Show threadIan1d ago
All aboard the SJ #EuroNight from Berlin to Stockholm, which departed its first station 40 minutes late.
Annoying to sit on a cold Hbf platform for in total an hour, but unlikely actually to affect arrival in Stockholm.
More unfortunate was the emergency brake activation that stopped the train within a minute of it rolling out. Soon under way again, though.
#WalesToSweden #EuropeanRail
Ian2d ago
All aboard the #EuropeanSleeper from Rotterdam to Berlin, which arrived on time from Brussels/Antwerp.
I'm trying their new type of berth, they call it Comfort Standard. It's basically a 5-person couchette compartment made up instead with proper mattress bunks for max 3 people. Everyone has a seat and also a bed, with no folding down/away needed.
#WalesToSweden
#EuropeanRail
Show threadIanMar 5

@collectifission
If it's just NL and BE before you cross to GB then I'd suggest b-europe.com (ie SNCB's international site).
Worth looking at bahn.de for more fine tuning of stopovers, but b-europe can do Eurostar reservations.

GB train travel is so expensive that it makes Interrail almost a no-brainer.
The Interrail app has a pretty decent timetable planner too.

Lastly, if you are open to left field suggestions, can I point out: https://saillink.co.uk

#EuropeanRail

SailLink | The Low-Carbon Sailing Ferry | Dover to France

Experience the English Channel like never before. Sail from Dover to Boulogne on a low-carbon sailing ferry. Authentic, wind-powered & weather-guaranteed. Book your adventure!

SailLink - Cross-Channel Sailing Ferry | Dover ↔ Boulogne-sur-Mer
Show threadIanMar 4
My first time through the renovated Eurostar terminal at Amsterdam Centraal.
I arrived at the recommended time as did everyone else, so long queues. Brits getting their Schengen exit stamp is the rate determining step. Even so, 25 minutes for all the security felt ok.
#EuropeanRail
IanMar 3

Now that I got me to the fish it's the home straight now. Familiar #SwedenToWales stuff.
The main haul is Berlin–Amsterdam by #EuropeanSleeper with a couchette for £36 (that was a sale price, but under £50 is standard).
Hamburg–Berlin before that? Well that's £12 and takes two hours with Deutsche Bahn.
And why Amsterdam? Welcome to the world of Eurostar pricing: a 4hr ride from NL to London via Brussels can cost less than just the 2hr ride from Brussels.

#GetMeToTheFish
#EuropeanRail

Show threadIanMar 3

It's time to talk Flixbus.
Subtooting, it seems there are a lot of Interrail folk who love trains more than travel. Me, I just want to get somewhere with a mix of cheap/comfy/fun.
In reasonable doses, Flixbus is all of those, and between Sweden and Germany often quicker too.
The routes that use short-hop ferries (to Puttgarden or Rostock) are best, cos you get a proper break with food and fresh air.
To me, it beats the train in every way.

#EuropeanRail

Show threadIanMar 2
1st class train ticket for a 2½ hour train journey and then the 'free' goodies in the SJ Lounge was 225kr, less than £19.
#EuropeanRail
Show threadIanMar 2
Made it to Stockholm no worries.
And despite what I said before about going the cheap way, I'm in the SJ Lounge thanks to a 1st class ticket.
On the train, you just get free tea/coffee and posh (aka boring) neighbours.
But the lounge at Stockholm C has a comfy waiting area, genuinely healthy and tasty veggie food and, er, toilets that don't cost.
The £5 extra I spent to go 1st class would barely buy a coffee. Just the toilet saves £1 a, er, pop (TMI?).
#GetMeToTheFish
#EuropeanRail
Show threadIanMar 2
@tamsin
If you actually want advice (I bet you have plenty of ideas), then feel free to ask.
#EuropeanRail is kind of what I do.
With a Flixbus and ferries sideline when it's quicker/easier than the train.
Also a lot of time for the folk at https://www.saillink.co.uk/
SailLink | The Low-Carbon Sailing Ferry | Dover to France

Experience the English Channel like never before. Sail from Dover to Boulogne on a low-carbon sailing ferry. Authentic, wind-powered & weather-guaranteed. Book your adventure!

SailLink - Cross-Channel Sailing Ferry | Dover ↔ Boulogne-sur-Mer
IanMar 2

The carrots are in play. In other words, I have set rail.
Next stop: Stockholm Central.

Feeling very un-Swedish on this train.
(a) I don't have skis with me – Vasaloppet, the world's biggest ski race, took place 50km away yesterday.
(b) I'm wearing shorts not thermals.
(c) I'm not wearing top to toe black. Nor bluetooth headphones.

#GetMeToTheFish
#EuropeanRail