Using Eurorail Pass

Hi Corrin,

Unless you are taking any night trains, the only reservations that might be required are on a TGV, which are the high-speed trains for France. This will depend on exactly which train you take into France, and which ones you take around France.

In Germany you may take some ICE (Inter-city Express) which are the high-speed trains for Germany, but they do not require reservations.

If you are taking a TGV at any point, you can make reservations at most major European train stations or any train station in France. You can even get the reservation just before you get on the train, so long as the route is not too busy. The reservations are only three euros per person, so not bad at all.

For the rest of the time, you are correct that you just show the conductor your rail pass. They may also ask to see your passports as the pass is only valid for the individuals listed on it (although in my experience this almost never happens).

One last thing... if you are heading to London via the Eurostar (not sure what your plans are), this train is not included in your Eurail pass. You get a discount for having the pass, but you do need separate tickets for that one.

Have a great trip!

Thanks so much! Now for getting to Paris from Vienna, on the TGV, how do I make the reservations? Especially since I'll have my eurail pass and when you're online making reservations you need to purchase the ticket. So how do I make reservations for the TGV?

Oh and I think we will be doing night trains to most places. So how do I make those reservations? Thanks so much!!

doing night trains can be very expensive. go to the ticket office at the train station on may21 and have them activate your pass which they stamp, then you can hop on and off trains. if you need to make a reservation do it in berlin for the required route this way you will get a spot. you can make all reservations in berlin for night trains. travel to london will be about 100euros each with your pass.