Frequently Asked Questions

QAre Eurail passes valid in Great Britain and Eastern Europe?

AEurail passes are honored only in the following 18 countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland (Republic of) Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. There are many other passes and tickets for travel in countries and regions in addition to the Eurail pass countries, including Great Britain and Eastern Europe.

QHow does a SELECT PASS differ from a EURAIL GLOBAL PASS?

AThe Eurail Global Pass is valid in the 18 countries offered. The Select Pass is valid in 3-5 bordering countries of your choice, chosen from the 22 European nations listed on the bordering country list.

QHow many days constitute a month in one pass?

AA month is counted as a calendar month. For example, a pass that begins on September 15 will expire at midnight on October 14.

QHow is a travel day calculated?

AFor the train it is midnight to midnight. For the car it is 24 hours from time of pick up.

QWhat is the difference between 1st and 2nd class?

AFirst class is quieter and roomier, with fewer seats per car/compartment than 2nd class. More space is available for luggage. On some specialty Premier Trains a meal will be included in the price for first class. The class of travel you choose depends on your budget and personal preferences.

QCan you explain the 7:00PM rule for overnight trains?

AIf you board a direct overnight train that departs after 7:00 PM, you will use only 1 day on your pass. If your overnight train requires a train change before midnight, you will use 2 travel days.

QWhat are the interiors of the trains like?

AYou will find that as the scenery changes from country to country, the personality of the trains change as well.

QWhat is the seating like in day trains?

ADay trains could have either compartment seating or coach seating, or even both. With compartment seating, the car is separated into cabins which open to a corridor along one side of the car. Cabins accommodate up to six passengers in 1st class, and up to eight in 2nd class. With coach seating, the car is open with a center aisle and seats on either side. In 1st class there are two seats on one side of the aisle and one on the other. In 2nd class there are two seats on either side of the aisle.

QQWhat about night trains?

ANight trains are for overnight travel and you should definitely consider sleeping accommodations such as a sleeper or couchette. Deluxe accommodations are available on the Talgo overnight trains between Spain, France, Switzerland and Italy. Sleepers contain built-in beds/bunk beds with a private washstand, fresh linens and towels. First class accommodates 1 or 2 people. Second class accommodates 2 to 4 people.

QIs there somewhere I can store my bags?

AMost train stations have lockers or luggage checkrooms for bag storage. When you're traveling on the train there are either overhead storage racks throughout the car or luggage areas at each end of the car.

QAre train stations easily accessible from airports?

ATrain stations are located within many European airports. In many areas, there is a train station located within 15 minutes from the airport.

QHow do I find out current fares and schedules?

AFares and schedules can be obtained 24 hours a day through Rail Europe's web site at: www.raileurope.com.

QIs the pass refundable?

AOnly a pass that has NOT BEEN VALIDATED can be returned for a refund. There is a 15% refund penalty on all passes. Passes must be submitted to the issuing office within 1 year of issuance for a refund to be processed.

QDo I need a reservation even if I have a Eurailpass?

AReservations are required for certain trains, such as TGV in France, Eurostar in Italy, Euromed, Alaris and Altaria in Spain, Cisalpino and Swiss Scenic trains..

QWhat happens if I lose my pass?

AIf you purchased the Rail Protection Plan (RPP) when you purchased your pass you may be reimbursed for travel if you follow the strict RPP guidelines found on the RPP brochure.

Recommendations

1. When traveling at peak times, be sure to make your departure reservations when you arrive at your destination. This will save time and insure a better chance of reserving a seat.
2. Purchase the Rail Protection Plan. Although we all hope not to lose our passes, it happens. The only way to insure your pass against theft or loss is to buy the PPP for an additional $14, a nominal fee compared to the cost of a new pass.
3. Purchase a travel book. Fodor's, Lonely Planet, and Let's Go are among the most popular choices. These books have great recommendations on anything from getting around, to lodging and food. Travel books have proven to be an indispensable item to past students.
4. Plan your itinerary before purchasing your pass. It is imperative that you have a general plan for traveling so you can pick the best and most useful pass for your traveling needs.