I am visiting Europe next month. I fly into Copenhagen on Sept 17 and leave Oct 3. I am purchasing a global Eurail pass as I plan to travel extensively by train. Where? When? That is why I am doing the Eurail to stay completely flexible from day to day. My question is how full will the trains be? Will there be plenty of room in 2he class or should I pay extra for 1st class? My first day I am taking the train from Copenhaven to Hamburg and then the nightjet to Zurich. I plan on going to Budapest, Serbia, and Bulgaria also. My entire trip will be based on weather so I need the flexibility. Any tips, suggestions, or advise? Any particular train routes that I should take? I will end in Sofia and fly back to Copenhagen. I heard that September and October are the shoulder season but should I still expect lots of tourists and passengers? Last December K took the train from Vienna and Prague and I was glad I had 1st class because the train was standing room only!! Also, I plan on doing several 1 person sleepers. 1st or 2nd?
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
While (non-Deluxe) Double sleepers are usually available with 2nd class, Single sleepers require 1st class in some areas. They're not cheap in the west, but should be affordable on further east routes. That's probably your main deciding factor.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
This is much to broad a question to answer. The stock answer is "read a guide book".
The loading on trains will be the similar in September as other months. It will be more dependent on day of week, time of day and any local holidays. Summer tourism is not the main source of passengers, though significant on some routes.
I hope you are aware that a Eurail pass does not cover sleeping accommodation on overnight trains, you will have to pay extra for that.
In some countries, if you want to use a Eurail pass on high speed trains you must pay a surcharge beforehand. Which trains, how much, and how far in advance you need to reserve is a complicated subject.
Edit: The prices for people with a Eurail Pass on Nightjet trains are here: https://www.nightjet.com/en/angebote/interrail-eurail-paesse.html
Bed in compartment with 2 beds incl. breakfast € 74,-
Bed in compartment with 1 bed incl. breakfast € 114,-
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR
82 posts
Thank you. Yes I am fully well aware of extra charge for sleepers. Also aware of compulsory reservations on some trains. I have no intention of even going near France, Belgium or Western Europe, or any country that have major restrictions per se. Reason I asked is because in the USA train travel is extremely busy between Memorial Day and Labor Day but after kids go back to school, ridership plummets! Since it is only $155 extra between 1st and 2nd class, and 1st class from Copenhagen to Budapest is $156 extra alone, I will splurge. I want to try out the deluxe sleepers too!! Might take the chance on getting a two bed deluxe sleeper hoping someone else is not in the room!!!