Eurail Passes seem like a ripoff to me.

Despite experienced travelers on this site recommending other travelers to buy most tickets when they get to Europe, many find it unacceptable to travel without a firm ticket in hand. At the time, many are not aware of the multiple train sites. Those that do find the train sites find it far too difficult to navigate them. It then becomes just too darn easy and convenient to sign on the Raileurope or Euraide and get the tickets you want. As you discovered, the cost of a railpass often exceeds the P2P costs. Unfortunately, most don't realize that the railpass does not cover all costs. Further, 1) in some countries, railpass seats are limited and if sold out, you may have to buy a P2P ticket, 2) Railpass operators don't pass on any special fares that you might be able to get if you purchased from the online rail system or you bought early in Europe once you arrive, and 3) your railpass countries have to share a common border. If you travel through a country not on your pass, you'll pay extra.

You often find this information if you read the information that you receive after you receive your passes. Or, if you don't read the info, you are suprised in Europe.

Finally, some travelers have the understanding that you must have a railpass of some type to travel in Europe. Not true. No train run in Europe requires a railpass. Railpasses are simply a convenience that can make train ticket purchases easier. In fact, with rare exceptions, Eurail passes are not sold in Europe. They are for the convenience on non-Europeans.

The standard advice for a long time on this site and other travel sites is to carefully compare point to point tickets with various rail passes. And the general conclusion is that you have to do a lot of rail travel to make the pass pay. It can still be beneficial but not in most cases. And for some countries like Italy it makes no sense at all. The point is --- you have to do your homework.

I would prefer to say that for people older than 26 years they are usually not a good value.

Someone (not me, but someone) might decide that it's worth paying a premium for the simplicity and spontaneity of a first-class railpass, or to travel in first class.

It's not trivial to buy in advance from the national rail sites, either, if you want the security of a ticket in hand.

"Rip-off" is only justified, I think, if you are sold a rail pass on the basis that it will save you money or provide services that you do not in fact get.

Some second-class country passes can be a decent value, depending on use.

John: If I understand you correctly you got $990 worth of rail travel for $640? $350 sounds like a worthwhile saving to me, that's a 35% discount!

I guess "worthless" is in the eye of the beholder?

Peter...I think you misinterpret his statement, since no one would think saving 35 per cent is a bad deal....seems pretty obvious to me....I'm surprised you would make that assessment. No one could spend $990 on rail travel through Benelux and France in four days, no matter how hard they tried. It sound like he paid $640 for a Eurail pass that, if he had gone point to point, would have only cost him $350....a loss of $290.

Well Norm, I didn't think it made sense - hence my surprised tone. I may have misunderstood his use of the word "saved":

"total amount I saved on 4 trips was about $350.00"

I still think rip-off is a bit harsh, these passes work like any other "unlimited" purchase - unlimited calling plans, all you can eat buffets, season passes to theme parks - you need to consume a certain amount to break even.

If you pay big money to go to the "Unlimited Shrimp and Steak buffet" and decide to only have some bread sticks and and glass of tap water has the restaurant ripped you off?

Passes are not cheap. Adding countries and/or days to your pass is very expensive. If someone is considering getting a pass, they should first review their itenerary, determine what legs will require train transport and compare different price options for the trip. Sometimes a pass makes sense, sometimes a prepurchased discounted ticket is the best while other times you can just take advantage of everyday deals.

The other waste IMO is first class. I ride first class with reservations when doing business and second class without reservations for personal travel. I have never found first class to be worth the extra cost. I travel shoulder season whenever possible. I'm still waiting for the first time I wished I had reservations.

The best advice is always to price compare p2p and passes. My family and I just spent 3.5 great weeks traveling in 5 EU countries and saved a bundle with our rail pass (bought on RS of course). With that said, we also did not make any of our reservations through RailEurope as they did not offer the best deal or a wide variety of options. We thought the pass was quite a bargain and figure we saved at about $900 and a lot of stress. To each his own - m

I've used rail passes several times and have come out ahead in cost and convenience. That said, if you know your approximate itinerary, you should always compare/evaluate p2p tickets versus a rail pass using the website www.railsaver.com to determine what comes out the best for you. My next trip which includes 8 days of train travel comes out best if I get a 6-day 2-country pass plus buy city-to-city tickets on the other two days.
You just can't assume a pass is always best. Do your homework!