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Question

Train systems

  • May 7, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 13 views

Hey there, Im Pelin. This will be my first time interrailing and using an international train. I have a question about the train systems. So, I bought a pass for 5 days per month. When I was checking the timetable of some trains, I realized that some trains (from Prag to Vienna for example) say that there is a train change. Does that mean I have to get off the train and get on to another one? And if so, Is there a passport control on the train changes? And do they include the estimated time for everyone to get a passport check? As I mentioned before, This will be my very first time to travel with train, and as far as I experienced by traveling with plane, it takes quite a while to passport check. Do the mid-trip train change stations (or whatever they’re called) check for your passport everytime you get on and off a train?
My other question related to this matter is the time of these trains. So I reserve a seat for a train ride, right. But what if my planned train takes off around 10pm on friday and makes 1 train change of 2am saturday? does that mean I lose 2 days of travelling pass?
I know thats whole lot of questiions but I’m feeling very confused and would really appriciate your answers and help. Thank you :)

1 reply

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  • Railmaster
  • May 7, 2026

There are also direct trains from Prague to Vienna.

There may be passport checks at some borders, but then the border police come into the train. Within the Schengen area, there are only spot-checks. Only between Turkey and Bulgaria, you need to get out of the train for passport checks and customs.

During a travel day, you can board as many trains as you want. A travel day is 0:00-23:59, so if you board another train after midnight, then you need another travel day, or buy a regular ticket.

This general introduction may be useful:

https://www.seat61.com/how-to-use-an-interrail-pass.htm