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European Rail Passes
Best European Rail Pass
Step up to our virtual ticket counter and book your travel aboard Europe’s fast, secure and sleek trains that will take you to your next dream destination. Just one question. Do you want a ticket or a Pass to paradise? If you get a Pass, do you want it to be Global; what about it being a flexipass or a continuous pass; how many travel days do you want with your pass; and finally, what is the square root of 85? We can help with all of those (starting with the last one – it’s 9,22).
Choosing the best European rail Pass can seem intimidating at first, but with a bit of guidance, you will quickly see that it isn’t too hard and, when done right, it can save you major money and set you up for total travel freedom. So let’s get into it!
Why it is so important to choose the best European rail pass for your travels
Travelling by train is the most convenient, fun and affordable way to travel Europe – that is, if you get the right ticket or Pass. Besides the always-welcome opportunity to save some money, choosing the right Pass have other benefits:
Flexibility: Whether you prefer unlimited travel within a specific time frame, flexibility in choosing your travel days or specific regions covered, a Pass offers various choices to suit your needs. With just a few clicks, your Pass can give you total freedom to travel at your own rhythm.
Convenience: Instead of standing in endless lines to purchase a ticket at a station or struggling with the local language (or languages – we are talking to you, Switzerland), you can manage all of your travel from your Pass app.
Reach: Passes cover large areas so you are not limited to travel to a single destination or region.
Peace of mind: Don’t worry about unexpected ticket costs. Passes can help you prepare for the unexpected without even having to think about it.
Choosing between single tickets and Passes
Now before we go any deeper here, let’s cover the basics. Single journey tickets cover regular, one-way travel between two stations on a specific route. These are the classic train tickets that get you from point A to point B.
A rail Pass, on the other hand, gives unlimited travel on the rail networks of the countries or regions covered by the Pass at one fixed price. Passes offer the best value if an itinerary includes three or more journeys. They are flexible, allowing passengers to choose when to travel (within a set period of time). It is very possible that a Pass is a better deal than a single ticket, but not always. Keep reading for some examples of both of these possible scenarios.
Different types of Passes
There are a number of different passes that you can choose from. Instead of getting overwhelmed by the options, think of it as an opportunity to find the perfect Pass that will make your trip exceptional. Read on to find out which is the best European rail Pass for your travels.
Others perks of a rail Pass
Beyond expanded travel, many Passes come with a number of other advantages. For starters, children travel for free on many Passes. There are also often youth and senior travellers discounts plus reduced rates on public transportation, museums and other activities, depending on the Pass. Take advantage of these discounts not just for the savings, but to also embrace more cultural experiences. For Pass-specific perks, see below.
Eurail and Interrail Global Passes - Your ticket to Europe
If you plan on travelling between multiple countries for an extended period of time, the Global Pass is likely the best European rail Pass for you. A bonus perk is the impressive flexibility this Pass offers. With a Global Pass, you can pivot and easily change your plans without having to purchase extra Passes or separate tickets when moving between countries or regions. Tailored formulas are available, offering unlimited travel in 33 countries as well as travel bonuses. You can choose the start day of your Pass the moment you’re ready to travel. Passes must be activated before your first train trip and within 11 months of the date of purchase. You will instantly receive your mobile Pass after purchasing.
Eurail versus Interrail Passes: What’s the difference?
The Eurail Pass is for non-EU residents. Choose between the Eurail One Country Pass or the Eurail Global Pass for unlimited train travel to 40,000 destinations in 33 European countries. On the other hand, if you’re a citizen or permanent resident of the EU*, then an Interrail Pass is for you. Choose between the Interrail One Country Pass or the Interrail Global Pass for access to 40,000 destinations in 33 European countries.
*Or one of the other European countries: Albania, Andorra, Belarus, Bosnia Herzegovina, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Iceland, Isle of Man, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom or Vatican City.
Flexipass or Continuous?
Getting this part right is key to maximising travel and your budget. To choose between a Flexipass or Continuous Pass, first you must understand a travel day. A travel day is a day that you can use your Pass to travel. Passengers choose the number of travel days when selecting the type of Pass they wish to purchase.
The Continuous Global Pass gives passholders uninterrupted travel during the timeframe that the pass is valid. The Flexipass, on the other hand, has a fixed number of travel days, which allows travellers to have more control over their itinerary. This is the more flexible option as it allows you to pick and choose on which days you wish to use a travel day.
