European Train Transfer Times

Euro trains run on time so the transfer times you gave should be ok unless you have little kids with you and you haven't checked any bags. I have been on trains where they require you to check bags larger than a small carry-on so you may want to check this before hand. That's not to say you don't need to hustle a little. I think a transfer time of less than 10 minutes at a big station would be pushing it.

I can only speak for France, but they are super tight. Doable though.

You won’t have time to get a cup of coffee, you’ll have to go immediately to the next platform.

quote:

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You won’t have time to get a cup of coffee

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Yeah that's going to be a deal breaker for me

But seriously, thanks for the input.

We had a 2min transfer time at a small station on the way to Chamonix France. We made it with no problem, it's all about the amount of baggage you have and the speed with which you can find the connecting train.

Edit: Hey buddy

I travel by train in Europe every week. I transferred in Basel just this week. If you are used to it then 10 minutes is no problem. I have a 5 minute rule for myself, but when I travel with kids, it's 12 minutes.

But that assumes you are used to transfers and how stations are typically laid out. For train beginners, i'd say 10 minutes for adults with minimal bags (a backpack and roller carry on) is reasonable.

As Zappa said, there can be difficulties with baggage checks if there is a crossing across a Shengen area border, but within Europe it isn't a deal.

And if it is a long train there is usually a restaurant on the train to buy coffee or beer.

No worries ?? I grab my bag and move to the door a couple minutes before we hit the station. It helps when you’ve got those two minute transfer windows.