The European Rail Pass

When you’re planning your trip to Europe you have plenty to worry about. Have you purchased your plane ticket? Decided upon your itinerary? Figured out how much money to bring? Do you have the right guidebook? How will you get around Europe?

If you buy a European rail pass you can be confident that you have one less thing to worry about. You will be traveling around Europe on the cheapest, fastest, and most convenient means of transportation, the European train system.

The European train system has over 100,000 miles of rail lines in 17countries. The 17 countries covered on European rail passes are: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

There are 3 main types of rail passes which are the most popular along with many other passes designed specifically for specialized travel areas. They cover anywhere from all 17 countries to just 5 countries to single country rail passes. All passes come with first class travel or second class travel for anyone under the age of 26 on their first day of rail travel.

The Eurail pass covers all 17 countries and offers an unlimited amount of train travel within the time period chosen – either 15 days, 21 days, 1, 2, or 3 months. For example, if a one month pass is purchased, the customer has one month to travel as much as he/she wants in all 17 countries. Prices range from $388 (a 15 day 2nd class Youth pass) to $1558 (a 3 month 1st class pass).

Eurail Flexipass also covers 17 countries but offers 10 or 15 days of train travel to use over a 2 month period of time. This pass is good for someone who will travel over a long period of time but would like to stay in each city they visit for a few days at a time. Prices start at $458 for a 10 day 2nd class Youth pass to $862 for a 15 day 1st class pass.

Covering 5 basic countries, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland, the Euro Pass is perfect for someone who needs the benefits of a Flexipass but who will only travel within a few countries. The Euro Pass comes with either 5, 6, 8, 10 or 15 days of travel to use over a 2 month period. One extra option is to add up to 2 additional regions to extend the Europass. These regions are: Belgium, Netherlands & Luxembourg, Austria & Hungary, Greece, and Portugal. Prices range from $233 (a 5 day 2nd class Youth pass) to $828 (a 15 day 1st class pass with 2 regions added on).

Single country rail passes are for travelers who are just visiting one country and do not need more countries covered on a rail pass. These passes come in either a consecutive, unlimited day pass or a flexipass.

Rail passes are not only an inexpensive way to travel around Europe, but are convenient and fast. Trains run 24 hours a day with frequent stops at any destination you like. Some train routes run more than once an hour to certain popular destinations. Sleeping accommodations on trains allow for evening travel, saving money on hotel rooms and time during the day that can be used for enjoying the sites instead of traveling from one city to another. Train travel also allows interaction with fellow travelers along with native Europeans. Bring a picnic dinner on board, share some food and make friends!

All pass vendors must sell rail passes at the same price. Purchase your rail pass from RailConnection.com, and receive added bonuses such as:

The Passport, a pocket sized resource that tells you everything you need to know about traveling abroad.

Order online at RailConnection.com and receive FREE second business day shipping, a $10 value. Or, call Rail Connection toll free at 1-888-RAIL-PAS (888-725-5727).

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