Be in the know before you set off
Read all you need to know about using your Eurail Pass.
Activate your Eurail pass
You must activate (validate) your Eurail pass at a train station before your first train journey. Activation is required within 6 months of the issuing date.
Read how to activate your Eurail pass.
Travel days
A travel day of your Eurail pass lasts 24 hours, from midnight to midnight (from 00:00 to 24:00 hours). On each travel day, you can take as many trains as you wish.
You're free to choose the days when you want to travel. Fill in each travel date on your pass before you board the train.
Read more about Eurail travel days.
Extra pass benefits
There are extra pass benefits that entitle you to reductions. If you use a free benefit on a certain day, you will have to fill in a travel day on your pass. Reduction benefits can be used anytime within the validity period of your pass.
Travel report
Your Eurail pass consists of a ticket and a pass cover. Each time before boarding a train, bus or boat, it is important that you record your trip in the "travel report" on the pass cover (in blue or black ink). If you travel without having entered the trip in the travel report, you risk a fine and payment of a full fare ticket. When you return your travel report to us after your trip, we will reward you with a free Eurail souvenir.
Traveling in a group
Groups of 2 to 5 people can buy a Saver Pass, which gives you 15% discount per person. Pay attention: the names of the travelers will be printed on the Saver Pass, so you must travel together.
Read more about the Saver Pass.
Train reservations
The Eurail pass exists thanks to the collaboration of different railway companies in 27 European countries. That's why the conditions of each individual rail company can differ. In some countries a seat reservation is compulsory for specific trains. The rules and conditions for making these reservations vary between rail companies and countries. Therefore we advise you to make sure you know in which country a reservation might be needed before you travel, so there are no surprises!
Read more about train reservations
A Eurail pass is strictly personal and non-transferable
- Eurail passes are issued on identity and cannot to be used by any other person.
- Your name, country of residence and passport number should be filled in on the pass.
We can imagine that you want to protect your valuable Eurail pass. Please note that laminating makes your pass invalid. We advise you to store your pass in a plastic wallet instead.
