With gorgeous scenery, breathtaking art, culture, cuisine, dreamy castles, and exceptional music, there’s nowhere quite as exhilarating as Europe!
Looking for freedom and flexibility to travel around Europe? The Eurail Pass might just be the travel essential you need. Time to dust off your backpacks and hop aboard a train. The Eurail Global Pass will take you across the borders and straight to your fave European cities with just one pass!
Curious? Here’s everything you need to know about the Eurail Pass, from how to use it to whether it's actually worth it!
First things first...
What is the Eurail Global Pass?
Visit over 44,000 destinations across 33 European countries with a Eurail Global Pass
Remember the days when you had to line up to buy a flimsy paper ticket from London to Paris and back? Well, scrap that cos the Eurail Pass offers an easier digital way to explore Europe and see multiple countries.
For starters, a Eurail Pass is a single pass that allows you to board multiple trains across 33 European nations. You can take as many train trips as you want within a set time period that ranges from as short as 4 days to as long as 3 months, all without breaking the bank.
How do Eurail Passes work?
Step 1: Pick your Eurail Pass
The first step is to choose your Eurail Pass. You can pick between a flexible pass, which can be used for a certain amount of times within the set period, or a consecutive pass, which lets you ride the train anytime within the validity period.
What's the difference between a flexible Eurail Pass and a consecutive Eurail Pass?
- With a flexible Eurail Pass, you can enjoy a certain amount of days of unlimited train travels within your chosen period. For example, 15 days of unlimited train travel within 2 months.
- On the other hand, a consecutive Eurail Pass will let you ride the rails every day, as long as it’s within the validity period. Whether it’s 15 days or 3 months straight, you can hop aboard any day and every day!
What counts as a travel day on the Eurail Pass?
Each travel day covers as many trains as you’d like to take between the 24-hour time window from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on the same calendar day. Keep in mind to plan ahead if you’re taking the night train. If you’ve booked a train that leaves Monday evening and arrives at the destination the following morning, it’s immediately counted as two travel days. So be careful when booking night trains.
After you choose between a flexible and consecutive Eurail Pass, you can choose between First Class and Second Class seats.
Step 2: reserve your seats
Check whether you need to reserve seats on your trains or not on the Rail Planner app before you go.
Night trains, international high-speed trains, and scenic trains, like the Bernina Express in Switzerland, as well as popular countries such as France, Spain, and Italy, require you to book your seats in advance.
Though for the most part, you can hop on almost any train in Germany and Central Europe!
Step 3: activate your Eurail Pass and hop on!
To get started on your first European vacay spot, you’ll have to download and install the Eurail App to activate your Eurail Mobile Pass, OR if you prefer to do it the long way, just head out to a ticketing office of any large station in one of the participating Eurail countries and have a railway official activate your Eurail Pass.
The great thing about the Eurail Pass is that it doesn’t have any set start date, so you can use it instantly or save it for later! Eurail Passes are valid up to 11 months after the purchase date.
All set? It's now time to climb aboard!
Looking for single-journey train tickets? You can check them rates and schedules here.
What countries does my Eurail Pass cover?
The Eurail Pass can take you to multiple countries when you explore Europe. Trains in Europe are the best way to get around to all the most popular destinations as well as underrated off-beaten spots. The global pass covers a total of 33 countries in Europe:
Northern | Western | Eastern | Southern |
|---|---|---|---|
Denmark Finland Estonia Ireland Latvia Lithuania Norway Sweden Great Britain | Austria Belgium France Germany Luxembourg Netherlands Switzerland | Bulgaria Hungary Poland Romania Slovakia Czech Republic | Croatia Bosnia and Herzegovina Greece Italy Montenegro North Macedonia Portugal Serbia Slovenia Spain Turkey |
Need a guide? Here are some suggested itineraries for train travel around Europe:
How much does a Eurail Pass cost?
Based on the age of the traveler, a Eurail Global Pass will start from*:
- Child (0 to 11 years old) - Up to two children aged 0 -11 can travel for free with a single adult.
- Youth Pass (12 to 27 years old) - USD 227
- Adults (28 to 59 years old) - USD 303
- Senior Citizens - USD 273
*These prices may change slightly from the time of writing
Can I travel with children using the Eurail Pass?
Did you know you can get free Child Passes with Eurail?
Good news: if you’re traveling with kids, Eurail Passes are free! Children ages 11 and under don’t need their own Eurail Pass.
The Eurail Child Pass is free of charge with your Eurail Adult Pass. You get two free child passes with each Eurail adult pass. Eurail's free child pass helps you save money on a family holiday in Europe.
Where can I buy a Eurail Global Pass?
You can get your hands on these wallet-saving paper-free passes from Klook to enjoy hassle-free booking and exclusive discounts!
How long is my Eurail Pass valid for?
It depends on which Eurail Pass you select. There are 2 types of Eurail Global Pass - continuous and flexible passes.
- Continuous passes provide unlimited travel every day for a set length of time, either 15 days, 22 days, 1, 2, or 3 months, beginning on any date. These provide the most freedom and flexibility, but you must be on a train every day or two to make them useful.
- Flexible passes are less expensive if you plan to stay in one place for several days between train rides. Flexible passes provide unlimited travel for 4, 5, 7, 10, or 15 days within a 1 or 2-month period.
What is the difference between a Eurail pass and an Interrail pass?
