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Click here to order rail passes
A railpass is a must-have for anyone planning to travel to more than one country while in
Europe. You should get a single country pass only if you plan to spend most of your time traveling within
its borders. Rail Europe offers passes for travel within specific countries and also offers you the option
of driving and riding the rails. Since there is a variety of passes available, it is important to determine
which pass is most suited to your specific needs. If you don't know which pass would be best for you, please
contact the ASA office at 888-845-4ASA and we will be happy to assist you.
For those who will be under the age of 26 on the first day of travel, getting the Youth ticket is the best
option. Also, don't be frightened by "second-class travel." Most second-class sections are very comfortable
and provide the perfect atmosphere to meet other students from all over the world.
If you plan on doing a lot of traveling, the Flexipass offers travel to any of the 17 European countries on
the rail system and would be your best option. This pass has the option of using it on 10 days within a
2-month period or 15 days within a 2-month period.
If you want unlimited travel within a certain time frame (15 days, for instance), then the Eurail Pass is
your best option. It allows travel in any of the 17 European countries on the rail system.
The Eurail Selectpass offers inexpensive travel, but only allows you to travel in 3 bordering European
countries. This would be perfect if you only had time to see, for instance, Spain, France and Italy.
The Europass offers travel in 5 major European countries. If the only countries you plan on seeing are
France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland, then this might be your best bet |
EURAIL FLEXIPASS |
The Eurail Flexipass allows 10 or 15 days of travel within a 2-month period, beginning the day you activate your pass. The Eurail
Flexipass is good for travel in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Ireland (Republic of), Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden
and Switzerland. |
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EURAIL PASS |
The Eurail pass allows travel on any or all days for the duration of the pass. The Eurail pass is
good for travel in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Ireland (Republic of), Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland |
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EURAIL SELECTPASS |
Valid for travel in any 3 bordering countries connected by rail and/or ferry out of the 17
Eurailpass countries. Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg together are considered one count |
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EUROPASS |
The Europass includes travel in the 5 following countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and
Switzerland. The Europass allows you to choose 5, 6, 8, 10, or 15 days of travel within a 2-month period,
beginning the day you activate your pass. You may add on any associated country listed below for an
additional price. |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
Are Eurailpasses Valid in Great Britain and Eastern Europe?
Eurailpasses are honored only in the following 17 countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland (Republic of), Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain,
Sweden and Switzerland. There are many other passes and tickets for travel in countries and regions in
addition to the Eurailpass countries, including Great Britain and Eastern Europe.
How does a EUROPASS differ from a EURAILPASS?
The Eurailpass is valid in the 17 countries offered. The Europass is valid in five countries: France,
Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. You can extend the reach of your passes by Associate Countries.
How many days constitute a month in one pass?
A month is counted as a calendar month. For example, a pass that begins on September 15 will expire at
midnight on October 14.
How is a travel day calculated?
For the train it is midnight to midnight. For the car it is 24 hours from time of pick up.
What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class?
First class is quieter and roomier, with fewer seats per car/compartment than 2nd class. More space is
available for luggage. On some specialty Premier Trains a meal will be included in the price for
first class. The class of travel you choose depends on your budget and personal preferences.
Can you explain the 7:00pm rule for overnight trains?
If an overnight trip starts after 7:00pm on validated Eurail Flexipasses, Europasses or Railpasses for
Balkans, France, Norway, Scandinavia and Sweden, the pass holder must enter the next day's date on
the pass, provided it falls within the validity of the pass.
What are the interiors of the trains like?
You will find that as the scenery changes from country to country, the personality of the trains
change as well.
What is the seating like in day trains?
Day trains could have either compartment seating or coach seating, or even both. With compartment
seating, the car is separated into cabins that open to a corridor along one side of the car. Cabins
accommodate up to six passengers in 1st class, and up to eight in 2nd class. With coach seating, the
car is open with a center aisle and seats on either side. In 1st class there are two seats on one side
of the aisle and one on the other. In 2nd class there are two seats on either side of the aisle.
What about night trains?
Night trains are for overnight travel and you should definitely consider sleeping accommodations such
as a sleeper or couchette. Deluxe accommodations are available on the Talgo overnight trains between
Spain, France, Switzerland and Italy. Sleepers contain berths, with a private washstand, fresh linens
and towels. First class accommodates 1 or 2 people. Second class accomodates 3 or 4 people.
Is there somewhere I can store my bags?
Most train stations have lockers or luggage checkrooms for bag storage. When you're traveling on
the train there are either overhead storage racks though out the car or luggage areas at each end
of the car.
Are train stations easily accessible from airports?
Train stations are located within many European airports. In many areas, it's only 15 minutes from the
airport.
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RECOMMENDATIONS |
1. When traveling at peak times, be sure to make your departure reservations when you arrive at
your destination. This will save time and insure a better chance of reserving a seat.
2. Purchase the Pass Protection Plan. Although we all hope not to lose our passes, it happens. The
only way to insure your pass against theft or loss is to buy the PPP for an additional $12, a nominal
fee compared to the cost of a new pass.
3. Purchase a travel book. Foders, Lonely Planet, and Let's Go are among the most popular choices. These
books have great recommendations on anything from getting around, to lodging and food. Travel
books have proven to be an indispensable item to past students.
4. Plan your itinerary before purchasing your pass. It is imperative that you have a general plan for
traveling so you can pick the best and most useful pass for your traveling needs. |
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