Choosing a Rail Pass

When deciding which pass is right for you, the two questions you need to answer are (1) where do you want to go, and (2) how definite are your plans? Someone with definite plans has it easy. They can look at where they want to go and how much train travel they need to do, and use a price list obtained by a travel agent to pick a pass that suits their needs. If you are sure of where you want to go, get the cheapest pass that takes you there. If you are going to be staying in one or two countries, you don’t need a Eurail pass. If you know you are going to be staying in Italy and Germany, for example, a Euro Selectpass will probably be fine for you, or perhaps even individual tickets. In general, though, I recommend regional and country passes only for those who are positive they will be staying in those regions or countries.

Most people headed for Europe aren’t certain of their plans. They have some places they know they want to see, but they aren’t sure in what order, and they may want to change their plans as they go. If that is the case, and you want the freedom to wander all over Europe if you choose, then skip the regional or country passes. The extra money you pay for the freedom to travel farther will be worth it. My advice in this situation is simple: for your first trip, especially if it’s for a whole summer, get the most powerful pass you can afford, either a fifteen-day Flexi Eurailpass or a two- or three-month unlimited Eurailpass, and ride it into the ground.

On a first trip, you are going to want to see a lot. As I said before, I know very few people who have gone to Europe and have traveled less than they expected. If you can afford it, and you have the time, get an unlimited two-month pass and hit the tracks. You won’t be worried about saving days or traveling after midnight. If you are in Germany and decide you want to see the midnight sun, two days later you can be above the Arctic Circle. If you get cold while you are there, three days later you can be in sunny Spain. Having an unlimited pass in hand is a powerful incentive to travel to a spot on a whim. To look at a map of Europe and know that you can go absolutely anywhere you like is a great feeling. If you are in doubt, I would go for an unlimited pass.