I noticed that there was a fall/winter 20% off sale on Eurail passes. Do they do this every year? I am interested in a pass for next fall and was wondering whether I should buy my pass now or wait.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Eurail tends to do one or two sales every year, most often in winter, but not completely predictable, and usually less generous than that. Our supplier, Rail Europe, has also had a few coupon code offers, up to $100 off, again not predictable. If you see one come up in the next few months, then that would likely be better than anything offered in summer. Prices are also subject to change throughout the year based on euro-dollar exchange rates, which could go either way. New this year, you can buy a pass up to 11 months ahead, instead of 6, but you should not buy one until you're sure of your plans. (Refunds for completely unused passes are about 85%.) Keep an eye on http://ricksteves.raileurope.com/special-deals/featured-deals.html for any news.
Posted by
San Francisco
14980 posts
@ juliebrock....Yes, there is a discount on buying rail passes every year. On Dec 30 the discount/promo period ended for getting the extra day of travel say 11 total for the price of ten days. Ususally, another discount period ending on 30 March. I just got my Pass. Compared to last year's price for the same Pass, the price is $27 less. I probably won't activate this Pass until the beginning of June ( June 30 is the absolute deadline), then I have two months, ie 60 days, to use up the 11 days, ie 6 months to activate, two months to use up. First of all, do you really need a Global Pass in light of your itinerary? i would only suggest getting a Global Pass if you're under 26, otherwise you don't need one, unless you're doing a lot of zig zag traveling, intend to take night trains, or even a ferry to get the 30% discount. If you're over 26, I would assume the Global is too much for your itinerary. What has changed about Global is that it's accepted in Poland. That means you conceivably do, say Paris to Warsaw on the Pass, day and night.
Bottom line is that it all comes down to your travel style and desires, whether you would take long train rides as opposed to flying, when possible, regional traveling or places spread out, your energy level, time factor, etc etc.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Before you buy a railpass, read this from The Man In Seat 61, and make sure a pass is indeed the best for your needs.
Should you buy a Eurail pass or regular tickets? http://tinyurl.com/bkw4u6c