Eurail Pass: Airport Transfers Covered?

The Eurail Pass is a rail pass that covers your ticket cost on trains and some ferries across 33 countries in Europe (with a Global Pass) or in one country (with a One Country Pass). It gives you unlimited train journeys for a certain number of days, depending on the pass you purchase.

The Eurail Pass does not cover airport transfers. However, some trains do go from the airport to the city centre, but these are not included in the pass.

Eurail vs Interrail

The main difference between Eurail and Interrail is that Eurail passes are for those who are not citizens or legal residents of Europe, whereas Interrail passes are for European citizens or residents. Both passes offer unlimited train travel across most of Europe, with some differences in terms of eligibility, pricing, and availability.

Eligibility

• Eurail Pass: For non-European citizens or residents.
• Interrail Pass: For European citizens or legal residents, including those from the UK.

Pricing

Both Eurail and Interrail passes offer similar pricing options, with passes available for specific countries or a global pass that covers multiple countries. The cost of each pass depends on the number of travel days and the class of travel (first or second class). Youth, adult, senior, and child passes are available, with different pricing for each category.

Availability

Eurail and Interrail passes can be purchased online or at train stations. Paper passes can be delivered physically, while mobile passes are available digitally through apps such as the Rail Planner app.

Train Reservations

Eurail and Interrail passes cover travel on most national railways and some private railways in Europe. However, some popular trains, such as the Eurostar, TGV, and AVE, require an additional seat reservation fee. Local trains in some countries may also require reservations, so it is essential to check the specific requirements for each country and train route.

Airport Transfers

Neither Eurail nor Interrail passes typically cover airport transfers. While some train networks covered by the passes may reach airports, most local public transportation to and from airports is not included in the passes. Therefore, separate arrangements or tickets may be needed for airport transfers.

Seat 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.

• Austria: You can make seat reservations for around €3 per seat at the ÖBB website.
• Belgium: You can make seat reservations at Raileurope.com, b-europe.com, or the Eurail/Interrail reservations service.
• Czech Republic: You can make seat reservations for around €3 at the Austrian Railways website or the CD (Czech Railways) website.
• France: You can make seat reservations at Raileurope.com, the Eurail/Interrail reservations service, or travel.b-europe.com/Eurail-GE/en/booking-tgv.
• Germany: You can make seat reservations for around €5.20 in 2nd class or €6.50 in 1st class using the DB (German Railways) website.
• Hungary: You can make seat reservations for around €3 to €5 using either the German Railways website or the Czech Railways website.
• Italy: You can make seat reservations at Raileurope.com, Italiarail.com, the ÖBB (Austrian Railways) website, or the Eurail/Interrail reservations service.
• Switzerland: You can make seat reservations for around €5 using the German Railways website or the Austrian Railways website.

Paper vs mobile pass

Eurail offers both paper and mobile passes, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide which option suits your needs better:

Paper Pass

• The paper pass is the original rail pass that allows you to travel through 33 countries in Europe.
• It is ideal for meticulous planners who prefer having a physical ticket.
• You can choose a predefined start date or activate the pass at a larger European train station before your first journey.
• The pass will be delivered to your address or an alternative address provided during checkout.
• You can track your package with the Track and Trace code sent after purchase.
• In case of loss or theft, you will need to purchase a new pass as there is no refund or replacement option for paper passes.

Mobile Pass

• The mobile pass is a paperless ticket that can be instantly downloaded to your phone, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
• It offers added flexibility as you can activate the pass whenever you want, either immediately after purchase or anytime within 11 months.
• You will receive the pass by email right after payment, eliminating the wait time for delivery.
• In case of loss or theft of your device, Eurail will help you set up your pass on another device for free.
• The mobile pass provides a seamless experience by allowing you to plan your trip and board trains using a single app.
• You can easily add your pass to the Rail Planner app and keep track of your travel diary digitally.

