when I purchase a railpass when does the time start? like I buy a 21 day ticket when does it start? when I purchase the ticket? when its used for the first time at a station?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Brent,
You should receive instructions with your Railpass on how to use it. You'll need to validate the Pass prior to first use by presenting it along with your Passport to a ticket agent in the first country you visit.
One important point to note is that Railpasses DO NOT include the seat reservation fees which are compulsory in some countries, especially France and Italy. France limits reservations to pass holders and once the quota is sold out for a particular train, you won't be able to travel on that train even if there are empty seats. Your choice will be to take another train that does have pass holder reservations still available, or simply buy a ticket and don't use the Railpass.
The situation is Italy is a bit different. Even with a Railpass, you MUST have reservations specific to the train, date and departure time. If you're caught without a valid reservation for the train you're riding on, you'll face hefty fines starting at about €50 PP which will be collected on the spot!
One minor detail - you may want to revise the spelling in the city listed in your profile (I'm not familiar with "Sam Diego").
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
See more on this topic at http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/using-your-rail-pass.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Before buying a rail pass, read this excellent analysis of the other options like point-to-point discount tickets bought in advance, from The Man In Seat 61: http://tinyurl.com/bkw4u6c
Then read it again, and be SURE you understand ALL the possible pitfalls of passes, not just the "advantages." If a pass still works best for your needs, great; but it is no longer the "obvious best choice" for most people.