Category Archives: train travel

Everything You Need to Know About the Eurail Global Pass

A high-speed train in Europe speeding between France and Switzerland
Posted: 6/2/2019 | June 2nd, 2019

One of the most convenient ways to explore Europe is with a Eurail Global Pass. For decades, the Global Pass has allowed backpackers and intrepid explorers alike to wander the continent for both short-term and long-term trips, giving them the ability to book trains on a whim.

Offering access to 31 different countries around the continent, the Eurail Global Pass is a great option for anyone looking for a flexible trip around Europe.

But is the Eurail Global Pass right for you? To find out, let’s answer a few questions.

 

What is the Eurail Global Pass?

The Eurail Global Pass is one of the most popular ways to explore Europe, offering travelers access to 31 countries. The pass gives you a set number of stops in a set time period, ranging from three days to three months, allowing for a flexible, hassle-free trip without having to purchase single tickets for every leg.

The pass comes with first-class and second-class options, as well as discounts for youth and seniors (see below).

In short, it’s meant to be an easy way to travel Europe by train, allowing you to see as much of the continent as possible — all without breaking the bank.

What Countries Does the Eurail Global Pass Cover?

The Eurail Global Pass covers 31 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland), Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey (as well as Liechtenstein and Monaco).

Here is a Eurail Pass map:

What If I’m Just Going to 1 or 2 Countries?

If you’re just going to a few countries, chances are the Global Pass isn’t for you. Instead, you can check out the 27 single-country passes by visiting eurail.com.

How Much is the Eurail Global Pass?

The Eurail Global Pass has several different options, ranging from three days (within one month) to three months of continuous travel. There are also two classes and different prices for adults, youth (anyone aged 27 or under), and seniors (60 and over). Additionally, kids under 11 travel for free (maximum of two kids per adult).

Here are the 2019 prices for the Eurail Global Pass:

PASS
CLASS
EURAIL
RAIL EUROPE

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

1 month continuous
1st
$1,112
$893

$1,189
$953

2nd
$893
$727

$953
$776

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

2 month continuous
1st
$1,566
$1,256

$1,674
$1,341

2nd
$1,256
$1,022

$1,341
$1,092

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

3 month continuous
1st
$1,930
$1,546

$2,063
$1,652

2nd
$1,546
$1,258

$1,652
$1,345

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

22 days continuous
1st
$907
$727

$969
$777

2nd
$727
$593

$777
$633

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

15 days continuous
1st
$705
$567

$753
$605

2nd
$567
$462

$605
$493

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

15 days in 2 months
1st
$1,085
$870

$1,159
$930

2nd
$870
$708

$930
$757

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

10 days in 2 months
1st
$829
$665

$885
$710

2nd
$665
$542

$710
$579

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

7 days in 1 month
1st
$673
$541

$719
$578

2nd
$541
$442

$578
$471

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

5 days in 1 month
1st
$553
$444

$590
$474

2nd
$444
$363

$474
$387

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

3 days in 1 month
1st
$343
$264

$334
$257

2nd
$257
$199

$250
$193

 

What’s the Difference Between First and Second Class?

Not sure which class of pass might be best for you? Here’s a breakdown of the differences between them:

First Class
Second Class

Individually adjustable seats
Basic (but modern) seats

Wider tables
Shared tables

Individual electrical outlets
Shared electrical outlets

Cabin service
Restaurant and bistro car

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi (in some cars)

More room between seats

Extra legroom

Note: You can sit in either first- or second-class cars with a first-class ticket.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Eurail Global Pass work on local trains?
The Eurail Global Pass does not work on local trains such as subways or trams. It only works on intercity trains.

Does the Global Pass cover high-speed trains?
The Eurail Global Pass does include access to high-speed trains. It also covers overnight trains. However, you almost always have to make advance reservations for these, as they limit the number of Eurail pass holders on each train. So for any night trains or high-speed trains, you’ll need to plan at least a little bit ahead.

Can I use the Global Pass on Eurostar?
Yep, but you’ll need to make a reservation in advance. (Eurostar is a high-speed railway service connecting London with destinations in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.)

Will I need to pre-book tickets?
This will depend on the route. For some routes, you may be able to show up at the train, present the conductor with your pass, and continue your journey. However, for some you’ll need to book a seat ahead of time. Some countries require this, and reservations are often required on most high-speed and overnight trains. The information booklet you get with your ticket will have more information to help you with this part of your trip.

Do Global Pass prices fluctuate?
The price for the Eurail Global Pass is generally the same all year around (though there are occasionally sales, so be sure to sign up for Eurail’s newsletter so you can find out when!).

