Whether you’re chasing scenic routes or hopping between iconic European cities, the Eurail Global Pass in your ticket to unforgettable, flexible adventures at your own pace. As a top provider of the Eurail Global Pass, Rail Europe gives travellers from around the globe the freedom to explore the region’s most famous sights with unparalleled flexibility and affordable options for guests of all ages.
Established in 1959, the Eurail Pass has been helping non-Europeans access comfortable, reliable train travel between European countries for over 60 years. Covering 33 countries and including exclusive offers for passholders, the pass is a must for anyone looking to see more destinations with less stress.
Imagine starting your day with a gorgeous train ride through the Spanish countryside and ending your evening strolling along France’s picture-perfect coastline. With Eurail Global Pass, you can do that and more. It’s all being able to create your next adventure on your terms.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything that the Eurail Pass has to offer, along with must-know tips and tricks for getting the most out of every trip.
Why choose a Eurail Global Pass?
The Eurail Pass gives non-European citizens and residents the freedom to visit top destinations with one convenient pass. You can select either a Consecutive Pass or a Flexible Pass, which allows you to choose to use your travel days consecutively or to split them up based on your itinerary and needs. Instead of juggling multiple tickets, you can easily access all of your connections with your Eurail Global Pass and enjoy stress-free boarding and travel.
In other words, this versatile pass is the best option if you plan on visiting multiple countries during one trip.
Currently, the Eurail Global Pass includes 33 countries across Europe, including:
When you’re ready to start planning your trip, buying a Eurail Pass is fast and easy. Here’s how to find the best passes for your needs:
Where to buy
You can conveniently buy a Eurail Pass online from Rail Europe. Our safe, secure checkout process is ideal for non-European travellers who want to plan their trip in advance, giving you access to both the Eurail Global Pass and Eurail One Country Passes in seconds.
Pass options
Once you’ve completed your purchase, you can conveniently access your Eurail digital pass directly from your smartphone.
Pass activation
Your pass can be activated on the first day of your travels. This kicks off the beginning of your travel days for either consecutive, unlimited travel or flexible travel days, depending on your pass.
Using your pass
Currently, the Eurail Global Pass offers the following pass options:
Continuous Pass: Unlimited travel 15 days, 22 days, one month, two months or three months.
Flexible Pass: Travel broken up between four, five or seven days in one month or 10 or 15 days in two months.
To use your passes, either hop on a train or make a reservation in advance if required to ensure you get the best seats for your journey.
Cost, classes and pass types
A Eurail One Country Pass is also one of the most affordable ways to travel across Europe. However, that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort. Eurail allows you to book top train providers, routes and train stations, giving you an experience you’ll never forget.
Types of Eurail Passes
Depending on your travel needs, Eurail offers both a Eurail Global Pass and a Eurail One Country Pass. With a Global Pass, you can explore all of the 30+ countries included on the Eurail Pass. On the other hand, Eurail One Country Pass gives you access to unlimited fares in just one country, which is a great way to sightsee during your travels.
Either way, both passes can be applied to either of Eurail’s class options.
Second Class
Second Class gives guests access to today’s most comfortable train accommodations, with many trains featuring must-have amenities like:
Comfortable seating
Free Wi-Fi
Spacious luggage compartments
First Class
In First Class, some trains may offer even more luxurious experiences with features that include things like:
Extended seating
More legroom
Free Wi-Fi
Chef-prepared meals
Extra luggage space
Private lounge areas
…and more.
Eurail Pass cost
Keep in mind that Eurail Pass prices can vary depending on your travel needs. In fact, one of the best things about choosing a Eurail pass is that it gives you access to discounted fares based on the ages of people at your party.
For example, the Eurail Pass for seniors includes discounted fares for guests 60 years old and older, saving up to 10% on travel costs. You can also save money for guests between the ages of 12 and 27 by purchasing a Eurail youth pass.
Most importantly, children between the ages of 4 and 11 can travel with a Eurail Pass for free. This makes the Eurail Global Pass and Eurail One Country Pass the best way to travel for families with young explorers onboard.
Booking with Rail Europe
Thanks to Rail Europe, the Eurail Pass is remarkably simple and you’ll only need to follow a few quick steps to complete your booking and set off on your next adventure.
Step 1: Choose your country or region
First, click the “Passes” section of the Rail Europe booking widget. Then, for the Eurail Global Pass, set your country as “Europe.”
