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Top scenic and city-to-city routes in your Eurail Pass
Single-country travel itineraries with Eurail Pass
Italy: 5-Day itinerary
Switzerland: 5-Day scenic loop
- Day 1: Rome to Florence (1.5 hours). Depart from Rome in the morning on a high-speed Frecciarossa train (reservation required). Arrive in Florence by midday to explore the Renaissance heart of the city, visiting the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery.
- Day 2: Explore Florence. Enjoy a full day to delve deeper into Florence. Climb the Duomo's dome for panoramic views, see Michelangelo's David at the Accademia, and wander across the Ponte Vecchio.
- Day 3: Florence to Venice (2 hours). Take a morning Frecciarossa train (reservation required) to Venice. Spend your afternoon and evening discovering the magic of the canals, from a gondola ride to the grandeur of St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace.
- Day 4: Explore Venice. Dedicate the day to Venice's unique charms. Visit the islands of Murano and Burano via the local vaporetto ferry (discounted with some passes), or simply get lost in the quieter alleys away from the main squares.
- Day 5: Venice to Rome (3.5 - 4 hours). Board a direct high-speed Frecciarossa train back to Rome. This gives you the entire final afternoon and evening to visit a major site you missed, like the Colosseum or Roman Forum, or enjoy a final Italian meal.
- Day 1: Zurich to Interlaken (GoldenPass Route, 4 hours). Begin your trip by heading directly from Zurich airport or station to Interlaken on a standard train following the GoldenPass scenic route. Enjoy the classic Swiss landscapes of lakes, chalets, and alpine meadows, settling into Interlaken for a two-night stay.
- Day 2: Explore the Jungfrau Region. Use Interlaken as your gateway to the high Alps. Take a day trip to nearby peaks like Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen using local trains (fully covered by your Eurail Pass), or optionally book the renowned Jungfraujoch excursion for a glacier experience.
- Day 3: Interlaken to Zermatt (Glacier Express, 4.5 - 6 hours). Board a connecting train to Brig, where you will join the world-famous Glacier Express. While the full route to St. Moritz is long, you can book it only for its most spectacular central section (a seat reservation is mandatory). Enjoy panoramic views through its large windows as you travel to the car-free village of Zermatt for a two-night stay.
- Day 4: Explore Zermatt & the Matterhorn. Dedicate the day to Zermatt's iconic peak. Hike the surrounding trails for unforgettable views of the Matterhorn, or take a cogwheel train to Gornergrat for a panoramic alpine vista.
- Day 5: Zermatt to Zurich (4 - 4.5 hours). Depart Zermatt on an efficient and scenic direct train back to Zurich. The journey takes you through alpine valleys and past lakes, providing a final panorama of Swiss beauty before your onward journey.
Multi-country travel itinerary with Eurail Pass
5 days, 3 countries: Paris, Amsterdam & Berlin
10 days, 5 countries: Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Vienna & Budapest
- Day 1: Paris to Amsterdam (Thalys, 3.5 hours). Begin your journey by boarding a high-speed Thalys train (reservation mandatory) from Paris to Amsterdam. Settle in and spend your evening exploring the charming Canal Belt and vibrant Jordaan district.
- Day 2: Explore Amsterdam. Enjoy a full day discovering the Dutch capital. Visit world-class museums like the Van Gogh Museum (timed entry recommended), take a canal cruise, and experience the unique atmosphere of this historic trading city.
- Day 3: Amsterdam to Berlin (ICE, 6.5 hours). Travel east into Germany on a comfortable, high-speed ICE train (reservation optional but recommended). Arrive in Berlin by afternoon and dive into its modern history with a visit to the Brandenburg Gate and the remnants of the Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery.
- Day 4: Explore Berlin. Dedicate your day to Berlin's profound history and vibrant culture. Explore Museum Island, see the Holocaust Memorial, or discover the creative energy in neighborhoods like Kreuzberg. Enjoy the city's renowned nightlife or a classic currywurst in the evening.
