Intercity-Express (ICE), InterCity and Euro City trains. They are not available/valid on ICE Sprinter or night trains (City Night Line).

What about the kids?  Children under 6 always travel free on German trains, but with this offer all children under 15 years may travel for free. However, even though they’re free you still need to select a child ticket and put it in your basket so that they get a seat on the train. You can’t just bring them along in your suitcase! The ticket will be shown as €0.

Ticket types: All tickets are available to print at home, and will be in German. Read our blog, Your German train ticket translated, if your German’s not up to scratch.  

The small print: Tickets purchased during the sale are still subject to the fare conditions which are displayed during purchase. Cancellations will incur a €15 fee. Tickets in the Deutsche Bahn sale on Loco2 are the same price as buying direct from Deutshce Bahn, no booking fee applies.

How to book on Loco2

• Search for trains wholly within Germany during the specified dates. Make sure you do a return search.
• Browse the timetable and select your train
• Enter passenger details. Remember that the lead passenger must match the name on the credit card that is used to place the booking (and you need to take your credit card with you on the train, even if it subsequently expires). Add child tickets here too (you won’t be charged).
• Proceed to the basket page, and remove the optional seat reservation (see picture below). Your fare conditions will state “Partial seat reservation included” but don’t worry, your ticket includes a seat reservation. On your ticket, you will see “reservation = 0 EUR.”
• Print your ticket and pat yourself on the back for exceptional thriftiness!

Some sample searches

To prove they’re available, here’s a couple of searches, done by your truly, that successfully found the €69 fare. Give these a whirl or enter your own dates to find your own. Remember that this is a limited edition sale so they will sell out on popular routes.

Image: Svenwerk via Photopin, reproduced with thanks under a CC licence

This post Deutsche Bahn sale: €69 return appeared first on Loco2.

Buying European train tickets can be daunting at the best of times, with journeys often requiring multiple websites and an extraordinary amount of patience. That’s why we started Loco2 – to make booking train tickets easier – so we’re delighted that we can now sell journeys in Germany. But what about once you’ve placed your booking? If you buy a Deutsche Bahn ticket on Loco2 the tickets get delivered to you direct, in German, for you to print at home, so you’d be forgiven for having a question or two. If any native speakers out there spot a mistake please let us know!

My original German train ticket

My German train ticket translated:

Notes

This post Your German train ticket translated appeared first on Loco2.

1. Book your tickets in advance

To maximise your chances of finding cheap fares, you should plan and book well in advance. But knowing how far in advance to book is a bit of a nightmare. Most trains in Europe are available 3 calendar months in advance (this usually equates to 90 days, but this varies month on month). However, there are exceptions, like Eurostar (120 days), Spanish trains (62 days) and seasonal services like the ski train to France or direct train to Avignon which get released all at once, months in advance.

Depending on where in Europe you’re traveling, you’ll need to be aware of one or more booking horizons to get the cheapest prices. The booking horizons for popular journeys are included in our Destinations booking guides, and if you’re planning really far ahead you can use the tool on those pages to set an email reminder for when booking opens. We’ve also created a quick-look country guide in the Q&A section: How far in advance can I book trains in Europe?

2. Life on the slow train

In the rail industry, time is money, with high-speed and peak trains often coming in at the top end of the price bracket. If you’re not pushed for time, you may find slower trains, travelling during off-peak hours or outside of weekends, cheaper than their high-speed equivalent. However, because high-speed trains sometimes offer cheap promotional fares, it’s worth checking how advance fares compare with tickets for slower, regional trains. Sometimes you’ll find that the high-speed promo fares undercut the slower services when booked in advance. But nearer the date of travel, regional trains come into their own as the yield managed fares of the high-speed trains shoot up. Loco2 pre-selects the cheapest fare in search results, but it’s up to you to check the duration of the journey and make a decision that suits you.

