My husband and I are planning a big Europe trip for at least 3 months and we are planning to buy the 3 month Global pass, which will end up being around $3,400 for both of us. We wanted to visit all of the countries on the pass (20 of them). I am seeing some postings that it might be better to just do point-to-point tickets instead of buying passes. Any ideas?? We are travellers, but this is our first time in Europe. Thanks!
Posted by
Nederland, CO
1529 posts
Candice,
Generally, the value of a railpass increases with the number of days. The more days you spend using the pass the lower the per/day cost of the pass. The 3 month global saver pass is $1780. If you were to travel every day it comes to 19.78 a day. You surely won't be traveling that much, but if you figure every other day it comes to 39.56 per travel day, but even that is not likely - it will probably be something like an average of every 3 days which comes to $59.33 per travel day.
It sort of depends on how far/long/often you will be traveling. For me - if the cost is close I would much rather have a railpass for the convenience.
Posted by
Nederland, CO
1529 posts
I should also mention that the great point to point fares people discuss on this board must be bought in advance. If you're traveling for 3 months you probably aren't going to be planning your day to day itinerary too far in advance. I think if you wait and buy point to point in Europe the pass will end up being a wise choice.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Another thing that you'll have to be concerned about with a pass (depending on when you're travelling) is the issue of reservations. Many of the high speed trains across Europe require reservations (and some, supplemental fees), and the allotment for Eurail passholders can go very quickly. See Rick Steves' page at http://www.ricksteves.com/rail/usepass.htm and the pdf link under "Train Reservations" for a general idea as to the extra cost of these reservations. Buying them in advance thru RailEurope will cost you an arm and a leg. As well, overnight sleeper train will require payment of a supplement, and popular overnight trains are sold out very early. You also say "at least three months." Be aware of the 90-day limit on stays in Schengen visa countries in Europe....90 days in those countries in a 180 day period. This rule now covers 24 countries in Central and Western Europe, including 16 of the countries on the global pass list.