Everything you need to know about Eurail
Explore Europe with the one rail pass that lets you see it all
Want to know more about Eurail Passes? Good – knowledge is power. Jump straight to the information you need, or read the whole page from top to bottom to become an expert in all things Eurail. It’s a great feeling, trust us.
What exactly is a Eurail Pass?
A Eurail Pass is an all-in-one train ticket giving you flexible access to most trains across Europe. Unlike traditional train tickets, with Eurail you can go wherever you want, whenever you want. Some trains do ask you to make a reservation, but most trains can be boarded as easily as flashing your Pass.
Missed your train or changed your travel plans? No problem – just hop on board the next service and enjoy the ride.
Using your Pass
One Eurail Pass beats carrying tons of tickets around with you. Here’s everything you need to know about using your Pass.
Places to visit
Travel freely and flexibly between 40,000 destinations across 31 countries in Europe, all with just one rail pass.
Going from A to B?
Taking a trip from A to B? You’re in the wrong place! Our Pass is for traveling between multiple destinations across Europe.
Planning your Eurail trip
Traveling by train takes you straight to the heart of big cities and tiny villages just waiting to be explored.
You might have been plotting your Eurail trip for years, or you might have no idea where to start. But whether you’re a family, a couple, a group of friends, or a solo adventurer, we have the perfect Pass to make your European travel dreams come true.
Where do I start?
There’s so much to see! Follow our step-by-step guide to planning your ultimate European adventure and get the inspiration flowing...
Eurail or Interrail?
In short, Eurail Passes are for non-Europeans and Interrail Passes are for Europeans. Use our tool to find out which Pass you need.
Where can I go?
That’s up to you – 31 countries are waiting! Check out our European rail map to plan your travel routes between cities.
Purchasing your Eurail Pass
Got a rough itinerary? Great! Now it’s time to pick your Pass and hit ‘order’. You can purchase your Pass up to 11 months in advance – just make sure you leave enough time for it to get to you before your trip. Use our shipping calculator if you’re not sure.
Your Pass needs to be activated within 11 calendar months, but we can activate it for you when you order. Not sure when you’re setting off? You can easily activate your Pass at a train station once you’ve arrived in Europe.
Choose the right Eurail Pass
There’s a lot to choose from, but start by working out how long you want to spend in Europe, how many countries you want to visit, and whether you want to travel 1st or 2nd class. The rest is simple!
Check the train timetable
Use our timetable tool to plan your Eurail journey in greater detail. Search train times and connections across Europe, plus check which trains ask for a seat reservation on top of your Eurail Pass.
Booking seat reservations
Once your Pass is on the way, the only thing left to do is book any seat reservations. While most trains in Europe are free to ride with your Eurail Pass in hand, some train companies ask you to pay an additional seat reservation fee.
This usually applies to night trains, high speed trains and some scenic routes, but it does mean you get a guaranteed spot on the train, plus you’ll save on overnight accommodation or get more time to explore.
Oh, and one more thing – don’t forget to download the free Rail Planner App before you go. It’ll give you offline access to train times across Europe, and show you whether or not you need to reserve a seat.
How do I reserve seats?
It’s easy – book your reservations with us in advance, or you can make them last minute at the train station.
How much do they cost?
You can book a seat on domestic trains for around €6. International seat reservations are around €15.
Can I avoid reservations?
Avoiding reservations is easier in some countries than others, but it is possible to travel without them.
A few little extras…
We all love getting a good deal, right? As a Eurail Pass holder you can enjoy extra benefits all across Europe. From youth discounts and free Eurail Passes for children to reduced entry fees on incredible attractions across the continent, there’s something for everyone – so you can leave for your trip with a few more euros in your pocket.
27 or younger?
If you’re 27 or younger, you can save 23% on your travel with a Eurail Youth Pass. Children under 12 travel free!
Extra benefits
It’s not just about trains – your Eurail Pass also saves you money on everything from ferries to museum tickets.
Hotels and more
Getting ready to go? We can help with accommodation, activity planning, insurance, and so much more.
Did we miss anything?
Our bad. If you’ve got any more questions, we’d love to answer them. You can:
Check out the FAQs in our help section for even more detail on how Eurail Passes work, and plenty more.
Use our Customer Service webform to ask your questions.
Read our customers’ stories
"It’s more than just a train ride, it’s a journey full of breathtaking adventures."
A Eurail trip is the perfect way to explore Europe and its wonderful cities and landscapes. It’s more than just a train ride, it’s a journey full of breathtaking adventures. You become part of an incredible community which always holds together!
Andreas, 23, Austria