EUROPEAN TRAIN & RAIL PASS FAQ

1. What is the Eurail Select Pass and can you explain the new 4 and 5 country options?

The Eurail Select pass is the newest addition to the Eurail Pass family. Like the others, it covers 17 possible western European countries, including: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The main difference with the Select Pass is that you get to choose the countries of train travel. Instead of just 3 adjoining countries, there is now new options which include 4 or 5 adjoining countries of train travel. This allows you to save money and only pay for the countries you need. Adjoining countries are defined as being connected by either rail or ship. For example, France, Switzerland and Italy would be a possible 3 country combination, but so would Sweden, Germany and Austria. The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg are considered 1 country called “Benelux”.

2. What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class train travel?

First class train travel is more spacious and quieter with fewer seats per compartment or train car. The seats are larger and sometimes more plush. There is more room for luggage and it will generally be less crowded since most Europeans using the train will travel in second class. Some train systems (such as Scotland) only offer second class.

3. Is everyone eligible for a Eurail Pass and can they be purchased in Europe?

Anyone is eligible to purchase a pass, except for residents in the countries of Europe, the Russian Federation, Turkey, Morocco, Algeria, or Tunisia. Since rail passes are intended for tourists, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to find an outlet for these passes in Europe. They can be purchased in the U.S. and shipped to Europe, however.

4. Are there any discounts available for the Eurail or BritRail Passes?

Pricing is standardized for rail passes and all legitimate vendors must sell passes at the same price. Travelers should look for vendors that offer good service with free exclusive bonuses.

In terms of different types of passes, there are discounts for youths, children or for groups of 2 or more people traveling together. Look for the Youth Pass or Saver Pass options.

5. What is the difference between the consecutive-day pass and the flexipass?

A consecutive-day pass provides unlimited rail travel for the duration of the pass, once it has been validated.

The flexipass gives the pass-holder a 2 monthperiod from the validation date to utilize the number of days they have purchased for their pass. (Ex: the 5 day flexipass allows 5 days of travel in a 2 month period, The 8 day flexipass allows 8 days of travel in a 2 month period, etc.)

6. What constitutes a rail day?

A rail day is considered any travel between 12 midnight to 12 midnight of the following day (i.e. a 24 hour period). However, a good tip to know is the 7:00pm rule. If you board a direct, overnight train after 7pm, only the following day of travel is counted. On your flexipass, you would write the day of arrival on the pass prior to boarding the overnight train. Some individual country passes do not offer this rule.

7. How do I use my pass once I get to Europe?

One of the great things about a Eurail pass is the ease of use and convenience. Before the first time you use it, you must present your rail pass and passport at a train station ticket window for validation, prior to boarding the train. This is only necessary the first time. After that, you have the freedom of unlimited travel all day according to the validity of your pass. If you have a flexipass, the only thing you would need to do is fill in the date box for the day you want to travel.

8. Do I need to make reservations if I have a railpass?

Reservations are generally not mandatory, although they are recommended for busy times and routings. Reservations are required for some high-speed trains such as the TGV, sleeper trains, or, if you want a couchette during an overnight journey. Reservations can be made at any train station for just a few dollars or in the U.S. for an additional service fee. Couchettes and Sleeper compartments are extra.

9. Are Eurail passes good in Great Britain?

Great Britain is not part of the 17-country Eurail Network. For train travel in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, you will need to purchase one of the many types of BritRail Passes. All of the BritRail passes except the Southeast Pass cover the Gatwick and Heathrow Express.

10. Does my Eurailpass cover ferry crossings or trains such as the Eurostar (i.e. the train that goes from London to Paris through the Chunnel)?

Certain ferry lines do allow rail pass holders free or discounted travel. Routes covered include Ireland-France, Italy -Greece and Germany-Sweden-Finland.

The rail pass does not cover travel on the Eurostar, however, the ticket can be purchased at a discount when proof of a validated Eurail pass is shown at a ticket office in the train station.