Luxembourg station

Luxembourg station, a 15 minute walk to the old town, see station information.

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      Luxembourg station guide

This page explains how to travel by train from Luxembourg to other key European cities, and how to buy tickets the cheapest way.  Information current for 2023.

bullet pointBefore you buy your tickets

Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets.  It answers all the usual questions, "Do I need to book in advance or can I just buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or just buy a €35 point-to-point ticket online?".  Click here to understand how far ahead you can buy train tickets.

bullet pointEuropean train travel FAQ

An introduction to European train travel

 

Senior fares (over 60)

 

Guide to Eurail passes (overseas visitors)

Important tips for buying European train tickets

Youth fares (under 26)

 

Guide to Interrail passes (for Europeans)

How to check European train times

Child fares & child age limits

 

Couchettes & sleepers on night trains

Do I need to book in advance?

Luggage on European trains

 

Train seat numbering plans

How far ahead can I book?

Luggage storage at stations

 

Wheelchairs & special needs

Can I stop off on the way?

Taking a bike by train

 

Real-time service updates

Should I travel 1st or 2nd class?

Taking a car by train

 

Hotels & accommodation

How long to allow for connections?

Taking dogs & pets by train

 

Changing stations in Paris by metro or taxi

How early to arrive at the station?

Maps of the European rail network

 

What to do when things go wrong...


Train travel within Luxembourg

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Luxembourg to London from €81
A Eurostar e320 train at London St Pancras   Eurostar e320 first class seats

Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.

 

1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Eurostar e320 2nd class seats   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class.  Larger photo.

 

One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

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Luxembourg to Dublin & Ireland

Option 1, Luxembourg to Dublin via London

Option 2, Luxembourg to Dublin using the direct ferry from France to Ireland - avoiding the UK, several departures a week

Irish Ferries' WB Yeats

Sail from Cherbourg to Dublin aboard Irish Ferries' WB YeatsWB Yeats photos courtesy of Irish Ferries.

Irish Ferries' WB Yeats club cabin   Irish Ferries' WB Yeats deluxe cabin

Club cabin on the WB Yeats with shower & toilet.

 

Deluxe cabin on the WB Yeats with shower & toilet.

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Luxembourg to Paris from €25
TGV Duplex at Luxembourg

A TGV Duplex at Luxembourg.

TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats   TGV Duplex cafe-bar

2nd class seats on upper deck.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating. 360º photo.

 

Cafe-bar on upper deck car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes.

An TGV Duplex at Luxembourg   First class on board a TGV Duplex

A TGV Duplex at Luxembourg.

 

1st class seats on upper deck. 360º photo.

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Luxembourg to Lyon, Avignon, Marseille, Montpellier, Cannes, Nice from €35

Option 1, by high-speed TGV avoiding Paris - the easiest option for Dijon, Lyon, and the South of France

TGV Duplex at Luxembourg

A TGV Duplex at Luxembourg.

TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats   TGV Duplex cafe-bar

2nd class seats on upper deck.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating. 360º photo.

 

Cafe-bar on upper deck car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes.

An TGV Duplex at Luxembourg   First class on board a TGV Duplex

A TGV Duplex at Luxembourg.

 

1st class seats on upper deck. 360º photo.

Option 2, via Paris - works for all French destinations, involves changing stations in Paris by metro or taxi

Option 3, Luxembourg to Toulon, Cannes, Antibes & Nice, using the Paris-Nice overnight train

TGV Duplex at Luxembourg

Step 1, Luxembourg to Paris by TGV Duplex.  This is a TGV Duplex at Luxembourg.

TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats   TGV Duplex cafe-bar

2nd class seats on upper deck.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating. 360º photo.

 

Cafe-bar on upper deck car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes.

An TGV Duplex at Luxembourg   First class on board a TGV Duplex

A TGV Duplex at Luxembourg.

 

1st class seats on upper deck. 360º photo.

Intercite de nuit overnight train at Paris Austerlitz

Step 2, Paris to Cannes or Nice by Intercité de nuit sleeper train More about Intercités de Nuit.

Intercite de Nuit 2nd class 6-berth couchette   Intercite de Nuit 2nd class couchette

2nd class 6-berth couchettes.

 

A cosy 2nd class couchette.

Intercite de Nuit 1st class couchette   Intercite de Nuit 1st class 4-berth couchette

1st class couchette, made up for the night.

 

1st class 4-berth couchettes.

The Paris to Nice sleeper running along theMediterranean coast

The Paris to Nice Intercité de Nuit running along the Côte d'Azur in the morning sun.  Photo courtesy of Noam auf Gleis 13.

