There seems to be many websites to purchase Eurail passes.
Which one has the best rates.
What is the best way to make a reservation without extra or higher costs?
Why do some train have mandatory reservations? Busy routes?
Should I always try to get a reservation even if it is not mandatory?
Thank you
Tk
Hi Tina,
Just click "Railpasses" up above to purchase a railpass as RS has excellent rates.
As for reservations, the only trains I would tell you to get reservations for are night trains and a Eurostar between London, Paris, or Brussels. Even trains that require a reservation, like the Eurostar Italia trains, do not really require you to reserve far in advance... rather you can get your seat reservation right before you hop on the train.
A mandatory reservation is just another way of charging for the rail trip... supposedly as a reflection of the train being higher class than other trains.
The only other time I would tell you to make a reservation is if you are travelling as a group and it is essential for all of you to sit together. If it is a busy route, you may be forced to sit apart from one another.
At this point, I would encourage you to take a look at which train routes you would be taking. If you have questions or concerns for specifc routes, please just provide the details and we will be sure to help you out.
You didn't say what country. That could make a difference.
As for the cost of Railpasses, I think you just have to shop? Eurail (www.eurail.com) is a good starting point since they are the primary sellers, but the price is no longer fixed. RailEurope might have the best overall prices, but this site, ETBD, gives some bonuses, i.e., discounts on other stuff, that my be worth something.
As for reservations, IMO, except for night trains, and some premium trains like Thalys, you don't need reservations.
In Germany, you can get reservations from German Rail, www.bahn.de, for a lot less than you can get them from stateside sellers.
I have traveled all over Germany in the last 8-9 years, without reservations, and never needed them.
