Comment by bluebarbet

Having a lot of experience with trains too, I can confirm this.

In Europe the major exceptions are Eurostar (Channel Tunnel) and the Spanish high-speed network, where the major stations are like airports, with airport-style security, airport-style departure lounges, and waiting. As I understand it, the extra security is at least partly an outcome of the Madrid terrorist bombings of 2004. Terribly self-defeating.

In France by contrast you can still arrive 2 minutes before the TGV departs.