What is preferable, Eurail Pass or Buying Pass on the spot?
I plan to visit 3 countries in Europe during May: Paris, Italy and England ( in that order). I will be staying in each country for 1 week; at the end of the week I will be moving on from a country to another.
Edit: Here are more updates on my research. This is my travelling schedule:
- Paris
- Bordeaux
- Lyon
- Milan
- Florence
- Rome
- London
I plan to use Eurail pass when I travel from Paris to Rome, and I will take a flight from Rome to London.
My question is, is it more worthwhile to by a Selected Pass with three countries ( because the train from Lyon to Milan stops by Geneva), or is it more worthwhile to buy the ticket separately?
Best Answer
If you plan in advance then a rail pass is hardly interesting. Moreover, if you are flexible, in the sense that you are willing to take a bus for one leg or another, you will save money by not buying a pass.
Some time ago, when I was young and crisp, rail passes were really cool. At that time, nobody was talking about "low cost" airlines, bus lines were heavily regulated and restricted and high-speed rail was somewhat exotic. Nowadays, things have changed. There are alternatives to the train. Furthermore if you want to travel by train on long distances, you are more and more forced to use high-speed trains or trains with compulsory seat reservation. These additions are usually not included in rail passes. Moreover, on French high-speed trains (TGV) there is a limited quota of seats available to pass holders. Thus, you have an incentive to book in advance nevertheless ...
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For whom is a Eurail Pass most appropriate?
Eurail Passes can only be used by non-European citizens or non-European residents. European citizens can use an Interrail Pass instead.Does Eurail save you money?
If you are traveling vast distances over multiple countries, using a lot of high-speed trains, and traveling (semi) last-minute, or for a long time, a Eurail pass will save you money and is worth purchasing.What Eurail Pass should you use if you want to travel to 33 countries in Europe with just one pass?
The Eurail Global Pass is one of the most popular ways to explore Europe, offering travelers access to 33 countries. The pass gives you a set number of stops in a set time period, ranging from three days to three months, allowing for a flexible, hassle-free trip without having to purchase single tickets for every leg.Can I buy a Eurail Pass at the station?
You can also purchase Eurail Passes at train stations in Europe, but that's more expensive than ordering them online in advance.EURAIL PASS REVIEW | 5 Considerations to Decide Eurail is Worth It (+ FREE QUIZ!)
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Answer 2
I would advise against getting a Eurail pass. Eurail is nothing more than a travel agency, that has a product that is designed to appeal to persons unfamiliar with the European Railway System.
WIth a Eurail Pass you will still have to make reservations, and pay reservation charges for the high speed trains you want to take in France. And you'll discover that often the contingent for Eurail Pass holders is quite small, making it impossible for you to travel on your train of choice.
Book your sectors up to Milano in advance with the French Railways, and use the tricks mentioned on the seat61 site to avoid being sent to RailEurope.
For your Italian sectors you have the choice between two companies, Trenitalia or Italotreno.
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