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Railpass confusion... help?

My mother and I are planning 11 days in Europe and we are vising Salzburg, Austria; Hallstatt, Austria; Paris, France (with a day trip to Giverny and possibly Versailles); Brussels and Bruges, Belgium; and Munich, Germany (with a day trip to either Neuschwanstein or Dachau). We have been trying to figure out what would be the best railpass option, and are still confused. Is it better to get a 15 day consecutive rail pass (1st class saver $630 a piece), or a 4 country, 8 day SelectPass (1st class saver $674 a piece).

If we read right, you can use a day on a rail pass and use it for museums? If that is true, then it would possibly be better to get the consecutive rail pass? Because, also if I understand right, you don't have to actually travel consecutive days as long as your travel is completed in 15 consecutive days. I calculated we could use 9 days of it, without including the museums.

Any help is much appreciated! Thanks.

Posted by
1529 posts

Michaela, I am a fan of railpasses and the ease they offer however, I'm not sure it's the right choice for you. Railpasses usually only make sense if you will be traveling long distances. I count only 4 days you will be traveling significant distances. I'm not aware of a railpass that gives discounts or pays for admissions at museums. I think you may be confusing railpasses with another type of tourist pass. I don't think anyone would consider any of the "bonuses" you get with a railpass worth the extra price. I really think it would be best for you to buy point to point tickets for the traveling you will be doing. If you really want to get a railpass you might consider a 4 day pass and do point to point for your short trips like Salzburg - Hallstatt, Brussels - Bruges.