Train travel is one of the most common ways for international travelers to move between countries in Europe. For example, the route between Switzerland and France passes through areas near the Alps, and trains between Italy and Switzerland follow lines that run past lakes and small towns. Routes between Germany and Austria often pass through open countryside and forested areas. During these trips, mobile data is important for checking online maps, using travel apps, and communicating when needed. A travel eSIM lets you use mobile data in different countries without changing SIM cards or paying high roaming fees.

What is the Best eSIM While Traveling Europe by Train?

Roamless is the best eSIM while traveling Europe by train due to its regional Europe plan, which includes both pay-as-you-go options and fixed plans. The fixed plans offer a 500 MB free trial and are valid for 30 days, while the pay-as-you-go options start from 1 GB for $2.45 with no expiry. Both plan types include unlimited hotspot usage and up to 5G coverage in many European countries with no speed limits. The pay-as-you-go option also includes an international calling feature starting from $0.01 per minute. The table below compares the best eSIM providers for travelers moving between countries by train in Europe:

Table 1: Comparison of eSIM Providers While Traveling Europe by Train Based on Regional Europe Plans

Note: Plan details and technical specifications in the table were verified on 25 November 2025 based on information from each eSIM provider’s official website. Prices, data plans, and technical details may change over time. 

Note: Roamless pay-as-you-go plans work globally and include international calling directly through the app starting from $0.01 per minute. Both pay-as-you-go and fixed plans feature unlimited hotspot use, no speed limits, manual network switching, and data tracking options.

Disclaimer: Please verify the most up-to-date plan information directly with each eSIM provider before making a purchase.

Choosing the Best eSIM While Traveling Europe by Train

When choosing the best eSIM while traveling Europe by train, it’s important to focus on features that help your mobile service work reliably as you move between countries. You need an eSIM that offers wide coverage, stable data speeds, and flexible plans along different train routes. Here are the key points to consider:

• Wide Regional Coverage: Choose an eSIM that works in many European countries so your mobile service continues without interruption as trains move from one country to another. This is especially useful for routes that cross several borders.

• Flexible Data Plans: Look for eSIMs that offer both pay-as-you-go and fixed plans. This allows you to pay only for what you need, whether your trip is short or longer.

• Reliable Connection on Train Routes: Some train routes pass through rural or low-signal areas. Make sure your eSIM provider offers stable data service even when coverage becomes weaker.

• Unlimited Hotspot Support: Hotspot support is helpful if you want to share your data with devices such as tablets or laptops during your trip.

• International Calling Feature: Consider an eSIM that lets you make international calls directly from the app. This is useful when you need to contact family, friends, or work while abroad.

• Clear Pricing and No Expiry: Choose an eSIM with clear and simple pricing to avoid extra charges. For example, Roamless’s pay-as-you-go option has no expiry, so unused data can be kept for future trips.

Why Roamless eSIM Stands Out

Roamless is an ideal choice for international travelers moving between countries by train in Europe. Its regional Europe plan covers many popular destinations, including France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria. The pay-as-you-go option is also available globally, with no expiry on unused data.  Here are the key reasons why Roamless is a strong option for train travel:

• Regional Europe Plan: Valid in 37 European destinations, providing coverage across many countries visited during train travel.

• Global Pay-as-you-go Option: Works in 200+ destinations worldwide, with no expiry on unused data.

• 500 MB Free Trial: The fixed plan includes a 500 MB free trial to test the service before purchasing more data.

• Unlimited Hotspot Support: Share your data with other devices, such as tablets or laptops.

• Up to 5G Coverage: Fast and stable data for browsing, uploads, navigation, and streaming.

• International Calling Feature: Make affordable international calls directly from the app, starting at $0.01 per minute.

• Manual Network Switching: Choose the best available network when signal strength changes on certain train routes.

For more information, you can visit our page on eSIM Europe.