How long do Global Passes last?
Global Passes are good for as little as three days (in one month) or as long as three months of continuous travel.

Can I buy a Global Pass in person?
No. Eurail Global Passes need to be ordered online before you visit Europe. The pass will be mailed to you before your trip.

So, Should You Buy a Eurail Global Pass?

That depends!

At the end of the day, the Eurail Global Pass is all about money and convenience. A Global Pass is only worth getting if it saves you money or makes your trip so convenient that the extra cost is worth it.

That means you must do some math to figure out if a pass is right for you and your trip. This can be a time-consuming process, but it is certainly worth it in the end — because you might save a ton of money!

To figure out if the pass is right for you, outline your itinerary and decide how many countries you’re going to visit. If it’s just one or two, this pass likely isn’t for you.

However, if you’re going to be visiting a lot of countries, then look up individual ticket prices on a site like Rome2Rio to get an approximate cost of your trip without the Eurail pass. Then compare that to the cost of the Global Pass that would work best for your trip. Then you’ll have your answer.

Just keep in mind that Rome2Rio will only give you a rough guideline. You’ll need to visit the official ticket-booking websites to get an exact price.

To sum it all up, a Eurail Global Pass is worth buying if:

  • You want to be flexible. To me, the Global Pass is all about flexibility. Being able to hop on and hop off trains when you want, traveling on a whim — this is the best part of the Global Pass. If you are traveling long-term, you probably aren’t going to preplan months of travel all at once. That means you’re going to want the ability to go with the flow.
  • You will be taking a lot of ferries. Global Pass holders get 50% off ferries in Greece, Italy, and Germany, 40% off ferries in Finland, and some bus discounts as well. If you’re taking some ferries during your trip, the pass is likely going to save you money.

However, you should NOT buy a rail pass if:

  • You are planning on a short trip and know your exact travel plans. Most individual train tickets that you book directly from train companies are nonrefundable. However, they are often cheap if you can book in advance. If you know your exact travel dates, you can likely buy individual tickets for less than a Global Pass.
  • You are traveling to just one country. If you’re just visiting one country, look at the single-country passes Eurail offers.

***

As you can see, the Eurail Global Pass isn’t for everyone. But for travelers looking for a flexible way to explore Europe, the Global Pass is one of the most affordable options on the market.

Exploring Europe by train is one of the most popular ways to see the continent, offering scenic views and access to a wide variety of amazing destinations both on and off the beaten path. Not only is train travel more environmentally friendly than flying but you’ll just get to see more of each destination.

Book Your Trip to Europe: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. (Here are my favorite hostels in Europe if you need any suggestions.)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Europe?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Europe with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credit: 1

The post Everything You Need to Know About the Eurail Global Pass appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Is the Eurail Pass Right for You?

A high-speed train traveling through the snowy mountains of Europe
Posted: 05/18/2019 | May 18th, 2019

Every summer, backpackers from all around the world flock to Europe. Gap-year travelers, students on summer breaks, the recently retired — they’re all there to take in the continent’s sights, history, food, and beauty.

And while there are plenty of cheap ways to travel Europe, one of the most popular and iconic is via train, using a Eurail Pass.

The Eurail Pass is a train ticket that allows you to travel Europe on your own terms, in and through up to 31 countries. Eurail was first launched back in the 1950s as a consortium of a few dozen railway and shipping companies, as a way to increase (and simplify) train travel around the continent.

It’s changed a lot since those early days (there are far more rules today, and it comes with this giant instruction manual when it’s mailed to you!), and understanding the ins and outs of the various passes and what they do — and don’t — cover can often be confusing for first-time pass holders.

If you’re thinking about getting a Eurail Pass, this article will answer some of the most frequently asked questions I get about it.

 

1. How Does the Eurail Pass Work?

First, you’ll need to buy your pass before you visit Europe (see below for details). It cannot be bought while you are on the continent (unless you’re European, but then you’d buy the Interrail Pass, not the Eurail Pass). It’s a paper ticket that must be mailed to you.

When your pass arrives, you’ll get a book that outlines the specific reservation rules for each country the pass covers. (It’s a great reference tool, so make sure to review it while planning your trip.) The pass will become valid the first time you use it.

2. What’s the Difference Between the Passes?

There are two major types of passes: country and global. Country passes work for individual countries, while the global pass will give you access to all 31 countries that take part in the Eurail program (listed below).

Once you know how long you’ll be traveling for (and where you are traveling to), you’ll be able to purchase the pass that best suits your needs.

3. How Much is a Eurail Pass? How Long Do They Last?

The price will depend on which pass you purchase. There are several options, based on how long you’ll be traveling for. There are passes for as much as three months of travel, as well as passes for just a few days.

