English
English
Contents
Who is Eurail Pass best for?
Families with children
The Eurail Pass is ideal for families, thanks to its generous child policy—up to two children (ages 4–11) travel free per adult. This means big savings for parents, plus the convenience of flexible, unlimited travel days across Europe’s most iconic destinations.
Solo explorers
Solo travelers love the Eurail Pass for its flexibility and simplicity. You can change plans on a whim, hop on any included train, and explore both big cities and offbeat towns without worrying about individual ticket costs or schedules.
Couples and nature lovers
Couples and nature enthusiasts can make the most of the pass by combining romantic city breaks with scenic rail journeys. Enjoy panoramic routes like the Glacier Express or West Highland Line, and use the pass to linger in charming villages or lakeside towns.
Adventure and sports enthusiasts
For those chasing adrenaline or outdoor experiences, the Eurail Pass opens up Europe’s best hiking, skiing, and cycling regions. Reach the Alps, Pyrenees, or Scottish Highlands with ease, and take advantage of spontaneous detours to national parks or mountain towns.
Different Travel Styles, One Eurail Pass
Families – Eurail Pass with Free Child Policy
Solo Explorers – Eurail Pass for Flexibility
Couples & Nature Lovers – Scenic Journeys
Adventure & Sports Enthusiasts – Outdoor Access
Persona type: Families with children benefit most from the Eurail Pass, as it allows parents to travel stress-free while saving significantly on child fares.
Ideal pass recommendation: Eurail Global Pass (Flexi or Continuous), with free Child Passes for kids aged 4–11 (up to 2 per adult).
Validity options available: 4, 5, 7 days in 1 month (Flexi); 10, 15 days in 2 months (Flexi); 15, 22 days, 1, 2, or 3 months (Continuous).
Why choose this:
- Kids travel free, making family trips across Europe much more affordable.
- Unlimited train rides mean you can break up long journeys and keep travel days manageable for young children.
- Access to family compartments on many trains (e.g., ICE in Germany) and easy luggage storage.
Smart strategy:
- Plan travel days around children’s energy levels—use Flexi passes to space out long journeys.
- Take advantage of scenic routes like Switzerland’s Bernina Express, which are included (just pay reservation).
- Use station amenities such as lockers and play areas for smoother transitions.
Must-experience train routes:
- Glacier Express (Switzerland): St. Moritz to Zermatt—panoramic windows and family-friendly service.
- West Highland Line (Scotland): Glasgow to Mallaig—spot Harry Potter’s Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Sample 5-day itinerary:
Day 1: Paris to Geneva (TGV, ~3h) – Explore Lake Geneva.
Day 2: Geneva to Interlaken (GoldenPass route, ~3h) – Swiss Alps adventure.
Day 3: Interlaken to Milan (EC, ~3h) – Italian lakeside fun.
Day 4: Milan to Venice (Frecciarossa, ~2.5h) – Gondola rides and gelato.
Day 5: Venice to Munich (Nightjet, overnight) – Wake up in Bavaria, ready for castles and parks.
Persona type: Solo travelers seeking independence and spontaneity.
Ideal pass recommendation: Eurail Global Pass (Flexi, e.g., 7 or 10 days in 1–2 months).
Validity options available: 4, 5, 7, 10, 15 days (Flexi); 15, 22 days, 1, 2, or 3 months (Continuous).
Why choose this:
- Hop on and off trains as you please—no need to lock in every journey.
- Save money on last-minute tickets, especially for high-speed or international routes.
- Meet fellow travelers in shared train compartments or station lounges (1st class pass holders in select countries).
Smart strategy:
- Use Flexi days for long-distance or expensive legs, and buy local tickets for short hops if needed.
- Take night trains to maximize sightseeing time and save on accommodation.
- Leverage the Rail Planner app to find spontaneous connections and avoid reservation-heavy routes.
Must-experience train routes:
- Berlin to Prague (EuroCity, ~4h)—scenic Elbe river valley.
- Amsterdam to Paris (Thalys/Eurostar, ~3.5h)—connect major capitals with ease.
Sample 5-day itinerary:
Day 1: Amsterdam to Berlin (ICE, ~6h) – Explore Berlin’s history.
Day 2: Berlin to Prague (EuroCity, ~4h) – Walk the Charles Bridge at sunset.
Day 3: Prague to Vienna (Railjet, ~4h) – Coffeehouse culture and art.
Day 4: Vienna to Budapest (Railjet, ~2.5h) – Thermal baths and ruin pubs.
Day 5: Budapest to Munich (EC, ~7h) – Bavarian beer gardens and museums.
Persona type: Couples and travelers seeking Europe’s most beautiful landscapes.
Ideal pass recommendation: Eurail Global Pass (Continuous, 7–15 days or more).