When you do this, you’ll also see “Valid From” dates. However, this does not mean you need to use your pass on that specific date. Instead, it gives you the freedom to activate your pass 11 months from the time of the purchase, which means that you do not need to have a trip to Europe planned to get your pass – the pass can be the reason you book your travels.
Step 2: Set your travel days
Finally, you can set your own travel days. Each travel day allows unlimited train journeys within a 24-hour period, allowing you to get the most out of every moment of your trip.
Step 3: Choose your class
The Eurail Pass offers First Class and Second Class options for both Consecutive Passes and Flexible passes, so you can find the experience that meets your needs and budget.
Step 4: Personalise your details
You’ll be asked to enter basic details for every traveller using a Eurail Pass, which only takes a few minutes to complete.
Step 5: Book your seats if needed
Depending on your operator or the type of train, you might need to reserve your seats in advance. Reservations are not included in your pass, so make sure you check ahead of time to ensure you have a seat.
Use Rail Europe to reserve seats on SNCF (both domestic and international trains), Eurostar and Trenitalia trains. Follow these instructions for getting your seat on board. To reserve your seat with other train providers, you can do so using the Eurail Rail Planner App.
Pro-tip: Travel during non-peak seasons
If you want to spend more time exploring and less time in a crowded train station, book your travel days during non-peak seasons to find better seat options and more flexible train schedules. We also love scenic routes that are often less utilised by daily travellers and provide breathtaking views of the entire region.
Pass benefits
Benefits of the Eurail Global Pass
As you can see, there are countless reasons why travellers have been choosing Eurail for more than 60 years. Still, some of the most raved-about benefits include:
Unlimited travel: The Eurail Pass gives you the freedom to journey across borders without worrying about individual tickets for every step on your itinerary.
Affordable adventures: With discounts for seniors and youth, Eurail is one of the most affordable ways to check off every stop on your travel wish list.
Free travel for children: For families, Eurail provides complimentary passes for children below the age of 11 who are being accompanied by an adult over the age of 18. Make sure you specify ages at checkout to ensure you get your complimentary pass.
Scenic routes: The Eurail Pass map includes scenic routes to places like France, Belgium, Spain and beyond. Some of these trains do require reservations.
Flexibility: Besides taking the hassle out of managing multiple train tickets, a Eurail Pass allows you to hop on and off trains and change your travel plans on a whim.
Other discounts: Eurail passholders can also take advantage of discounts on things like local transportation, tours, museums, amusement parks, housing and more.
One Country Passes
Take advantage of a Eurail Single Country Pass
So, what if you’re interested in saving money with a Eurail Pass but only have one country on your wish list?
That’s where Eurail One Country comes in.
Similarly to the Eurail Global Pass, the Eurail single country pass gives guests the freedom to hop and off of as many trains as they choose during the travel days, however, it includes just one country. This is great for visitors who want to do as much sightseeing as possible during their trip without the cost and stress of juggling multiple train tickets.
The Eurail country pass covers many of Europe’s most iconic destinations, all of which feature plenty of cities and sights to keep travellers in awe at every train stop. Here are the top destinations chosen by our travellers:
The Eurail France Pass is an excellent option for exploring the country. From exploring the charming streets of Paris to strolling Nice’s breathtaking beaches, taking a train is the fastest, most scenic way to explore a country renowned for its art, architecture and world-class cuisine.
The Eurail Italy Pass makes it easier than ever to get your fill of authentic Italian cuisine, artfully crafted wines and countless museums and historical destinations across the country. In just a few hours, you can hop on a Trenitalia or Italo train from Rome to Florence and everywhere in between.
Spain is home to booming cities like Barcelona and lush, scenic destinations like Granada. With the Eurail Spain Pass, you can visit all of the country's unique destinations, from the city streets to the countryside and more.
If you’ve been exploring your travel options, you’ve probably encountered both Eurail and Interrail Passes. The main difference between the two is that Eurail can be used by guests from around the world (outside of Europe), while Interrail is exclusively for European residents. Both offer unlimited train travel across 33 countries and access to great deals for local transportation options.
How the Interrail Global Pass works
Similarly, the Interrail Global Pass also allows guests to choose between Continuous Passes or Flexible Passes, which can be activated within 11 months of purchase.
Benefits of the Interrail Pass
The Interrail Pass is the most convenient, affordable way for European residents to explore their neighbouring countries, including affordable fares for youth and seniors and free travel for children under 11.
For European residents ready to explore beyond their home country, we suggest checking out the Interrail Global Pass today.