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Luxembourg to Strasbourg, Mulhouse, Colmar

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Luxembourg to Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp
Belgian intercity train from Brussels to Luxembourg

A Belgian intercity (IC) train from Luxembourg to Brussels, at platform 1 at Luxembourg station.  The yellow stripe above the windows indicates first class.  It's a push-pull train with a locomotive at one end, and another driving cab at the other.

2nd class on a Brussels-Luxembourg train 1st class on a Brussels-Luxembourg train

2nd class seats.  Larger photo.

1st class seats.  Larger photo.

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Luxembourg to Amsterdam from €35.90

Option 1, Luxembourg-Brussels by Intercity train, Brussels-Amsterdam by Eurostar (formerly Thalys) - fastest & most comfortable, but expensive at short notice.

Belgian intercity train from Brussels to Luxembourg

Step 1, Luxembourg to Brussels by intercity (IC) train, seen here at Luxembourg platform 1.

2nd class on a Brussels-Luxembourg train 1st class on a Brussels-Luxembourg train

2nd class seats.  Larger photo.

1st class seats.  Larger photo.

A Thalys train from Amsterdam to Paris

Step 2, Brussels to Amsterdam by Eurostar.  This is a Eurostar at Amsterdam Centraal.  More information about Eurostar (formerly Thalys).

1st class (Comfort & Premium) seating on Thalys   2nd class seats on a Thalys train from Paris to Amsterdam

Comfort & Premium seats, 2+1 across the car.  Larger photo.

 

Standard seats, 2+2 across.  Larger photo.

Option 2, Luxembourg to Amsterdam by Intercity trains all the way - the cheap & flexible option, but slower

Belgian intercity train from Brussels to Luxembourg

Step 1, Luxembourg to Brussels by intercity (IC) train, seen here at Luxembourg platform 1.

2nd class on a Brussels-Luxembourg train 1st class on a Brussels-Luxembourg train

2nd class seats.  Larger photo.

1st class seats.  Larger photo.

InterCity train at Brussels

Step 2, Brussels to Amsterdam by Intercity train, jointly run by NS & SNCB (Dutch & Belgian railways).

2nd class seats on an Amsterdam to Brussels InterCity train   1st class seats on an Amsterdam to Brussels InterCity train

InterCity train 2nd class seats.  See larger photo.

 

InterCity train 1st class seats.  See larger photo.

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Luxembourg to Rotterdam, Utrecht & other cities in the Netherlands

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Luxembourg to Basel, Zurich, Geneva & Switzerland from €37.90

Option 1, via Metz, Strasbourg & Basel - the fastest & most direct route

A Basel to Strasbourg train at Basel SBB

A Strasbourg - Mulhouse - Basel TER train at Basel SBB platform 31.

1st class on a Basel to Strasbourg TER train   2nd class on a Basel to Strasbourg TER train

1st class on a Basel-Strasbourg TER.

 

2nd class on a Basel-Strasbourg TER.

Option 2, Luxembourg to Switzerland via Koblenz & Basel - slower but much cheaper & easier to book, with through tickets...

Scenery along the Moselle between Koblenz & Luxembourg

Scenery along the Moselle between Luxembourg & Koblenz in the morning sun, the mists still clearing.  For the best river views, sit on the right hand side of the train going east from Luxembourg, left hand side going west from Koblenz.

Option 3, Luxembourg to Geneva using the direct Luxembourg-Lyon TGVs - longer,  simplest option for Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux

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Luxembourg to Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples & Italy

Option 1, Luxembourg to Italy in a single day

TGV Duplex at Luxembourg

Step 1, Luxembourg to Paris by TGV Duplex, seen here at Luxembourg.

TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats   TGV Duplex cafe-bar

2nd class seats on upper deck.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating. 360º photo.

 

Cafe-bar on upper deck car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes.

An TGV Duplex at Luxembourg   First class on board a TGV Duplex

A TGV Duplex at Luxembourg.

 

1st class seats on upper deck. 360º photo.

A Paris-Milan Frecciarossa at Paris Gare de Lyon

Step 2, Paris to Turin or Milan by Frecciarossa seen here at Paris Gare de Lyon.  More about the Paris-Milan FrecciarossaInterior photos in this section courtesy of Nicholas Brooke.

Frecciarossa 1000 standard class   Frecciarossa 1000 Premium class seats

Standard class, with seats arranged 2+2 across the car width.  Larger photo.

 

Premium class seats, identical to Standard class but in leather, sold as Standard on this route.  Larger photo.

Frecciarossa 1000 Business class seats   At-seat meal on Frecciarossa 1000

Business class seats 1+2 across car width, with tables for 2, tables for 4 & complimentary prosecco. Larger photo.

 

In business class you can order a simple meal at your seat, around €18.

Frecciarossa 1000 executive class   Frecciarossa executive meeting room

Executive class at one end of the trainLarger photo.

 

The Executive class meeting room.  Larger photo.

