Some Advantages
• Can travel economically
• Comfortable, relaxing & efficient
• Great way to see the countryside
• Interact with locals and other travelers; enhances the “experience”
• Convenient central locations in most cities
• Takes the hassle out of car rental – gas, parking, etc.
Some Disadvantages
• Limited to larger cities; rural adventures more difficult
• Car allows for better spontaneity and independence
• Work stoppages (see below)
Major Websites
• www.eurorailways.com
• www.raileurope.com
There are many more. The above are good places to start; shop for your particular situation and budget. Look for specials and other deals!
Rail Passes
• Eurailpass: limitless trips throughout 17 countries in Europe.
• Eurail Selectpass: a great option when you want to travel through 3, 4 or 5 bordering countries.
• Eurail Flexipass: allows you to travel any 10 or 15 days, consecutives or not, within 2 months through 17 countries in Europe.
• Eurailpass Consecutive Days: offers limitless train trips in 17 countries for a period of 15 days, 21 days, 1 month, 2 months or 3 months (consecutive days from the first embark).
• SaverPass: discount for two or more persons traveling together – look into options!
• Multi Country Passes: Balkans, Benelux, BritRail, European East, & Scanrail Passes
• Two Country Passes: offer savings when you visit two bordering nations.
• Single Country Passes: too many options to list
• Senior, Youth, Rail n’ Drive, Point to Point, Overnight: the options seem limitless!
Booking
You can book online, but best to call the toll free number to talk to a live body about latest deals, etc.; 1-866-768-8927; 9am-6pm ET - Monday-Friday
Some Tips While in Europe
• Watch out for the dreaded sciopero (Italian for strike.) Europeans can strike over any silly thing at all, leaving you stranded!!!! ALWAYS double-check.
• Departure tracks can change at the last minute. Just because the board says track 14 thirty minutes before departure, don’t assume it will leave from track 14.
• Beware pickpockets, particularly when in line at a ticket window and you have money in hand. Train stations generate good business for thieves.
• Continental Europeans tend not to respect a queue at a ticket window. If they can dart ahead of you, they will!
• Most trains & countries are safe & secure, however it’s always a good idea to have your luggage in sight if possible.
• Over long distance runs, trains usually get split en route. Make sure your compartment is heading to YOUR destination.
• Classes: First class, nonsmoking is nice. For longer trips, we travel first class. For short runs, we’ve used second class. This is sort of subjective based on your needs.
• Particularly in Eastern Europe, major capitals have multiple train stations, which can make arrival/departure complicated. Make sure you know which station you need.
• Also in Eastern Europe, some border crossings might involve small, cash bribes to customs officials. Carry some $5s and $10s, just in case.
