Eurail Passes

Overview

For every travel bug, Europe is definitely a GO-TO destination. The major reason to travel to this unique continent is its diverse range of culture in each country. But, hold on! To make this a successful trip, have you arranged the transportation there?

If yes, that’s amazing. You must be super-excited and waiting desperately to go on this tour. Right?

But if you haven’t, then do not fret. We have worked up for you. Unique International Trips’ this blog will show you the right path and guide you about the train transport in Europe and how with just 1 Eurail Pass you can travel in up to 31 countries.

Rail transport in Europe

In Europe, trains are everywhere. Some trains travel at a high speed across the continent whereas some move around leisurely. There are different types of trains you can opt for like chocolate trains, sleeper trains, and others depending on the time and purpose of your visit.

On the off chance you plan to explore the beauty of Europe by travelling in train, get a clear idea of what kind of tour are you are planning? What train travel in Europe is all about and then book your Eurail Pass.
UIT suggests that you should definitely explore Europe by rail. The adventure itself begins with the train journey in Europe.

Here’s a guide to how to get a Eurail Pass, pass cost and all other necessary things that you must know.

First understand what a Eurail Pass is exactly

Eurail Pass is basically a single train travel document that lets you travel in up to 31 countries and witness Europe’s most fascinating cities without any need of buying point-to-point tickets. You can travel at your own pace and for every type of vacation; there is one perfect Eurail Pass.

Note: Eurail Pass and Interrail pass are two completely different passes. However, their goal is the same.

Eurail pass is for Non-European citizens and is sold by various sellers. Whereas, Interrail pass is only for the citizens.

Different types of passes

Depending on the bases of your duration, countries and travel days, you can buy any of these four major passes:

• 1. Single Country Pass : If you want to travel to only one country or area.
• 2. Regional Pass : If you want to travel to two bordering countries.
• 3. Select Pass : If you want to travel three to five bordering countries.
• 4. Global Pass : If you want to travel up to 23 countries.

Suitability of Eurail pass

By now you know that there are different types of Eurail passes with different prices, destination coverage, and duration. The cost is calculated on the base of the number and the place you intend to travel.

If you aim to explore only one or a few countries and take a couple of trains, then Eurail Pass is a strict NO for you. In this case, taking point to point train tickets will be convenient and profitable for you.

But, if you are going to hop on and hop off multiple trains, then this pass is the best option for you.

To make your Europe trip more cost-effective, you just need a preliminary draft of your itinerary and compare the price of all individual points versus the pass.

Bear this in mind:

• a : If you want the pass, make sure you have enough time and book the pass while at home country itself because these passes are mailed at any address in your home country. They are not available electronically.
• b : This pass will cost cheap if you are of the age 25 or less or a group of two or more people.
• c : The only difference between the first and second class is upholstery. So choose wisely.

To get a perfect pass for your trip, you can freely contact Unique International Trips. Our expert team will analyze your tour and get the perfect pass for you.

Validate your pass

When you get your first train, always remember to get your pass validated at the station in a country where this pass is valid. For validation, an official will fill the beginning and expiry of your pass along with your passport number. They will also stamp it.

Be smart! Don’t make this mistake : Before leaving the station, remember to cross-check all details and stamp on the pass. Many travelers forget to do so and then have to pay the FULL FARE for that train and validate the pass at another station if it gets noticed by the train conductor.

Know train timings and the best trains

Unlike cabs or your own transport, trains do have a fixed time everywhere so it is important to know the schedule. So make a note of all train timings you are going to travel.

Mind it! You will not get a printed timetable of trains with your pass. Though you can buy a printed timetable if you love holding a paper instead of your phones but UIT recommends you to use a web-based timetable or its convenient app. With the application, you can make train reservations online, look out for trains that are near you and also foresee your trip on its map.

Making reservations

Yes, you might have to reserve a seat in sleeper, high-speed, cross-country, and long-distance trains, but you can be charged a fee for that. In sleeper trains, there are different options to book from like a bed, or a couchette, single birth, double birth, etc. Charges differ depending on the class as well as the money you are willing to spend.

You can also book a seat for much less if you are ok with an uneasy trip.

How to get assistance in Europe?

For Eurail pass holders, there are Eurail Aid Officers in some of the major train stations to help them. These officers help exchange incorrectly validated or issued passes and in making reservations.

Hopefully, Unique International Trip’s’ guide to Eurail Pass, has covered all important aspects of using Eurail Pass.