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train travel:
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· eurail
· eurail faq
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class
train travel?
First class is more spacious and quieter with
fewer seats per compartment or train car. The seats are larger and sometimes
more plush. There is more room for luggage and it will generally be less crowded
since most Europeans using the train will travel in second class. Some train
systems only offer second class.
- What constitutes a rail day?
A rail
day is considered any travel between 12 midnight to 12 midnight of the following
day (i.e. a 24 hour period). However, a good tip to know is the 7:00pm rule. If
you board a direct, overnight train after 7pm, only the following day of
travel is counted. On your flexi or Selectpass, you would write the day of
arrival on the pass prior to boarding the overnight train.
- How much Baggage is allowed?
There
are no weight limitations on baggage (except for a few trains such as the
Eurostar or some of the special Hotel Trains). You are really limited by what
you can easily carry and board. Most trains have an overhead storage rack along
with luggage areas at the end of the car. Baggage is the sole responsibility of
the traveler as the railroads will assume no responsibility in case of loss or
theft. As always, we recommend that you travel light and that you have travel
insurance
- Is everyone eligible for a Eurail Pass and can they
be purchased in Europe?
Anyone is eligible to purchase a pass,
except for residents in the countries of Europe, the Russian Federation,
Turkey, Morocco, Algeria, or Tunisia. Since rail passes are intended for
NON-European residents, it is very difficult and more expensive to find an
outlet to buy these passes in Europe. Most Eurail Aid offices sell them, but at
a 15% higher rate.
- Are there any discounts available for Eurail
Passes?
Pricing is standardized for Eurail passes and all
legitimate vendors must sell passes at the same price. A list of bonuses and
discounts for those using the pass are available.
In terms of different
types of passes, there are discounts for youths, children or for groups of 2 or
more people traveling together. Look for the Youth Pass or Saver Pass
options.
- What is the difference between the consecutive-day
pass and the flexi-type pass?
A consecutive-day pass
provides unlimited rail travel for the duration of the pass, once it has been
validated.
The flexi-type passes give the pass-holder a 2 month
period from the validation date to utilize the number of days they have
purchased for their pass. (Ex: the 5 day flexipass allows 5 days of travel in a
2 month period, The 8 day flexipass allows 8 days of travel in a 2 month period,
etc.)
- How do I use my pass once I get to
Europe?
One of the great things about a Eurail pass is the
ease of use and convenience. Before the first time you use it, you must present
your rail pass and passport at a train station ticket window for validation,
prior to boarding the train. This is only necessary the first time. After that,
you have the freedom of unlimited travel all day according to the validity of
your pass. If you have a flexi or Selectpass, the only thing you would need to
do is fill in the date box for the day you want to travel.
- Do I need to make reservations if I have a Eurail
Pass?
Reservations are generally not mandatory, although they
are recommended for busy times and routings. Reservations are required for some
high-speed trains such as the TGV, sleeper trains, or, if you want a couchette
during an overnight journey. Reservations can be made at any train station for
just a few dollars or outside of Europe for an additional service fee.
Couchettes and Sleeper compartments are extra.
- Does my Eurail Pass cover ferry crossings or trains
such as the Eurostar (i.e. the train that goes from London to Paris through the
Chunnel)?
Certain ferry lines do allow rail pass holders free
or discounted travel. Routes covered include Ireland-France, Italy -Greece and
Germany-Sweden-Finland.
The rail pass does not cover travel on the
Eurostar, however, the ticket can be purchased at a discount when proof of a
validated Eurail pass is shown at a ticket office in the train station.
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