Mountains from the TGV train to Italy

The Frecciarossa dashes from Paris to Lyon then slows right down through the Alpine foothills.  These are mountains in France, in autumn.

Scenery from the train between Oulx and Turin

And these are mountains in Italy in summer.  Scenery between Oulx and Turin, courtesy of www.discoverbyrail.com.

Option 2, Luxembourg to Italy via Basel

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Luxembourg to Barcelona, Madrid & Spain

Option 1, Luxembourg to Barcelona & Madrid in a single day - breakfast in Luxembourg, lunch in Lyon, dinner in Spain, and no need to cross Paris!

  • Step 2, travel from Lyon to Barcelona by AVE S100 high-speed train, leaving Lyon Part Dieu at 14:32 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 19:34.

    It's a comfortable Spanish high-speed train with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Look out for Béziers cathedral on the right, colonies of flamingos on the étangs in southern France, the Fort de Salses on the right approaching Perpignan and great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees.  More information about AVE S100 & this journey.

  • Step 3, leave Barcelona Sants at 21:20 by AVE-S103 high-speed train, arriving Madrid Atocha at 23:50.  Earlier departures may be available with other operators, but I recommend allowing at least an hour between trains in Barcelona and it's better to stick with the same operator if you can when making connections, in this case Renfe.

  • Stay overnight in Barcelona.  The Hotel Barcelo Sants is the top choice here, it's part of Barcelona Sants station so easy to use when arriving & departing by train, with great reviews & good feedback from Seat61 users.  See other suggested hotels near the station.

  • Next day, travel from Barcelona to anywhere else in Spain by high-speed train.

    For Madrid:  AVE-S103 high-speed trains link Barcelona Sants with Madrid Atocha every hour or two in as little as 2h30.

    For Granada:  Leave Barcelona Sants at 06:45 by AVE S112 high-speed train arriving Granada at 13:10.

    For Malaga:  Leave Barcelona Sants at 08:35 by AVE-S112 high-speed train arriving Malaga Maria Zambrano at 14:51.

    For Cordoba & Seville:  Leave Barcelona Sants at 08:35 by AVE-S112 high-speed train arriving Cordoba 13:42 & Seville Santa Justa 14:32.

    For Valencia & Alicante:  EuroMed trains link Barcelona Sants with Valencia & Alicante regularly through the day, for example one leaves Barcelona Sants at 07:15 Mondays-Saturdays arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 10:10 & Alicante 12:38 or at 10:15 every day arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 13:13 & Alicante 15:32.

    For Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna & Vigo, there's a morning Alvia train to Galicia, see details here.

  • How much does it cost?

    Luxembourg to Lyon starts at €29 in 2nd class or €39 in 1st class.

    Lyon to Barcelona starts at €39 in 2nd class or €49 in 1st class.

    Barcelona to Madrid starts at around €35.  Barcelona to Seville or Malaga starts at around €45.

    All these fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • How to buy tickets

    The easiest way to buy tickets is to use either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (whichever you prefer) as you can buy all the tickets together in one place, in plain English, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee.  Booking normally opens up to 4 months aheadAbout RaileuropeAbout Thetrainline.

    Step 1, book the early morning train from Luxembourg to Lyon Part Dieu and add this to your basket. 

    Step 2, book the afternoon train from Lyon Part Dieu to Barcelona Sants and add that to your basket.

    Step 3 if going beyond Barcelona, book a train from Barcelona Sants to your Spanish destination, add to basket & check out.

    For the TGV you can print your ticket or select a mobile ticket to show on your phone.  For AVE and other Spanish trains you print your own ticket.

  • How to buy tickets, advanced

    You can of course book each train separately with the relevant operator, with no booking fee.  This means more work and it won't necessarily make it any cheaper.

    Step 1, buy tickets from Luxembourg to Lyon at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.comBooking normally opens up to 4 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.

    Step 2, if using the direct train from Lyon to Barcelona run by Renfe, book at the Spanish Railways website, www.renfe.com (in €, fiddly, see advice on using it).  If using the alternative trains run by SNCF, book these at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com.

    Step 3, book onward trains in Spain at www.renfe.com (in €, fiddly, see advice on using it).

TGV Duplex at Luxembourg

Step 1, Luxembourg to Lyon by TGV Duplex, seen here at Luxembourg.

TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats   TGV Duplex cafe-bar

2nd class seats on upper deck.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating. 360º photo.

 

Cafe-bar on upper deck car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes.

An TGV Duplex at Luxembourg   First class on board a TGV Duplex

A TGV Duplex at Luxembourg.

 

1st class seats on upper deck. 360º photo.

AVE from Barcelona to Lyon   2nd class seats on an AVE S100

Step 2, Lyon to Barcelona by AVE, seen here at  Barcelona Sants.

