What is a Eurail Pass?

A Eurail Pass is a single train Pass that lets you travel across 33 European countries. With a Eurail Pass, you can travel as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.

If you’re planning a trip to Europe, traveling by train with a Eurail pass is an easy, budget-friendly* and sustainable way to travel. Whether you want to explore a diverse variety of European cultures, or travel around a single country and soak up the local ambience, Eurail makes the trip a whole lot simpler!

If you’re an American or Canadian citizen, you can use a Eurail Pass. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead.

*When comparing price of one pass vs. price of various individual train tickets.

Where can I travel in Europe with a Eurail Pass?

Planning a trip to Europe, but still not sure where you can go with your Eurail Pass? Have a look at our Eurail map below – it shows the most popular Eurail routes and how long it takes to travel between one city to the other. Click on the cities you want to visit and start planning your next train trip - and don't forget to check out our European packing list while you're planning!

Which types of Eurail Passes are available?

There are two types of Eurail Passes available, the Global Pass and the One Country Pass. Keep reading for more details.

Eurail Global Pass

What is the Eurail Global Pass?

With the Eurail Global Pass, you can enjoy unlimited travel across 33 European countries by train and ferry, including Italy, France, Germany and Switzerland.

What are the different types of the Eurail Global Pass?

There are two types of Eurail Global Passes:

  • Continuous: Travel each day during the entire validity of your Pass (15 days, 22 days, 1 month, 2 months or 3 months).
  • Flexi: Travel for a maximum number of days within your travel period. The options are 4, 5 or 7 days within 1 month, and 10 or 15 days within 2 months.

For example, say you have a Flexi Global Pass valid for travel on 7 days within 1 month. You can only choose 7 days of those 30 days (1 month) to travel by train. On one of your travel days, you can take as many trains as you like.

How much does the Eurail Global Pass cost?

Based on the age group, Global Pass prices will start from:

  • Youth from $229.00 (€212.00)
  • Adults from $306.00 (€283.00)
  • Senior from $275.00 (€255.00)

*Prices correct as of July 2024

What else do I need to know about the Eurail Global Pass?

  • You can choose seats in either First or Second Class.
  • Depending on the country you visit, you can get free travel on local public transport, discounts in hotels and restaurants and free visits to museums.

Eurail One Country Pass

What is the Eurail One Country Pass?

The Eurail One Country Pass is the perfect option for you if you want to make the most of one European country during your vacation.

  • You can travel between 3 to 8 days by train within 1 month. On each of these days, you can take as many trains as you like. The price of the ticket varies based on these criteria and the country you want to visit.
  • You can travel by ferry between Italy and Greece.
  • You can choose seats in either First or Second Class.
  • Depending on the country you visit, you can get free travel on public transport, discounts in hotels and restaurants and free visits to museums.

Can I combine 2 One Country Passes?

If you want to travel to one or two countries but don’t need to buy the Global Pass, you can combine two One Country Passes. You can do so if you want to explore more fabulous destinations without spending more on travel within the following regions:

  • Benelux – Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg
  • Scandinavia – Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

If you’re going to visit three or more countries, we recommend you get the Global Pass.

How much does the Eurail One Country Pass cost?

Depending on your age group, the most popular One Country Passes cost:

  • Italy from $156.00 (€144.00)
  • France from $156.00 (€144.00)
  • Spain from $180.00 (€167.00)
  • Benelux from $129.00 (€119.00)
  • Portugal from $98.00 (€91.00)
  • Sweden from $180.00 (€167.00)

* Prices correct as of July 2024

How do I use a Eurail Pass?

If you’ve bought your Eurail Pass but you’re unsure how to use it – don’t worry, we’re here to help!

  1. First, you need to download the official Eurail Rail Planner app on your phone.
  2. Next, you’ll need to add your Pass to the app by going to My Pass and entering your last name and Pass Number – psst, you’ll find this in your order confirmation email.
  3. Then, you need to plan your trip. In the app, you can create a new trip or choose an existing one.
  4. Before your trip, you’ll need to activate your Pass. To activate, you’ll need to enter your passport or ID number and choose a start date for your trip.
  5. Finally, it’s time to start your adventure! When asked by an inspector, simply show your ticket in the app. To find it, go to My Pass and tap Show Ticket.

Available discounts with Eurail

 

Discounts for young travelers

If you’re 27 or under, you can enjoy discounts of up to 25%. Available for First and Second Class.

 

 

Discounts for seniors

If you’re 60 or older, you can enjoy a 10% discount for either First or Second Class travel.

 

 

Discounts for families

Children up to 11 years old travel free with adults.

 

Where should I travel in Europe with the Eurail Pass?

When traveling by train, you’ll find Europe is actually quite small. You can whizz across countries and between city centers in a few hours. Don't forget to check out our guide to the best things to bring on a train to make the most of your trip.

In Europe, you can wake up by the Mediterranean seaside and eat lunch in a cool mountain range. To help inspire your European adventure, we’ve compiled a guide to some of the countries in Europe you can travel around by train.