- Day 5: Berlin to Paris (via Frankfurt, 8-9 hours). Take an early ICE train to Frankfurt (4 hours) and connect to a high-speed TGV (reservation mandatory) for the final leg back to Paris. This long but scenic travel day brings your three-country tour full circle, arriving in Paris for a final farewell dinner.
- Days 1-2: Arrive in Amsterdam. Begin your journey by exploring the Dutch capital. Spend two days visiting the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House (book tickets far in advance), cruising the canals, and experiencing the city's unique charm.
- Days 3-4: Amsterdam to Berlin (ICE, 6.5 hours). Take a morning high-speed ICE train into Germany. Spend a day and a half in Berlin, immersing yourself in its powerful history at the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag building, and the Berlin Wall Memorial, and soaking up its vibrant modern culture.
- Days 5-6: Berlin to Prague (EC, 4.5 hours). Board a scenic EuroCity train along the Elbe Valley to the Czech Republic. Enjoy Prague's fairy-tale architecture over two days, visiting Prague Castle, crossing the Charles Bridge, and exploring the Old Town Square.
- Days 7-8: Prague to Vienna (RJ, 4 hours). Travel south to Austria on a comfortable Railjet train. In Vienna, spend two days embracing imperial grandeur at Schönbrunn Palace and the Hofburg, and enjoy a slice of famed Sachertorte in a historic café.
- Days 9-10: Vienna to Budapest (RJ, 2.5 hours). Conclude your tour with a short Railjet ride to Hungary. Dedicate your final two days to Budapest, soaking in the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, admiring the view from Buda Castle, taking a Danube River cruise, and experiencing the city's famous ruin bars before your departure.
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Frequently asked questions about Eurail Pass itineraries
How do I choose the best Eurail itinerary for my trip?
Start by listing your must-see cities and regions, then check which routes are covered by the Eurail Pass. Consider travel times, reservation requirements, and how many travel days you’ll need. Use the Eurail Rail Planner app to map your route and check train schedules.
Can I visit both big cities and small towns with the Eurail Pass?
Yes, the Eurail Pass covers over 30,000 destinations, including major cities and many smaller towns. Regional trains let you reach off-the-beaten-path spots, while high-speed and international trains connect Europe’s capitals.
Do I need to reserve seats for every Eurail train on my itinerary?
No, most regional and intercity trains don’t require reservations, just hop on with your pass. However, high-speed, international, and night trains often require advance seat reservations for a fee. Always check the reservation rules for your planned routes.
What’s the difference between Flexi and Continuous passes for itineraries?
A Flexi pass lets you choose specific travel days within a set period (e.g., 7 days in 1 month), ideal for travelers who want to spend several days in each city. A Continuous pass offers unlimited travel every day for a set duration, perfect for fast-paced or spontaneous trips.
Can I use the Eurail Pass for night trains?
Yes, night trains are included, but you’ll need to pay a reservation fee for a seat, couchette, or sleeper. For Flexi passes, both the departure and arrival days count as travel days if your journey crosses midnight.
How far in advance should I book reservations for popular routes?
For high-demand trains like Eurostar, TGV, and scenic routes, book reservations as early as possible, ideally 2–3 months in advance, especially in summer or during major events.
Are ferries or buses included in the Eurail Pass?
Some international ferries, like the Greece–Italy Adriatic crossings, are included or discounted for passholders. Most buses are not included, except for a few replacement or special routes. Always check the Eurail benefits portal for details.
Can I start my Eurail itinerary at any city?
Absolutely. The pass is valid for travel starting in any of the 33 covered countries. Many travelers begin at major hubs like Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Milan for easy international connections.
Is it possible to add spontaneous stops or change my itinerary mid-trip?
Yes, one of the Eurail Pass’s biggest advantages is flexibility. As long as you have valid travel days left and the train doesn’t require a reservation (or seats are available), you can change plans on the go.
What’s the best way to keep track of my Eurail itinerary and travel days?
Use the Eurail Rail Planner app to log your journeys, activate travel days, and store reservations. For paper passes, fill out your travel diary before boarding each train. Always carry your passport and pass for inspections.