Yes, Motorail services continue to exist and operate across various parts of Europe, although they are no longer available within the United Kingdom.
The Status of Motorail Services
Motorail, a service designed to transport both passengers and their vehicles by train, has a varied operational status depending on the region.
In the United Kingdom
- Cessation in 1995: Motorail trains in the UK ceased operations in 1995. This means that travellers cannot currently find domestic Motorail routes for transporting their cars by train within Great Britain.
In Europe
- Continued Operation: Despite their discontinuation in the UK, Motorail services remain a viable and popular option for travellers across mainland Europe. These services offer a convenient way to cover long distances without the fatigue of continuous driving, allowing passengers to arrive refreshed with their own vehicle.
- Access for UK Travellers: For individuals in the UK interested in using European Motorail services, the journey typically begins with a cross-Channel ferry crossing to the European continent. From there, various routes are available. A prominent starting point for many European Motorail trains is Düsseldorf in Germany, connecting to numerous destinations across the continent.
European Motorail services cater to a range of travel needs, providing a unique blend of rail travel comfort with the convenience of having your car at your destination. You can find more information on specific routes and operators through resources like guides to European train travel.
For those planning a trip that involves transporting a vehicle by train, exploring the available European routes is essential.
Key considerations for European Motorail travel:
- Route availability: Services are not available on all train lines and are often seasonal or less frequent outside of peak travel times.
- Booking in advance: Due to popularity and limited space for vehicles, it is often necessary to book Motorail services well in advance, especially for popular routes during peak seasons.
- Vehicle restrictions: There may be limitations on the size or type of vehicle that can be transported.