Passholder fares
Certain types of trains (high-speed trains, international cross border trains, some panoramic trains, night trains and to board ferries), require a reservation for Passholders. These reservations can be made directly on the Eurail app and include a discounted Rail Pass rate.
Booking your Passholder fares
If you are travelling on a train operated by SNCF, Trenitalia or RHB (which run routes in France, Spain, Italy and Switzerland), you can book your Passholder fare on the Rail Europe website. Just search for the train you want to use, and you will see if it requires a reservation. If it does, you can book your seat right then and there.
One Country Passes
If you are planning on travelling around a country with at least 3 to 4 train trips, a One Country Eurail or Interrail Pass is likely going to offer you the most value. And while we say “One Country Pass,” there are a number of travel options to choose from to customise your Pass to the adventure you have in mind.
Here’s how it works. First, depending on your residency, select either a Eurail or an Interrail Pass. Then choose a One Country Pass and select the single country in which you wish to travel extensively. Next you must select how often you wish to travel and for how long. You can pick between the Flexible travel options of 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 travel days*. You can pick which days you want to use as travel days within 1 or 2 months of the first date of travel, depending on the Pass you select. Then you will choose if you wish to travel in First or Second class with your Pass.
*Each One Country Pass’ details and restrictions differ.
The best France rail Pass options
From the endless vineyards of Bordeaux to the snow-capped peaks of the French Alps, France offers more exciting experiences than there are types of French cheese (and there are over 1,000 versions of those). See (and taste) them all with the top France rail Pass: the Eurail and Interrail France One Country Pass.
With the Eurail/Interrail France rail Pass, you can travel the entire national rail network – over 31,000 km to be more precise – with the ease of a mobile Pass. You can take multiple trains per day all at the fixed price of the Pass itself. And be sure to take advantage of the discounts this Pass offers, including entrance fees to Disneyland® Paris and the French Riviera Pass, plus discounts on hotels, museums and more.
The best Germany rail Pass options
Where besides Germany can you visit castles dating back to the Middle Ages, celebrate Oktoberfest in its birthpalace, visit over 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, listen to symphonies right where they were first composed, try one of the one thousand local sausage varieties and wash it all down with some of the best beers in the world? Take it all in with a Eurail or Interrail Germany rail Pass.
With this Germany rail Pass, you can travel the entire national rail network plus aboard certain DB trains from the four countries of Switzerland, Austria, Belgium and Italy. Using your convenient mobile Pass, you can travel as long and as far as you want during a day. Also, take advantage of the numerous perks of this Pass, including a 50% discount on steamer boats on Lake Constance, discounts on boating trips, free rides on the German S-Bahn (suburban metro railways) and more.
The best Swiss rail Pass options
From French-speaking Geneva to German-speaking Zurich onto Italian-speaking Lugano, Switzerland offers a diverse experience of cultures, foods, languages, people and nature. Experience it all with ease thanks to the Swiss Travel Pass, which covers travel aboard trains, buses and even boats!
Suitable for non-Swiss residents who want to travel in Switzerland, the Swiss Rail Pass provides unlimited travel on Swiss trains, buses, boats and more, as well as unlimited public transport in 90 towns and cities. Perks include free admission to over 500 museums, free or discounted excursions to the alpine summits, unlimited use of public transit in over 90 Swiss cities and discounts on cable cars.
The best Spain rail Pass options
Is the most beautiful beach in Spain in San Sebastian, Málaga, Marbella or Alicante? What about the best cuisine? Is it Valencian paella, crema Catalana, pulpo a la gallega or Cocido madrileño? How about the best city in Spain to visit. Madrid? Barcelona? Sevilla? Bilbao? The answer is: you don’t need to pick! Instead, get a Eurail/Interrail Spain rail Pass to visit and see them all. This Pass allows you to travel across the entire national rail network of Spain, with multiple journeys allowed per day.
The best Italy rail Pass options
Experience your own travel renaissance in the birthplace of the Renaissance. Explore renowned art museums, visit legendary historic architecture, take some sun on the sands of luxurious beaches, try trend-setting fashion and bask in the warm hospitality of the Italian people. From the breathtaking cliffs of the Amalfi Coast to the vibrant restaurants of Bologna's thriving culinary scene, Italy should be savored like a traditional Italian dinner – slowly, and with an espresso to finish. Make the most of your Interrail/Eurail Italy rail Pass to travel the country's extensive national rail network at your own pace.
