Comments on: Eurail Passes: Do the Numbers Add Up?

By: Mark H

Mark H — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:25:22 +0000

Nice summary. I travelled with Eurail some years ago when air travel was more expensive and I priced out well ahead. I think as you imply that its real value is if you want to “sample” europe and spread travel across the continent – especially exploring the more expensive Scandinavian countries along with Germany and France. It also included (I assume it still does) some nice extras like free or 50% discounted ferries, boats on major rivers (Rhine/Danube) and private trains in Switzerland. As a bigger bonus, it also means not buying train tickets all the time – often just being able to leap on the train (though reservations can be a bit of a catch at times).

By: NomadicMatt

NomadicMatt — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:50:58 +0000

I agree. I really loved going through the countryside. It was very beautiful.

By: lyzazel

lyzazel — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:02:29 +0000

Well, for Europeans (especially under 25), Interrail is a really good option. They have different time scaling and travelling conditions but they have saved me a lot of money.

For example, 250 Euros to travel 4000 kilometers all across Europe with 7 long stops in big cities (and quite a few more day stops in little cities): now that’s a bargain.

By: Nora

Nora — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:13:41 +0000

I love to travel by train – I did it across Canada and through Asia, and will do again as much as possible. It’s a great way to actually see something of the country you’re visiting, and it’s better for the environment too. Thanks for the article!

By: Nomadic Matt

Nomadic Matt — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:07:21 +0000

Europeans can purchase an Interrail ticket…pretty much the same thing…but for europeans.

By: ami

ami — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:15:07 +0000

what you say is true. But you do not mention that the prices are not applicable to every nationality. North American prices are cheaper. If a french buy this ticket it will cost even more. Or last time i check not even possible for european to buy. This is very important to mention.

By: marina villatoro

marina villatoro — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:00:38 +0000

I took the Eurorail over 15 years ago, and back then it was a real bargain. Now it seems sooo expensive. But then again, it’s Europe and everything to me seems expensive after central america!

But the fact is, I can’t wait to get back on it again:)

By: Nomadic Matt

Nomadic Matt — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:19:38 +0000

I price out the pass prices in the paragraph below.

By: Lauren

Lauren — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:15:21 +0000

It would be a lot easier to understand the total costs if you added the railpass costs into your table.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:04:14 +0000

Interesting, I’ve never used a Euro-rail pass but I’ve considered them in the past. Unfortunately they don’t apply to many of the countries I’ve spent a lot of time traveling in within Eastern Europe and the Balkans. I do think they are a good value for some though.