How to Book Train Travel From Scotland to France

Take the train from Scotland to France to make the most of your European experience. With multiple terminals and service providers, travel between the UK and the rest of Europe has never been easier. Booking a ticket can be easily accomplished, either from the comfort of your own home or once you arrive in Scotland.

Instructions

Choose Your Destination

1

Plan on traveling through London to make your way from Scotland to France by train. Most journeys between these European countries pass through terminals in London or Paris.

2

Pick a train terminal close to the Gare du Nord in Paris for the easiest transfer between trains. Most destinations in France will be serviced from Paris, but some begin in terminals located as far as 30 minutes from the central station.

Select Your Traveling Class

3

Remember that traveling on a second class train ticket can be more economical than first class travel, especially within the UK. Generally, you won't sacrifice much in the way of comfort.

4

Book a first class ticket if you are interested in amenities such as meals or extra leg room. On shorter trips this may not be much of a concern, but a longer section of your journey may be made more comfortable by splurging on a first class ticket.

5

Select a sleeping car for your overnight journey if you want the most in comfort and privacy. Other choices include a couchette or an ordinary seat and both are generally available at the first and second class travel levels.

Book Your Train Ticket

6

To book accommodations, contact First ScotRail at 011 (+0845) 601 5929 or visit their Web site (see Resources, below). Give yourself plenty of breathing room between train departures. Even transferring within the same station may be complicated due to delays in departure or arrival of your connecting transport.

7

Book your trip in reverse. Select your final destination in France and work backwards to insure that you will make all the necessary connections.

8

Check out the UK or France's train reservation Web sites to determine the most economical ticket price (see below). As exchange rates vary, you may find that one country's site will give you more for your dollar.

9

Pick your ticket up at the rail station or have it forwarded to your initial hotel destination. Generally speaking, train tickets cannot be mailed to addresses in the United States.