Hi! I will be traveling throughout Eastern Europe in June, and I am not sure which rail pass to buy. I will be flying into Berlin and then continuing on to Warsaw, Krakow, Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, (possibly Munich), Czesky Krumlov, Prague, Dresden, and back to Berlin. Would the Eastern Europe rail pass and the Germany-Poland pass make the most sense? Or would a different rail pass be better for these countries, and can they be combined? For instance, if I have the Germany-Poland pass and the Eastern Europe pass, can I travel through these countries, or do I need to buy additional tickets in between. Let me know, thank you!
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5407 posts
Don't assume a rail pass is the best option. Point to point tickets are usually cheaper. Do not use RailEurope for fares or schedules as RailEurope is merely a travel agency and info is often incorrect. Read through this site first - https://www.seat61.com/Railpass-and-Eurail-pass-guide.htm.
Posted by
San Francisco
14580 posts
Hi,
How long is this trip, the entire month of June? If most of the trips are in Germany, then I would get the Germany-Poland Pass, esp if you plan on doing night trains. What do value more? Flexibility or savings? Some value the savings incurred,others down play the savings for the flexiblity they enjoy. It depends on your travel style and itinerary, how geographically extensive it is., how spread out., say from Vienna to Gdansk, Munich to Budapest, ( a night train connection), Prague to Krakow, ( a night train connection)
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16894 posts
If you just buy tickets as you go, the most you'd pay would be about $450 in 2nd class (not counting Munich option nor an overnight sleeper fee). If there are a few rides that you book ahead, you could trim down that price. You may also use a shuttle service or bus line to connect to/from Cesky Krumlov.
If you have both the Select Pass for Germany-Poland (e.g., 5 days for $240) and the Eastern Europe pass (e.g., 6 days for $246), then you're fully covered except that you'd pay for a sleeper on a night train. Seat reservations are required on faster Polish trains but free in stations there. You would use a day from each pass when crossing from Krakow to Budapest and when you return to Germany.
Unfortunately, you don't have many pass options that cover Poland. (Back when it used to be included in the European East Pass, it was an easier choice.) If you're under 28 and qualify for a youth rate, the full-blown Eurail Global Pass is close to the same price range (e.g., 7 days in a month for $427 or 10 days for $525).