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Eurail Pass Options: Compare Flexi, Continuous & More

What is the Eurail Pass?

The Eurail Pass is your all-access ticket to Europe’s extensive rail network, offering unlimited train travel across 33 countries with a single pass. Designed for non-European residents, it’s the go-to solution for travelers who want to explore multiple cities and countries without the hassle of buying individual tickets for each journey. Whether you’re planning a whirlwind city-hopping adventure, a scenic alpine escape, or a grand European tour, the Eurail Pass unlocks major high-speed, regional, and even some scenic trains. Additionally, you’ll enjoy added perks like free or discounted ferry crossings, special rates for youth and seniors, and kids under 12 traveling free with an adult. The Eurail Pass delivers savings, flexibility, and convenience for backpackers, families, and luxury travelers alike.

How does the Eurail Pass work?

The Eurail Pass comes in two types: Continuous and Flexi. A Continuous Pass lets you hop on trains every single day for 15, 22, or 30 days straight. A Flexi Pass gives you a certain number of travel days (like 5, 7, 10, or 15 days) that you can spread out over 1 or 2 months.

You simply activate your pass digitally before your first trip, then select and log your travel days in the Eurail app or on your paper pass. On each travel day, you can hop on as many trains as you like—no need to buy separate tickets. Flexi is perfect for city-hoppers who want to linger, while Continuous is ideal for travelers covering lots of ground in a short time.

Why should you buy a Eurail Pass?

Pan-European coverage

With one pass, you can travel seamlessly across 33 countries, from Portugal to Turkey and Norway to Greece, without worrying about border crossings or separate tickets.

Cost-effective for multi-country trips

If you’re planning to visit several countries or take long-distance trains, the Eurail Pass can save you hundreds of euros compared to buying individual tickets.

Ultimate flexibility

Change your plans on the go—decide each morning where you want to travel next, with no penalty for last-minute changes.

Extra perks

Enjoy free or discounted ferry crossings (like Greece–Italy), youth and senior discounts, and kids under 12 traveling free with an adult.

Eurail Pass types

Eurail Global Pass

Covers 33 countries and over 30,000 destinations, including all major Western, Central, and Eastern European nations, Scandinavia, the UK, and Turkey. Choose from Flexi (4, 5, 7, 10, or 15 travel days in 1–2 months) or Continuous (15, 22 days, 1, 2, or 3 months) options. Available in 1st or 2nd class, with discounts for youth (12–27), seniors (60+), and free child passes (4–11, max 2 per adult). Perfect for grand tours, city-hopping, and spontaneous adventures.

Eurail One Country Pass

Ideal if you’re focusing on a single country, such as Italy, France, Spain, or Switzerland. Enjoy unlimited travel within your chosen country for a set number of days. One Country Passes are usually cheaper than the Global Pass and are great for deep-diving into one nation’s highlights.

Continuous Pass

Travel every day for the duration of your pass—best for fast-paced trips or if you want to maximize your time on the rails. Available for 15, 22 days, or 1, 2, or 3 months.

Flexi Pass

Pick a set number of travel days (4, 5, 7, 10, or 15) to use within a longer window (1 or 2 months). Perfect for travelers who want to spend several days in each city before moving on.

Eurail Pass features & add-ons

1st vs. 2nd class

1st class offers more space, quieter coaches, and sometimes lounge access (in select countries like the Netherlands and Austria). 2nd class is comfortable and budget-friendly.

Age-based discounts

Youth (12–27) get about 25% off, seniors (60+) get around 10% off, and up to 2 kids (4–11) travel free per adult.

Seat reservations

Required for most high-speed, international, and night trains (fees from €10–€30). Regional trains usually don’t need reservations—just hop on.

Special options

Night trains, scenic panoramic routes (like the Glacier Express), and ferry crossings (Greece–Italy) are included or discounted, though reservations or supplements may apply.

Europe travel itineraries using Eurail Pass

5-day Eurail Pass itinerary (Brussels-Amsterdam-Berlin-Prague)

Day 1: Depart Paris on a high-speed Thalys train (reservation required) to Brussels. Enjoy a few hours exploring the Grand-Place and sampling local treats, then take a short connecting train to Amsterdam. Settle in for a two-night stay.
Day 2: A full day to explore Amsterdam. Use your Eurail Pass for a free ferry across the IJ river or a discounted canal cruise, and visit museums like the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum.
Day 3: Check out and board a reservation-free German ICE train from Amsterdam to Berlin. After arriving, get oriented with a walk past the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag building, and enjoy Berlin's famous nightlife.
Day 4: Spend a full day discovering Berlin's history and culture, from the Berlin Wall Memorial to Museum Island. In the late afternoon, board a scenic EuroCity train along the Elbe Valley to the fairy-tale city of Prague for the evening.
Day 5: Enjoy a final morning in Prague, visiting Prague Castle or the Old Town Square. In the afternoon, begin your return journey to Paris on a high-speed TGV (reservation required), changing trains in Frankfurt.

10-day Eurail Pass itinerary (London-Paris-Italy-Florence-Venice-Berlin-Amsterdam)

Days 1-2: London to Paris. Start with the high-speed Eurostar (reservation mandatory) from London to Paris, dedicating two days to iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
Days 3-5: Paris to Italy. Travel from Paris to Milan via high-speed TGV or Thello, then take a quick regional train to Florence. Spend these days exploring Milan's Duomo and Leonardo's Last Supper, followed by Florentine art, including Michelangelo's David and the Uffizi Gallery.
Days 6-7: Florence to Venice. Take a short, scenic train ride to Venice. Spend two days getting lost among its canals, visiting St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, and enjoying the unique atmosphere.
Days 8-9: Venice to Berlin. Journey north with a long but efficient daytime train (via Munich or overnight option) to the dynamic capital of Berlin. Immerse yourself in its powerful history at the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial, and vibrant cultural scene.
Day 10: Berlin to Amsterdam. Conclude your trip with a direct ICE train to Amsterdam. Enjoy a final day cycling along the canals and visiting world-class museums before your departure.

Frequently asked questions about Eurail Pass options

Who can use the Eurail Pass?

The Eurail Pass is available only to non-European residents. If you live in Europe or the UK, you’ll need an Interrail Pass.

What’s the difference between Flexi and Continuous passes?

A Flexi Pass lets you choose specific travel days within a set period, while a Continuous Pass allows unlimited travel every day during your pass’s validity.

Do I need to reserve seats with a Eurail Pass?

Seat reservations are required for most high-speed, international, and night trains, but not for most regional trains. Always check in advance, especially during peak season.

Can I use the Eurail Pass on city metros or buses?

No, the Eurail Pass covers national rail networks and some private lines, but not city metros, trams, or most local buses.

Are children included for free?

Yes, up to two children aged 4–11 travel free with each adult passholder. Children under 4 don’t need a pass but may not have a guaranteed seat.

Is the Eurail Pass refundable?

Unused passes are refundable within one year of issue, minus a small fee. Once activated or used, passes are non-refundable except in special cases.

Can I use the pass on airport trains?

Some airport trains are included (like Amsterdam Schiphol), but others, such as the Heathrow Express, are not. Always check the Eurail coverage list for details.

What happens if I lose my mobile pass or phone?

You can reinstall the Rail Planner app on a new device and restore your pass. For paper passes, lost passes cannot be replaced.

Is there a limit to how many trains I can take in one day?

No, you can take as many trains as you like on each travel day, from midnight to midnight.

Does the Eurail Pass cover ferries?

Yes, some ferry routes (like Greece–Italy) are included or discounted for passholders. Always check the Eurail benefits portal for the latest details.