How to know if the Eurail Pass or Interrail Pass is right for you
Visiting Europe is on many people’s agendas and Europe is a vacation hotspot for a reason. Dotted with fascinating history and heritage, mouth-watering cuisine, and chic cities and sights, a European vacation has something for everyone. The added benefit of traveling to Europe is how close everything is. But what ways can you travel Europe I hear? Well, one of the best ways for European travel is to purchase a Eurail Pass or Interrail Pass and hit the rails! Yep, the rail system throughout Europe is extensive. So no matter if you are visiting Europe in summer or Europe in winter, the trains are running.
European rail is so extensive and a popular way to travel through Europe. After riding the rails myself in Europe, this post is a review of the Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass. With one of these passes you can travel Europe by train and see everything on your list of European icons to visit.
If you already know about Eurail and Interrail passes and just want to buy one, purchase through RailEurope or GetYourGuide.
Get a good deal on your accommodation via Booking.com.
Don’t forget travel insurance. Check out WorldNomads for a policy to suit your European train travels.
Why Travel Europe By Train?
Travelling through Europe by train has a number of benefits. And I think the pros of train travel far outweigh and cons of train travel.
- Firstly, European train travel is an easy way to reach every destination. Europe has an extensive rail system spanning through most of the EU member states.
- Taking a train allows you to see the beautiful scenery of the European countryside as you pass through areas and cities you don’t have time to visit.
- Travelling Europe by train is a also very comfortable way to travel. Unlike bus / coach travel where you are required to sit in your seat while the bus / coach is in motion, on a train, you can get up and move through the carriages.
- Overnight trains have a sleeper carriage where you are able to book a bed to get a good night’s rest so you can hop off in the morning to sightsee for the day in your new destination. And this can save you money on accommodation costs.
- Train travel in Europe with a pass is also flexible. You can change your mind where you want to go (as long as you have a flexible pass).
- Trains run throughout the year, so you can be on a train, no matter the European season.
All pretty good reasons to choose to travel Europe by train, don’t you think?
READ MORE: 9 Tips to Survive Long-haul and Overnight Train Trips
Eurail or Interrail? What’s the Difference
You maybe wondering what the difference between a Eurail pass and Interrail pass is. In short, Eurail passes are for non-European citizens while Interrail passes are for European citizens. Interrail passes are also for those persons residing from Albania, Andorra, Belarus, Bosnia – Hezegovina, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Iceland, Kosovo, Liechenstein, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Russian Federation, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Vatican City.
They passes both work the same, it just depends where you are from as to which one you should get. And in most instances, you should purchase your travel pass in advance.
What are Eurail and Interrail Passes?
Eurail and Interrail passes were designed to give travelers flexibility as they make their way through Europe. Because there are likely many destinations on your list in different countries, the Eurail pass or Interrail pass makes it possible for you to reach them whenever you want.
Flexible access to most trains is the biggest perk of purchasing a Eurail pass or Interrail pass. Traditional train tickets from point A to B are only good for that date, time, and route. The Eurail pass and Interrail, however, offers more freedom. Rather than purchasing each journey individually, simply board with your pass whenever is convenient for you.
Types of Eurail Passes and Interrail Passes
There are two types of Eurail and Interrail Passes.
- There is the Flexi Pass which entitles the holder to a specified number of travel days within a fixed period. For example, 7 days of travel within a period of one (1) month. This pass is great if you want to travel one day then spend a couple days in a certain place before moving on to your next destination.
- Then there is the Continuous Pass offering travel daily within the period of validity of the Pass. For example, you can travel every day within a period of 15 days. This is best if your train trip is only for a few hours then you can spend the rest of the hours in a destination before moving on the next day.
Is there an Age Limit on Passes?
No, there is no age limit. Passes are available for adults, youth (under 28 years of age), children (4-11 years) and seniors (60 years and over).
Once you have chosen the type of pass that suits you best, then you can purchase it for either first or second class travel. Differences between the two classes are minimal but in general, first-class seating is more spacious, with fewer seats in each compartment, has more room for luggage and is often quieter. However, most passengers travel in second class with comfortable seating where you can chat to other travellers.
