I was going to buy the Eurail Select pass for travel in Austria, Hungary Slovakia and Czech Republic which are all bordering countries as required. I have seen a new pass called the European East
pass which is also for these same 4 countries and it is slightly less to purchase. Is anyone familiar with this pass and whether they would recommend it or not?
Jerry
The cheaper European East Pass is the only one I would consider, in either first or second class, since it exactly matches your country selection. It is not new; has been around for at least the 16 years that I have been here. There is no difference in the trains covered, except that it is not accepted on WestBahn brand trains in Austria. It is accepted on RailJet and other trains operated by the national railways, which run frequently. You can hop on most daytime trains without needing a seat reservation (optional, about €4). Another difference is that you can spread your travel over a period of up to one month (e.g., June 15 to July 14) with a European East pass, versus a longer, 2-month window for the Select Pass.
Thank you for your reply. Great information and helps a lot!
Jerry, you might want to check the cost of individual tickets. Unless you are doing a different train every day the pass may not be worth it. I am the type that enjoys traveling a little nicer than average but never saw much about first class that was worth the extra money, especially on 3 hour or less trips.
Jerry,
Also check ADVANCE purchase tickets can be 25% cheap point to point if bought in advance.
When I last traveled in Germany, Czech, Hungary, Austria I went point to point on advance purchase and was cheaper than rail pass but you must stick to advance dates.
Rail passes offer flexibility of when to go and can change times just need seat reservation. The more you travel Europe you will find more modern countries like Germany and Austria train travel is expensive but Czech and Hungary is much less.
I will be in Berlin April 28th and going point to point somewhere for 2.5 weeks then fly back to USA from Munich.
Thank you everyone for your replies. I have looked at the point to point ticket purchase but for the extra dollars we like to have the flexibility to take what ever train is most convenient that day. I will look at it again before I make my purchase. Happy travels to all.
Jerry
