Train travel is an ideal way to experience the beauty of Europe. From big cities to cute little villages, from rolling countryside to snow-capped mountains, a Eurail trip is a true bucket list adventure.
Whether planning a trip or simply interested in learning more about the Eurail system, this book is the perfect place to start. It will cover everything from how to use your pass to seat reservations and more.
First-class or second-class?
Train travel is not just a convenient way to get around Europe, it can be an unforgettable experience that brings you closer to the local people and culture. Many European train journeys are just 1-2 hours long but they can feel like you’ve left one world behind and entered another. Plus, the time and money saved on airfares can be well worth the upfront investment in a Eurail pass!
There are two types of passes available from Eurail, one country or global. The global pass gives you access to all 31 countries in the network, so it’s a great option for those who want to see more than just a few destinations.
With a Global pass, you have access to first or second class on all the trains you take. The difference in experience between the two classes varies, but generally first class offers more space and better amenities while second class provides a more traditional passenger travel experience.
Having said that, you can use any seat on the train as long as it doesn’t have a label saying that it is reserved (usually above or on the seat). If the seat does say it is reserved then you will need to reserve through the train operator directly and show them your Eurail pass in order to sit there. It’s also possible to reserve seats for free on some trains that don’t require a reservation, just make sure you check the train operator’s website for more details.
The Rail Planner app from Eurail is a great tool to help you figure out which trains you need reservations for and which ones don’t. You can also plan your trip on the go and have it automatically update with any changes you make in real time, and there’s no extra cost for using it on your phone or tablet. The app will also let you know how many travel days you have left and how much the pass will cost for each day of train travel. It’s a great option for those who don’t want to worry about keeping track of paper tickets!
Seat reservations
Seat reservations are a cost-effective way to ensure that you have a spot on the train. Depending on the route and train, you can get a reserved seat for as little as €8 per person. However, it is worth noting that the number of seats available to reserve on Eurail passes varies by country and season. If you are traveling during a busy period, such as the summer or around holidays, then it is recommended to reserve your seat well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Whether you want to reserve a seat or couchette is also dependent on your trip and budget. If you plan to travel with a group of friends and enjoy seated together then we would recommend choosing a couchette. You can choose between a 4-person or 6-person option, with the latter offering more space to stretch out and relax.
While we have heard success stories of people travelling all over Europe on a Eurail pass and not needing to reserve their seats, it is a good idea to make your reservations, especially if the train is popular or you are traveling during a busy period. Generally, all night trains and most international high-speed trains require advance seat reservations, as does some scenic trains, like the Bernina Express in Switzerland.
To find out if your train requires advance seat reservations you can check the Eurorail timetable. When you search your origin, destination and travel dates it will show if advance seat reservations are required on your chosen train. It will then say ‘how and when to book’ with a link that takes you to a page where you can select your preferred seats. If the train you are taking does require advance seat reservations then you will need to pay a reservation fee (EUR4 service fee plus the price of your ticket) if you are using a Eurail Pass or Interrail Pass.
On the other hand, if your route does not require seat reservations then it will not say ‘how and when to book’ and you can simply board the train, sit in any empty seat and show your Eurail Pass to the conductor. If you do need to reserve your seats we recommend searching your routes in the European timetable, and if it is a high-speed international train or scenic train then it may be worth reserving a seat, just to avoid disappointment.
Fares
Train travel is a great way to get around Europe. It’s fast, affordable and gives you the chance to take in the beautiful scenery. It’s also a great way to meet the locals and see their daily life. However, there are a few things that you should know before booking your trip.
First of all, train fares are not the same across Europe. Prices will vary depending on the time of year, the popularity of the route and any special events happening. But generally, if you book well in advance you’ll find that tickets are cheaper than buying them on the day of the journey.
In addition, some trains require you to reserve a seat in advance and these services are usually more expensive. You’ll be able to find out if a particular train requires a reservation by checking its timetable online or asking the staff at your station. If you don’t want to make a reservation then you can always sit/stand in another carriage or in the space between the carriages (although you risk getting kicked off if the train is full).
Eurail Passes are valid for train travel on the date printed on them, so be sure to purchase one that covers your whole journey. Once you’re on the train, you’ll need to show your Pass when train crew come by and check your ticket. It’s best to have it on your smartphone or tablet, but you can also print it out if necessary.
For travellers who are new to train travel, a Eurail Global Pass is the easiest and most flexible option. It comes with a travel diary that you can use to mark off your completed travel days. Keep in mind that a train travel day starts at midnight on the start date and ends at 11:59 on the end date. Trains are the only form of public transport that your Pass will cover. Other transportation options such as rental bikes, buses or trams can only be used with a separate ticket. This can add up so it’s important to consider your budget before booking your Eurail trip!
Convenience
Traveling by train is an excellent way to explore the best of Europe. With a European rail pass, you have the opportunity to visit the continent’s iconic cities and charming villages to discover its authentic culture.
It’s also much easier to get around than traveling by plane. You can hop on and off trains to explore each destination at your own pace and enjoy a more relaxed and comfortable journey than driving. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly!
There are many different passes you can purchase to get around Europe. The most popular is the Eurail Continuous Pass which allows you to ride a train every day of your travels for a set period of time. You can choose from a variety of durations, starting from one week and going as long as two months. There are also options to include first or second class.
If you don’t want to buy a pass for the entire trip, there are several other ways to experience Europe by train. You can opt for a Select Pass which only covers two or four countries sharing a border, or you can go with the Global Pass that is valid for 31 countries.
Another option is to book a sleeper train, which gives you the experience of sleeping in comfortable cabins on your journey. This is an excellent way to save on hotel costs & enjoy the scenery on your way to your destination. Depending on the length of your journey, you can even travel Paris-Barcelona in just 6 hours, which is a lot faster than flying!
You must keep your ticket in your possession at all times, as it will be requested by the train crew at various points throughout your journey. You must also record each of your journeys in the travel diary, which comes with the pass. Not recording your journeys in the diary can lead to a fine, so it’s important to remember to do this.
If you are planning a EuroRail Extravaganza, make sure to follow these tips and hints to ensure your adventure is a success! It will help you enjoy your journey more and make your memories last a lifetime.
