Long gone are the days when a Eurail pass was the transportation pass of choice for footloose backpackers looking to save a bundle of cash on long European vacations. The basic idea was sound--you just boarded a train and handed the pass to the conductor when he seemed to be asking to see tickets. No need to fret over language or cost, and no need to stand in long lines at the ticket windows either.
So what happened? The Eurail pass got expensive, faster trains required supplementary fares, and many Americans take shorter vacations these days. Marketers had to come up with passes whose days of use and destinations were carefully controlled to offer value while protecting the bottom line. So these days the traveler must sift through a long list of European rail passes to find one that'll suit a chosen set of destinations; there are passes for single countries, multiple countries, seniors, students, youth, and conglomerations of options labled "flexi" and "saver." It's a jungle out there--but that doesn't mean that you can't save a bundle of cash by purchasing the right rail pass.
How to Purchase the Best Rail Pass for Your Trip
One thing you can say for sure, most railpasses issued today are best suited for folks who plan their vacations very carefully--unless you have enough time and cash to purchase the original Eurail pass, which is still being sold and is the first stop on our rail pass tour.
Remember that you can't buy rail passes in Europe; you must purchase them within 6 months of your vacation and get them validated on your first day of travel.
Traveling throughout Europe Footloose and Fancy Free - Eurailpass and Eurailpass Saver
The Eurail pass offers consecutive-day 1st class travel in 17 European countries for 15 days, 21 days, 1 month, 2 months or 3 months, depending upon the duration you choose. Prices per day decrease with increasing pass duration. You'll still have to pay supplements on high-speed trains, and you'll have to pay for seat reservations if you want them, although first class tends to have more unreserved seats then second in most markets. The Eurailpass Saver offers additional savings if there are two or more people traveling together on the same pass.
Eurailpass (purchase direct or get more information)
(Note that Britain is not included in Eurail passes. See British Rail Information for rail pass information and prices.)
Traveling through Europe on a Well-Planned route - Eurailpass Flexi
Ok, the problem with a Eurail pass is that seldom do you plan a vacation that includes train travel each and every day. Flexi passes account for this time between cities, and will cost you less than a full Eurailpass for the same duration. These passes offer the best value if you'll be traveling long distances on an occasional basis.
The Eurailpass Flexi offers either 10 or 15 days of unlimited travel in a 2 month period. This allows you to do a tour of European capitals with a decent time spent between each to explore. Note that on a per day basis you're paying more than a straight Eurailpass, so plan your route and compare costs, because you're giving up the option of just taking off on a whim--as when it's raining and you decide you might like to spend the day sightseeing from the train window.
The Eurailpass Flexi Saver offers additional discounts on the Flexi for two or more people traveling together.
Eurailpass Flexi (purchase direct or get more information)
Traveling in a small section of Europe: 3-5 bordering countries - Eurail Selectpass
You a real planner? Here's a flexible pass that you can purchase for a limited number of bordering countries. Choose the number of bordering countries you'll be visiting and the number of days you'll want to be traveling between places and that's it! Same saver and Flexi options as Eurailpass above.
Eurail Selectpass (purchase direct or get more information)
Traveling in two adjacent countries - Multiple Country Rail Passes
Here is the rail pass for you if you've narrowed things down to a couple of big countries. Lots of country combos to choose from.
Multiple Country Passes (purchase direct or get more information)
Sticking to a single country - Single Country Rail Passes
A variety of passes for a single country are available for travelers who have really narrowed down their vacation destination. Prices will vary because the rail system in each Country has a different fare structure. Plan longer trips to get the best value from your rail pass.
Single Country Passes (purchase direct or get more information)
Is a Rail Pass worth it? Click to the next page for a price comparison.
