Hello all,
Has anyone used a EuroRail pass in England and Scotland? Last visit, we used a Brit Rail pass and it was fantastic. Since we're hitting some other countries first, I saw that EuroRail has a Global Pass and wondered if there were any problems with it in the UK. (Looks like right now the Global Pass may be a better deal than buying a BritRail pass separately - - plus you can apparently use it toward the Eurostar and the Caledonian Sleeper.)
Thanks in advance!
Jazz - ???
Is this question not allowed or something? I'm seeing conflicting info online so I thought I would come here and inquire - - maybe not.
The Eurail pass has only been valid in the UK since 1st Jan this year. So you are unlikely to find anybody who has used one there.
On the Eurostar you would have to pay a supplement.
On sleepers, in any country, a pass only covers you for a seat. You would need to to pay extra for a bed.
Thank you, Chris.
I'm trying to determine if it makes financial sense to purchase a Eurail pass for the entire trip or just for some countries, along with the BritRail and then purchase some tickets out of pocket.
Your info helps. Thanks again.
A EuroRail pass is unlikely going to be of value no matter. It is overpriced, especially if you are older and have to buy the 1st class fare. Any high speed train will require a supplement too. And if you know your itinerary, you can buy advance tickets at discounts.
Honestly and no insults are intended but Eurail Passes are usually for novice travelers who have very little experience with trains and just have a knee-jerk reaction to buy a Eurail Pass because they're going to "multiple countries". Usually they don't understand the extras required to use your Eurail Pass (seat reservations) nor the quota that some national rail countries impose on Eurail holders riding their trains. Italy for example has dirt cheap tickets (seat reservations included) if you buy early. Germany has the Bavarian Pass that lets you ride all over Bavaria for 25Euro. Sometime of the most spectacular sites in Switzerland give you very little if any discount at all for Eurail holders. Deals like that make Eurail Passes less than attractive.
The 2019 Eurail pass seems like a good deal. I first used the pass back in 1972 when I was much younger and qualified as a student. Yes, the pass was different as were the trains way back when. I know there are many of you on this board find using the Eurail Pass is a waste of money. If you are only going to Europe for a very short time, advance purchase of point-to-point tickets are probably cheaper. The changes made to the 2019 pass seem pretty good to this old senior. Over 60 (seniors) and second class makes the Global pass very attractive. Heck, a day at Disneyland will cost you at least $150.00 per person. A 3 month Global Eurail pass is only about $800.0 0- $900.00. The British rail system is one of the most expensive rail systems in the world, so I would think a Global Pass might be cheaper than then the BritRail Pass. You will have to do your homework but Seat 61 ( https://www.seat61.com/ ) thought the changes to the 2019 Eurail Pass were very good - making the Eurail Pass on par with the Interail pass.
The Eurail pass changed dramatically for 2019. Many posters don’t know the new rules (all ages can choose 2nd class). I would look elsewhere on the Rick Steves site for the current information.
Maybe this will help
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/2019
Hi,
If you are weighing the different factors on whether to get the Global Pass, get it, if you intend to take night trains on the continent on a trip lasting 2 months. It is also valid now on the EuroStar. The pass only gets you on the night train but a seat reservation is extra as is reserving a bed in a "Sleeper" If you want a "Sleeper" that's extra and pricey, not an option for me, otherwise you sleep in a compartment seat sitting up.
Now, if you don't need that, all the better since you only pay 4,5 Euro extra for a seat reservation, ie you sleep sitting upwards. Depending on the type of night train, you sit in a compartment with 5 others (yes, strangers to you just as you are to them) or you sit in the general seating area, which given the two, I rather sit anyway because in a six person compartment with luggage, etc, it can feel cramp.
I factor in taking night trains on every single trip, have been doing that since 2009, the post-retirement trips, All have been satisfactory to good, except one (sort of) going to Paris from Hannover, which no longer exits
If your trip is only in the UK, you don't need a Global Pass. I use a Pass, mainly in Germany and Austria but not regional travel.