Here is a chart with all the passes and the prices, so you can compare, or visit Eurail.com:

PASS
CLASS
EURAIL
RAIL EUROPE

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

1 month continuous
1st
$1,112
$893

$1,189
$953

2nd
$893
$727

$953
$776

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

2 month continuous
1st
$1,566
$1,256

$1,674
$1,341

2nd
$1,256
$1,022

$1,341
$1,092

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

3 month continuous
1st
$1,930
$1,546

$2,063
$1,652

2nd
$1,546
$1,258

$1,652
$1,345

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

22 days continuous
1st
$907
$727

$969
$777

2nd
$727
$593

$777
$633

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

15 days continuous
1st
$705
$567

$753
$605

2nd
$567
$462

$605
$493

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

15 days in 2 months
1st
$1,085
$870

$1,159
$930

2nd
$870
$708

$930
$757

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

10 days in 2 months
1st
$829
$665

$885
$710

2nd
$665
$542

$710
$579

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

7 days in 1 month
1st
$673
$541

$719
$578

2nd
$541
$442

$578
$471

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

5 days in 1 month
1st
$553
$444

$590
$474

2nd
$444
$363

$474
$387

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

3 days in 1 month
1st
$343
$264

$334
$257

2nd
$257
$199

$250
$193

 

4. Do Prices Fluctuate?

While there are occasionally sales, the price for the Eurail pass is generally the same all year around.

5. How Far in Advance Can a Eurail Pass be Bought?

Passes can be bought online up to 11 months in advance.

6. Can I Buy a Eurail Pass in Person?

No, Eurail Passes need to be ordered online before you visit Europe, as the pass will be mailed to you. You cannot purchase the pass in person in Europe.

7. Where Can I Buy a Eurail Pass?

There are three places where you can purchase your pass:

8. What Countries Does Eurail Go Through?

As of 2019, there are 31 countries that participate in the pass:

Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland), Greece, Hungary, Ireland (including Northern Ireland), Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey (as well as Liechtenstein and Monaco).

While there is no country pass for Switzerland, all of the global pass options will work there.

9. Does the Eurail Pass Work on Local Trains?

The Eurail Passes only work on intercity train lines and not local trains such as subways or trams.

10. Does the Eurail Pass Cover High-Speed Trains?

The Eurail Pass does cover high-speed trains (as well as overnight trains). However, you’ll almost always have to make advance reservations for these, as they limit the number of Eurail pass holders on each train. (I know, it sucks.)

11.Can I Use Eurail Pass on Eurostar?

Yep, but you’ll need to make a reservation in advance. (Eurostar is a high-speed train connecting London with destinations in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.)

12. Will I Need to Pre-Book Tickets?

Depending on the route, you may be able to just show up at the train, present the conductor with your pass, and continue your journey — or you might need to book a seat ahead of time. Some countries require this, and reservations are often required on most high-speed and overnight trains.

If your train requires you to book a reservation, you can do so the day of or day before you want to get on that train. You don’t need to book far in advance (that’s why the pass is so convenient!).

On the Eurail iPhone app, you can filter for “trains without compulsory reservation.” This will help you avoid seat reservation fees.

13. Is the Eurail Pass Worth It?

That depends! At the end of the day, rail passes are all about money.

A Eurail Pass is only worth getting if it saves you money. Unfortunately, that means you’ll have to do some math to figure out if a pass is right or not. It can be a time-consuming process, but it is certainly worth calculating if you’re on a budget.

To figure out if the rail pass will be economical, you’ll need to plan a route for yourself. After you have a general idea as to where you want to go over what period of time, visit the national railway websites and work out two sets of prices: one for tomorrow (i.e., a last-minute fare) and one for two months from now (i.e., an early-bird fare).

Next, add up the prices in each category to get an approximate total. Then, compare these prices with the Eurail price. That’s how you’ll be able to tell which option is the most budget-friendly.

See this long blog post, which goes into depth about the pros and cons of the pass.

***

The Eurail Pass won’t be suitable for every type of trip, but it’s one of the most convenient ways to explore the continent. Not only is it better for the environment than flying from city to city but it gives you flexible and affordable options for both short-term and long-term travel.

Whether you’re just visiting for a couple weeks or have a few months to spend exploring, you’ll be able to find a pass that suits your needs — all without breaking the bank!

If you want to learn more or have additional questions, be sure to check out my comprehensive guide to Eurail Passes and my experience using them.

Book Your Trip to Europe: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. (Here are my favorite hostels in Europe if you need any suggestions.)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Europe?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Europe with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credits: 1

The post Is the Eurail Pass Right for You? appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.