3. Changing trains

Always check the duration of interchanges if you’re changing trains, and whether you’re changing platforms, or travelling between two stations. We provide information about changing trains in Paris, or changing platforms in Brussels but you should always check that you’re happy with the time allotted between trains before you book. If you need more time (if you’ve got lots of luggage, or children!) we recommend building more time into your journey by splitting your tickets. Even if you don’t need the extra time, an extra hour or two in Paris never hurt anyone – stop off for a coffee or a glass of wine and savour the journey.

Sometimes, it’s also possible to amend your journey details to avoid a station change. For example, lots of TGVs to the south of France and elsewhere, depart from Lille as well as Paris. Although journey times may be longer via Lille you may prefer the stress-free option of a simple same-station change. Search results on Loco2 often don’t show these options by default, but you can build your own journey manually if you want to travel via another route.

4. Rail pass vs point-to-point tickets

A frequently asked question in travel forums is “should I buy a rail pass or individual tickets?”. The answer, and this probably explains why it’s asked so often, is that it depends.

Time was when rail passes (Interrail Pass, Eurail Pass etc) were exceedingly good value, with the majority of trains included and reservations not required. But over the last decade, the cost-effectiveness of a rail pass has plummeted, as advance fares bring the price of point-to-point tickets down and more train companies add a supplement to peak services. These days, with more high-speed services, and compulsory reservations for overnight and peak-time trains, pass holders often pay a premium or are required to book a separate ticket altogether. For these reasons, in our opinion, it seldom makes good financial sense to book a rail pass. If you’re only planning on making 3 or 4 journeys during your trip, you’ll usually save more money by planning ahead and booking point-to-point tickets in advance.

So when is a railpass worthwhile? Well if you plan on doing a lot of train travel and are flexible with dates then a pass could be the answer. Basically they’re ideal if you want to go “interrailing” without a fixed itinerary. There are a dizzying array of options, from Global passes for the whole of Europe to country-specific passes. You can also choose between a Continuous pass, for travel on consecutive days, or Flexi passes, for a specified number of days within the duration of your pass (e.g. 10 days in a month). If you don’t have firm dates or don’t want to be tied down by a fixed itinerary, then rail passes can save you money when you waltz up the station on the day (compared to a ‘walk-on’ fare for non-pass holders).

5. Check the delivery options for your ticket

Depending on your route and trains, delivery options may include postal, print-at-home or collect-at-station for your tickets. We only deliver postal tickets to UK addresses, so although we accept international credit cards, we can’t guarantee that we can sell every ticket to every person. An increasing number of tickets are available to print-at-home, but some services, including the majority of night trains, aren’t available yet. Loco2 shows the delivery options available for your tickets on the basket page, and if you have several journeys in your basket will will show you the delivery options common to them all. If you’re outside of the UK and can’t find a suitable print-at-home or collect at station ticket on Loco2 then head over to our Q&As and we’ll see if we can help.

6. Split-ticketing

Many rail booking systems can’t handle multi-leg trips i.e. those with more than 2 or 3 changes, so you may see no search results. In order to bypass this kind of rail fail, you sometimes need to play the system to find the tickets you want. Splitting your trip into parts and booking individual parts separately means you can build more complex journeys, and sometimes save money too. Splitting your search at the capital city of your destination country is often a good place to start. Loco2 has a shopping basket to make this process a bit easier – you can add several journeys to your basket (reservations will be held for 30mins) – and pay them in one go instead of making multiple transactions. If you need advice on a route to a particular place, consult our Destinations booking guides, or just ask!

7. Flexibility costs more but it might pay off

Whether you invest in a railpass or book point-to-point tickets, flexibility comes at a price. Tickets which permit refunds and exchanges cost more, while the cheapest tickets are non-exchangeable, non-refundable and usually fixed to a specific time and date. Consider your options carefully before you buy, and remember that fare conditions are binding. Even if we wanted to, Loco2 cannot alter fare conditions after sale, so if you choose a cheap non-flexible ticket you’re stuck with it. If you’re in any doubt about your journey, consider paying more to buy some flexibility.

