Tips on Using a Eurail Train Pass

If you are planning a trip to Europe, the Eurail pass is an easy and convenient way to get around. It can eliminate waiting in line to purchase tickets at crowded rail stations, struggling with timetables, and worrying about missing your train. However, travelers should be aware of some important details.

There are three different Eurail Train Passes available: the regular adult pass for ages 26 and over, the youth pass for ages 12-25, and the saver pass for a group of 2 to 5 people traveling together.

The passes can be purchased up to 6 months in advance. They must be validated before the first time they are used. To get your pass validated, just take it to the ticket counter of any railway station. The pass is then good for 2 months from the date of validation.

Passes are available for 3 to 10 days of travel within the 2 month window, with unlimited rides on each day. When deciding which pass to choose, look at your itinerary and determine how many days you will actually be traveling on trains. For example, if you intend to visit 5 different cities, you will probably want to get a 5 day pass. However, you may want to consider a 6 or 7 day pass if you are intending to stay in one place for several days and take day excursions by train; additionally, depending on how your itinerary is arranged, it might be necessary to include an extra day's trip to get back to the airport.

The beauty of a Eurail train pass is that you don't need to purchase tickets for individual train trips. For many local trains that don't require seat reservations, once you have the pass in hand, you can just hop on a train whenever and wherever you like. However, there are some important exceptions.

The high-speed trains such as the Eurostar or TGV require seat reservations in addition to the Eurail pass. Seat reservations cost extra and must be purchased separately. How do you know whether or not you need a seat reservation? The information on trains in the country or countries you are planning to visit is available on the Eurail website.

If you can't find the information you need from the website, call their toll-free number, which is listed on the website. The operators are very knowledgeable and courteous, and will help you figure out exactly what you need to know. Keep in mind that trains between major cities often fill up during the high tourist season in mid-summer, so it is wise to book well ahead.

An important caveat: on each day you travel, you are responsible for writing that day's date on your rail pass before you board the train. If you forget to write it, you will be slapped with a heavy fine, since this is equivalent to riding the train without a ticket. Also, make sure you write the date correctly, with the day and month in the correct space.

Another bit of advice: trains occasionally arrive or depart from a different platform than is indicated on the posted schedule. Always try to arrive at the station at least 20 to 30 minutes early; if the train you are expecting doesn't show up when it is scheduled, check to see if there is a notice board with updated information, or ask an employee.

Have a safe and enjoyable trip!

Sources:
Personal experience
http://www.raileurope.com/index.html