Rail Passes
Rail passes are excellent value if you want flexibility, if you plan to travel extensively throughout one or several countries, or if you plan to cover long distances during your travels. Passes provide access to most rail routes and allow you hassle-free travel since you won't have to wait in lines at the train station to get tickets. In some cases, you will still have to make reservations or pay supplements, but many routes allow for unlimited pass use without requiring any extra fees.
Eurail vs. InterRail
You will need to purchase a Eurail or InterRail pass depending on your country of residence. If you live outside the European Union (plus a few outlying countries - see sidebar) and can produce a passport for validation, you are eligible to purchase a Eurail pass. Also, if you are a European citizen but have lived outside the designated countries for more than 6 months, and can provide documentation to verify this (visa, ID card, etc) then you are also eligible to use a Eurail pass. If you currently reside in Europe however, you must purchase an InterRail pass.
Please Note: the 6 month time frame for eligibility is dependent on the day you start using your pass, not the day you purchase it.
Eurail:
A Eurail pass is in cooperation with 23 European railways offering discounted rail travel in Europe to non-European residents. Eurail passes are an exceptional value that allows you to travel in One or many European countries. You can choose from global passes covering all 23 countries, Select 3, 4 or 5 countries that border each other, Regional passes a combination of 2 countries and One country pass. Travel is in both 1st and 2nd Classes with discounts for Youth travelers, and small saver groups (2 to 5 passengers). Eurail passes are offered with varying days valid and flexibility – the choice is yours!
Unfortunately Eurail Passes are not valid for residents of Europe, the Russian Federation, Turkey, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. For residents of these countries see our InterRail passes.
Click Here for countries of residence that are eligible for Eurail passes
Eurail pass features include:
* Unlimited rail travel in two or more specific countries
* 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 days within a 2-month period
* Saver pass available for smaller groups of 2 to 5 people traveling together
* Some trains in France and Italy require advance reservations
* Discounted fares for passengers under 26 years of age (see Youth), when traveling in 2nd class
* Bonuses include free or reduced transportation on private railroads, national or international ferry
crossings and buses, as well as discounts on hotel, automobile rentals, museums & other attractions.
Here are some of our most popular passes:
* All Italy Pass
* France & Italy Pass
* Spain & Italy Pass
* Greece & Italy Pass
InterRail:
For over 40 years the residents of Europe have been InterRailing. The InterRail passes are exclusively for purchase to the residents of the European Countries. There are over 30 countries that participate in offering an InterRail pass and all 30 countries are covered with the InterRail Global pass. InterRailing is valid on the National railway train companies of each of these countries as well as for several private railway companies.
* InterRail Italy Pass
* InterRail France Pass
* InterRail Global Pass
Click Here for countries of residence that are eligible for InterRail passes
Please Note: InterRail passes are not valid for travel inside your country of residence.
If you are not sure about whether to get a pass or individual tickets, click here for more information. There's more information on the different classes of seating here.
