Travel planning
Stay in a hotel on your Europe trip
Yes, it's possible to book hotels through our partner HotelsCombined – the hotel search engine that lets you make a quick and easy search across the best hotel deals from all major travel websites.
Up-to-date strike information
Find up-to-date information about railway strikes via our Twitter page, or you can request information by posting a question on the Eurail Facebook page or by contacting the railway company of the specific country.
Reservations
Train reservations on European trains
No, reservation fees are not included in your Eurail pass.Train reservations are required on some high-speed and international trains and all night trains.
Get pass holder discounts
No, the Eurostar high-speed train connecting London with France and Belgium isn't included in the Eurail pass. However, Eurail travelers can get a discount known as the 'Pass holder' fare.
Limited seating on TGV and Thalys trains
French TGV trains and the Thalys have a limited number of seats available for Eurail pass holders. We recommend that you make reservations for the high season (May- September) as early as possible.
Train routes
Traveling to Great Britain
Eurail passes aren't valid in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). However, your pass does entitle you to discounts on travel to London with the Eurostar train or to 2 locations in England by ferry.
Traveling from Germany to the Scandinavian countries
Take a train or a discounted ferry to travel from mainland Europe to the Scandinavian countries (Finland, Norway and Sweden).
Travel to Spain and Portugal
In the Eurail Select Pass, Spain is bordered by Portugal and Italy. France is not part of the Select Pass and is therefore not a bordering country. Here’s how you can travel to Spain and Portugal (you must travel through Spain to reach Portugal) with a Eurail Select Pass:
- From Italy you can take a discounted ferry to Spain.
- From Paris you can take the Elipsos night train to Madrid or Barcelona (you must buy point-to-point tickets to travel within France).
Experience Ireland with a Eurail Select Pass
Ireland is classed as a bordering country to the Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg). France previously bordered with Ireland but no longer participates in the Eurail Select Pass. Your Eurail Select Pass entitles you to travel by discounted ferry between Ireland and France.
Railway services
Disabled access and extra assistance
Most railway companies in Europe offer facilities for disabled passengers. Standards vary between countries.
Eurail pass not valid on car trains
No. Most trains in Europe only transport passengers, luggage and often bicycles, but not cars or motorbikes. There are a few trains on selected routes that offer the option to transport cars.
European night trains
EuroNight is a general term used for national and international night train services operating in Europe. The Berlin Night Express between Berlin (Germany) and Malmö (Sweden) is an example of a EuroNight train.
Losing your luggage in the station or on the train
Most train stations in Europe have a lost luggage department. If you aren't near the location where you lost your property, try to contact the railway company you traveled with.
Plan your Eurail trip
- Train timetables
Find train schedules and travel times. - Railway map
View the major train routes in Europe. - Train reservations
When and how to make reservations.