Planning your travel
Book your next escape with Rail Europe
With more than two dozen European countries to choose from, picking the right destination can seem overwhelming. Thankfully, Rail Europe is here to the stress out of planning your trip with comprehensive guides to some of Eurail’s most popular train routes.
From the Eiffel Tower to the Colosseum, Eurail Passes allow you to choose the more direct route or the longer, yet more scenic route through the breathtaking Swiss Alps. The pass allows you to build your itinerary where and how you want.
Journey from the bustling city streets of Barcelona to the stunning French coastline on a route that takes you from Spain to France in just hours. This route takes guests along the Mediterranean to the French Riviera, with stunning views guaranteed to take your breath away.
Featuring stops in cities like Prague and Vienna, the journey from Berlin to Budapest immerses travellers in Central European culture and gives you endless opportunities to broaden your horizons and explore the region’s incredible architecture.
Explore Eurail Passes today
At Rail Europe, we’ve helped travellers find the best deals on high-speed train travel and plan their dream vacations for more than 90 years. We provide our customers access to the Eurail Global Pass, Eurail One Country Passes, the Interrail Global Pass and One Country Interrail Passes, all in one convenient place. Get your pass here!
At a glance
1. Personalise your pass
Choose between the Eurail Global Pass or One Country Pass and decide on your preferred class (First or Second).
Pick between consecutive or flexible travel days to match your itinerary.
Set your travel days and activate the pass anytime within 11 months of purchase.
2. Plan your journey
Travel on local and regional trains, giving you the opportunity to freely explore.
Enjoy unlimited travel across 33 European countries, including scenic routes and major cities.
Reserve seats when needed for high-speed or international trains, for example, to ensure your spot.
Make the most of your travel days by hopping on and off trains freely.
3. Enjoy with perks along the way!
Benefit from discounts on hotels, museums, ferries and local transportation.
Travel for free with children under 11 and get youth or senior discounts.
Access exclusive deals and enjoy added flexibility to change your plans as you go.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Eurail Pass?
Created for non-European guests crossing multiple countries, the Eurail Pass gives travellers access to 33 European destinations in one convenient digital pass.
How does a Eurail Pass work?
The Eurail Pass allows guests to choose between Continuous Passes or Flexible Passes, giving you the ability to travel non-stop or split your travels up between multiple days. You can activate your pass within 11 months of purchase.
What are the benefits?
Along with unlimited access to Europe’s top train providers, the Eurail Pass offers exclusive deals on ferries, buses, affordable fares for seniors and youth and free travel for children under 11.
How do I choose the right number of travel days?
First, consider which cities you hope to visit and how long you plan to be in Europe.
The Eurail Global Pass offers guests the ability to select travel days ranging from four days to three months. Keep in mind that these travel days can be used consecutively or non-consecutively depending on the pass and validity you choose, giving you the freedom to stop and spend more time in any of the countries along your journey.
Once you've decided how many days you'll be travelling, you can book your Eurail Pass in advance. You'll have 11 months to activate your Eurail Pass once purchased, so plan your trip accordingly.
What is the difference between Consecutive and Flexible Passes?
Simply put, consecutive passes allow you to use all your travel days in order, while flexible passes can be broken up over several months.
Currently, the Continuous Pass policies allow for unlimited travel on any day with validity periods of 15 days, 22 days, one month, two months or three months.
For Flexible passes, you can choose to travel on specific travel days: four, five, or seven days in one month or 10 or 15 days in two months. These travel days may be used at any point during the validity period.
Do I need to reserve seats with my pass?
Maybe, depending on the train you choose. Seat reservation policies vary depending on the train provider for your route. While some high-speed trains allow guests to hop on and off-board, others require seat reservations, especially for First-Class guests.
Use Rail Europe to reserve seats on SNCF, Eurostar and Trenitalia trains. Follow these instructions for getting your seat on board. To reserve your seat with other train providers, you can do so using the Eurail Rail Planner App.
Is the Eurail Global Pass worth it?
If you want to get the most out of your trip to Europe, the Eurail Global Pass is a great investment. It will save you time and money while you travel from one country to the next. Besides taking the hassle out of managing multiple train tickets, a Eurail Pass allows you to hop on and off trains, change your travel plans on a whim and access discounts on other local transportation options and activities such as museum visits and amusement parks.
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
Find answers now by viewing our Frequently Asked Questions.
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.
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Child and youth passengers
The definition of "Child" and "Youth" varies by country and operator. This is why we ask for the age of young passengers.
Sometimes children below a certain age can travel without a seat for free. If you want to guarantee a seat for child passengers, enter '6' as the age of the child.