8. Actually read the fare conditions

At some point, everyone has been guilty of ticking the ‘I have read the terms and conditions’ without reading them. We’ve all done it, but with train tickets, the information in your fare conditions could impact your precious holiday. So reading them is vital. Often, the cheapest train tickets are advance purchase discount fares, sold on a no-refund, no-exchange basis. Treat your international train ticket purchases as you would a flight bookings – research, choose your train, read the fare conditions and then book. Loco2 always adheres the carrier’s terms and conditions, and we can only offer refunds when they are explicitly permitted. Read the small print and know what you’re buying to avoid any nasty surprises. Only place your booking when you’re certain of your itinerary.

9. Consider making longer connections by overnight train

An excellent way to save time and money when travelling by train is to travel overnight. There are lots of sleeper trains between major cities in Europe, and they’re comfortable and convenient. Because they don’t all run every day of the week, we advise in our booking guides when we think taking the night train is the best way to reach your destination. It’s also a good way to travel if you want to spend your precious daylight hours exploring the sights!

10. Know your rights (CIV)

When booking train tickets in Europe, it’s important to know your rights if you experience cancellations, delays or miss a connecting train due to problems on your trip. Although the conditions of carriage will vary, international train trips (those which cross a border) are protected under conditions of carriage for international rail passengers (CIV). Among other things, the CIV state that if you miss a connection due to a delay, you will be entitled to onward passage on the next available train, even if the fare conditions of your tickets don’t permit it. The important thing with CIV is that you ask the guard on the delayed service to validate your ticket/s in order that they can they be used to travel on the next available train.

A good tip for passengers starting their journey in the UK, but outside London, is to buy a CIV ticket for the first part of your trip. This means that if your train from Oxford to London, for example, is delayed while on your way to catch a Eurostar, you’ll have the same protection as though you were on an international train. To buy a CIV ticket, search for trains to ‘London International’ on a few UK train booking sites (Raileasy and Quno to name a few). They’re a bit more expensive but well worth it for your peace of mind.

Images: woodleywonderworks, edited by Loco2
Christian.Senger reproduced with thanks under a CC Licence

This post A beginner’s guide to booking train tickets in Europe appeared first on Loco2.

Christmas may be over but it’s all go at Loco2 headquarters. We are very excited about our integration with Deutsche Bahn, which means that we have better prices and more tickets for trains in Germany and beyond! To celebrate, we’re giving you a chance to win a European rail holiday.

To banish the January blues we’ve teamed up with Wimdu to bring you our best ever prize. From a houseboat in Amsterdam to a train carriage in Merzen, Wimdu encourages you to ditch the hotel and travel like a local. We’ve featured some of our favourite unusual places to stay in this post to get you inspired about the prize, which includes:

- £150 to spend on train travel with Loco2
- €200 to spend on accommodation with Wimdu

How to enter

All you need to do is solve this pictogram to be in with a chance of winning!

Enter your answer, along with your name and email below. The closing date for entries is midnight on February 12th. Once all the entires are in we’ll pick a winner from our lucky bicycle helmet.

Terms and conditions

One entry per person. Entries received after midnight on February 12th 2013 will not counted. The accommodation voucher has a value of €200 (approximately £150) and can be redeemed against any booking on Wimdu.co.uk (or other wimdu domains i.e. wimdu.com, wimdu.de etc). Loco2 is offering £150 to spend on train tickets on loco2.com. Any tickets purchased will be subject to specific fare conditions (displayed during search), and our ordinary Booking terms and conditions. Vouchers can be used towards one single transaction only and not for multiple separate bookings. Vouchers must be redeemed within 6 months of competition end date, There is no cash alternative and leftover credit cannot be redeemed against additional bookings. The winner will be notified via e-mail.

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