Rail Europe CEO tells how to travel by train cheaper: useful tips for passengers
A lot of effort is being made to encourage tourists to travel by train in Europe, and Björn Bender has shared his secrets to save money on tickets. Find out more about the most effective tips to help you travel by train cheaper
The issue of attracting travelers to travel by rail in Europe is quite acute, as the authorities are trying to minimize the negative impact of air travel on the environment. However, train tickets are still more expensive than airline tickets, which is why many tourists continue to travel by air. With this in mind, Björn Bender, CEO of Rail Europe, decided to share some secrets that allow you to save a lot on tickets.
As euronews.travel writes, this is a man who really knows his way around trains, and in the last year alone, Bender has traveled about 75,000 kilometers across Europe. So for him, traveling by train is not just about getting from point A to point B, it's actually a second home, and sometimes an office where he can do all his work.
How can train travel in Europe be cheaper?
According to the CEO, the demand for rail travel is growing, especially after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. He explains these trends by the desire of travelers to stay closer to home and reduce the negative impact on nature. In Europe alone, the demand for rail services increased by 20%. For example, Rail Europe received record profits in 2023, which were 66% higher than in 2022 and about 75-80% higher than in pre-pandemic 2019.
However, despite the increased demand, many people still believe that train tickets are expensive, which Bender believes is wrong. So he decided to share his insider knowledge on how to save money on rail travel:
1. Do not book tickets on the website of the carrier company. It is better to look for the best travel deals on websites and services that offer tickets from different carriers, as there are more offers and fares from companies there.
2. Book train tickets 7-12 weeks before the travel date. In this period of time, as a rule, the offers for buying tickets are the most favorable, so you can book a trip much cheaper.
3. Choose routes with transfers. Yes, direct flights are faster, but even one stopover can significantly affect the ticket price. If you can, find a route with a relatively short waiting time and enjoy the trip at a much lower price.
4. Do not ignore loyalty systems and join programs that offer "rail/family cards". Such programs often allow you to either save money in the moment or join a system of accumulating bonuses that will help you travel cheaper on your next trips. And by purchasing a family travel pass, you can travel for a month with the whole family for just a couple hundred euros.
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Where to buy train tickets?
Tickets for most routes within Ukraine and between cities around the world (trains, buses, and planes) can be purchased through the Visit Ukraine booking service. On our website, you will find everything you need to make your trip easier: from choosing tickets at the best prices to viewing detailed timetables for each flight.
With the help of the service, you save not only time but also money thanks to our exclusive bonus system. You can use the booking service here.
In addition, remember that when planning a trip to Ukraine or abroad, it is important to take out appropriate insurance in advance. After all, an insurance policy will not only help you get high-quality medical care, but also save your own money in an unforeseen situation, for example, in case of a flight delay or loss of luggage.
You can buy travel insurance on the Visit Ukraine website. We offer health insurance policies for Ukrainians planning a trip abroad and military risk insurance for foreigners traveling to Ukraine.
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We remind you! You can now buy tickets for the new night train from Regiojet, which will run from Chop to Prague. Read more about the schedule and ticket prices in our previous article.
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