While Eurail and InterRail are both rail passes, there is one main difference: who can purchase them. Eurail Passes are only available to non-European citizens and residents while Interrail Passes are only available to European citizens and residents.
Both the Eurail pass and Interrail pass have both a paper pass and mobile pass option. Both Eurail passes and Interrail passes can be used and managed on the Rail Planner app.
What is the difference between a global pass and a single-country pass?
You may have noticed that there are different pass types for Eurail, here's the difference:
- A Eurail Global pass hooks you up with train travel in 33 countries
- A Eurail Single-Country pass is for you if you're more of a one-country wonder. Got Switzerland in your sights? Grab a Swiss Travel Pass. Eyeing Germany? The German Rail Pass is your sidekick. Oh, and in case you're feeling the Nordic vibes, there's the Eurail Scandinavia Pass that's got your back in all those cool Nordic countries.
The Eurail Global Pass and the majority of the Eurail Single-Country Pass offer flexible passes and continuous passes.
Does the Eurail Pass cover seat reservations?
Seat reservations depend on which train line you're on, railway carriers and how busy the train you're taking is predicted to be. Still confused? Let us explain.
You can board any local, regional, or suburban train at any time, sit in any empty seat, and show your Eurail Pass to the conductor when asked.
Some trains, such as high-speed trains and scenic trains, have compulsory reservations for seats. High-speed trains that require reservations include AVE, Eurostar, Frecciarossa, ICE, TGV and Thalys services. Scenic trains that require reservations include Bernina Express, Glacier Express and Golden Pass.
For other trains, seat reservations are optional for travelers who want to ensure they have a seat on a specific train.
Do I need to pay extra for seat reservations in addition to my Eurail Pass?
Photo Credit: WanderInGermany
If you do want to reserve a seat (which is smart or a long journey to avoid having to stand during peak times), reservation fees only cost €3-€4.50 for a seat reservation.
Although you won't need to reserve your seat on most trains, there are certain train rides where we highly recommend making reservations. These include
- traveling in peak periods: summer (June to August), or holidays/festival seasons e.g. Christmas and Oktoberfest
- traveling on popular routes between major cities like Amsterdam to Berlin
Reservations are different from adding a journey to your Eurail Pass so making a reservation won't cost one travel day each.
Oktoberfest in Munich Germany
Do I have to pay seat reservation fees even though I have a Eurail pass?
Seat reservations are an extra cost (not included in the price of a Eurail Pass or Interrail Pass) and can range from less than €1 to €140 per journey, with some routes including complimentary meals and/or newspapers and others including sleepers and/or couchettes.
How do I reserve seats with my Eurail Pass?
You can book your seat for European trains with your Eurail Pass by visiting Eurail's reservation page, on the train operator's direct website. You can even buy tickets at the train station.
What's the difference between the seat types?
So when it comes to Europe train seats, it's all about how comfy, spacious, and fancy you want to roll – you've got everything from simple economy seats to those swanky first-class compartments. There's also a difference between day trains and night sleeper trains.
How long before my trip do I need to activate my Eurail Pass?
You don't actually have to activate it well in advance. You can activate your Eurail Pass at any time before your first trip. To activate your Eurail Pass, enter your passport number on the start date of your trip.
Just make sure your Eurail Pass is activated before you board your first train at any European train station.
What's the difference between a rail pass and a train ticket?
A rail pass allows you to travel on the rail networks of the countries covered by the pass at any time whereas point-to-point tickets are only valid on a specific route between two train stations.
Does the Eurail Pass cover city subways?
No, the Eurail Pass only covers regional and intercity train lines—not local trains, such as subways or trams.
Which trains in Europe does the Eurail Pass cover?
Your Eurail Pass is like your golden ticket to hop on both national railways and those private rail companies in the country you're exploring. And guess what? If you're rocking the Eurail Global Pass, you're even in for a ride on popular trains like Eurostar, Thalys, TGV, and a bunch more.
Is the Eurail Pass cheaper than Point-to-Point train tickets?
It depends. If you’re only touring Europe for a short time with only a few trips planned, or just visiting one country then a point-to-point ticket is recommended instead of a rail pass.
The Eurail Pass is usually better suited for travelers who value time and convenience more than making every dollar count.
You can get a good bang for your buck if your itinerary includes three or more journeys but if you're taking trains that require seat reservations, it can also add to the total cost.
Is the Eurail Pass actually worth it?
The Eurail Passes are all about flexibility and freedom as you can hop on and off the trains whenever you want during your trip to Europe, making your travel plans to experience Europe much simpler.
Also, let’s not forget Eurail Passes also include cool perks such as a 50% discount on ferries in Greece, Italy, Germany, and many more. See included trains and ferries here.
What are the other benefits of a Eurail Pass?
You can save money on things other than just train travel in Europe with a Eurail Pass. All Eurail Pass holders can also enjoy free AND discounted admissions to over 700+ attractions across 33 countries, making your travel throughout Europe even more affordable.
Other discounts include 10% off Europe's most popular hostels, and up to 50% off city cards and ferry travel throughout Europe which will help you save money on your Europe trip.
Is there an app for the Eurail Pass?
Yes, there's an app for the Eurail Pass! It's your handy travel buddy, helping you keep track of schedules, routes, and all the cool stuff you can do with your pass. Just search for "Rail Planner" in your app store, and you're good to go!
