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Eurail paper pass shipping takes 2 months?

Okay, so I get it that they want us to use the electronic pass, but given the buggy app, I much prefer using a paper pass. We're not heading out until August, so plenty of time to receive the paper pass, right? On one part of the Eurail website, it says to allow 10 days to receive it. Seems about right. But now that I'm making the actual purchase, it says "Your order will arrive by August 18th, 2022." Huh?? Two months from now?? That can't be right (and won't work for us).

Anyone bought a paper Eurail pass recently? Did you have any trouble receiving it in a reasonable length of time?

[And yes, I know we could just buy tickets separately instead. But two of our three weeks will be spontaneous, so we won't benefit from advance purchase discounts, and we're most likely not going to France or Italy at all (the countries most requiring reservations, making a pass far less useful). We're also both members of discounted Eurail fare categories. I did the math, and unless we end up staying in one place for two weeks (!!) we come out ahead by buying Eurail passes.]

Did your pass arrive promptly? Or are the electronic tickets working better now? Other thoughts?

Thank you!

Posted by
7884 posts

Many of us seldom find Railpasses to actually be the cheapest. Since our host here (Rick) sells Passes, you might want to call his company and see what they can offer you.

Posted by
5507 posts

Railpasses are a luxury item because you are paying for convenience, so contact the company where you bought your pass to at least try to make this purchase slightly worth it.

PS - even buying fully flexible walk up fares will likely be cheaper than the pass plus you don’t have to deal with this mess.

Posted by
50 posts

I also use the paper pass, and, yes, I was getting worried after several weeks. No, I didn't opt to pay for special tracking. Same old, same old excuse many businesses are offering: not enough help! Mine finally did arrive about a month after I ordered it. Lucky I'm not traveling until July.

Posted by
50 posts

Rick Steves doesn't sell railpasses. He just gives the info on his site and it sends you to Rail Europe or whatever. In the past, he did.