The Site: RailEurope.com
- Most comprehensive rail pass inventory from Ireland to Turkey. Popular rail passes include Swiss Saver Flexipass, Eurail Germany/Austria Pass, Eurail Selectpass Drive, Thalys High-Speed train, Eurail Spain Pass, European East Pass, and the popular Eurostar ~ between London & Paris
- Two Main Types of Rail Passes:
- Flexible Passes (Flexipass): Buy a rail pass for any European country you’re visiting. The pass is valid for a specific number of travel days (ie. 1 month) in that specific area. You may travel any time during this set time period. Note that some trains require booking a seat in advance, which you can do online while in Europe.
- Consecutive-Day Passes: Buy a pass for unlimited rail travel on any single day or set of consecutive days.
- Anywhere Anytime France Pass. Buy advance credits for trips that you can redeem online for actual 1st class seats on any French train. You can change your mind, change departure times or go somewhere else.
- Eurail pass holders are eligible for reduced or free fares on ferries, cruises, private trains, hotels, museums, and many other attractions
- Discounts for Seniors (over age 60) and Youth (under age 26)
The Good: When traveling between 2 countries, you will often get a bonus “layover” in a third country. For example, on the train from Paris to Rome, we got a 3 hour stop in Lausanne, Switzerland. One of the most unique products they have is the Elipsos Train Hotel, which is a world-class international night train with all the ammenties of a contemporary hotel. You can take your whole trip on the train, eat, sleep and see up to 4 countries. We also like the flexibility of the Eurail Selectpass. Unlike airline tickets, you can purchase a pass for 2 months, and travel whenever and wherever you like (up to 4 countries). All adult Eurorail Selectpasses are first class too!
The Bad: For someone who is new to rail travel in Europe, it can be a little bit of a confusing experience. Take the time to read the FAQ section prior to searching for passes. The default “class” when using the booking engine is “comfort class”, which is an upgraded “restricted” 1st class, and can be twice as much as economy class. If you are a budget traveler, you must select “economy class”. Rail Europe has an overwhelming amount of products. They are definately flexible, which is generally a good thing. However, it left us a little confused and unsure what we wanted to buy.
The Fees*: Up to $18 Handling Fee per transaction. Even after you purchase your rail pass, make sure you reserve a seat on the train (some trains do not require reservations, however, certain High Speed trains such as the TGV, AVE, Talgo, ICE, IC, Eurostar Italia, Thalys, Eurostar, require mandatory reservations). 15% minimum Cancellation Fee + 5% Administrative Fee. Refunds, when applicable, pertain to totally unused and unvalidated tickets only. Expired tickets/passes are non refundable. Non-refundable Products: Paris Visite, Paris Museums, Great British Heritage Pass, London Travel Card, Fly-Rail Baggage, Original London Sightseeing Tour, Rail Protection Plan™, Seat Reservations. Passes cannot be issued to residents of the countries the pass is valid in.
*Based solely on research done by TravelSiteCritic.com, and may be inaccurate and subject to change.
The Deals:
CLICK HERE for all new Rail Europe Discounts!
Free shipping* on orders of $449 CAD ($399 USD) or more from Rail Europe
Under 26? Get discounted Youth Passes
Senior travelers – Enjoy discounted rail passes
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