 

2nd class seats, all with power sockets & free WiFi. Panorama photo of 2nd class.

1st class seats on the Barcelona to Lyon AVE train   The cafe-bar on an S100 AVE

1st class seats on an S100 AVE, all with power sockets.  Panorama photo of 1st class.

 

Cafe-bar on an S100 AVE serving tea, coffee, beer, wine, soft drinks, snacks & hot dishes.

Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees

Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees.  One of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline on the right all the way from Girona to Perpignan, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canigou.

Option 2, Luxembourg to Barcelona by train in a single day - later departure, but means crossing Paris

TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon

Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex. Here, a TGV Duplex is boarding at Paris Gare de Lyon.  Watch TGV Duplex video.

Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees

Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees.  One of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline on the right all the way from Perpignan to Girona, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CanigouMore photos of what to see on the Paris-Barcelona train journey.

Option 3, Luxembourg to Barcelona using a French sleeper train between Paris & the Spanish border

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Luxembourg to San Sebastian from €63

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Luxembourg to Lisbon & Portugal

Option 1, Luxembourg to Lisbon via Barcelona & Madrid

Option 2, Luxembourg to Lisbon via San Sebastian, Vigo & Porto - slightly slower, can be cheaper

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Luxembourg to Andorra

Option 1, Luxembourg to Andorra in a day

Option 2, using the Paris-Toulouse-l'Hospitalet overnight train

  • Step 3 if you go via Toulouse (slower, longer road journey, but cheaper):  Travel from Toulouse to Andorra by bus.

    A bus run by Andbus (www.andorrabybus.com) typically leaves Toulouse at 09:45, arriving Andorra la Vella bus station at 14:00.  Check current times at www.andorrabybus.com, I'd allow at least an hour between train and bus in Toulouse in case of delay.

    The bus leaves from bus stand 15 inside the Gare Routière (bus station) immediately outside Toulouse Matabiau station.  Simply walk out of the station onto the forecourt and look to your right.  The bus station is the modern building with the glass-and-blue-framework upper section, see the photos below.

    Book the bus at www.andorrabybus.com.  The fare is around €36 one-way.

  • Step 3 if you go via l'Hospitalet (fastest, more rail & less road, but with expense of a taxi):  Enjoy the scenic train ride into the Pyrenees to l'Hospitalet, then travel from l'Hospitalet to Andorra la Vella by road, see the London to Andorra page for taxi details.

Intercite de nuit overnight train   Intercite de nuit couchette

The intercité de nuit overnight train from Paris to Latour de Carol has 1st class 4-berth & 2nd class 6-berth couchettes, each with lightweight sleeping-bag & mineral water.

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Luxembourg to Trier & Koblenz
  • Regional trains link Luxembourg with Trier & Koblenz every hour taking 52 minutes to Trier & 2h24 to Koblenz.

    It's a scenic run, much of it along the Moselle valley past river boats and vineyards.  For the best river views, sit on the right hand side when going east from Luxembourg.

  • Luxembourg to Trier costs €5.40 in 2nd class, €11.60 in 1st class, fixed price.

    Luxembourg to Koblenz costs €31.50 in 2nd class or €53.40 in 1st class, fixed price. 

    If you are travelling after 09:00 weekdays, any time at weekends, Luxembourg to Koblenz costs just €26 with a Rheinland-Pfalz-Ticket + Luxemburg ticket, only available in 2nd class..

  • Check times & buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.deBooking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.

  • No reservation is necessary or possible, you can just turn up, buy a ticket and hop on the next train.  It can't sell out!

Double-deck train between Koblenz, Trier & Luxembourg

Luxembourg to Trier & Koblenz by double deck regional train.  This is a CFL double-decker at Luxembourg.

1st class on a Koblenz-Luxembourg train   1st class on a Koblenz-Luxembourg train

1st class on the upper deck. Larger photo.

 

2nd class on the upper deck.  Larger photo.

Scenery along the Moselle between Koblenz & Luxembourg

Scenery along the Moselle between Koblenz & Luxembourg in the morning sun, the mists still clearing.  For the best river views, sit on the right hand side of the train going east from Luxembourg, left hand side going west from Koblenz.

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Luxembourg to Cologne, Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin & Germany

Option 1, Luxembourg to anywhere in Germany by daytime trains

  • Hourly regional express trains link Luxembourg with Koblenz in 2h24, connecting with trains to towns & cities all over Germany.

    Luxembourg to Koblenz is a scenic run, much of it along the Moselle valley past river boats and vineyards.  For the best river views, sit on the right hand side when going east from Luxembourg.

    Luxembourg to Frankfurt takes as little as 3h55.  Luxembourg to Munich 6h40.  Luxembourg to Berlin 8h45.  For example:

    Leave Luxembourg at 06:18 by regional train, change at Koblenz onto an high-speed ICE, arrive Berlin Hbf at 15:03.

