Rail Passes
Rail passes give you extensive rail travel within one country or depending on the pass, between multiple countries. They also allow you to make last minute travel plans as well as save money, offering travel discounts, benefits and bonuses. Eurail Global Pass Eurail Global Pass is the most (...)
Eurail Global Pass
Eurail Global Pass is the most flexible Eurail Pass, and best for people who want complete freedom on their travels. It gives you unlimited train travel to 28 countries in Europe, and you’ll be able to use the Eurostar, TGV trains, TGV Lyria, Thalys , AVE high speed trains with Renfe, Frecciarossa with Trenitalia, and the ICE trains to maximise your country intake. Plus you have a choice of flexible or consecutive travel days.
Eurail Select Pass
Eurail Select Pass is the Eurail pass is an excellent choice if you want to visit a few countries close to one another. You can visit two, three, four bordering countries (out of 24 European countries).
For example, you may want to take the TGV Lyria from Paris to Geneva and then travel to Germany to visit Berlin and Munich to Frankfurt on the ICE trains, and then down to Vienna and Salzburg, and finish off in Rome. You can do all this with the Eurail Select Pass.
Country passes
OK, so you may just want to travel to one country. Here are a few examples of different passes:
Italy - Take a romantic trip to Venice and Rome and then explore the Tuscan countryside in Italy with Trenitalia and the Frecciarossa high speed trains - the Eurail Italy Pass will be perfect for you.
UK - Travel around the UK and Scotland, and we can get you great deals on the Britrail Pass and the Britrail Central Scotland pass.
France - Get to know the real France with the freedom of the France Rail Pass.
Switzerland - Hop on an off, with the Swiss Pass, and explore the mountains, lakes and cities.
You may want to visit more than one country on your trip. We have the double country passes, like Denmark and Germany, or the European East pass, where you can see the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Austria and Hungary, or the Balkan Flexi Pass which gives you the freedom to visit seven countries in one month - Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Romania and Turkey.
Wherever you want to go in Europe, we have a rail pass for you, which will make your journey by train faster, easier and more enjoyable.
Seat reservations
Remember, even with a pass, it is best to reserve a seat and you can do that exclusively with us, online.
How does it work?
Rail Passes in 3 steps
1. Pick the right rail pass
Rail passes are available in 1, 2, 3 or 4 country combinations for extensive travel on the national rail networks. Going for an extended trip? Try the Eurail Global Pass offering rail travel in 28 different countries.
Once you've selected your pass, its price will depend on the class of service, First or Second, selected and the number of rail travel days.
2. Reserve your seats
Travelling on local and regional trains allows you to explore at will. Simply board with your rail pass and choose any open seat. Reservations are required on most high speed, overnight, scenic, and international trains. We recommend always checking your desired journey for any specific seat reservation requirements.
3. Activate and travel
Your rail pass requires that you activate it by getting it stamped at the ticket window at the departure station on the day of your first train journey. Once activated, you are all set and ready to explore.
Your options
What kind of passes are there?
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SINGLE-COUNTRY PASSESEnjoy extensive train travel across the national rail network of one country, with the freedom to explore its numerous cities and towns.
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MULTI-COUNTRY PASSESTravel across the national rail networks of neighboring countries with a single rail pass. It’s a perfect way to explore Europe’s rich diversity.
SWISS TRAVEL SYSTEMExtensive travel on trains, buses and boats, plus free entry to over 490 museums. There isn't a better or more budget-friendly way to discover Switzerland.
Rail pass finder
Know where you want to go? Type in the names of the countries you'd like to visit and we'll find the best pass.
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 |
- Swiss Half Fare | Boon Chiew p. |
- Rail is the best in Europe | Anand k. |
- Virgin trains | William m. |
FAQ's
Common Questions
Find answers now by viewing our Frequently Asked Questions.-
Q. Why visit Europe by train?
Why visit Europe by train?
First of all for the simple fact that trains represents the most hassle-free choice to reach your destination.
Then for the fact that trains go everywhere in Europe, from small villages to major cities. They are safe, modern and very comfortable.
The rail network in Europe is one of the most extensive in the world. The implication of important national railway companies like the SNCF, DB, SBB, RENFE, TRENITALIA etc. means that western European countries are leading the race to offer the most convenient way to travel from city centre to city centre.
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Q. What is a rail pass?
What is a rail pass?
Rail passes are widely used by travellers looking to experience as much as they can when visiting Europe. By knowing the advantages of a rail pass you will also understand how it works.
One or more countries: You can choose to buy a rail pass covering one country, two neighbouring countries or multiple countries. You can even visit 28 countries with the Eurail Global Pass!
Unlimited travel: Take 1 train or 5 trains a day or travel 50km or 400km. With a rail pass, you can travel as much as you want.
Flexibility: Travel whenever you want, wherever you want. No need to plan ahead! A rail pass offers unmatched freedom to make multiple journeys.
Seat reservation at a nominal price: A rail pass offers a special passholder fare to travel on board all trains which require a seat reservation. This means that you will only pay a small fee to travel on board premium trains like the TGV, Eurostar, Thalys, TGV Lyria and more.
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Q. Rail pass activation
Rail pass activation
Rail passes must be activated within 11 months of the issuing date at a railway station in Europe.
Make sure to bring along your travel documents as a railway official will fill in your passport number before stamping your rail pass to validate it.
Before boarding it is mandatory to write down the date of travel on your rail pass as well as recording your trip in the Travel Report on the rail pass cover.
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Q. Train ticket vs Rail pass
Train ticket vs Rail pass
A train ticket is cheaper if you book in advance and plan on doing only 2 or 3 trips.
A rail pass is better if you want the freedom to travel extensively in one or more countries.
Finding out what is the best product for you, will save you money and time.
Answer 3 short questions to know whether a train ticket or a rail pass is best for you
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Q. Consecutive vs Flexible validities
Consecutive vs Flexible validities
Flexible validities allow you to choose which days you want to travel within the period covered by your rail pass.
E.g. For a rail pass with a validity of 5 days within 1 month. If you activate your rail pass on the 1st of the month, you can travel on the 3rd, 4th, 7th, 12th and 30th of this month.
Consecutive validities give you unlimited travel during consecutive days.
E.g. For a rail pass with a validity of 3 days continuous. By activating your rail pass on the 1st of the month, you can use it until the 3rd.
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Q. What is a seat reservation?
What is a seat reservation?
A seat reservation is a guaranteed seat on-board a train. Seat reservations are compulsory for most high speed, international, and night trains. However, as you will be travelling with a rail pass, you will only have to pay for a small reservation fee, as opposed to the usual standard fare.
Advance seat reservation is a great way to avoid wasting time and most importantly be in the unpleasant situation where no seats are available once in Europe.
Book your seat reservation online with Rail Europe and enjoy a hassle-free trip.
Remember, you can board most regional trains without any prior seat reservations!