Considerations:

• The choice between paper and mobile pass ultimately depends on personal preference and your level of comfort with digital tools.
• Some travellers prefer the security of having a physical ticket, while others appreciate the convenience of a mobile pass.
• Consider factors such as battery life, phone reliability, and internet connectivity when making your decision.
• Additionally, evaluate the potential risks of loss or theft for both options and decide which option suits your travel style better.

First class vs second class

First Class vs. Second Class

Eurail passes are available in first and second class, so how do you know which one to choose? Here are some key differences between the two to help you decide.

Seating Arrangements

First-class carriages typically have a 2 x 1 seating layout, offering more legroom and sometimes wider seats. Second-class carriages, on the other hand, usually have a 2 x 2 seating arrangement. This means that in first class, you are more likely to have an empty seat next to you, providing extra space and comfort.

Number of Passengers

First-class carriages tend to have fewer passengers, creating a quieter and more serene environment. In contrast, second class is often livelier, with more passengers and a greater sense of community.

Amenities

When it comes to amenities, first class typically offers more luxurious features such as USB ports, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary meals or drinks. These perks may vary depending on the country and train company, but first-class passengers can generally expect a higher level of service. Second-class carriages also usually have electrical outlets and Wi-Fi, but the connection may be less reliable.

Cost

The cost of a first-class pass is typically around 25% higher than that of a second-class pass. This price difference is something to consider when deciding between the two options.

Suitability

If you are looking for a quiet, comfortable journey with extra amenities, first class may be the better choice. However, if you are on a budget or prefer a more social atmosphere, second class could be more suitable.

Ultimately, the decision between first and second class depends on your personal preferences and budget. Both options offer a unique travel experience, and the choice should be based on what you value most during your journey.

Alternatives to buying a pass

If you're looking for alternatives to buying a Eurail pass, there are a few options to consider. Here are some detailed suggestions for different scenarios:

Option 1: Point-to-Point Tickets

If you're looking for the cheapest option, consider buying point-to-point tickets instead of a pass. Booking tickets in advance, especially for long-distance routes, can be significantly cheaper than using a pass. For example, German train tickets can be as low as €19.90 one way for high-speed and long-distance routes when booked in advance.

However, the trade-off is that point-to-point tickets are usually inflexible and locked to specific dates and times, leaving little room for spontaneity or changes in travel plans.

Option 2: Regional Deals

Look out for regional ticket deals, such as the Bayern Ticket, which grants unlimited train travel for one day in Bavaria at a low price. These deals can offer excellent value for money and flexibility for exploring specific regions.

Option 3: Age-Based Discounts

If you're a senior citizen (aged 60+) or a youth (aged 27 or younger), you can take advantage of significant discounts offered by many rail companies. Senior discounts can be around 10% off, while youth discounts can be even more substantial, at about 20% off.

Option 4: Country-Specific Passes

Instead of a Eurail Global Pass, consider purchasing a country-specific pass for the regions you plan to visit. For example, the Swiss Travel Pass is a great option for Switzerland, as it offers continuous free travel or a set number of travel days per month. The Renfe Spain Pass is another good alternative, offering a set number of journeys within a one-month period, including reservations, at a lower cost than the Eurail Spain Pass.

Option 5: Other Modes of Transport

For shorter distances or travel within cities, consider using other modes of transport such as buses, trams, or metros. These options are often more convenient and cost-effective for intra-city travel, as they don't require reservations and are usually covered by local public transport passes.

Additionally, hiring a car can be a good option for exploring the countryside, but avoid driving in congested European cities, as parking can be expensive and challenging to find.

Option 6: Special Sales and Discounts

Keep an eye out for special sales and discounts offered by Eurail and other rail companies. For example, Eurail often has a Black Friday sale, and they also run random sales throughout the year, especially during the off-season. You can also take advantage of additional perks and discounts offered with the Eurail pass, such as those for hostels, city cards, and tours.

Frequently asked questions