extra charges on top of railpass?

[Twizzla]

Hey all,

Was hoping that someone out there could help me out here. I'm heading to Europe for 7 weeks in July/August, and started off thinking I'd go for a 15 days in 2 months pass. Then I thought, why the hell not go for the full blown Eurail Pass, 2 months consecutive... since I was going to have to use other transportation means so not to use my 15 days for short trips, and wasting days. So I headed off to my travel agent today, and he's booked that. Nothings paid for, but he said something which has got me a little confused...

He said that basically, everytime you book a train there'll be a charge, of some amount of Euro? I was under the impression that:
a) I didn't have to book these trains, I can just hop on and off as I like, and the gaurd on the train would obviously check to see if I have my pass...
b) the amount for the pass, which is a whopping $1500NZD (worth it, but its not exactly cheap!) was the final amount, and you'd only have to pay extra for premier trains and overnight trains?

if someone in the know could help me out a bit, I'd be very grateful! Not my first time to Europe, but first time backpacking and using trains... so I don't know too much.. yet!

Thanks a lot! ;D

[LHR02]

Well, he is right but somewhat misleading. If you BOOK a seat then there is a reservation charge. And some trains/routes require a reservation. This is a nominal fee...1-3 euros...but it could begin to add up. I can't think of any 'fast, intercity' trains that don't require a reservation. Also, if using an overnight train and you want a couchette or bed that too involves an added fee. For any o'night train I suggest getting a reservation in advance, they are quite popular and are often full. Nice to know you will at least be able to sit down. But your initial understanding is correct...you can for the most part just hop on any train and show your pass. I had the 3 month consec and oftentimes would head down to the station in the morning, see what train looked ready to leave and hopped on...sometimes not knowing where it was headed till the conductor came by. Oh...and for those trains requiring a reservation....that can be gotten around as well if you have time...just take the slower, 'local' train instead. It's the fast ones you will need to pay extra for.

[snorkelman]

after you buy your Eurail, expect to pay a little extra on some of the tickets in Europe (not every ticket will be included in the price of the Eurail) such as when you take the fast trains (TGV in France) you will have to pay a $5 supplement and you will have to make reservations on some of the trains (also a few extra bucks), and most of the ferries charge a port charge of a few dollars.

I usually only get a SEAT reservation if it is required (not all trains require reservations).

So, there are seat reservation expenses (just a few Euro) and they are usually only mandatory on tha fast trains. So if you are cheap and you don't care about it taking a few hours extra to get there, then you can save the few Euro and take a slower train.

In general, the extras don't add up to too much - maybe 30 or 40 Euro total for your whole trip.

[lynn]

How far in advance do you have to reserve a fast train. Can it be done the same day, for example in the morning. Can just call the train station or do you have to go there? thanks

[nitsansh]

You better make reservation as soon as possible. Seats and especially sleeping berths could run out on your desired train.
Also... some fast trains limit the # of seats available to pass holders.