European Rail Timetable

Running close to 600 pages and listing around 50,000 trains, the Thomas Cook European Rail Timetable was long considered the InterRailer’s bible until it was discontinued in August 2013. However, thanks to the persistence of John Potter, one of its original compilers, the timetable was re-launched as an independent guide after Thomas Cook handed over the rights to the publication. Aside from the duration of World War 2, the timetable has been in continuous publication since 1873 and we are proud to continue its heritage. In 2024 the business was sold to a new owner, a long standing subscriber, who is working behind the scenes to update business systems and our product range so that the Timetable can reach its 200th birthday in good shape.

The timetable is currently compiled by a five strong team of mostly former Thomas Cook employees. The team is lead by Editor Chris Woodcock and Deputy Editor Reuben Turner, who are assisted by John Potter, Peter Weller and Richard Stirk. The process of compiling the timetable is still very manual, relying on data from many different train operators or in some cases passionate locals.