Use of Train Tickets
 

I would like to buy my train tickets before I leave for Europe (Belgium, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary). I have a sort of firm itinerary (sites open, special event, etc) so know the day I am going to travel.

What is flexible is time of travel, get up early and go or oversleep and need to catch the next train, etc.

Can I buy a ticket for the day, just not a specific time?

Every country has a different train system. Some countries may allow a ticket to be used at different times. Others may have reserved trains, so you must buy a ticket for a specific time and date. But some train fares on reserved trains(the more expensive ones) allow for changes, free or maybe for a fee.

This may help:

https://www.seat61.com/Europe-train-...Important_tips

Also depends on how much you want to spend. Restricted tickets bought well ahead for fast long distance trains will be cheaper. For regional trains it doesn't matter.

seat61.com has all the info you need.

If there are tickets without a specific timeordate, there would be no purpose to buying ahead of time. These would be local or regional trains without reservations possible.

weird -- I posted to this thread right after the OP but it isn't there. Basically the same info.

>>Can I buy a ticket for the day, just not a specific time?<< Totally depends on the particulars, but in general cheap = restricted, flexible costs more.

You can pretty much always just go to the station and buy tickets and get on trains since very few trains in those countries demand seat reservations before boarding- does not mean you will get a seat but usually you will or stand for just a bit before one opens up.

First class IME almost always has lots of empty seats.

but as others have said on long-distance trains you can save a lot by yes booking in stone weeks/months ahead of times at times to get those restricted discounted tickets.

discounted tickets do not always includes seat reservations either so make those if not at time of booking. For lots on tickets and trains check www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

You can buy full-fare fully flexible tickets for a certain date or even much longer validity periods to save time over buying on way to train.

Covers all my options, thanks.

I have a sort of firm itinerary>

Another option:

If traveling much in central Europe on trains investigate the European East Railpass which does let you hop on any train just about anytime in all those countries save Belgium. Passes are a great deal for unfettered hop on at will travel - I'd consider first class no matter what - especially nice for folks with luggage - more room - empty seats, etc. Well worth the difference in price IMO.

European East Pass explained:

https://www.raileurope.com/rail-tick...ass/index.html

http://www.budgeteuropetravel.com/id6.html