Eurail Global Pass: Uk To Paris Travel Options

The Eurail Global Pass is a great option for those looking to explore Europe by train. The pass offers access to 33 countries and is designed to give travellers a lot of flexibility and lower transportation costs. The pass is valid for a specific time period (up to three months) and a specific number of countries (up to 33). It includes access to high-speed trains, sleeper trains, intercity trains, suburban trains, and local trains.

The Eurail Global Pass comes in two options: the Continuous Pass and the Flexi Pass. The Continuous Pass allows for unlimited travel for a set number of consecutive days, ranging from 15 days to three months. The Flexi Pass offers a set number of travel days (4, 5, 7, 10, or 15) within a longer time frame of one or two months. This option is ideal for those who plan to stay in one place for several days at a time.

The Eurail Global Pass also comes in two classes: First and Second. The First Class pass offers individually adjustable seats, electrical outlets, a restaurant and bistro car, and more room between seats. The Second Class pass has basic but modern seats and shared electrical outlets. It's important to note that some trains do not have a First Class section, so travellers with a First Class pass may need to sit in Second Class.

When using the Eurail Global Pass, it is important to make reservations for certain trains, especially sleepers, high-speed, long-distance, and cross-country/international trains. Reservations can be made online, at train stations, or through the Rail Planner app. Reservations are typically required for overnight trains and high-speed trains, and it is recommended to make these reservations in advance as there may be a limited number of spots available for Eurail pass holders.

The Eurail Global Pass is a great option for those seeking flexibility and convenience when travelling through Europe by train. By offering access to 33 countries and providing various pass options, travellers can customise their trip to suit their needs.

What is the Eurail Global Pass?

The Eurail Global Pass is a rail pass that offers overseas visitors unlimited train travel across 33 European countries. The pass gives travellers a set number of stops within a set time period, ranging from three days to three months. The pass is available as either a continuous pass or a flexi pass. Continuous passes allow for unlimited travel every day for a continuous period, from 15 days to three months. Flexi passes allow for a set number of travel days within a longer overall period, from four days in a month to 15 days in two months. The pass includes access to high-speed and overnight trains, but these often require an additional reservation fee. The Eurail Global Pass is available as either first or second class, with discounts available for youth and seniors.

How much does it cost?

The cost of a Eurail Global Pass depends on the type of pass you choose. There are two types of passes: continuous and flexi. Continuous passes allow unlimited travel every day for a continuous period of time, ranging from 15 days to 3 months. Flexi passes are more economical if you plan to stay in one place for a few days between travelling. You can buy a flexi pass for 4, 5, 7, 10, or 15 days of travel within a 1 or 2-month period.

The price of the pass also depends on whether you choose first or second class, and whether you are an adult, youth (aged 27 or under), or senior (60 and over). Children under 11 travel for free with a maximum of two children per adult.

In 2022, the prices for a continuous pass ranged from $545 for a youth pass for 15 days to $2,030 for a first-class adult pass for 3 months. A flexi pass for 4 days within a month costs $300 for an adult in second class, and $450 for an adult in first class. A flexi pass for 15 days within 2 months costs $1,000 for an adult in second class, and $1,500 for an adult in first class.

It's worth noting that Eurail Global Passes are generally only worth it if you're visiting a lot of countries. If you're only going to one or two countries, it's usually cheaper to buy single-country passes or individual train tickets.

What countries does it cover?

The Eurail Global Pass offers access to 33 countries across Europe. The pass covers the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

The Eurail Global Pass is an excellent option for those seeking a flexible and convenient way to explore Europe by train. It is important to note that the pass is not valid for European residents; it is designed for residents of other continents, such as North America, South America, Asia, Africa, and Australasia.

How do I make reservations?

You can make seat reservations through the Eurail.com website for 95% of all European trains. To do this, you need a Eurail Pass and a Eurail.com account. You can also book many trains through the Rail Planner App.

Reservations for Italy, France, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and the Benelux will be sent to you as e-tickets. You need to print these e-tickets and bring them with you on the train. For other countries, you'll receive your reservations as paper tickets through registered mail.

Please check out other reservation options if you want to make reservations for domestic trains in Portugal, or any trains in Ireland, Bulgaria, Greece, Montenegro, Serbia, or Turkey.

The Rail Planner App is also a great Europe-wide timetable app that you can use to check train times whilst on the move. The timetable works offline, so there are no data cost issues. You can also make passholder bookings within the app for Eurostar, Eurostar, and Trenitalia high-speed trains, with e-tickets delivered to your phone.

If you want to book a Eurostar train between London and Paris/Brussels/Amsterdam, you can do so either at the official Eurail reservation service or at the Belgian Railways international site.

You can also make reservations in person at the station. You can make reservations at station ticket offices either in advance or on the day of departure, sometimes up to an hour or two before the train leaves, sometimes right up to departure time. Just show your rail pass at the ticket window and ask for the reservation.

What are the benefits of the pass?

The Eurail Global Pass is a great option for anyone looking for a flexible trip around Europe. It offers access to 33 countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and many more. The pass gives you a set number of stops in a set time period, ranging from three days to three months, allowing for a flexible, hassle-free trip without having to purchase single tickets for every leg.

The pass comes with first-class and second-class options, with individually adjustable seats, basic but modern seats, individual or shared electrical outlets, a restaurant and bistro car, and Wi-Fi (in some cars). First-class tickets also offer more room between seats. Additionally, children under 11 travel for free, with a maximum of two kids per adult.

The Eurail Global Pass is also convenient for those who want to travel on a whim. While some routes may require booking in advance, for others, you can simply show up at the train, present the conductor with your pass, and continue your journey. This makes the pass ideal for long-term travellers who don't want to preplan months of travel at once.

The pass also offers excellent value for money. For extensive itineraries, a pass is often cheaper than buying multiple point-to-point tickets, and the flexibility it offers can save you money in case of unexpected changes to your plans. Additionally, Eurail pass holders get discounts on ferries in Finland, Ireland, Greece, and the Adriatic and Balearic seas, as well as some bus discounts.

Finally, the Eurail app makes planning and managing your trip a breeze. You can purchase your pass through the app, load it onto your phone, and use it to book reservations, check train timetables, and access other useful information for your journey.

Frequently asked questions