Should I buy an Eurail pass, individual tickets, or a Rail Tour?

Your choice between a Eurail Pass, point-to-point tickets, or a rail tour package depends on your travel preferences and itinerary. Here are some key considerations to help you decide:

Eurail Pass:

• The Eurail Pass offers flexibility and convenience for travelers exploring multiple European countries. It allows unlimited train travel within a specified timeframe.
• However, be aware that reservation fees can be relatively high, and availability may be limited for popular trains like the Glacier Express and Eurostar.
  • Eurostar and high-speed trains in France (including international high-speed services) have particularly high reservation fees for Eurail pass holders. See the page: France/Eurostar: Eurail or tickets?
• If you prefer spontaneous travel, some countries are more Eurail-friendly by not having mandatory reservations or an easy reservation process.
  • Germany, Austria, the UK, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Denmark and Switzerland (excluding scenic trains like Bernina Express and Glacier Express) generally don't feature mandatory reservations at all.
  • Italy, Spain, Sweden, Poland and Hungary do feature mandatory reservations on many trains, but the reservation process is much easier and can often be done last-minute.
  • Please see an overview of Eurail seat reservations per country on this page.
• In scenic trains in the Jungfrau area of Switzerland, the Eurail pass only provides a discount, rather than covering the train journeys in full. If you plan on taking many trains in this area, consider one of our Swiss Rail Tours or a Swiss Travel Pass.

Inidividual train Tickets:

• Point-to-point train tickets are ideal for travelers with specific destinations in mind. The earlier you book, the better the prices. Unlike air travel, there are generally no last-minute discounts.
• This option allows you to plan your journey in detail, selecting tickets for each leg of your trip. 

Rail Tour Packages:

• Rail tour packages can be cost-effective and offer a balanced program. Due to special touristic price arrangements, they can provide excellent value for money. 
• These packages often include a mix of transportation, accommodations, and guided tours, making them a convenient choice for those who want a well-organized travel experience.
• All neccessary tickets and seat reservations are included, so there are no extra costs needed. You will have the support of our Rail Tour team during your journey, as well as a travel guide for each day based on years of experience.