When planning European travel, many people are concerned about transportation options. Especially when touring multiple countries, train travel becomes an excellent choice for efficient sightseeing while enjoying the scenery. A strong ally for such European train travel is the “Eurail Pass.” This article will provide detailed explanations from basic usage of the Eurail Pass to important points you should know.
What is the Eurail Pass?
The Eurail Pass is a rail pass for foreign travelers that can be used in 33 European countries. It’s available to tourists who are not European residents, allowing unlimited travel on eligible trains within the specified validity period. While European rail fares are known to be quite expensive, using a Eurail Pass can significantly reduce travel costs compared to purchasing individual tickets for each journey. For European residents, a separate “Interrail Pass” is available.
Basic Steps for Usage
Using the Eurail Pass involves the following steps:
- 1. Pass selection and purchase
- 2. Download Rail Planner app and register pass
- 3. Check and register planned train schedules
- 4. Make seat reservations for necessary routes (high-speed trains, etc.)
- 5. Activate pass on first day of use
- 6. Board trains: Present digital pass
Step 1: Pass Selection and Purchase
Using the Global Pass makes cross-border travel smooth
From www.eurail.com
When choosing a Eurail Pass, you first need to consider the area and duration of use. The “Global Pass” is the most comprehensive pass, usable in all 33 participating countries, with options for consecutive use (15 days to 3 months) and flexible use (4 days/1 month to 15 days/2 months). For focusing on a specific single country, the “One Country Pass” is economical.
Prices vary by age group, with three categories: Youth (12-27 years), Adult (28-59 years), and Senior (60+ years). For groups of 2-5 people, “Saver Passes” are available with discounts applied.
Step 2: Using the Rail Planner App
Rail Planner app
First, download the “Rail Planner” app from the App Store or Google Play and complete the initial setup. This app is essential for Eurail Pass usage, required for pass management, train searches, and saving travel records. After launching the app, enter the booking number received when purchasing your pass in the “My Pass” section and register necessary information such as passport details.
The Rail Planner app allows offline timetable searches and real-time operation information checks. You can also check station facility information and platform guidance. However, this app cannot make seat reservations. As explained later, reservations must be made through dedicated apps or official websites provided by each country’s railway companies.
Step 3: Checking Train Schedules and Registering Itineraries
Register each train you plan to use one by one
Registering your itinerary in the app is a mandatory step when using the Eurail Pass. This is not just for schedule management, but because conductors may require this registered itinerary as proof of boarding when using the pass. Especially on high-speed trains, presenting this registered itinerary is necessary.
Enter departure and arrival stations to search for trains, and when candidate trains are displayed, check travel time and number of transfers, and always confirm whether the train is available with the pass and whether seat reservations are required. For trains requiring seat reservations, make separate bookings through each country’s railway company apps (DB Navigator, SNCF Connect, etc.) or official websites. After selecting the train to use, save the journey with “Save journey.”
We recommend allowing at least 20 minutes for transfers at major stations. If you plan to use popular tourist trains, register your itinerary when reservations open several months in advance, then promptly make seat reservations on each country’s railway company website.
Step 4: Seat Reservations and Additional Fees
Seat reservations are required for high-speed trains (TGV, ICE, Frecciarossa, etc.), sleeper trains, and tourist trains (Glacier Express, Bernina Express, etc.). Reservations are made through each country’s railway company apps or official websites. Reservation fees vary by train and route, but are typically around 10-20 euros for high-speed trains, while sleeper train prices vary by berth type (6-bed, 4-bed, 2-bed compartments, etc.).
For details on seat reservation requirements and booking methods, please refer to our previous article.
Step 5: Pass Activation
On your first day of use, activate your pass in the app. Once activated, this cannot be changed, so choose your start date carefully.
Step 6: Actual Boarding
European stations don’t have ticket gates like those commonly seen in Japan. In most cases, you can freely access platforms. When boarding, prepare to show conductors your digital pass displayed on your smartphone and registered itinerary. For reserved trains, you’ll also need to present your reservation confirmation.
QR code issued after activation. Used for scan authentication by conductors who regularly patrol the trains.
Excluded Routes and Important Notes
While the Eurail Pass is primarily intended for rail use, it can also be used on some buses and ferries (such as Italian ferries and certain German bus routes). However, urban public transportation (subways, trams, etc.), most private railways, and many express buses are excluded. Always check if routes are covered in the app before use, and thoroughly verify whether using Eurail is actually cost-effective.
For example, Switzerland’s mountain railway “Gornergrat Railway” doesn’t accept Eurail Pass. However, presenting a Swiss Travel Pass gives 50% discount, so purchasing Eurail may not always be the best choice.
Summary: Making the Most of Your Eurail Pass
The Eurail Pass becomes a strong ally when touring Europe by train. By managing your itinerary with the Rail Planner app and making reservations through each country’s railway services as needed, you can achieve fulfilling train travel. Keep your smartphone fully charged at all times and prepare to check itineraries even when offline, allowing you to enjoy your journey with peace of mind.
In our follow-up article, we’ll provide supplementary explanations about more detailed usage methods, money-saving tips, specific rules, and onboard conditions!
Read the follow-up article here!
