If there is anyone in the world who understands the train system, passes,fares etc...I need help. I will be traveling with two other people in three adjoining countries. I think I've determined that the 3 country select pass is our most cost effective route as we will always be together. On the site where these passes are sold it states that this pass allows unlimited travel in these countries, within the confines of # of traveling days, of course. Here is where I get confused. When I go to RailEurope to view available travel times etc.. it asks before quoting if you "have a pass". If I check "no" it quotes $87. - if I check "yes" it quotes $72. - Am I paying the cost of a pass just to get discounted fares? Do I still pay fares even if I have an unlimited travel pass? Help!
Posted by
Newport Beach, CA, USA
769 posts
WHat three countries are you traveling to? Usually the Eurail pass is "free" (still pay Reservation fee when needed). Some lines are not always included... but most should be - at least in the countries Ive used it in. Some countries also have special 1/2 card passes for 50% off... or 2+travler mini group discounts (like 10-15%?).
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Yes. You still may have to pay reservation or other fees (i.e. couchettes on night trains) on top of your "unlimited" pass. Also Rail Europe is a broker so I don't know how much their costs is extra stuff.
Finally, I sent a message to the Swiss rail site and asked them if the Eurail pass would cover the same travel as the Swiss passes in Switzerland. The answer was NO. They sent me a .pdf document showing where the Eurail pass is good and I saw numerous areas where I have traveled where the Eurail pass will not work. Specifically, the entire Lauterbrunnen Valley from Interlaken Ost and the Glacier Express. This includes Gimmelwald, Muerren, Wengen and moutain tops of the Jungfrau and the Shiltorn.
I sure would like to hear from anybody who was able to use a Eurail pass in these areas and what their discount was.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Yes! There is someone in the world who does, there are several helpers here who can advise you. You can also click above and go to the Rick Steves staff for advice on rail travel.
Posted by
OP
dallas, texas, usa
4 posts
Tom, I'm traveling to Italy, France and Switzerland.
I can't believe you're saying a Eurail pass is free. I'm definitely on the wrong sites. If the pass is free and gives you unlimited travel then do you pay individual fares. It's bound to cost money to ride the rails. If this is the case, what is the pass for?
Posted by
Freedonia
16274 posts
Check the times of your train. If it goes overnight, the RailEurope site automatically reserves a sleeper car berth for you.
Or you may be paying for a certain portion of your trip that is not covered by your rail pass.
Or it might be reservation fees that are mandatory and not covered by the pass.
Follow Ken's advice, email your itinerary to the RS travel office and let them tell you the most economical way to do the journey.
Could you give us an exact example.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Once again, I remark that there is a website for everything. The most knowledgeable person in the world is The Man in Seat 61: www.seat61.com.
Here's an article about him: http://londonist.com/2007/09/interview_the_m.php
Oh, yes, and Tim in Minot, ND knows a few things too.
Posted by
Fresno
189 posts
I am so glad I am not the only one confused by the train system in Europe. Does one need a degree in this in order to understand?