riding trains

[rookie]

Is riding trains more comparable to flights or subway rides? Meaning, if I were to take a train in Paris leaving for Brussels, how much earlier would I have to check in? Or could I just show up 5 minutes ahead? Does the luggage go underneath the trains, or do I bring it onto the train with me? When the train arrives at its destination, does it take long for me to grab my luggage?

[Kim]

It depends on whether you have seat reservations or not. If you do, you can leave it later-although I wouldn't leave it until 5 minutes.

If you don't, seats are first come, first serve and if it's a longer ride, I would be there a bit early to see if you can get a seat if the train is in the station.

Sometimes the train starts from your destination and you can board early. If it's coming from somewhere else, being really early won't help you as it won't arrive until the scheduled time (if all goes well!).

I like to be at the platform at least 10 minutes early. If you don't know the station, make sure to leave enough time to find out what platform you are on and where it is.

Once you are aboard and on your way, the conductor will come around for tickets or check your railpass. Some will ask to see your passport as well, so be sure to have it handy.

Your luggage goes with you. There are racks above the seats for bags. Some trains have racks in the front of each car as well but I make a point of never being separated with my bag. If I can't put it above me, I squish it in front of me.

This is another reason not to pack your bag completely full-then it will be too stuffed to fit in the overhead compartments. If you have a removable daypack, you can always remove it to make your bag thinner.

No time waiting-you just grab your bag from above and go!

Kim