Age and the rail pass

I think they check birthdays. What will you do if they do?

I dont know, thats why i want to know for sure if they really check birthdates

You show your passport when you validate the pass before first use. That is when they will check your birthdate.

Since the Eurail website says, " If you are 26 years or older on the day that you start traveling with the Pass, you are not entitled to use a Youth Pass anymore.", I would expect them to check the birth date on your passport when you validate the pass.

And to clarify, it is not when you board the train that they check your birthdate. You must have the pass validated before you use it the first time, and thet is when they will check your birthdate. Your Youth Pass will be invalid---you can't use it.

My trip took place shortly after I turned 25, and unless you look really young, my experience shows that your birthday will be checked for any kind of youth discount. I am sure it is the same way with rail passes, and given the price, you shouldn't risk having it invalidated.

So you know that you won't be eligible to use the pass and you want us to tell you that what you want to do is OK and how to get away with it? Or do I misunderstand?

I would not risk this at all. You said by the time you land in Europe you will have turned 26. That fact itself invalidates your Youth Pass. When you are at the ticket counter asking them to stamp your Pass, ie., the validation stamp you need, you will have to produce your passport. They will ask to see it, and upon seeing your date of birth, they know you are 26. They won't stamp the Youth Pass. Most of the clerks stamping and validating my Passes were meticulous in Germany and France, sometimes even calling over a colleague to make sure what they will do is correct. I was 21 when I had the Youth Pass, which posed no problems.