  • Fares start at €18.90 in 2nd class or €27.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.  You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone.

    Tip:  Avoid journeys shown in the search results as including a 'bus' as this is indeed just a bus.  To remove journeys involving a bus, click Stopovers before running the enquiry and enter Igel as a stopover, leaving length of stay as zero.

    Tip:  There's a direct train from Luxembourg to Cologne & Dusseldorf every day at 06:18.  It's a Luxembourg Railways double-deck train like the one shown below.

Double-deck train between Koblenz, Trier & Luxembourg

Luxembourg to Koblenz by double deck regional train.  This is a CFL double-decker at Luxembourg.

1st class on a Koblenz-Luxembourg train   1st class on a Koblenz-Luxembourg train

1st class on the upper deck. Larger photo.

 

2nd class on the upper deck.  Larger photo.

Scenery along the Moselle between Koblenz & Luxembourg

Scenery along the Moselle between Koblenz & Luxembourg in the morning sun, the mists still clearing.  For the best river views, sit on the right hand side of the train going east from Luxembourg, left hand side going west from Koblenz.

Option 2, Luxembourg to Munich or Berlin by Nightjet sleeper train - the time-effective option

  • Step 1, travel from Luxembourg to Koblenz by regional train, leaving Luxembourg at 19:33 & arriving Koblenz Hbf at 21:56.

    Or take the earlier 17:33 or 18:33 and have dinner in Koblenz, try the restaurant Koenigsbachertreff which is just 50m from the station, see koenigsbachertreff.cafelists.com.

    The train ride from Luxembourg to Koblenz is very scenic, at least in summer when it's light, the line runs along the Moselle valley past river boats and vineyards.  For the best river views, sit on the right hand side when going east from Luxembourg.

    The fare is €26 in 2nd class or €53.40 in 1st class, fixed price, always available.

    Buy a ticket at the station on the day or at the German Railways website int.bahn.de

    You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

    Tip:  Alternatively, you could take the 17:33 from Luxembourg to Cologne (changing at Koblenz) with advance-purchase fares from €27.90.  Then you can board the sleeper earlier, at 22:01.

  • Step 2, travel from Koblenz to Munich or Berlin by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Koblenz Hbf at 23:13 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, one portion arrives Berlin Hbf at 08:26, another arrives Munich Ost (en route to Vienna) at 05:50.  This train is expected to become daily from autumn 2024.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper all to yourself. The sleeper & couchette fares include a light breakfast with tea or coffee in the morning.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

A Nightjet sleeper train at Vienna.  More about Nightjet trains.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Nightjet train.

 

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Luxembourg to Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vienna & Austria

Option 1, Luxembourg to Austria by daytime trains

  • Luxembourg to Salzburg or Vienna can be done on a day, most of the journey uses superb ICE trains.  For example:

    Leave Luxembourg at 07:33 by regional train, change at Koblenz onto an ICE, arrive Vienna Hbf at 18:47.

    Leave Luxembourg at 08:33 by regional train, change at Koblenz onto an ICE, arrive Vienna Hbf at 20:47.

    Leave Luxembourg at 11:33 by regional train, change at Koblenz onto an ICE, arrive Vienna Hbf at 23:05.

    The Luxembourg to Koblenz part of the journey is a scenic run, much of it along the Moselle valley past river boats and vineyards.  For the best river views, sit on the right hand side when going east from Luxembourg.

  • Luxembourg to Vienna starts at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.

    Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

    Tip:  Avoid any journeys shown in the search results as including a bus as this is indeed just a bus and not a train.  To remove journeys involving a bus, simply click Stopovers before running the enquiry and enter Igel as a stopover, leaving length of stay as zero.

Double-deck train between Koblenz, Trier & Luxembourg

Luxembourg to Koblenz by double deck regional train.  This is a CFL double-decker at Luxembourg.

1st class on a Koblenz-Luxembourg train   1st class on a Koblenz-Luxembourg train

1st class on the upper deck. Larger photo.

 

2nd class on the upper deck.  Larger photo.

Scenery along the Moselle between Koblenz & Luxembourg

Scenery along the Moselle between Koblenz & Luxembourg in the morning sun, the mists still clearing.  For the best river views, sit on the right hand side of the train going east from Luxembourg, left hand side going west from Koblenz.

Option 2, Luxembourg to Salzburg & Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train

  • Step 1, travel from Luxembourg to Koblenz by regional train, leaving Luxembourg at 19:33 & arriving Koblenz Hbf at 21:56.

    Or take the earlier 17:33 or 18:33 and have dinner in Koblenz, try the restaurant Koenigsbachertreff which is just 50m from the station, see koenigsbachertreff.cafelists.com.