United Kingdom

Whether you decide to visit England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you’ll still find an intrinsic bond which holds the United Kingdom together. There’s much more to see than just the iconic landmarks of London. Traveling by train in the UK opens up a world of possibilities. Further afield, you can wander along coastal pathways and step back in time with a visit to one of the many historic castles and stately homes.

Find out more about trains in Britain.

Popular destinations

Main train stations

 Main airport transfers

France

There are few European countries that can match the elegance, gastronomy and cultural history of France. Travel to France and immerse yourself in the café culture, iconic landmarks and indulgent cuisine.

In France, SNCF trains make it easy to travel around. Once you’ve arrived, you can enjoy a freshly baked croissant while wandering the cobbled streets and famous sites of Paris, then hop over to Bordeaux for a refreshing glass or two of vin rouge. Travel to the north and you’ll find rocky, windswept coastlines. Travel to the south and you’ll find the sun-baked Mediterranean shores of Nice. If you’re looking for cooler climates, head to the snow-capped Alpine region to the east.

Find out more about trains in France.

Popular destinations

Main train stations

Main airport transfers

Italy

With a long and varied history, Italy is home to some of the world’s finest artwork and cuisine. When traveling to Europe, you need to live la dolce vita. Visit the iconic cities of Rome, Florence and Milan to see the artworks of Europe’s Renaissance masters – the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s David, and da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Beyond the cities, Italy’s varied landscape is a must-see, from the icy reaches of the Alps to the glistening azure ocean in the south.

Find out more about trains in Italy.

Popular destinations

Main train stations

Main airport transfers

 

Spain

Boasting sun-soaked shores, vibrant cities and snow-capped mountains, Spain has always been a magnet for tourists. In Spain, it’s the small things that will charm you the most, from the sweep of a flamenco dancer to the clink of cerveza glasses. In no time, Renfe trains will whisk you from the bustling Las Ramblas in Barcelona to some of the best restaurants in the world in San Sebastián. Dotted throughout the country, you’ll find signs of Spain’s extraordinary history, including ancient castles, Roman amphitheatre ruins and exquisite examples of Islamic architecture. If you want something more modern, you'll also find filming locations for one of Wes Anderson's movies near Madrid.

Find out more about trains in Spain.

Popular destinations

Main train stations

Germany

Home to trendy cities, emerald forests and the odd fairy tale castle, Germany is an obvious choice for your trip. With Deutsche Bahn, you can travel around the country that gave us Albert Einstein, Karl Lagerfeld and Beethoven. No trip is complete without a visit to capital city Berlin, with its urban artwork, lively nightlife and iconic landmarks. Further afield, Frankfurt and Cologne are full of fascinating museums, period architecture and unique gastronomy. We can’t talk about Germany without mentioning Oktoberfest, which hosts more than six million people dressed in lederhosen each year.

Find out more about trains in Germany.

Popular destinations

Main train stations

Belgium

Despite its small size, Belgium has an impressive range of languages ​​and cultural influences, making it an unmissable place to visit. Exploring Belgium with SNCB trains is easy, with the longest train journey in the country clocking in at around two hours. Home to the European Union, Brussels is well worth a visit for all food, art and beer lovers. In the historic port city of Antwerp, you can immerse yourself in Flemish tradition and Renaissance architecture. Then, wander around the Medieval streets and take in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Belgium’s best-kept secret, Ghent.

Find out more about trains in Belgium.

Popular destinations

Main train stations

The Netherlands 

Waiting to be explored, the Netherlands is home to cultural cities and colorful tulip-laden fields. In Amsterdam, you can wander along the canals, pay a poignant visit to Anne Frank House or immerse yourself in the art of Van Gogh. Jump on an NS train to Rotterdam – this city is extremely passionate about football, so sporting fans should make time to catch a match.

Find out more about trains in the Netherlands.

Popular destinations

Main train stations

Switzerland

Located in the heart of Europe, trains in Switzerland offer breath-taking views of mountains, lakes and waterfalls on their journeys. Thanks to SBB trains, Switzerland is well connected by rail, making it easy to see several destinations by train without too much travel time. Not sure where to visit? Go to elegant Geneva, the gateway to Europe from Switzerland, then Bern, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Find out more about trains in Switzerland.

Popular destinations

Main train stations

Popular train journeys in Europe

If you want to find out more about where your Eurail Pass can take you, here's some of the most popular train journeys in Europe:

European Train Companies

When planning your trip, you'll find there are lots of train companies operating in each country across Europe. Each train company offers a different service, with different routes, tickets, stations, destinations, onboard classes and services. 

Train companies in Spain

In Spain, the main train company is Renfe, which provides different types of high-speed and regional trains.

Train companies in Germany

Thanks to Deutsche Bahn, the national train operator in Germany, you can easily travel from one German city to another. Alternatively, you can travel with Flixtrain, the low-cost train company operating only on some national routes.

Train companies in Switzerland and Austria

Want to travel between Switzerland and Austria by train? You can travel with different train companies, such as OBB, SBB or WestBahn.

Train companies in the rest of Europe

Should I buy a Eurail Pass for First or Second Class?

When purchasing your Eurail Pass, you’ll notice that you have the option to buy a Pass for either First or Second Class.

Frequently asked questions