Consecutive or flexi travel? One country or a entire bunch? Saver passes? Rail ‘n Drive? Overwhelmed with trying to pick the proper European rail pass? Possibilities can be daunting… but selecting the ideal pass can save you time and money. A rail pass lets you bypass lengthy ticket lines at the train station. You will not need to wrestle with an unfamiliar language just to purchase a ticket. Greatest of all, you’ll save money — supplying you select the proper pass.
European rail pass kinds vary to suit a range of routes and whims. Greatest known is the original Eurail Global Pass which lets you meander back and forth among 18 countries. Eurail Choose Pass — formerly Europass — lets pass holders crisscross 3, four or five bordering countries. Multi-country passes are for exploring selected regions and some adjoining countries. There are also a wide range of single-country passes obtainable.
European rail passes are obtainable in two formats. Consecutive passes, valid from two weeks to three months, permit non-stop travel for the duration of the pass (ie: a 15-day pass is valid for 15 consecutive days of travel). Flexi passes are created for itineraries entailing a limited number of travel days over an extended period: usually, from 3 to 10 travel days within a two-month period. Rail ‘n Drive flexi passes include several days of car rental.
Classes of travel vary. Eurail Global Pass and Eurail Choose Pass are for first class train travel only. Multi-country passes and single-country passes are available for initial class travel and, sometimes, second class travel. Youth passes, as well as Scanrail and Norway rail passes, accommodate only second class.
Most passes are available at discounts. Saver passes cut expenses for group travel by train. Youth passes could be an excellent deal for students and gap year breaks and older travelers are sometimes eligible for discounted senior passes. Children under 12 get up to half off when accompanied by an adult (tots, under age four, usually travel totally free). Some passes will get you totally free or discounted travel on ferries, buses and private trains (even Eurostar) — plus sleeper upgrades and deals on hotels and local attractions.
In the event you strategy to “pass” through Europe, read the fine print. A couple of guidelines prevail. Purchase your rail passes prior to you leave home because they’re extremely hard to find in Europe. Although passes don’t guarantee you a seat it’s usually unnecessary to reserve a location in advance. Exceptions are for travel during peak times and aboard selected trains, like TGVs, which need reservations at all times. Always have your passport handy and be sure to get your rail pass validated before boarding a train for the first time.
Lastly, be mindful of the ubiquitous caveat: conditions, restrictions and fees might apply. To learn more, go to the Euro Rail Pass Guide at TrainTraveling.com http://www.traintraveling.com/eurorailpassguide
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