Roamless Plans for 5 Popular Countries to Visit by Train in Europe

Roamless provides flexible plans for international travelers visiting popular train travel destinations in Europe. Below is a comparison of Roamless plans for countries commonly visited during cross-border train travel:

Table 2: Roamless Country-Specific Plans for 5 Popular Train Travel Destinations in Europe

Note: Both pay-as-you-go options and fixed plans include unlimited hotspot use and no speed limits. Pay-as-you-go plans also feature international calling through the app, starting from $0.01 per minute. Fixed plans include a free trial.

Disclaimer: The plan prices and availability may change over time. Network conditions and coverage quality can vary depending on the country and local operators. Please verify the current information directly with Roamless and the mobile operators.

For more information, you can visit our pages on eSIM France, eSIM Germany, eSIM Switzerland, eSIM Italy, and eSIM Austria.

How Much Data Do You Need While Traveling Europe by Train?

On average, international travelers use between 1GB and 3GB of mobile data per day while traveling Europe by train, depending on their activities. Basic tasks like messaging, checking online maps, and browsing the web typically require around 1GB to 2GB of data. However, if you stream music or videos or make frequent video calls on certain train routes, your daily usage can increase to 3GB to 5GB. If you're using multiple devices or sharing your hotspot with others, your total data consumption may be even higher.

Note: The data usage figures provided are approximate. Actual consumption can vary based on your activities, the number of devices you use, and local network conditions.

For more information, you can check out our guide on How much data do I need for travel abroad.

Why Traditional Roaming Costs More

Although EU rules allow travelers within the European Union to roam at domestic rates, visitors coming from outside the EU may still face higher roaming fees. Traditional roaming becomes costly when moving between several countries by train, since mobile carriers often charge per megabyte or per minute. Even simple tasks like checking online maps, sending messages, or looking up information online can raise your bill quickly, and data-heavy activities such as streaming or using navigation apps can increase the costs even more. In contrast, a global eSIM like Roamless connects you to local networks as you cross borders, giving you more affordable and predictable data rates throughout your train trip across Europe.

For more information, you can check out our guide on How to avoid roaming charges.

Pro Tips for Using a Travel eSIM During Train Trips in Europe

When using a travel eSIM during your train trip in Europe, there are a few useful things to know so you can avoid problems along the way. Here are some practical tips to help you use your eSIM more effectively:

• Check Device Compatibility: Before your trip, make sure your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked, so it can work with different mobile networks.

• Activate Your eSIM Before Departure: Try to activate your eSIM while you are still connected to Wi-Fi. This makes things easier once you leave your home country.

• Monitor Your Data Usage: Keep an eye on how much data you are using. Some eSIM providers, including Roamless, let you check and manage your data directly in their app.

• Use Manual Network Switching: When trains pass through rural areas or cross borders, signal strength can change. Switching to another local network through your eSIM app can help you stay connected.

• Enable Hotspot Features: If you have more than one device with you, use your eSIM’s hotspot feature to share your data.

• Keep Extra Data for Emergencies: It’s helpful to have some extra data for maps, messages, or important apps when you need them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I activate my eSIM for travel in Europe?

To activate your eSIM, you’ll typically need to scan a QR code provided by your eSIM provider or enter the activation details manually through their app. This can be done before you leave or as soon as you arrive at your destination.

Can I use my eSIM in multiple countries while traveling Europe by train?

Yes, many eSIM providers offer regional plans that work across multiple countries in Europe. For example, Roamless has a regional Europe plan that covers 37 destinations and also provides globally valid pay-as-you-go options.

Can I make international calls with my eSIM while traveling Europe by train?

Yes, some eSIM providers offer international calling features. For example, with Roamless, international calls start at just $0.01 per minute and can be made directly through the app.

Do I need to switch networks manually during train travel in Europe?

Sometimes, yes. Many eSIM providers update your mobile connection automatically as trains move between countries. Some eSIM services, such as Roamless, also let you switch manually to another local network through the app when coverage varies on rural routes.

How can I monitor my data usage while traveling Europe by train?

Some eSIM providers, including Roamless, allow you to track your data usage directly through the app. This helps you stay on top of your usage and avoid exceeding your data limits during your trip.