Last Updated: 2/2/20 | February 2nd, 2020
One of the most practical methods to explore Europe is with a Eurail global Pass. For decades, the global Pass has enabled backpackers and intrepid explorers alike to roam the continent for both short-term and long-term trips, providing them the ability to book trains on a whim.
Offering access to 31 different countries around the continent, the Eurail global Pass is a terrific option for anybody searching for a versatile trip around Europe.
But is the Eurail global Pass best for you? To find out, let’s answer a few questions.
Table of Contents
What is the Eurail global Pass?
What countries Does the Eurail global Pass Cover?
What If I’m just going to 1 or 2 Countries?
How much is the Eurail global Pass?
What’s the difference between first and second Class?
What discount rates Are available for trainees and Youth?
Other frequently Asked Questions
Should You purchase a Eurail global Pass?
What is the Eurail global Pass?
The Eurail global Pass is one of the most popular methods to explore Europe, providing travelers access to 31 countries. The pass provides you a set number of stops in a set time period, ranging from three days to three months, enabling for a flexible, problem-free trip without having to purchase single tickets for each leg.
The pass includes first-class and second-class options, in addition to discount rates for youth and senior citizens (see below).
In short, it’s implied to be an easy method to travel Europe by train, enabling you to see as much of the continent as possible — all without breaking the bank.
What countries Does the Eurail global Pass Cover?
The Eurail global Pass covers 31 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, terrific Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland), Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey (as well as Liechtenstein and Monaco).
Here is a Eurail Pass map:
What If I’m just going to 1 or 2 Countries?
If you’re just going to a few countries, possibilities are the global Pass isn’t for you. Instead, you can inspect out the 27 single-country passes by going to eurail.com.
How much is the Eurail global Pass?
The Eurail global Pass has a number of different options, ranging from three days (within one month) to three months of constant travel. There are also two classes and different costs for adults, youth (anyone aged 27 or under), and senior citizens (60 and over). Additionally, youngsters under 11 travel for totally free (maximum of two youngsters per adult).
Here are the 2019 costs for the Eurail global Pass:
PASS
CLASS
EURAIL
RAIL EUROPE
Adult
Youth
Adult
Youth
1 month continuous
1st
$1,112
$893
$1,189
$953
2nd
$893
$727
$953
$776
Adult
Youth
Adult
Youth
2 month continuous
1st
$1,566
$1,256
$1,674
$1,341
2nd
$1,256
$1,022
$1,341
$1,092
Adult
Youth
Adult
Youth
3 month continuous
1st
$1,930
$1,546
$2,063
$1,652
2nd
$1,546
$1,258
$1,652
$1,345
Adult
Youth
Adult
Youth
22 days continuous
1st
$907
$727
$969
$777
2nd
$727
$593
$777
$633
Adult
Youth
Adult
Youth
15 days continuous
1st
$705
$567
$753
$605
2nd
$567
$462
$605
$493
Adult
Youth
Adult
Youth
15 days in 2 months
1st
$1,085
$870
$1,159
$930
2nd
$870
$708
$930
$757
Adult
Youth
Adult
Youth
10 days in 2 months
1st
$829
$665
$885
$710
2nd
$665
$542
$710
$579
Adult
Youth
Adult
Youth
7 days in 1 month
1st
$673
$541
$719
$578
2nd
$541
$442
$578
$471
Adult
Youth
Adult
Youth
5 days in 1 month
1st
$553
$444
$590
$474
2nd
$444
$363
$474
$387
Adult
Youth
Adult
Youth
3 days in 1 month
1st
$343
$264
$334
$257
2nd
$257
$199
$250
$193
What’s the difference between first and second Class?
Not sure which class of pass might be finest for you? Here’s a breakdown of the differences between them:
First Class
Second Class
Individually adjustable seats
Basic (but modern) seats
Wider tables
Shared tables
Individual electrical outlets
Shared electrical outlets
Cabin service
Restaurant and bistro car
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi (in some cars)
More space between seats
Extra legroom
Note: You can sit in either first- or second-class cars and trucks with a first-class ticket.
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What discount rates Are available for trainees and Youth?
