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Rail
Europe
Eurail FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Eurail Selectpass and can you
explain the 3, 4 and 5 country options?
The Eurail Selectpass 3, 4 and 5 countries, covers 22
possible western European countries, including: Austria (including
Liechtenstein), Belgium, Bulgaria/Serbia & Montenegro, Denmark,
Finland, France (including Monaco), Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland,
Romania, Slovenia/Croatia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The main difference with the Selectpass is that you get to choose
the countries of travel. Instead of just 3 adjoining countries,
there is the options which include 4 or 5 adjoining countries of
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”.
- What is the difference between 1st and
2nd class train travel?
First class 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 only offer second class.
- 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 NON-European residents, it is very difficult and more expensive
to find an outlet to buy these passes in Europe. Most Eurail Aid
offices sell them, but at a 15% higher rate.
- Are there any discounts available for
Eurail Passes?
Pricing is standardized for Eurail passes and all
legitimate vendors must sell passes at the same price. A list of
bonuses and discounts for those using the pass are available.
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.
- What is the difference between the
consecutive-day pass and the flexi-type pass?
A consecutive-day pass provides unlimited rail
travel for the duration of the pass, once it has been validated.
The flexi-type passes give the pass-holder a 2 month period
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.)
- 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 flexi or Selectpass, you would write the day of
arrival on the pass prior to boarding the overnight train.
- 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 flexi
or Selectpass, the only thing you would need to do is fill in the
date box for the day you want to travel.
- Do I need to make reservations if I have
a Eurail Pass?
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 outside of Europe for an additional service fee. Couchettes and
Sleeper compartments are extra.
- How much Baggage is allowed?
There are no weight limitations on baggage (except for a
few trains such as the Eurostar or some of the special Hotel
Trains). You are really limited by what you can easily carry and
board. Most trains have an overhead storage rack along with luggage
areas at the end of the car. Baggage is the sole responsibility of
the traveler as the railroads will assume no responsibility in case
of loss or theft. We recommend that you travel light!
- Does my Eurail Pass 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.
Other places to buy Eurail
passes
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