What's a high speed train?

As the name suggests, high speed trains travel much faster than the trains you might be used to in the UK.

High speed trains travel at least 125 mph (200 km/h) on dedicated high speed lines. TGV Est trains, which run between Paris and Strasbourg, are Europe’s fastest, travelling at up to 200mph (320kph). In fact, the TGV Est line is intended to have a top speed of 217mph (350kph).

Why travel by high speed train?

High speed trains:

Connect you to the very centre of most major European cities.
Cover huge distances, very fast.
Are usually quicker than flying, especially when you consider the time it takes to get to, through and from airports.
Are more environmentally friendly than flying.
Are modern, clean and punctual.
Offer high levels of service and comfort, usually with a bar buffet carriage.
Offer both first and standard class tickets. Some First class tickets include a meal served to your seat.

What are the main European high speed trains?

Eurostar offers a comfortable, regular and convenient service between the UK, France and Belgium.
Within France and across the border into northern Spain, TGV trains cover long distances at very high speeds.
Sleek and modern Thalys trains link major cities in France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.
TGV Lyria trains are a convenient connection between France and Switzerland.
Fast German ICE (InterCity Express) trains run all over Germany, as well as to Amsterdam, Vienna, Brussels and Switzerland.
Italy’s Eurostar Italia trains provide extensive, high speed coverage of that country.
In Spain, the AVE makes short work of getting between the major towns and cities.
If you want some great scenic views on the France to Italy route, take a TGV France Italy train.

Is my InterRail pass valid?

A small supplement and/or a reservation fee usually applies to high speed trains.

ICE trains do not charge a supplement for InterRail travellers. With their wide network of destinations, this makes ICE trains an excellent option for fast and comfortable InterRail travel.

See our InterRail guide for more details >

Three new reasons to travel to the Continent by train…

More and more people are discovering that high speed rail is the classiest way to travel. Not only do you get to sit back, relax and glide right into the heart of your destination in style, you also slash your carbon footprint too - not to mention avoiding all those annoying queues and baggage surcharges at the airport.

Find out more