Book your tickets online at the Rail Europe Web site (see Resources) or call (888) 382-RAIL to speak to a ticketing agent.
Leave your cash tucked away, and opt to pay with a card when buying tickets in Prague's stations.
Ask after or research reduced senior and youth fares, which apply to travelers outside the regular adult fare age range (27-59).
Book first-class and sleeper fares well in advance, as they are limited in availability and are often booked out solid with tour groups traveling Eastern Europe's favorite spots.
Beware of booking with third-party vendors. They may fail to reserve your seat, leaving you with unappealing seat choices upon arrival.
Check timetables well in advance, and book tickets as soon as you've selected departure dates. This can be a particularly busy route during high and holiday seasons.
Watch out for track confusion in Prague's Hlavni station especially. North and southbound trains leave across the platform from one another, confusing even savvy travelers.
Surf the Wasteels and IDOS sites for information before your book.
Put your passport and ticket in a handy pocket so you can produce it readily for travel authorities, who will ask for them at each border crossing.
Board only after you've purchased a ticket. You may be fined or arrested for riding the rails without reservations.
Stow your luggage securely under your seat, and loop the handles round your leg or wrist if you plan to sleep. Always use luggage locks when possible to avoid thievery during travel.
