Eating and drinking are permitted on all trains. Most long distance trains offer dining cars. If your train does not have a dining car, it likely offers a buffet bar car. On some trains, there may be an attendant with a snack cart who travels from car to car. On local trains there's usually no catering. However, your own food and drinks can always be taken on board. Please make sure to follow the local law when considering taking alcoholic drinks on board any train.

Dining cars are a unique part of the train experience, where the quality of the food and wine can rival that of a gourmet restaurant. With the exception of Eurostar, special meal requests are not available. But typically, regular menu options are plentiful and usually cater to most taste buds.

Some European trains do offer special menu items. You can check the menu card found on board the train when you get on. Please keep in mind that you are also permitted to bring food on to the train, so if you have a specific dietary condition that requires special food, you can purchase before getting on the train and avoid any disappointment if the train you are on does not cater to your specific needs.

If you travel with a Premier Class ticket, food and drinks are included and served at your seat or in the bar-buffet car. If you are traveling in Economy or Comfort class you may want to stop by a local deli, grocery store and/or bakery and pick up a small variety of snacks and food. You can have an authentically unique treat that you create all on your own.

Tipping the train staff (other than dining car waiters) is not necessary or customary.

Bathrooms are easily accessible on all trains and are frequently marked with the letters WC (Water Closet). Usually found at the front or back of each train car, they include a sink, toilet and locking door.

All European trains are fully heated. All Inter City, High-Speed and overnight trains are fully heated and air-conditioned. Some regional trains servicing local villages for short distances may not have air-conditioning, but they allow passengers to open the windows depending on the age and configuration of the car. For safety reasons, high speed trains don't offer the option of opening windows.

On the trains, you will find convenient luggage storage available between cars or in overhead compartments. It's best to clearly label all luggage with your name to avoid any mix-ups. Please click here for additional information regarding luggage.

European trains are very family friendly. Some even have baby changing facilities or family friendly play areas.

While there are ATMs located in most major stations, there are no ATMs located on the trains themselves.

Special amenities for disabled travelers are offered on some trains and at many train stations, and are clearly indicated with pictograms (for telephones, toilets, elevators, etc.). Special equipment is also available for use by disabled travelers; the equipment must be reserved locally in advance. Be sure to specify if you need personal assistance (whether with a wheelchair, boarding, etc).

Most trains do not carry emergency medical equipment. In case of a medical emergency, conductors on board will radio ahead to the next stop so that help will be ready and waiting.