International Train Travel

For most residents in Denmark, train travel is a common everyday mode of transportation, yet for a visitor it can be a whole new experience and I personally love rail travel.

International Train Travel is even better - just sit back and let someone else take control, so you can either work, read, relax, watch the country go by or even sleep. Traveling by train opens up a whole new experience. To learn more about domestic train travel check out domestic train travel. Denmark / Copenhagen has a good international train travel hub that services Sweden, Germany and Norway. Especially from Germany, you will have access to the rest of Europe.

There are also great connections from most of the major cities in Denmark.

The major European connection hub for Denmark is Hamburg, Germany and there are several trains to Hamburg during the day. From Hamburg, you can get nearly anywhere in Europe. (you might have to change trains, but you can).

Consider taking the highspeed trains or the trip could take 11 hours.

There is also international train travel to Oslo and Stockholm, with stops along the way. You can take the train over to Malmo, Sweden and find lots of connections to the rest of Scandinavia.

How to make Train Reservations

They do speak English, German and Danish, so you should be able to communicate quite easily in person or over the phone. You can also purchase your tickets online or at the major train stations.

At the major train stations, you need to go in and take a number from the ticket machine. (If you cant find the machine, just watch other people as they enter and do as they do). You must take a ticket to get service. Do not go straight to the counter, wait for your number to be shown on one of the screens above the counters. Also make sure you choose the right ticket from the ticket machine. You can choose (Inland) domestic travel or (Udland) international travel. If you get a ticket for Inland and you are trying to get a ticket outside of Denmark, you will have to go back, get another ticket and wait to be called again. You don’t want to do that during the peak travel periods.

Tip: If you are on a budget, I suggest getting a Eurail Pass, which gives you unlimited (or limited) train travel. At night, instead of getting a hotel/hostel/etc., you can book a sleeper on one of the many overnight trains. You sleep on the train and wake up in a new country the next morning. I did this often when travelling around Europe and it was a great way to save, rest and meet lots of interesting people.

The best way to plan your international train travel is to either visit www.rejseplanen.dk (see link below).

When you click on the above link you should get the english version. If you don't, scroll to the bottom of the page for the UK button. Click that and you will get an English version. You also want to choose International search for trains going outside of Denmark. If you put your itinerary in the main menu, it will only show domestic train service.

You may also wish to check out www.bahn.de, which is the German train website and again, just select your language in the drop down menu. It is a very user friendly website.

Tip:If you have an I-Phone, you can go to the App Store and download the rejseplanen for FREE on to your I-phone and have the train schedules always at hand. Works with the German site too, so you can use it for your international travels as well. Have not tried it personally, since I don’t own an I-Phone (let’s all say aaaaww!)

Train Travel Tips

1. Know where you are going and have a map of the area where you will be arriving. It is often confusing coming to a new place, new language, etc.. Don’t make it worse by not knowing where you are at. Get a map!

2. When booking a train ticket. A ticket is not the same as a reservation. A ticket allows you to travel, but may not guarantee you a seat. Get a seat reservation if you want to make sure you can sit down. If you are sitting in a seat and someone boards who has that seat reservation, you must let them have it. They paid for it – you did not. You may end up sitting on your bags or standing for long periods.

3. Make sure you have all your relevant travel documents. Passports, visas (if necessary) and proper tickets.

4. Make sure you know if you need to change trains to get to your final destination. If you are switching trains, find out which platform it will depart from. You may only have a few minutes to reach it and nothing like rushing and getting on the wrong train.

5. If planning a trip in advance, you need to be aware that most train reservations can not be made more than 90 days in advance. Some can only be made 60 days in advance.

6. It is okay to bring your own food and beverages on trains and if on a budget this can be very important. There are often vending machines on board, so may wish to stock up on some change for coffee, soda, etc.

7. There are some trains that have quiet zones, so make sure you know which ticket your zone is for. If you like to chat a lot, you won’t enjoy the quiet zone. NO TALKING!

8. If it is a long journey, consider getting a sleeper. On some trains, especially ones that have cabins, you can fold the seats down so they actually make a huge bed. Or you can also stretch across 3 seats if no one else is in your cabin.

9. There is no smoking on most trains. On international trains, there are usually a few places to smoke, but not many, so if you are a smoker, check with the ticket office about your needs.

10. The most important tip I can give you when travelling by train. When you buy your ticket, ask which platform the trains leaves from. 9 out of 10 times, they will know. Listen to the announcements (they are in Danish and English) about any delays or changes. Arrive early to board and get settled.

11. Remember if you are travelling outside of Denmark, than the Euro is the main currency and not the Danish Kroner. You wont be able to spend your kroner in Germany, so exchange your money before you travel, so have available money. Nothing like getting to a new country, and wanting to buy food, but the exchange places are not open. Plan ahead and be prepared.