    The train ride from Luxembourg to Koblenz is very scenic, at least in summer when it's light, the line runs along the Moselle valley past river boats and vineyards.  For the best river views, sit on the right hand side when going east from Luxembourg.

    The fare is €26 in 2nd class or €53.40 in 1st class, fixed price, always available.

    Buy a ticket at the station on the day or at the German Railways website int.bahn.de

    You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

    Tip:  Alternatively, you could take the 17:33 from Luxembourg to Cologne (changing at Koblenz) with advance-purchase fares from €27.90.  Then you can board the sleeper earlier, at 22:01.

  • Step 2, travel from Koblenz to Salzburg or Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Koblenz Hbf at 23:13 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Salzburg Hbf 07:26 & Vienna Hbf 10:13.  This train is expected to become daily from autumn 2024.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper all to yourself. The sleeper & couchette fares include a light breakfast with tea or coffee in the morning.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

A Nightjet sleeper train at Vienna.  More about Nightjet trains.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Nightjet train.

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Luxembourg to Copenhagen & Denmark from €37.90
  • Fares from Luxembourg to Copenhagen start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • Book from Luxembourg to Copenhagen at the German Railways website int.bahn.deBooking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

    Tip:  If you want to stop in Hamburg overnight, click Stopovers and enter Hamburg Hbf with a suitable length of stay, say 10 hours.  Adjust the departure time and length of stay to get the trains you want either side of Hamburg.

Hamburg-Copenhagen train at Copenhagen

Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train.  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More information about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.

2nd clas seats on a DB Intercity train

2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.

1st class comparment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train   1st class 6-seat compartment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo Larger photo.

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Luxembourg to Stockholm & Sweden from €59.90
  • German Railways sell through tickets from Luxembourg to Malmo from €49.90, Gothenburg or Stockholm from €59.90.

  • Step 1, travel from Luxembourg to Hamburg Hbf with one easy change at Koblenz.  There are various departures, check times at int.bahn.de.

  • Stay overnight in Hamburg.  The Hotel Reichshof Hamburg is the top choice here, just across the road 100m from the station's Kirchenallee exit, with art deco-based design and great reviews.  Other hotels near Hamburg Hbf with good or great reviews include (starting with the cheapest) the Hotel Continental Novum, Hotel Furst Bismarck, Hotel Europaischer Hof, Hotel Atlantic Kempinski.  If you're on a budget, cheap private rooms in the A&O Hotel near Hamburg Hbf can be booked at www.hostelworld.com.

  • Step 2, travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 08:50 and arriving Copenhagen at 13:34.

  • Step 3 for Malmö, travel from Copenhagen to Malmö Central on the next Öresund train, these leave every 20-30 minutes taking 39 minutes.

    Step 3 for Gothenburg, travel from Copenhagen to Gothenburg Central on the next hourly Öresund train, taking 3h53.

    Step 3 for Stockholm, travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm by X2000 train leaving Copenhagen at 14:19 & arriving Stockholm Central 19:37.

  • Book from Luxembourg to Malmo, Gothenburg or Stockholm at the German Railways website int.bahn.de, but read the tips below!

    For Gothenburg, enter Göteborg Central.  To get the overnight stop in Hamburg, click Stopovers, enter Hamburg Hbf and a suitable length of stay, say 10 hours.

    Look for journeys with the fewest changes.  Adjust the departure time & length of stay to get the trains you want either side of Hamburg, this can take a bit of trial & error to get sensibly-timed connections with the fewest possible changes on both days.

    If all else fails, use int.bahn.de to book Luxembourg to Hamburg on day 1, then book Hamburg to Malmo, Gothenburg or Stockholm as a separate ticket on day 2.  This may cost a little more than buying a through ticket, that's all.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

Hamburg-Copenhagen train at Copenhagen

Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train.  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More information about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.

2nd clas seats on a DB Intercity train

2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.

1st class comparment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train   1st class 6-seat compartment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo Larger photo.

An X2000 train at Stockholm Central

Copenhagen to Stockholm by tilting 200km/h X2000, seen at Stockholm CentralMore about X2000 trains.

1st class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train 2nd class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

1st class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

 

2nd class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train   Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

Bistro seating on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

 

Bistro on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

On the Oresund link!

Crossing the impressive Öresund bridge from Denmark to Sweden.

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Luxembourg to Oslo & Norway

Option 1, Luxembourg to Oslo via Hamburg & Copenhagen - by train all the way

Option 2, Luxembourg to Oslo using the Kiel to Oslo cruise ferry - the luxury option

  • Day 1, travel from Luxembourg to Kiel in northern Germany on any departure you like, for example leaving Luxembourg at 12:33, change at Koblenz & Hamburg Hbf, arriving Kiel Hbf at 22:34.  It's not possible to reach Kiel in time to check in for that same day's sailing.

