Transportation : FAQ

[Kim]

Q: Which railpass should I get?

Probably one of the most asked questions.

First you have to decide whether you want consecutive or flexible travel.

Consective day passes mean every day. If you buy a 15 day consecutive pass, you could use it for 15 days straight, then it would be finished.

Flexible will look something like this: 5 days in a month.
That means you can use your pass for any 5 days in a month period.

OK - here is a summary of the passes:

Eurail Youthpass:[/b]
Second class travel for those under 26 years old
Consecutive-day travel for duration of the pass
Travel region covers 17 European countries
Comes in 15 day, 21 day and 1, 2 and 3 month passes.

Eurailpass:[/b]
First class travel
Consecutive-day travel for duration of the pass
Travel region covers 17 European countries
Comes in 15 day, 21 day and 1, 2 and 3 month passes.

Eurail Saverpass:[/b]
First class travel for two or more people traveling together
Consecutive-day travel for duration of the pass
Travel region covers 17 European countries
Comes in 15 day, 21 day and 1, 2 and 3 month passes.

Eurail Youth Flexipass:[/b]
Second class travel for those under 26 years old
Selected number of travel days in a two month period
Travel region covers 17 European countries
Comes in 10 days in 2 months or 15 days in 2 months.

Eurail Flexipass:[/b]
First class travel
Selected number of travel days in a two month period
Travel region covers 17 European countries
Comes in 10 days in 2 months or 15 days in 2 months.

Eurail Saver Flexipass:[/b]
First class travel for two or more people traveling together
Selected number of travel days in a two month period
Travel region covers 17 European countries.
Comes in 10 days in 2 months or 15 days in 2 months.

Eurail Selectpass:[/b]
Selected number of travel days in a two month period
First Class Travel
Travel region covers any 3, 4 or 5 adjoining Eurail countries connected by train or ship, see here:
www.railconnection.com/railpass/adjoining.asp
Comes in 5, 6, 8, 10 or 15 days in a 2 month period.

Eurail Selectpass Youth:[/b]
Second class travel for those under 26 years old
Selected number of travel days in a two month period
Travel region covers any 3, 4 or 5 adjoining Eurail countries connected by train or ship, see here:
www.railconnection.com/railpass/adjoining.asp
Comes in 5, 6, 8, 10 or 15 days in a 2 month period.

Eurail Selectpass Saver:[/b]
First class travel for two or more people traveling together
Selected number of travel days in a two month period
Travel region covers any 3, 4 or 5 adjoining Eurail countries connected by train or ship, see here:
www.railconnection.com/railpass/adjoining.asp
Comes in 5, 6, 8, 10 or 15 days in a 2 month period.

Single Country Passes:[/b]
Good for if you are travelling to a single country.

[Kim]

Q: What kind of plane ticket should I get?

Well, the one that works best for you.

There are two types you should be aware of; an open jaw ticket and a open ticket.

An open jaw ticket allows you fly into one place and out of another. You could fly into London and out of Rome.

An open ticket means you can come back anytime within a certain time frame. If you have a 6 month open ticket, you can choose to fly home anytime within that 6 months. You fly in and out of the same place with this ticket.

Things to mention when you talk to your travel agent:

• Your age, if you are 26 or younger. You could qualify for a youth ticket.
  
• Your flexibility. If it doesn't matter where you fly into, mention it. They may be able to get you a cheaper deal into a different city.
  
• Your seating preference. You can reserve specific seats in advance and I recommend doing so. Ask your travel agent what kind of airplane it will be then do a search on the net to find a seating plan for that plan. Often seats go 3-5-3, but there will be a few seats that are just two together. Those are the ones we always reserve!
  

[Kim]

Do I need to make reservations for trains?

The rule of thumb I go by is if it's leaving one country and entering another, make a reservation.

If it's a lengthy trip, make a reservation.

If you have to be somewhere at a certain time, make a reservation.

If it's a high-speed train, you will generally be required to make a reservation.

If it's an overnight trip, you will be required to make a reservation. Couchettes (seats that fold into a bed) and sleeping cars will cost extra and aren't included in your rail pass.

You make reservations at the train station (they will charge you a small fee) by going to the ticket windows. You can request seats going in the direction of travel, aisle or window and smoking or non-smoking. (Note to smokers - you can always go to the smoking car to smoke, but it's really quite nasty to sit in)

Always bring your own food and drinks, the food offered on the train leaves much to be desired and a hole in your wallet.

[Kim]

Q: Where do I find out the cost of point to point fares?

I use the "Fares and Schedules" section of www.raileurope.com

Please take into consideration that these fares are a bit more expensive than those you would pay at the train station, but it will give you an idea.

[Kim]

Q: What's the difference between first and second class?

From an article from the web:

"1st class passes are the normal full adult fare, although there are discounts for children and groups traveling together. In general, 1st class travel is more spacious and quieter than 2nd class travel. 1st class seats are usually larger with reclining backs and more legroom than 2nd class seats. In a typical 1st class train car, there are usually 2 seats on one side of the aisle and one seat on the other. In compartment car seating, the cabins accommodate up to 6 passengers (instead of 8).

2nd class passes are an affordable way to travel Europe and is the way most Europeans themselves travel. 2nd class seating usually has 2 seats on either side of the aisle. In compartment car seating, 2nd class cabins accommodate up to 8 passengers while 2nd class sleepers have 2-3 beds (instead of 1). Couchettes are considered 2nd class travel, and accommodate 4-6 people. Sleeperettes, reclining seats, are also included in this category.

Youth passes are always 2nd class and are available only to travelers under the age of 26. Adults over 26 years of age must travel using an adult 1st class pass. Rail officials check passports and tickets prior to departure. Failure to comply will lead to confiscation of pass and possible fines. If a Youth Pass holder wishes to travel with an adult where there is no 2nd class adult option, he/she may pay the difference in the fare and ride 1st class. An adult may ride 2nd class but he/she does not get a refund on the paid adult fare."

[Kim]

Q: Should I buy the Pass Protection (insurance) for my pass?

The pass protection is insurance for your railpass in the event that your pass is stolen.
When you're already paying a good amount for your pass, what's $20?
Go for it - it could really save you from a small nightmare if something happens to your pass.