Should You Buy a Eurorail Pass Before You Go?

What will save me the most money, buying a Eurorail (www.Eurorail.com) pass before I leave, or paying as I go once in Europe? I asked myself this question so many times before I left and the answer’s people gave me varied so much that I didn’t know what to do. My official answer is that it depends on what you are doing… so scroll down until you see a subcategory that fits you. Also, I highly recommend that you read my related posts pertaining to the European train systems and the European airlines.

I am an individual traveling for about 1-3 weeks across one country

I am traveling solo:

I would definitely purchase a rail pass because it will save you so much money!!! Check with the country your visiting to see what the best options are for you. In Belgium it is SNCB and they offer something called a “go pass”. In particular, this pass gives you 10 trips anywhere in the country for only 50 Euros. Thus, you could go five different places for 50 Euros, roundtrip.

I am traveling with 2 or more individuals:

Personally, I would still purchase a pass. This will at least allow you to get to and from the airport more cheaply. I know it cost me 18 Euros without a pass to get from Brussels to Hasselt, one way. By the time I would have paid to go back without a pass, it would have totaled 36 Euros. Why not pay the extra 14 Euros and go four other places. However, I think you should talk with your group first to see what their plans are. They may plan on traveling outside the country, which would majorly affect your decision on whether or not to purchase a particular pass.

I am an individual traveling for about 1-3 weeks across Europe

I am traveling solo:

Determine where you want to go. If it is in major cities, then I would go by plane. Check to see if Ryanair.com or Easyjet.com offers flights to your desired destinations. If not, then train is probably the best way to go. I would avoid the train if possible (if you are able to plan ahead). The train system here is much more confusing than the airline system and it can be much more costly. In contrast, flights when booked ahead can be much cheaper. For example, I am flying from Barcelona to Rome for only 5 Euros using Ryanair. Unfortunately, things are not so cheap when booked at the last minute. So, you will need to check your options and see which one (flying or train) is cheaper. Keep in mind that train travel takes much longer than air travel. What may take you 4 hours by plane may take you 11 hours by train. With this amount of time, I would stick to touring major cities and just going by plane.

I am traveling with 2 or more individuals:

Talk with your group to see what they want to do and where they would like to go. If possible, try to get a feel for what they can afford. Train trips can be expensive and not everyone may want to travel by train in your group. If you book your flights ahead of time, taking planes is definitely cheaper than purchasing a pass for the train at home.

I am an individual traveling for more than 3 weeks and I plan to travel the country I reside in:

At least purchase a pass for travel within your country. I would wait to purchase an overall “three (or however many weeks) pass”. You will most likely not travel by train every day. Thus, it will cheaper to find the right pass for you as the time comes and you won’t know what that is until you get there. If you’re going for vacation, disregard this. Plan ahead, if the train is cheaper than flying, book it before you leave at www.eurorail.com). Keep in mind however, that your pass does not cover you on every train. In fact, you may have to take a network of supplementary trains before you reach one that your pass will cover. You will be responsible for paying for these train rides and any additional fees necessary on your pass. For example, the Eurorail pass allows you to board any train in the Eurorail system. However, if you board a high-speed train, there is an additional fee which varies by country. Moral of the story, do your homework before you leave and read the fine print. If you have to call someone to talk to them about it, do it.

I am an individual traveling abroad for more than 3 weeks and I plan to travel across Europe…

I am traveling solo:

A would at least purchase a pass that covers travel within the country you are residing in. In regards to paying extra for a more global pass, determine where you want to go. If it is in major cities, then I would go by plane. Check to see if Ryanair.com or Easyjet.com offers flights to your desired destinations. If not, then train is probably the best way to go. I would avoid the train if possible (if you are able to plan ahead). The train system here is much more confusing than the airline system and it can be much more costly. In contrast, flights when booked ahead can be much cheaper. For example, I am flying from Barcelona to Rome for only 5 Euros using Ryanair. Unfortunately, things are not so cheap when booked at the last minute. So, you will need to check your options and see which one (flying or train) is cheaper. Keep in mind that train travel takes much longer than air travel. What may take you 4 hours by plane may take you 11 hours by train. With this amount of time, I would stick to touring major cities and just going by plane.

I am traveling with 2 or more individuals:

At least purchase a pass that allows you travel within the country you are staying at. I would do this when you arrive there. As far as purchasing a pass that will allow you to travel all over Europe, I wouldn’t do it. Plane travel is much cheaper. Plus, with the amount of time you will be staying within the country, you will be able to find cheaper rates upon your arrival. For example, I booked a month in advance and was able to secure plane rides from Barcelona, Paris, Venice, and Rome all for 102 Euros ($150 U.S. dollars at the time). I’m sure glad I didn’t spend the $1,300 I was thinking on spending on a three month Eurorail pass before I got here!!! See also my articles on train travel and plane travel as they will be of particular relevance to you.

Travel Safe,

Some Study Abroad Girl