    Fares start at €24.90 in 2nd class or €56.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.deBooking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

  • Stay overnight in Kiel.  The InterCity Hotel Kiel gets good reviews, is relatively inexpensive and is right next to the station and a few minutes walk from the ferry.  The B&B Hotel Kiel City is also next to the station with good reviews, and is even cheaper.  For something upmarket, the Atlantic Hotel Kiel gets great reviews and is in Bahnhofsplatz in front of the station.

    In Kiel the Color Line ferry terminal is just a 5-6 minute walk from Kiel Hbf.

  • Day 2, sail from Kiel to Oslo by luxurious overnight Color Line ferry, with a full range of en suite cabins, suites, bars, restaurants and lounges.  The m/v Magic or m/v Fantasy normally sails at 14:00 arriving Oslo at 10:00 next morning (Day 3 from Luxembourg). 

    Check times & buy tickets using the Direct Ferries website or at www.colorline.com.

    Money-saving tip:  It appears that it's considerably cheaper to book on Color Line's Norwegian website www.colorline.no in Norwegian Krone, for example a €274 fare becomes the equivalent of €164.  You'll need to use Google Chrome translation to translate the Norwegian.  You are still able to enter a UK or other European address and contact details.  Feedback appreciated.

    Make sure you're on deck next morning as the ship sails through spectacular scenery up Oslo Fjord.  The ship docks at the modern Color Line terminal about 2 km from the city centre.  Color Line provide transfer buses to Oslo Sentral station costing 55 krone, or there are plenty of taxis.  If you have little luggage it's possible to walk.  See map of Oslo showing ferry terminal.

Germany to Oslo Color Line ferry at Kiel

This photo is taken from the exit of Kiel station, so you can see how close the ferry is.  It's a 5-6 minute walk across the harbour, with a street lift up to a connecting walkway which takes you to the ferry terminal. If you have reserved one of what Color Line call their "5 star suites", check in at the desk rather than the machines and you'll be directed to a special lounge to wait with free tea, coffee, juice, snacks & WiFi.  You'll also have priority boarding of the ship.  Photos courtesy of Andrew Leo.

Boarding the ferry in Kiel

Boarding the Color Line ferry to Oslo in Kiel.

Kiel to Oslo ferry, Color Class suite   Kiel to Oslo ferry, restaurant

A 5 Star Suite on the ferry.

 

More cruise liner than ferry!  The restaurant.

View from Color Line ferry to Oslo

Wake up to this...

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Luxembourg to Helsinki & Finland

Option 1, Luxembourg to Helsinki using a Finnlines ferry from Germany - the easiest option

  • Day 1, travel from Luxembourg to Hamburg by Regional train & ICE train, leaving Luxembourg at 09:33 and arriving Hamburg Hbf 17:53.

    Fares start at €27.90 in 2nd class or €56.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at the German Railways website int.bahn.deBooking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

  • Day 1, transfer from Hamburg Hbf to the Travemünde ferry terminal by local train+bus and sail from Travemünde to Helsinki with Finnlines.

    Finnlines sail from Travemünde in northern Germany to Helsinki every day, boarding at 23:30, sailing at 02:45 (the exact time varies) and arriving at Helsinki's Hansa Terminal in Vuosaari at 09:15 2 nights later (Day 3 from Frankfurt).  See the Trains from Hamburg page for full details.

    Check sailing dates, times & book the ferry at www.finnlines.com or using the Direct Ferries website.

  • Book onward trains within Finland at the Finnish Railways website www.vr.fi.

Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki

Finnlines operate the Finnstar, Finnmaid & Finnlady on the Travemünde-Helsinki route.  Photo courtesy of Hubert Bartkowiak.  Photos below courtesy of Chris Russell.

Cabin on Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki   Gym on Finnlines ferry   Sauna on Finnlines ferry

Standard cabin.  Larger photo.

 

Gym with a view.

 

Sauna.

Option 2, Luxembourg to Helsinki by train to Stockholm, then ferry

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Luxembourg to Prague from €37.90
  • You can do this journey in a single day, or split it up with an overnight stop in Germany.

  • Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €56.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.  Look for journeys with the fewest changes.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

    Tip:  I recommend clicking Stopovers and changing Transfer time from normal to 30 minutes

    Tip:  To eliminate buses from the search results, click Stopovers and add Igel as a stopover.

    Tip:  To add an overnight stop, perhaps in Berlin, click Stopovers and enter Berlin Hbf with a suitable length of stay, say 12 hours.

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Luxembourg to Bratislava, Budapest, Bucharest, Ljubljana & Zagreb

Option 1, using the Koblenz-Vienna sleeper

  • Step 1, travel from Luxembourg to Koblenz by regional train, leaving Luxembourg at 19:33 & arriving Koblenz Hbf at 21:56.

