I've been happily riding trains across Europe for 15 years. I often watch people make the same 4 mistakes.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
A train riding through green hills in Austria.
I think that trains are a great way to get around Europe if you follow the right travel tips.

Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock

I've traveled over 4,500 miles on Amtrak trains. My rides have been better than expected and filled with surprises.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Malia stands in front of the Amtrak logo on a train.
After traveling over 4,500 miles on Amtrak, I've learned some surprising things about train travel.

Malia Yoshioka

I paid $560 for a 7-day Eurail pass to country hop by train across Europe. It was so much better than flying.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Trenitalia A composite image of the author in front of a train and a plane
The author traveled around Europe by train and preferred it to flying.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I paid $168 for a 10-hour Amtrak business-class ride. Next time, I'll stay in coach and save $100.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
People in backpacks walk towards a train stopped at a platform
Business Insider's reporter booked a business-class ticket for a 10-hour trip on an Amtrak train.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Photos show what first-class train travel looks like around the world

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
eastern & oriental express presidential cabin
The presidential suite onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express.

Courtesy of Belmond

The top 10 fastest trains in the world, ranked

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
nextgen acela train
The new Amtrak Acela fleet will run at a top speed of 160 mph.

SAUL LOEB / AFP

I took a $249 round-trip Amtrak from New York City to Rochester. Here are 9 things that surprised me.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A side-by-side of a selfie of a woman in a seat and an Amtrak train.
I was surprised by some elements of my Amtrak journey from NYC to Rochester.

Samantha Pettyjohn/Business Insider

I spent $34 to upgrade to Eurostar's version of premium economy — a mediocre meal meant it was just about worth it

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A Eurostar passenger train arrives to enter the Channel Tunnel, operated by the company Eurotunnel, in Coquelles, northern France, on April 4, 2025.
A Eurostar train about to enter the Channel Tunnel in France.

SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP via Getty Images

I rode a train that rolls aboard a ferry. For just $30, it was a unique way to see the beautiful Italian coast.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Author Tammy Barr posing with train on a boat
I was surprised to learn that taking a singular train all the way from Sicily to Naples was even an option.

Tammy Barr

I've been going on 20-hour Amtrak rides for over 7 years. Here are 9 things I need to pack for every trip.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
The writer and snacks in shopping cart
I've learned exactly which items I can't go on a long Amtrak trip without.

Sam White

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