Validity options available: 7, 10, 15 days (Flexi); 15, 22 days, 1, 2, or 3 months (Continuous).
Why choose this:
- Enjoy iconic scenic trains like the Glacier Express or Bernina Express (reservation required).
- Stay flexible—linger in lakeside towns or take spontaneous day trips to vineyards or mountains.
- 1st class upgrades offer extra comfort and privacy for romantic journeys.
Smart strategy:
- Book panoramic train reservations early, especially in summer.
- Use the pass for both city breaks (Paris, Florence) and nature escapes (Swiss Alps, Scottish Highlands).
- Plan travel days to coincide with the best scenic routes for maximum value.
Must-experience train routes:
- Bernina Express (Switzerland/Italy): Chur to Tirano—UNESCO World Heritage railway.
- Paris to Nice (TGV, ~6h)—Provence and the Côte d’Azur.
Sample 5-day itinerary:
Day 1: Paris to Geneva (TGV, ~3h) – Stroll Lake Geneva’s promenade.
Day 2: Geneva to Zermatt (IC, ~3h) – Gateway to the Matterhorn.
Day 3: Zermatt to St. Moritz (Glacier Express, ~8h) – Breathtaking alpine vistas.
Day 4: St. Moritz to Tirano (Bernina Express, ~4h) – Cross into Italy’s lakes region.
Day 5: Tirano to Milan (Regionale, ~2.5h) – Fashion, food, and art.
Persona type: Travelers focused on hiking, skiing, cycling, or outdoor adventure.
Ideal pass recommendation: Eurail Global Pass (Continuous, 15–22 days or more).
Validity options available: 15, 22 days, 1, 2, or 3 months (Continuous).
Why choose this:
- Reach remote mountain towns and national parks without car rental hassles.
- Use the pass for spontaneous detours to festivals, sporting events, or weather-dependent destinations.
- Take advantage of included ferry crossings (e.g., Greece–Italy) and discounted mountain railways.
Smart strategy:
- Combine train travel with local buses or cable cars (some discounts with pass).
- Use night trains to cover long distances and maximize time outdoors.
- Store bikes or sports gear easily on many European trains (check local policies).
Must-experience train routes:
- Vienna to Innsbruck (Railjet, ~4h)—gateway to Austrian Alps.
- Glasgow to Mallaig (West Highland Line, ~5.5h)—access to hiking and the Isle of Skye.
Sample 5-day itinerary:
Day 1: Munich to Innsbruck (EC, ~2h) – Alpine hikes and mountain air.
Day 2: Innsbruck to Zurich (Railjet, ~3.5h) – Swiss lakes and cycling trails.
Day 3: Zurich to Interlaken (IC, ~2h) – Adventure sports capital.
Day 4: Interlaken to Chur (IC, ~3h) – Base for hiking or mountain biking.
Day 5: Chur to Milan (Bernina Express, ~4h) – Finish with Italian lakeside relaxation.
Book Eurail Train Passes
Frequently asked questions about Eurail Pass
How many children can travel free with the Eurail Pass?
Up to two children aged 4–11 can travel free per adult pass holder. Children under 4 travel free without a pass but may need to sit on an adult’s lap if trains are crowded.
Is the Eurail Pass good for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Solo travelers benefit from the pass’s flexibility, allowing spontaneous changes and unlimited travel on covered routes without worrying about ticket prices or availability.
Can couples use one Eurail Pass together?
No, each traveler needs their own pass. However, couples can coordinate travel days and enjoy shared experiences, and may find value in 1st class for extra comfort.
Are there discounts for seniors or youth?
Yes, travelers aged 12–27 qualify for youth discounts (about 25% off), and those 60+ receive a senior discount (about 10% off). No student ID is required—age is the only criterion.
Is the Eurail Pass accessible for travelers with disabilities?
Europe’s rail network is highly accessible, with step-free access at major stations and assistance services available if booked in advance. Many trains have wheelchair spaces and accessible restrooms.
Can I bring a stroller or sports equipment on board?
Yes, strollers and sports gear are generally allowed as luggage. It’s best to fold strollers and check local train policies for bike storage or large equipment.
Does the pass cover airport trains?
Some airport trains are included (e.g., Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt Airport ICE), while others like the Paris RER or London Heathrow Express are not. Always check the coverage list before traveling.
How do I use the pass for night trains?
You’ll need to pay a reservation fee for a sleeper or couchette. Each calendar day counts as a travel day, so plan accordingly if your journey crosses midnight.
What if I miss my reserved train?
If you miss a train with a reservation, you’ll need to book a new seat for the next available service. For non-reserved trains, just hop on the next one.
Can I use the Eurail Pass for local city transport?
Generally, urban metros, trams, and buses are not included. The pass covers national and regional trains, plus some ferries and select buses.