Eurail Austria-Switzerland Pass

Frequently Asked Questions about Eurail Austria-Switzerland Pass

  • How do I use the bonuses that come with the passes?

    Any bonus that is free will use a travel day on your rail pass. Discounted bonuses will not require the use of a travel day, but does require a valid rail pass. All bonuses are handled locally and are subject to change.

  • Do the names on the pass and on the passport have to match?

    Yes.

  • How do I know which pass (and # of days) is right for me?

    Well, that all depends on how long you plan to travel for, not to mention the number of countries and cities you intend to visit. Our recommendation would be if you plan on traveling for more than 3 days, consider getting a pass. For less than 3 days, purchasing individual tickets is the better way to go. You should also consider a pass if you are not sure about your itinerary. The pass will give you the flexibility to change your plans at will. There are two types of passes, Flexipass and Consecutive Pass. Consecutive passes provide unlimited rail travel every day for the duration of the pass. This is ideal for anyone who expects to move around a lot and travel by train each day. A Flexipass is valid for a specific number of travel days within a longer period (e.g. 3 days within one month), so it gives you more flexibility to choose the specific days when you want to travel by rail. For help with choosing the best product for your travels click here.

  • On what date is my rail pass considered validated/activated?

    With most passes, the pass starts the day you get it validated by a rail official.

  • Can I buy a pass if I have a European passport and a green card from the United States?

    We are not able to sell rail passes or tickets to residents of Europe, the UK, Morocco, Turkey, or any of the countries of the former Soviet Union. If you are a resident of these countries, we will not be able to sell you one of our passes. If you are a citizen of any of these countries, but are a resident of the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America or Canada, we are able to sell the rail pass or tickets to you. Passes are based on residency not citizenship, and the country of your residence will be printed on the rail pass.

  • What is a rail month and rail day?

    A rail pass month is counted as a calendar month. For example, a pass that begins on July 15th will expire at midnight on August 14th. A rail day lasts from midnight to midnight. You can take as many trains as you wish during this time. On an overnight train that departs after 7pm, a rail day will begin at 7pm and end the next day at midnight.

  • How far in advance can I buy my rail pass?

    A pass can be purchased up to 6 months before your first travel day (and must be validated within 6 months of the original date of issue). As long as you validate your pass within 6 months of the original date of issue, your pass is valid for use for the full duration of the timeframe for which you purchased it. .

  • How do I validate/activate my pass?

    Just go to the ticket window at the rail station before boarding your first train. A railroad official will enter the first and last day of the validity on your pass and stamp your pass. You will have to show your passport.

  • How do I file a request to receive reimbursement through the Rail Protection Plan™ if there has been loss or theft?

    • Pass/ticket holders must file a police report within twenty-four (24) hours of the incident.
    • Pass/ticket holders may purchase a replacement rail pass or rail tickets in order to continue with his/her travel plans.
    • Upon return to North America, pass/tickets holder must submit the traveler request form to Rail Europe within thirty (30) days including a police report, replacement passes or tickets purchased abroad, Rail Protection voucher, airline tickets from North America to Europe and return. A brief explanation of the situation is also necessary to better evaluate the traveler request form.

HOW TO

How To Travel with a Pass

Learn how to travel with a Rail Pass. Passes offer flexibility and peace of mind, but there are a few things that you need to know in order to make the most of your Rail Pass.

Learn How To use a Pass