Rail Passes in Europe

Rail Passes &Tickets for Europe

Rail passes in Europe can be valid for a single country, a region, or multiple countries, and offer unlimited rail travel for the number of travel days indicated on the pass. If you only need to go from one city to another then you won't need a pass, just a point to point ticket.

Eurailpasses

For unlimited travel in 17 countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. These offer great flexibility and the opportunity to cover the most ground. Within this category are several variations:

Eurailpass: For travel on any or all days, this consecutive-day pass offers 15 days, 21 days, or one, two or three months of unlimited first-class train travel.
Eurailpass Saver: Same as the Eurailpass, but discounted for groups of two or more traveling together.
Eurailpass Youth: A second-class rail pass for those under 26 (same as the Eurailpass).
Eurailpass Flexi: Individual days of non-consecutive train travel allow you to discover Europe at your own pace, with a choice of 10 or 15 days of unlimited first-class travel in a two-month period.
Eurailpass Saver Flexi: Same as the Eurailpass Flexi, but discounted for groups of two or more traveling.
Eurailpass Youth Flexi: A second-class flexipass for those under 26 (same as Eurailpass Flexi).

Eurail Selectpass

These give you the flexibility of unlimited travel in your choice of any three bordering countries from the 17 Eurailpass countries (note: Benelux - Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg - count as one country). You have a choice five, six, eight or ten days of first-class travel in a two-month period.

Eurail Selectpass Saver: Groups of two or more traveling together can receive a special rate.
Eurail Selectpass Youth: A second-class rail pass for those 26 and under.

National & Regional Passes

Many European regions and countries have their own rail pass, which is perfect if you are only planning to visit one or two countries.

Premier Trains

Premier Trains combine high-speed travel with deluxe comfort. There is no need to fly when you can board an ultra-modern train and arrive at your destination in no time, relaxed and ready to go.

Most Premier Train tickets include a reserved seat. (Note: Many rail passes are accepted on Premier trains, but you need to purchase a seat reservation.)
First-class Premier Train ticket holders are usually served a meal at your seat, newspapers and magazines, welcome drinks and more. Following is a list of Premier Trains that operate throughout Western Europe:
- Alaris: Spain's newest high-speed train links Madrid and Valencia in just 3 hours, 30 minutes.
- Artesia: Also known as the France-Italy day train, it covers many routes including Paris to Milan in under 5 hours.
- AVE: For fast and efficient travel in Spain; the AVE travels from Madrid to Seville in just 2 hours, 30 minutes.
- Cisalpino: Connects Switzerland, Southern Italy and Southern Germany.
- Euromed: Another option in Spain, connecting Barcelona, Valencia and Alicante in 3 hours.
- Eurostar: See below.
- ES* (Eurostar Italia): Offers a variety of city combinations in Italy, including Rome and Florence
- ICE: Connects all major German cities, plus parts of Austria and Switzerland.
- TGV: Serving over 150 cities in France and Switzerland.
- Talgo 200: Extends the AVE line from Madrid to Malaga and Cadiz in 5 hours or less.
- Thalys: Links Paris to Brussels, Cologne, Dusseldorf and Amsterdam.

Eurostar

Also called the Channel Tunnel train, it sets the standard in rail travel, smoothly transporting passengers from London to Paris or Brussels in about 2 and a half hours. Here are some Eurostar basics:

Eurostar runs almost hourly between London and Paris.
Check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
Tickets can be purchased up to 120 days in advance.
In addition to the three cities mentioned above, Eurostar also serves Ashford, Calais-Frethun, Lille and Disneyland Paris.

Seat Reservations

With a rail pass or ticket, you are able to board a train, but you are not guaranteed a seat, sleeper or couchette. In order to ensure you get the kind of seat you desire, you should purchase a reservation. Standard seat reservations cost an additional $11 per person, per train, and are non-refundable and non-changeable. Reservations can generally be made up to 60 days in advance (120 days in advance for Eurostar; 90 days in advance for Thalys). While some trains may not require reservations, all Premier trains as well as sleeping accommodations require reservations. Sleeper reservations are based on distance and range from $25 to $201, while couchette reservations are a flat $27 extra.

For your convenience, you can also reserve seats in Europe directly at the train stations, as late as the day of departure. However, it is recommended to reserve at least 24 hours in advance, as reservations are subject to availability. In the event that you have a reservation but miss your train, you lose the reservation.

Seating Options

It is important that you understand the different seating options on European trains. Here are the seating choices, and other services you can expect on your train trips.

The class of travel you choose depends on your budget and personal preferences. First-class is generally quieter and roomier, and unlike the difference between service levels on airplanes, first-class rail tickets are only moderately more expensive than second class. There are usually fewer seats per car/compartment in first class, and more space for luggage than second-class. On some Premier Trains, a meal will be included in the price of a first-class ticket.

It's important to know that, just as the personality of each country is different, so it is with the type of service on the trains in Europe. Therefore, second-class may be more comfortable in some countries than in others. On the other hand, you can feel safe that a first-class seat in any country will provide a very comfortable, efficient and elegant experience.

On Day Trains

Coach car seating: This means the car is open with a center aisle and seats on either side. In first-class, seats are wider and there are usually two seats on one side of the aisle, and a single seat on the other, providing optimum comfort. In second-class, there are usually two seats on either side of the aisle.
Compartment seating: The car is separated into enclosed cabins, which open to a corridor along one side of the car. In first-class, cabins can accommodate up to six passengers, second-class cabins have a capacity of up to eight.

On Night Trains

For overnight travel, you can consider a night train. Besides comfort, you can save on the cost of overnight accommodations and you arrive at your destination with a full day to spare. Reservations are required for sleepers and couchettes on all night trains and can be made up to 60 days in advance.

Sleepers: This type of accommodation is the most comfortable way to travel on night trains. They contain beds and a private washstand, fresh linens and towels. First-class accommodates one or two people. Second-class accommodates two to four people. Sleeper charges are per person and depend on the level of accommodations and the route traveled. Note: Deluxe accommodations including restrooms in each sleeper compartment are available on the Talgo overnight trains that link Spain with France, Switzerland and Italy.
Couchettes: These are the simplest of the overnight accommodations. They are open bunks in a compartment, each with a pillow and blanket. Usually located in second-class, they accommodate up to six people. There is no distinction by sex, so you should expect to sleep in your daytime clothes. Washrooms are provided at the end of each car.

Dining and Bar Cars

You can purchase food on almost every train. Dining cars can be found on most long-distance trains, but only at "normal" meal times. If a dining car is not available, the trains will most likely have a bar car with snacks available. On trains equipped with bar cars, you will find a social atmosphere, with light meals served at all times. On shorter trips, you can purchase snacks, sandwiches and cold drinks from a food cart that passes through the aisles.

Travels with Friends: Learn more about other European destinations and tips for traveling within Europe. www.TravelsWithFriends.com

Private Guides: See Europe and learn about its history with your own private guide. www.PrivateGuidesInEurope.com