Anyone under the age of 27 is eligible to apply for the Eurail youth ticket. You don’t technically need to be a trainee to purchase this pass, either. As long as you’re the “age” of a trainee (under 27), you’re eligible! This will save you over 20% off the common adult ticket price.
The youth ticket option is available for both global Passes (for all 31 countries) in addition to single-country passes.
Other frequently Asked Questions
Does the Eurail global Pass work on local trains?
The Eurail global Pass does not work on local trains such as subways or trams. It only works on intercity trains.
Does the global Pass cover high-speed trains?
The Eurail global Pass does include access to high-speed trains. It also covers overnight trains. However, you practically always have to make advancement reservations for these, as they limit the number of Eurail pass holders on each train. So for any night trains or high-speed trains, you’ll need to plan at least a bit bit ahead.
Can I utilize the global pass on Eurostar?
Yep, but you’ll need to make a booking in advance. (Eurostar is a high-speed railway service linking London with destinations in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.)
Will I need to pre-book tickets?
This will depend upon the route. For some routes, you may be able to show up at the train, present the conductor with your pass, and continue your journey. However, for some you’ll need to book a seat ahead of time. Some countries need this, and reservations are typically needed on many high-speed and overnight trains. The information booklet you get with your ticket will have much more information to help you with this part of your trip.
Do global Pass costs fluctuate?
The cost for the Eurail global Pass is typically the exact same all year around (though there are occasionally sales, so be sure to indication up for Eurail’s newsletter so you can find out when!).
How long do global Passes last?
Global Passes are good for as bit as three days (in one month) or as long as three months of constant travel.
Can I purchase a global Pass in person?
No. Eurail global Passes need to be purchased on the internet before you see Europe. The pass will be mailed to you before your trip.
So, ought to You purchase a Eurail global Pass?
That depends!
At the end of the day, the Eurail global Pass is all about money and convenience. A global Pass is only worth getting if it saves you money or makes your trip so practical that the extra cost is worth it.
That implies you should do some math to figure out if a pass is best for you and your trip. This can be a time-consuming process, but it is certainly worth it in the end — because you might save a ton of money!
To figure out if the pass is best for you, outline your schedule and decide how numerous countries you’re going to visit. If it’s just one or two, this pass likely isn’t for you.
However, if you’re going to be going to a lot of countries, then look up individual ticket costs on a site like Rome2Rio to get an approximate cost of your trip without the Eurail pass. then compare that to the cost of the global Pass that would work finest for your trip. then you’ll have your answer.
Just keep in mind that Rome2Rio will only give you a rough guideline. You’ll need to see the official ticket-booking sites to get an exact price.
To sum everything up, a Eurail global Pass is worth purchasing if:
You want to be flexible. To me, the global Pass is all about flexibility. being able to hop on and hop off trains when you want, traveling on a whim — this is the very best part of the global Pass. If you are traveling long-term, you most likely aren’t going to preplan months of travel all at once. That implies you’re going to want the ability to choose the flow.
You will be taking a lot of ferries. global Pass holders get 50% off ferries in Greece, Italy, and Germany, 40% off ferries in Finland, and some bus discount rates as well. If you’re taking some ferries during your trip, the pass is likely going to save you money.
However, you ought to NOT purchase a rail pass if:
You are planning on a short trip and know your exact travel plans. many individual train tickets that you book directly from train business are nonrefundable. However, they are typically low-cost if you can book in advance. If you know your exact travel dates, you can likely purchase individual tickets for less than a global Pass.
You are traveling to just one country. If you’re just going to one country, look at the single-country passes Eurail offers.
***As you can see, the Eurail global Pass isn’t for everyone. but for travelers searching for a versatile method to explore Europe, the global Pass is one of the most inexpensive choices on the market.
Exploring Europe by train is one of the most popular methods to see the continent, providing beautiful views and access to a broad range of incredible destinations both on and off the beaten path. Not only is train travel much more environmentally friendly than flying but you’ll just get to see much more of each destination.
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Book Your Flight
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You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most significant stock and finest deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, utilize Booking.com as they consistently return the most affordable rates for guesthouses and low-cost hotels.
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