The best UK rail Pass options
From the bustling streets of London to the wild natural beauty of the Scotish Highlands, the UK is like a brewing tea of multiple flavors, each as important as the next. The best way to see as much of the UK as possible is with a Eurail or Interrail Global Pass that covers travel not only across England but also in Scotland and Wales.
Other Country Passes
Beyond this list, there are a number of other One Country Passes to choose from, including Austria, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Greek Island - 4 and 6 day validity, Hungary, Ireland, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Scandinavia (Finland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden), Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden and Turkey.
Where to purchase your rail Pass
Once you have picked the best European rail Pass for your travels, you can easily book your Pass right from the Rail Europe homepage. Using our booking widget, click the Rail Passes tab, then select the country or region you want to visit (select ‘Europe’ if you want to purchase a Global Pass) along with your country of residence. Select the details of your Pass and checkout. You will instantly receive your mobile Pass after purchase.
Comparison
Rail Passes vs. Train Tickets
Rail Passes | Train Tickets | |
|---|---|---|
Best for discovering more than 3 cities | ✔ | ❌ |
Children usually travel free | ✔ | ❌ |
Often includes travel bonuses | ✔ | ❌ |
Seat reservations included for most trains | ❌ | ✔ |
FAQs
Q. What is a Rail Pass?
A rail pass is a travel document that entitles you to travel on European trains in a specific geographic area (country/countries), for a specific number of days.
Be mindful that having a rail pass doesn’t necessarily mean that you can hop on any train at will, within the geographical area covered by your rail pass. Depending on the country, the type of train and the route, you may need to purchase seat reservations at an additional cost.
Lastly, rail passes are packed with additional benefits, also known as rail pass bonuses which can range from discounted shopping in retail stores, to preferential rates on other modes of transportation like ferry or bus, to rebates on hotel nights, reduced admission at museums attractions, and more
Q. What's the difference between a rail pass and a train ticket?
A rail pass and a train ticket are two completely different types of travel documents.
A train ticket is valid for a single journey between two cities. Many tickets also include a reservation, which mean that they are valid only for a specific train, on a specific date and at a given time. To learn more about tickets, read our article: tickets explained.
A rail pass, on the other hand, is good for travel in an entire geographical area (1 country, 2 countries or more). With it you can take as many train trips as you want within that geographical area, for as many travel days as you purchased, within a set period of time (the pass validity period).
Q. What is the difference between a flexi pass and a consecutive/continuous pass?
A flexi pass is valid for a specific number of travel days to be used within the overall validity period of that rail pass. For example, 15 days of unlimited train travel to be used within a 2-month period. With this kind of rail pass, you can pick and choose any days (they don’t have to be consecutive) to travel within the rail pass’ validity period.
Continuous (or consecutive) rail passes such as the Eurail Global Pass, are valid for unlimited train travel during the whole duration of the pass’ validity period. In other words, with a 15-day Eurail Global Pass, you can travel for 15 consecutive days by train. Even if you don’t take the train each and every day, those days will be considered used.
Q. What is a travel day on a rail pass?
A travel day on a rail pass is a 24-hour period, from midnight to midnight, during which you can take as many train journeys as you desire. Since rail passes use calendar days, journeys within 24-hours of each other but on different days will count as two travel days.
Q. What is the "validity period" of a rail pass?
The validity period of a rail pass is the time period in which you must complete your travels with your rail pass. This period is calculated from the date stamped on the rail pass by the railway official.
With a flexi pass this period is defined as a certain number of calendar months – typically one or two.
The validiWith a continuous day pass the validity period equals the number of travel days.
Q. Can I use my rail pass on any train within its area of coverage?
In general, yes, but there are some exceptions and a few rules to keep in mind.
First, be mindful that some trains (such as high speed, scenic, and night trains) require rail pass holders to purchase reservations at an additional cost.
For international train journeys, be sure that your rail pass covers the country of departure, country of arrival, and any countries through which your train will travel.
Lastly, some private rail lines in certain countries don’t offer reservations for rail pass holders and don’t accept rail passes. In these cases, you can purchase a train ticket locally for the desired journey.