this is probably a dumb question, but i bought my eurail pass, and i was wondering how do i use it? do i just go to stations and show them the pass?, or are there websites where i can book my tickets?
Posted by
Lincoln, NE, USA
390 posts
You must get it validated before your first train ride. To do this, take it to any ticket window at any train station and show them the ticket along with your passport. They will stamp it and fill in your passport number and validity dates. It is not valid for use until you do this, and if you get on a train without this stamp, you will be fined.
If you have a flexi-pass, you must fill the date in ink before boarding a train on that day. You may take as many trains on that day as you wish. If you have not filled in the date when they ask to see your ticket, you could be fined.
If it is for 1-month, etc., you just have to show your pass when asked for a ticket on-board.
If you take local trains, you can usually just jump on whenever you wish, and show the pass on-board. For long-distance and high-speed trains, you almost always need a reservation, or you may have to pay a supplement. If you plan to take an overnight train, you must pay extra for a couchette. Reservations can be made at the train station.
Posted by
Lincoln, NE, USA
390 posts
Check out this link for more info on train passes and what is included.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
The obvious question is, "why did you buy a Eurail pass if you didn"t know how to use it."
You validate the pass at a ticket counter in a station before you use it.
After that you write in the date every day before you use it. Make sure you use European characters.
You just show the pass to the conductor.
For most trains, you don't need reservations, but they do guarentee a seat.
For some premium trains, like Thalys, TGV, and Italian EuroStar, you need extra cost "reservations".