EuroCity

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Image:EC101 101 125.jpg

EuroCity, abbreviated EC, denotes an international train service within the European inter-city rail network. In contrast to trains with the "IC" (InterCity) label, "EC" trains are international trains that meet certain criteria described below.

During the pre-Schengen era, passport checks were conducted on EC trains while in motion, rather than while parked at a station or requiring the passengers to disembark, as was sometimes the case for non EC trains. Almost all of them require pre-reservation and a supplemental charge

[edit] Criteria

train through two or more countries
all cars air-conditioned
stop only at major cities
stops for no more than five minutes, in special cases up to 15 minutes
food and beverages available onboard (preferably from a dining car)
conductors speak at least two languages, one of which must be English, French or German
average speed (including stops) above 90 km/h, exceptions for mountainous terrain and train ferries
daytime journey (start after 6:00, arrival earlier than 0:00)

[edit] Names

Many of the EuroCity trains carry names continuing the practise started for the luxury trains of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of these names are the same that were carried by the earlier TEE trains that followed the same route, for example "Lutetia" for Paris to Milano. The names are printed on brochures showing the times of arrival at various stops and details of the journey, which are laced on the seats.