    Or take the earlier 17:33 or 18:33 and have dinner in Koblenz, try the restaurant Koenigsbachertreff which is just 50m from the station, see koenigsbachertreff.cafelists.com.

    The train ride from Luxembourg to Koblenz is very scenic, at least in summer when it's light, the line runs along the Moselle valley past river boats and vineyards.  For the best river views, sit on the right hand side when going east from Luxembourg.

    The fare is €26 in 2nd class or €53.40 in 1st class, fixed price, always available.

    Tip:  Alternatively, you could take the 17:33 from Luxembourg to Cologne (changing at Koblenz) with advance-purchase fares from €27.90.  Then you can board the sleeper earlier, at 22:16.

  • Step 2, travel from Koblenz to Salzburg or Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Koblenz at 23:13 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Salzburg Hbf at 07:26 or Vienna Hbf at 10:13.  This train is expected to become daily from autumn 2024.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

Double-deck train between Koblenz, Trier & Luxembourg

Step 1, Luxembourg to Koblenz by double deck regional train.

1st class on a Koblenz-Luxembourg train   1st class on a Koblenz-Luxembourg train

1st class on the upper deck. Larger photo.

 

2nd class on the upper deck.  Larger photo.

Scenery along the Moselle between Koblenz & Luxembourg

Scenery along the Moselle between Koblenz & Luxembourg in the morning sun, the mists still clearing.  For the best river views, sit on the right hand side of the train going east from Luxembourg, left hand side going west from Koblenz.

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Step 2, Koblenz to Salzburg or Vienna by Nightjet sleeper trainMore information about Nightjet trains.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Option 2, Luxembourg to Budapest, Ljubljana, Zagreb by sleeper from Stuttgart

  • Step 1, travel from Luxembourg via Koblenz to Stuttgart.

    Check times and buy a ticket from €37.90 at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.  Make sure you have no tight connections and arrive in Stuttgart at least an hour before the sleeper leaves, ideally 2 hours.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.

  • Step 2, take the 20:29 sleeper train from Stuttgart to Budapest, or from Stuttgart to Ljubljana & Zagreb.  Both sleepers have a sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, and couchettes with 4 & 6 berth compartments.  See the Stuttgart-Budapest page for more details of the sleeper to Budapest.

    Book the sleeper at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same fares).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

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Luxembourg to Belgrade, Sofia, Montenegro

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Luxembourg to Warsaw & Krakow from €37.90

Option 1, Luxembourg to Warsaw or Krakow in a day

  • Leave Luxembourg at 06:18, change at Bonn and Berlin Ostbahnhof, arriving Warsaw Centralna at 21:14.

    Leave Luxembourg at 06:18, change at Bonn and Berlin Hbf, arriving Krakow Glowny at 23:54.

    Luxembourg to Bonn is by Luxembourg Railways double-deck air-conditioned regional train.  Bonn to Berlin is by superb high-speed ICE2 train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Berlin to Warsaw or Krakow is by air-conditioned EuroCity train with restaurant car.

  • Fares start at €49.90 in 2nd class or €79.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Before running the enquiry, change Transfer time from normal to 30 minutes to ensure robust connections.

    Booking to Poland opens 60 days ahead, you print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

Option 2, Luxembourg to Warsaw or Krakow with an overnight stop in Berlin - breaks up the journey

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Luxembourg to Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn

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Luxembourg to Kyiv & Moscow

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Luxembourg to Athens & Greece

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Luxembourg to Istanbul & Turkey

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Hotels in Luxembourg

For somewhere near the station with good reviews, try the City Hotel, Hotel Perrin or Park Inn by Radisson.

In the old town, try the Hotel Simoncini or the good old-school Grand Hotel Cravat.

Find hotels at Booking.comMy favourite hotel search: www.booking.com

Booking.com is my favourite hotel booking site and I generally use it to book all my hotels in one place.  I've come to trust booking.com's review scores, you won't be disappointed with any hotel that scores 8.0 or more.  Crucially, booking.com usually lets you book with free cancellation, which means you can confirm accommodation risk-free before train booking opens and/or you can hold accommodation while you finalise your itinerary and alter your plans as they evolve - a feature I use all the time when planning a trip.  I never book hotels non-refundably!

Backpacker hostels

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Travel insurance & VPN

 

Staysure travel insurance

 

Columbus Direct logo

Always take out travel insurance

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

UK flag  www.staysure.co.uk offers enhanced Covid-19 protection & gets 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot.

UK flag  www.columbusdirect.com is also a well-know brand.

US flag  If you live in the USA try Travel Guard USA.

 

Maya.net logo

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility listMaya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data.

 

Curve card

Curve card

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:  1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android.  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card, they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

 

Express VPN

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explainedExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

 

Anker Powerrbank

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com.

 


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