Yes, you may be able to board the train early, but it depends on a few things.

First, early boarding may be possible if you are boarding the train in the city from which it originates. If you are boarding a train on one of the stops along its routes, then the train won't be in the station until a few minutes before the time indicated on your ticket.

Even if you are boarding in the very first city from which your train departs, the platform may only be indicated 15 minutes or so before departure. Though early, you may find yourself in the train station with no information as to which platform the train is located.

In any event, we typically advise you get to the station at least 30 minutes prior to departure. This way when your train is ready to board, you can hop on and take your seat without having to rush through the station.

Finding your train is fairly simple. You'll see large Departure and Arrival boards located in the center of most stations. Some stations also have TV monitors listing upcoming departing trains.

If you have a ticket or pass with a reservation, simply match the train number and departure time on your reservation or ticket to the train number on the departure board. The platform number where you should go will be listed right next to it. Sometimes, the platform number is only shown 15 minutes or so prior to the train's departure. Once on the platform you'll notice that each car (also known as a coach) has a clear identification number on its side. Your reservation/ticket will list your car/coach number and your class of service. Once onboard the proper car, you'll find clearly labeled seat numbers. Simply match the seat number on your reservation/ticket. Of course, the station staff can always help point you in the right direction.

If you're traveling with open train tickets or a rail pass and no reservation, then you don't have a specific train and seat assigned to you. If you've done your research in advance, you probably already know the time and train number of the train you want to take, so just look for it on the board. If you decided to show up at the station with the intention of taking the first train departing for where you want to go, make sure to check with a station agent and find out if that train requires a reservation.

Typically you will see a (1) or a (2) or the words 'First' or 'Second' or a combination of both on the outside of the train car indicating First or Second class. Once you board the train, you'll notice that some trains have inside indicators for first or second class. Some high-speed trains have headrest covers that state the class of service.

For certain high speed trains such as the Thalys, the TGV or the Eurostar, you'll also find displays right on the platform indicating where each car of the train will be located for boarding. You can use this chart to find the mark on the platform corresponding to the car you would like to board. It is a good rule of thumb to arrive at the station early so that you can find the train and the right car matching the class of service on your pass or ticket.

And of course, you can always ask a railway official or conductor for assistance.

If you've purchased a reservation for a specific train, you'll have a designated car and seat number. You'll need to locate your seat in the car you're reserved in. If your ticket includes a reserved seat, the details will indicate the seat and car number.

If you don't have a reservation and the train you're traveling on either doesn't accept reservations or reservations are not mandatory, then you'll be able to get on board and look for an available seat in the class of service you purchased. Keep in mind that during the train ride, if another traveler gets on board and has reserved the seat you're occupying, you will need to move.

Local commuter trains generally do not accept reservations. During peak hours (typically before 9am and in the evening between 5-7pm) the trains are used by locals going to work and tend to be a bit more crowded. This may make it more difficult to find an available seat.

Generally speaking, train cars and seats are prominently marked. If you have any trouble finding your reserved seat, one of the conductors on the platform or onboard the train will be able to assist you.

Theoretically, you're not restricted. However, keep in mind that you'll need to carry your bags through the train station and onto the train. Once on board you'll need to find a place to put your bag(s). Small and medium sized bags typically fit on racks located above the seats. Larger suitcases and such can be stored in luggage racks found near the train door entrance. Be aware that you are responsible for your luggage. The railways assume no responsibility in case of loss or theft of baggage carried on board.

If you're traveling on Eurostar, Thalys or a TGV, you are limited to two large items per traveler (one large item per child on Eurostar trains), maximum 33 inches (85 cm) in any one dimension, plus one small item of hand luggage. On the Eurostar, there's room for luggage on the racks above the seats and at the end of each coach for larger items. Be advised that when traveling on Eurostar or any French train, you must properly label your bag(s) with your first and last name. In general, it's a good idea to keep luggage tags on your baggage for easy identification.

Bottom line: we suggest traveling light!

In general, there are no luggage fees when traveling by train, however, some rail carriers do restrict the amount of luggage a traveler is allowed to bring. On Eurostar, you're permitted to carry two large bags and one small piece of hand luggage. If you have more than this, you may be required to pay an additional fee locally at the station or onboard the train.

Generally, cats and dogs are allowed on trains, though they may need to be contained in a pet carrier or wear a muzzle or leash. Pets are not allowed on some trains in Great Britain, Spain, Ireland, Norway, and Finland. Currently the only animals that are permitted to travel on Eurostar are guide dogs for the visually impaired.

Some trains require advance reservations for pets. Unfortunately, we cannot make reservations for your pet. This will need to be done locally. In general, dogs normally travel at half the fare of a second class ticket, payable directly to the conductor. We encourage you to visit the individual train pages for further details.

In general, bicycles can be taken with you as carry-on luggage, free of charge on just about any national or international train as long as you put it in a bike bag. In the bike bag, the wheels, pedals and handlebars must be removed. You should decide if carrying a bike bag and having to reassemble the bike is outweighed by the joy of having it with you throughout Europe.

In addition, many European trains allow bikes in a special bike compartment for free or a small fee. If there is a fee, it's typically about 5-15 Euros per journey. Bikes are generally permitted on local and regional trains in most countries, at least outside peak hours.

Many inter-city trains also take bikes, however not in Spain. And in France only a few French TGVs take bikes that aren't in a bike bag. City Night Line sleeper trains allow bikes for a small fee (paid locally) and the bike is placed in a special bike compartment on routes such as Paris-Berlin, Paris-Munich, Amsterdam-Prague, Amsterdam-Copenhagen. Some TGV-Lyria trains between Paris and Switzerland also take bikes. Overnight Thello sleeper trains and daytime TGV trains between Paris and Italy only allow bikes in a bike bag. Thalys trains between Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne only allow bikes in bike bags. Long-distance trains into Eastern Europe such as Cologne-Moscow, Bucharest-Istanbul or Budapest-Sofia only allow bikes in bike bags, primarily because these trains don't have luggage compartments.

Lastly, some trains, primarily in the UK, will require advance reservations for bicycles. These reservations will need to be made locally at the station.

If you're traveling with a rail pass and this is your very first train trip, you'll need to present your passport to the railway official at the ticket window to validate your pass, before you board the train. Please see our dedicated section on Rail Passes for more information.

Please note that there will be no passport control (day or night) when traveling between countries that signed the Schengen Treaty. Not all countries belonging to the EU are part of the Schengen Treaty (e.g. Great Britain, Ireland). On the flip side, some countries that are not part of the EU are part of the Schengen Treaty (e.g. Switzerland, Norway).

If you purchased and received a paper train ticket in the mail, there is nothing further you need to do.

If you purchased a print at home e-ticket, be sure to print your ticket before you leave home and keep your train ticket safe and secure.

If you purchased a print at the station e-ticket, you'll need to visit a self-service kiosk to print your train ticket (remember, you'll need the e-ticket number included in your email). Please see our section about Print at the Station (TOD) e-tickets for more information.

The answer is maybe. Some, but not all, train tickets can be printed at the station in Europe. Currently, e-tickets are only offered on Eurostar, French, Spanish, British and some Italian and German routes. But you can look forward to this type of ticketing on other routes in the near future. Please see our section about Print at the Station (TOD) e-tickets for more information.