How do I book train tickets in different countries?

Europe

• Book direct where you can: SNCF Connect (France), Deutsche Bahn (Germany), Trenitalia and Italo (Italy), Renfe (Spain), ÖBB (Austria).
• Trainline and Omio aggregate several operators and are easier if a journey crosses borders, but they may add a booking fee.
• Advance fares on high-speed routes usually open two to six months out and rise as seats sell.
• Eurail and Interrail passes pay off for multi-country trips with lots of travel days; for two or three fixed journeys, individual advance tickets are normally cheaper. Note that many high-speed and night trains still require a paid seat reservation on top of the pass.

Asia

• Japan: the Japan Rail Pass is bought through authorised sellers, and individual tickets are available via JR's own booking sites. Do the maths — since the last price rise, the pass only wins on long routes.
• India: IRCTC is the official system, and reservations typically open 60 days before departure (this window has changed more than once, so check).
• China: 12306 is the official system; Trip.com is the usual English-language alternative. Bring the passport you booked with.

North America

• USA: Amtrak sells tickets many months ahead, with the lowest buckets going first on long-distance routes.
• Canada: VIA Rail, with sleeper cabins on the long western routes selling out early in summer.

Most operators now issue mobile tickets. Download the official app, screenshot the barcode, and keep a PDF copy offline — station Wi‑Fi is not something to rely on.