Paper or Mobile Eurail or Interrail Pass
Passes are available in both printed ticket or electronic form. If you choose the electronic format, the pass will be downloaded on your device through the Rail Planner App. When requested by carrier staff you will present the mobile pass ticket or your printed ticket.
First or Second Class Tickets
You can choose between a first class or a second class travel. The biggest difference is to do with the size and comfortability of the seat.
How to use Your Eurail Pass or Interrail Pass?
Using the Eurail pass is simple. Some trains do require a reservation ahead of time, but the majority allow you to board by just showing your pass. This feature comes in handy if you’ve missed your train or decided to change your travel plans. Take full control of your travel by hopping on and off the train when it’s most convenient for you.
To start your journey you need to activate the Eurail pass. Make sure to do this before your first train ride so you have a valid ticket on hand. You can activate your pass at most large train stations, but if you know the date of your first planned trip then you can activate the pass when you buy it for that date.
After activating your pass you will get 24 hours of unlimited rides for each of your travel days. This even includes boat and buses in the Eurail network. Plus, your travel days do not need to be taken consecutively. You have complete control over when and how you use your pass. Just make sure that you take your last ride until 11:59 PM on the last day because it will expire at this time.
How to Plan Your Europe Trip By Rail?
There are various options when purchasing the Eurail pass. You get to choose how many travel days are included in your pass depending on your travel itinerary. When planning your Europe trip by rail, it’s important to first consider the length of your holiday and how many destinations are on your list. This will help you determine how many travel days you need for your train pass.
Next, you should carefully look at the countries you intend to visit and how well they are connected by rail. If you’re trip takes place in European countries that don’t use the Eurail pass system then the pass won’t help you very much. Be thorough when planning your trip to ensure everything goes smoothly once you arrive in Europe.
READ MORE: 1 month in European Itinerary – The Perfect Central Europe Itinerary for first timers
European Country Passes
As well as the Eurail and Interrail Passes there are also Europe country train passes available if you decide you just want to spend time in one country. Following is a selection of tickets and passes to ride some famous Europe train options. There are a number of places to buy the train ticket or pass for Europe that is right for you. They include:
- RailEurope – specialises in Europe train tickets and Europe train passes.
- GetYourGuide – has a number of Europe train passes available for purchase as well as other train tickets for unique Europe train trips. Including:
- Eurail Global Mobile Pass for 33 countries.
- The Eurostar from London to Paris day trip.
- Glacier Express. Scenic route between St. Moritz and Zermatt.
- Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited travel on train, bus & boat.
- Eurail Benelux Mobile Pass: Travel for Belgium, The Netherlands & Luxemburg.
Eurail / Interrail FAQs
What is a Eurail Pass or Interrail Pass?
A Eurail Pass or Interrail Pass are train passes that allow you to travel through Europe, visiting different European countries on the one ticket.
What is the difference between a Eurail Pass and an Interrail Pass?
Eurail passes are for non-European citizens while Interrail passes are for European citizens. They both work the same.
Who can use a Eurail Pass or Interrail Pass?
Passes are available to everyone and anyone of all ages.
Will you save money purchasing a Eurail Pass or Interrail Pass?
Yes you can. It works out cheaper to buy a pass rather than buying a tickets from A to B.
Are You Ready to Travel Europe by Train?
If you are planning a trip to Europe, consider train travel using a Eurail pass or Interrail pass as they give you great flexibility to see the parts of Europe you want to see. You can start in London and catch the Eurostar to Europe or start in one of the major European cities. As I said, Paris today, Rome tomorrow. Book your Eurail Pass now, then kick back and relax, enjoying your European adventure by train!
Now, It’s Time to Pack
Packing for your European trip will depend on the season you will be visiting. Here are two suggested packing lists, one for the summer months and one for the winter months.
Thank you! I definitely think the No.1 reason to visit Europe by rail is for the scenery along the way! So much gets lost in air-travel. Rail travel is so much more civilised than bus too!
I agree. I am a train addict plus love staying on the ground.