Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
would cost closer to $45 so in that case the pass value isn't that great. Of course, you have to
remember that any trip will probably consist of long and short train rides so you want the
overall cost of the pass to be less than the individual tickets.
Great for flexibility
Not sure where you want to go? Choosing destinations on a whim? If this is the case, then a
rail pass is almost always the best option. All you need to do is hop on the next train. Easy
peasy.
Of course, you still want to have some idea of your travel plans because you'll need to
choose your rail pass type based on where you plan on traveling. For example, it doesn't make
sense to buy a thirty-day unlimited pass if you just visit two or three cities.
Convenience
Let's face it, planning out every stop, racking down the best deal, and then figuring out how to
collect the tickets is a pain in the ass. For many people, saving all that time, energy, and stress
is worth the extra hundred dollars you might spend on the pass versus individual tickets.
Long distance travel
If you're traveling between multiple major cities, then a rail pass is usually a pretty good deal
because those train rides are expensive.
Group travel
Eurail offers “saver” rail passes for groups of two to five who are traveling together. There is
only one ticket with everyone's name on it so all riders must ride on the same train but this
option can be a good deal if you're part of a large group.
Adult pass costs more
Youths (anyone under twenty-six) get a sizable discount. However, if you're twenty-six or
older, you can only buy a first class rail pass. I never understood why there isn't a second class
adult rail pass, but them's the breaks.
Not all countries are created equal
Train travel is affordable in Italy, so you'll probably lose money if you spend a lot of time there.
The same goes for much of Eastern Europe. However, in the rest of Europe train travel is pricy
so a pass makes sense.
MORE TIPS FOR USING YOUR EURAIL PASS
• Don't validate your ticket until your first day of rail travel.
