European Rail Glossary

Booking Window

A booking window is the product-specific period when a train journey can be bought, from sales opening to the operator's deadline or departure rule.

Also known as: sales opening, advance booking period, ticket release date, booking horizon

Seat Reservations

A reservation secures a seat or sleeping place. It may be compulsory, optional or included with a ticket. With Interrail, the pass is still required.

Includes: Seat reservation, Compulsory reservation, Optional reservation, Passholder reservation

Also known as: seat reservation, compulsory reservation, mandatory reservation, optional reservation, passholder reservation

Ticket flexibility

Ticket flexibility covers which departures a fare permits, while exchange and refund rights depend on the exact operator, route and fare terms.

Includes: Train-specific ticket, Flexible ticket

Also known as: train-specific ticket, train-bound ticket, flexible ticket, flexible fare, open ticket

Ticket Validation

Ticket validation makes a ticket active or starts its validity; the required action depends on the operator, product and timing.

Also known as: validate a train ticket, ticket activation, ticket check-in

Flexi vs Continuous Pass

A Flexi Pass gives you selected Travel Days within a validity period; a Continuous Pass makes every date in that period a Travel Day.

Includes: Flexi Pass, Continuous Pass

Also known as: Flexi Pass, Flexi travel days, Continuous Pass, Continuous travel days

Pass Activation

Pass activation sets up a rail pass for use; it is separate from the validity start date, Flexi Travel Day activation, journeys and required reservations.

Also known as: activate a rail pass, activating an Interrail Pass, activating a Eurail Pass, pass start date

Travel Day and Pass Validity

Travel Days are local calendar days inside your Interrail or Eurail Pass's Validity Period; Flexi and Continuous products use them differently.

Includes: Travel day, Pass validity

Also known as: travel day, pass validity, validity period

Overnight Accommodation: Couchettes, Sleepers and Berths

Overnight accommodation is the sleeping space or room chosen on a night train. A berth may be in a shared compartment; privacy and facilities vary by product.

Includes: Couchette, Sleeper, Berth, Private compartment, Mini Cabin, Night train

Also known as: couchette, sleeper, sleeping car, berth, private compartment, Mini Cabin, night train accommodation

Change of Station: What It Means for Train Connections

A change of station means travelling from one station to another before your next train. Plan the transfer, access needs and ticket conditions separately.

Includes: Change of station

Also known as: change of station, station transfer, station change, changing stations, inter-station transfer

Connections and Minimum Connection Time on European Trains

A connection links consecutive services. Minimum connection time is an operational threshold, not a guaranteed buffer or missed-connection promise.

Includes: Connection, Minimum connection time

Also known as: minimum connection time, MCT, rail connection, train transfer, connection time

Direct vs Non-Stop Trains: What the Terms Mean

A direct train needs no train change; a non-stop train also skips intermediate stops. Operators and retailers may label services differently.

Includes: Direct train, Non-stop train

Also known as: direct train, direct service, direct journey, non-stop train, nonstop train, non-stop service

Through train and through coach

A through train stays on one service; a through coach stays in the same carriage as services change. Neither term guarantees a through-ticket.

Includes: Through train, Through coach

Also known as: through service, through carriage, same train, same coach, direct carriage, Kurswagen

Platform vs Track: What the Number Means at a Train Station

A platform is where passengers board; a running track carries trains. Local signs may use different terms, so follow live station information.

Includes: Platform, Track

Also known as: platform number, track number, boarding platform, railway platform, perron, quai, Gleis, voie, spor

Rail Replacement Bus: Meaning, Stops and Ticket Rules

A rail replacement bus substitutes for part or all of a train journey. Stops, tickets, luggage, bikes and access vary by operator.

Includes: Rail replacement bus

Also known as: replacement bus, rail replacement service, replacement coach, bus for train, Schienenersatzverkehr, Bahnersatzbus, car de substitution, cars travaux

Request Stop on a Train: Meaning, Boarding and Alighting

A request stop is served only when someone needs to board or alight; the signal and timing depend on the train, station and operator.

Includes: Request stop

Also known as: stop on request, halt on request, arrêt à la demande, arrêt facultatif, Anrufhalt

Terminus in Train Travel: What the End Station Means

A terminus is the end of a train service or line. Cities can have several terminal stations, so use the full station name for your journey.

Includes: Terminus

Also known as: terminal station, end station, Endbahnhof, gare terminus, terminus technique