If you’re wanting to travel in a little more comfort and room then you should look at the spacious 1st class Eurail Pass. 1st class passes are the normal full adult fare, although there are discounts for children and groups traveling together. In general, 1st class travel is more spacious and quieter than 2nd class travel. 1st class seats are usually larger with reclining backs and more legroom than 2nd class seats. In a typical 1st class train car, there are usually 2 seats on one side of the aisle and one seat on the other. In compartment car seating, the cabins accommodate up to 6 passengers!
2nd class passes are an affordable way to travel Europe and is the way most Europeans themselves travel. 2nd class seating usually has 2 seats on either side of the aisle. In compartment car seating, 2nd class cabins accommodate up to 8 passengers while 2nd class sleepers have 2-3 beds (instead of 1). Couchettes are considered 2nd class travel, and accommodate 4-6 people. Sleeperettes, reclining seats, are also included in this category.
With a Eurail Pass, Europe is there to explore… Endless miles of railway lines running across the European continent connecting one breathtaking scenery to another, connecting one exciting city to the other. All you need to do is board a train, sit back, relax and enjoy your holiday through unlimited travel in an elegant, quiet and comfortable way.
I’ve personally traveled Europe over 10 times and I still cannot wait to go back every time. There are so many things to see and do in Europe that having an Eurail Pass makes it so easy to travel around the beautiful countries. It is not only better on the environment to take the Eurail, but it is much safer to travel within the comfort of other people. I’ve met so many friends for life while traveling on the Eurail, and it makes a lonely trip turn into a once in a life time experience.
The options are limitless when taking the Eurail because you can choose from 1 one country Eurail passes, multi-country Eurail passes or take the grand tour and see all of Europe. Rail Pass makes it easy to plan your trip ahead, and because you need to obtain your Eurail Pass before you leave you shouldn’t have any more worries upon arriving in Europe…just get on the train and explore.
A ticket or a railpass will get you on most trains, however it does not ensure a seat. Please note that reservation & supplement fees are not included in the price of your pass. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance (90 - 120 days on some services) of travel or at the train station on the date of departure. Most high-speed and all overnight trains require reservations, including many of the trains in France, Spain and Italy. In order to avoid a possible fine on board, we strongly recommend that you make a reservation in advance. Night train accommodations are not included with any railpass and should be purchased separately.
What is the difference between a consecutive day pass and a flexipass?
A consecutive-day pass provides unlimited rail travel for the duration of the pass, once it has been validated. For example, if you buy a month long pass you can travel at any time during that month. Flexible travel days give the pass-holder a 2 month period from the validation date to utilize the number of days they have purchased for their pass. If you buy a 2-month flexipass with 10 days of travel, you can use the ten days at any point during the 60-day period.
Both passes have their benefits. The consecutive day pass is great if you are roaming and don’t know exactly where you are going or how long it will take you. It tends to be more expensive. The flexipass only allows limited days of travel so more planning needs to go into your itinerary. It is great for travelers on a budget and costs less than a consecutive day pass.
