Eurail Basics Archives

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Eurail Basics (53)
Eurail Budget Travel Tips (25)
Eurail Facts (4)
Eurail Reservations (9)
Eurail Safety (16)
Eurail Travel Advice (110)
Overnight Eurail Travel (19)
Region Specific Eurail Information (20)

Pay Attention Before Boarding
Do not get on a train that arrives at your track early without an indication of being the train to...

Read Eurail Train Rules
If there are rules posted on your train in a language you understand, it is your responsibility to read them....

Read Eurail Rules
As soon as you get your Eurail pass, read all of the rules at least once. Read them again when...

Leave Shoes Off Seats
Do not put your feet on the seat if you are wearing shoes. The conductors will yell at you....

Validate Your Eurail Ticket
Some countries require your tickets to be validated--such as France and Italy. Check in advance, and if you do not...

Don't Buy Ticket on Eurail
Do not put your ticket away or get rid of it after the conductor has checked it. Conductors often check...

Hidden Beds
The seats in those six-person rooms often pull out to form beds!...

Speak Up About Smoke
If someone lights up a cigarette in a non-smoking area don't be afraid to speak up!...

AC Knobs on Eurail Trains
Six-person compartments often have self-controlled AC knobs right above the door....

Traveling with Kids
Some trains have a little play area for kids so if you are traveling with your family this is the...

Use of 24-hour Clock
The European rail system uses the 24 hour clock, so 1030 means 1030 am, and 2230 means 1030 pm. For...

Sitting in First Class
Do not sit in first class if you do not have a first class ticket....

Know Where Your Eurail Goes
Not all European countries accept the Eurail pass--like certain Eastern European countries. Check to see what countries on your itinerary...

Double Check Your Platform
Some train platforms include schedules of the trains that depart from the specific platform. Check it if you are unsure...

Store Pack Securely
Avoid annoying your neighbors by ensuring your pack is firmly in the baggage storage above you....

Keep the Music Down
If you want to listen to music via headphones, please make sure it is not SO LOUD that everyone withing...

Never Use Toilette in Station
Never use the toilette while its in the station..big mistake = big fine from irate train workers....

Where To Find Time Schedules
If you are trying to jump on a local train to get back to your hotel, ect and you dont...

Don't Assume Seats for Missed Connections
If you miss your connection and have to run to catch the next train, don't assume you will have a...

Don't Reuse Dates on Flexipass
Don't try to reuse dates on a flexipass. If the conductor catches this, you will be fined--110 euros....

Be Prepared for Conductors
Get your ticket, passport, and eurail pass ready before the conductor comes....

Use Caution When Filling in Dates
Be very careful when filling in the dates on your Eurail flexipass. If you accidentally write in the wrong date...

Receiving Two Tickets on Eurail Trains
Occasionally you might receive two tickets for a journey that may seem like you need to make a connection, but...

Write in Your Travel Dates
If you forget to write in the date of travel in your Eurail pass they will fine you! Do it...

Bring Your Passport
Always take your passport with you on the train, you never know when someone may come around and check....

Eurail Eurostar Travel
Looking for a way to get from England to mainland Europe, or vice versa? Check out the Eurostar or "Chunnel"....

Twin vs. Saver Eurail Passes
Twin and Saver passes do the same thing: Both offer discounts for parties of two or more people. The passes...

Euro Rail Train Station Lockers
Most train stations will have lockers or luggage-checks. Use them when you plan to return to the city shortly, and...

Dealing With Luggage
You are responsible for your own luggage. Most large stations will have baggage carts, although few still have porters. Stations...

Eurail Travel With Children
Travelling with children? Those under four are free (unless requiring a separate seat/bed reservation) and those 5-11 are only half...

Validating Your Eurail Pass
The first time you use your rail pass, you must present it, along with your passport, at the ticketing window...

Changing Reservations
If you change your mind on a reservation, see if you can exchange it for travel on another date, instead...

Eurail Schedule Train Stations
Up to the minute train schedules can be found on large, computerized boards near the entrance of train stations. It...

Included Vs. Non-Included Euro Rail Trains
Some trains are not included with the Eurail passes: the Eurostar (between London and Europe), Glacier Express (partially covered), Metropolitan...

Consecutive versus Non-consecutive Travel
There are two types of rail travel: consecutive and, well, not consecutive (called flexi or select). Consecutive passes start the...

UK Not Included With Standard Eurail Pass
Unfortunately, travel in the United Kingdom is not permitted with a standard Eurail Pass. However, a BritRail pass is available...

Recording the Date on Your Eurail Pass
Save yourself some hassle when writing in the dates of travel and make sure you record your dates in Day/Month/Year...

Changing Number of Pass Days
You cannot change the number of days or countries on a pass once it has been validated. Think about what...

Reading the Eurail Schedule Times
In Europe, times are listed on the 24 hour clock. 00.00 is midnight depart and 24.00 is midnight arrive. 3...

Eurail Selectpass Options
Eurail passes aren't just for long-term backpackers! With a selectpass, you can choose 3, 4, or 5 countries from the...

Bikes on Eurail
Bikes are not accepted on all trains. If they are accepted, an additional charge is usually required, and they must...

Europe Ferry Schedules
Ferries operate on different schedules depending on the season. Double check the valid dates on the timetables to make sure...

When are Reservations Not Required?
Reservations are not required for non-high-speed or overnight sleeper trains. However, if you're planning on travelling during peak times (such...

Disabled European Train Travel
Special amenities for disabled travellers are available at many stations. Equipment must be reserved in advance and if personal help...

Buy Eurail Far in Advance
You can purchase travel tickets up to six months in advance of the start of your trip. Eurail passes must...

Luggage on Eurail Trains
On most trains, you can bring as much luggage as you want! However, you have to be able to carry...

Difference Between First and Second Class
First class cabins cram in less people and have more room for luggage, however, most people find second class cabins...

Check Your Cash
If you plan on eating on board a train, make sure you have acceptable currency for the country you are...

Who Can Purchase InterRail?
You don't need to be a European citizen to purchase an InterRail pass - if you have lived in one...

Where Can I Go on Eurail?
A Eurailpass and flexipass allow for travel through 17 countries in Europe. Hit up Ireland, Portugal, Spain, France (including Monaco),...

What is InterRail?
InterRail is a rail pass similar to Eurail, except for Europeans and people who have been a resident of a...

Currency in Europe
Most countries that you can travel to on the Eurailpass use the Euro as their unit of currency. Exceptions are...

Who Can Purchase Eurail?
Residents of Europe, Turkey, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and the Russian Federation are not eligible for Eurail passes. Don't worry -...

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