The Best Apps Every European Train Traveler Should Download
Imagine gliding from Paris to Prague without a single paper ticket, or nabbing a last-minute seat on a sold-out train to the Swiss Alps.
Sounds like magic? It’s not—it’s just the power of the right app.
In 2025, Europe’s rail networks are more connected than ever, but navigating them requires savvy tech tools.
Whether you’re a planner or a spontaneous adventurer, these apps will transform your train travel from stressful to seamless. Let’s dive in.
1. Omio: Your All-in-One Ticket Hub
Why juggle ten websites when one app does it all? Omio (formerly GoEuro) lets you book trains, buses, and flights across 15+ European countries. Searching for a cheap ticket from Berlin to Budapest? Omio compares prices from Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB, and private carriers in seconds.
The app’s clean interface shows journey times, transfers, and even platform numbers. Bonus: E-tickets live in the app, so no frantic printing at stations. But watch out—some budget carriers like FlixTrain aren’t included.
Pro tip: Use Omio’s “cheapest time to travel” feature. Leaving Amsterdam an hour later could save €30.
2. Trainline: The UK’s Answer to Stress-Free Travel
Brits swear by Trainline, and for good reason. It covers 90% of Europe’s railways but shines brightest in the UK.
Need a London-to-Edinburgh ticket with split pricing? Trainline finds hidden deals by breaking your journey into cheaper segments.
Live updates are gold here. Delayed on a Manchester-to-Glasgow route? The app automatically suggests alternative trains and helps claim refunds.
Downsides? Booking fees apply (usually €1–2), and some regional lines in Eastern Europe aren’t listed.
3. DB Navigator: Germany’s Rail Genius (and Beyond)
DB Navigator is the Swiss Army knife of train apps. While designed for Germany’s Deutsche Bahn, it covers 99% of European routes, including cross-border trips like Zurich to Milan. The real-time map tracks your train’s speed, delays, and even platform changes.
Crazy about sustainability? The app calculates your carbon footprint for each trip. But its true superpower is integration. Missed your ICE train? DB Navigator instantly shows connections via local buses or trams.
Just don’t rely on it for seat reservations in France—SNCF’s system doesn’t always sync.
4. SNCF Connect: France’s High-Speed Hero
Booking a TGV from Paris to Nice without SNCF Connect is like touring Bordeaux without wine. The app offers seat maps, meal pre-orders, and even alerts for strike days (common in France).
New in 2025: The “Eco” filter highlights trains with the lowest CO₂ emissions. But here’s the kicker—it also sells OuiGo tickets, SNCF’s budget brand, for routes like Lyon to Marseille at half the price.
Warning: The English version occasionally mistranslates station names. “Gare de Lyon” once became “Lion Station.” Roar.
5. ÖBB Scotty: Austria’s Secret to Night Trains
Austria’s ÖBB Scotty isn’t just for Vienna’s trams. It’s the holy grail for night train enthusiasts. Book a couchette on the Nightjet from Amsterdam to Zurich, check real-time occupancy of lounges, or find vegan meal options—all while offline.
The app’s “door-to-door” feature is genius. Headed to Innsbruck? It plots a route from your hotel to the station via tram, including walking times. But regional buses in rural Austria? Hit or miss.
6. Rail Planner: The Eurail/Interrail Sidekick
If you’re using a Eurail Pass, this app is non-negotiable. Rail Planner works offline, showing schedules for 30+ countries and highlighting which trains require reservations (looking at you, Spain’s AVE).
The “My Trip” section lets you stash future journeys, like that scenic Bergen-to-Oslo ride. But beware: Not all routes are 100% accurate in the Balkans. Double-check with station boards in Serbia or Bosnia.
7. Trenitalia: Italy’s Fast Track to La Dolce Vita
Trenitalia’s app is chaotic beauty—like Italy itself. Book a last-minute Frecciarossa ticket from Rome to Florence, then use the “Carriage Load” meter to avoid crowded trains.
New this year: The “Bonus” program gives discounts for every 10 trips. But regional trains (like Sicily’s aging Regionali) often vanish from the app. When in doubt, ask a local capotreno (conductor).
8. Citymapper: Master of Urban Jungle Transitions
Ever landed at Brussels Midi and panicked about reaching your Airbnb? Citymapper solves that. It combines trains, trams, bikes, and even scooters in 50+ cities.
The app’s “Rain Safe” feature reroutes you through covered pathways in London or Amsterdam. But it’s less reliable in smaller towns like Ghent or Salzburg.
9. NS International: Dutch Precision Meets Cross-Border Ease
The Netherlands’ NS International isn’t just for Amsterdam to Rotterdam. It’s your go-to for Eurostar tickets to London or Thalys rides to Paris.
The app’s “Delay Alerts” ping you before official announcements—crucial for tight connections at Schiphol.
Plus, it sells “Rail&Fly” tickets linking flights to trains. Flying into Frankfurt? The app bundles your DB train ticket to Cologne.
10. B-europe: Belgium’s Gateway to Hidden Gems
B-europe (formerly SNCB Europe) is tiny but mighty. It covers Belgian IC trains but also books Eurostar, TGV, and ICE tickets. Headed to Luxembourg’s Casemates or Maastricht’s Christmas markets? The app finds routes most aggregators miss.
Just don’t expect seat selection on Belgian local trains—it’s a free-for-all.
All Set? Your Pocket Conductor Awaits
Europe’s trains are your ticket to adventure, but these apps are the compass.
Whether you’re chasing Northern Lights in Norway or sipping espresso in Naples, a few taps can save time, money, and stress.
So, which app will you download first? The next chapter of your journey starts now.
