All About Train Travel

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. The number of days used on your pass when traveling on an overnight train will vary depending upon the situation.

A flexipass is valid for a specific number of travel days that can be scattered within a longer period. For example, 15 days of unlimited rail travel within 2 months. A traveler can pick and choose the days they would like to use the train.

A consecutive-day pass provides unlimited rail travel on any day or consecutive days covered in the length of the pass.

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

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.

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.

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. .

The number of days used on your pass when traveling on an overnight train will vary depending upon the situation.

However, the following passes require 2 travel days.

• Britrail Guest Pass
• Britrail Central Scotland Pass
• Britrail London Plus Pass
• Eurail Czech Republic Pass
• Eurail Slovenia Pass
• Swiss Pass
• Swiss Card
• Swiss Transfer Ticket

Although your pass gives you access to rail travel on the national railroads in the participating countries in which your pass is valid, certain trains – such as high speed, international and night trains – require you to reserve a seat or a bed for an extra fee. These pass holder reservations can be purchased from Rail Europe or overseas at the local train stations and are based on availability at the time of purchase. Advance booking is highly recommended as seats can be limited, especially during the summer and holiday season. Most trains can be booked up to 3 months in advance.

The following trains require reservations:

• In Belgium/France/Germany/the Netherlands: Thalys
• In France: TGV, Lunia
• In Germany: ICE Sprinter
• In Britain/France/Belgium: Eurostar
• In Greece: InterCity Express*
• In Italy: Le Frecce, IC and EC
• In Portugal: AP and IC*
• In Spain: AVE, Euromed, Alvia, Altaria
• In Switzerland: Scenic trains
• In Sweden: X2000

Reservations are mandatory on all trains traveling from one country to another and on all night trains. Rail Europe does not accept specific accommodation requests as seat and sleeper reservations are automatically assigned upon confirmation by the European railroads.

*Rail Europe is unable to book seat reservations on trains in some countries including but not limited to Greece, Portugal, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Slovakia, Romania or Turkey. While the majority of trains within these countries do not require seat reservations, reservations may be purchased locally.

The above information is subject to change.

If you travel in a party of 10 or more, see our special groups offers for a more customized travel solution. And keep in mind, even if you are not traveling in a group, discounted passes are available for youth (under 26 years of age) or for a party of 2 or more.

Discounted passes are available for youth (under 26 years of age), seniors (age 60 and over) and children (generally ages 4-11) but should be verified with each product. There are also discounted passes for a party of 2 or more traveling together at all times.

Yes.

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.

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.

If you have not yet left on your trip, contact us to determine what product(s) might better suit your needs. If you are already in Europe, your rail pass covers you to the border city of the country in which you are traveling. Simply purchase additional tickets locally to travel in any country not covered on your original pass.