EuRail query -- most traveling in 2 countries but transiting via a third
Aug 28, 2017, 6:05 pm
#1
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Join Date: Jun 2007
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EuRail query -- most traveling in 2 countries but transiting via a third
First time EuRail user
If traveling primarily in Germany and Italy, but taking one non-stop train from Munch to Bologna -- ECB85.
Which countries need to be on the 3-country EuRail Select pass – Germany, Italy and???
Switzerland
Or Austria
ECB appears to transit Austria but was not planning on exiting
Or does it not matter?
There is a small thought of a side trip to Switzerland -- hence the question but unlikely. So unlikely would not wish to purchase 4 country pass.
Thanks in advance for your help
If traveling primarily in Germany and Italy, but taking one non-stop train from Munch to Bologna -- ECB85.
Which countries need to be on the 3-country EuRail Select pass – Germany, Italy and???
Switzerland
Or Austria
ECB appears to transit Austria but was not planning on exiting
Or does it not matter?
There is a small thought of a side trip to Switzerland -- hence the question but unlikely. So unlikely would not wish to purchase 4 country pass.
Thanks in advance for your help
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Aug 28, 2017 at 6:14 pm Reason: why 3 vs 4 country pass
Aug 28, 2017, 8:53 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: ORD
Programs: AA PLT
Posts: 2,781
EURail site answers your question:
If you want to travel in a country not covered by your pass, you need to buy an additional ticket for that section of the trip. Buy this ticket locally at a train station. Buying tickets on the train is often more expensive and you risk getting a fine.
Example:
You plan to travel from Munich (Germany) to Venice (Italy) with a Select Pass - 4 countries, valid in France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. The fastest route is through Austria, which is not included in your pass.
There are 3 possible solutions:
Example:
You plan to travel from Munich (Germany) to Venice (Italy) with a Select Pass - 4 countries, valid in France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. The fastest route is through Austria, which is not included in your pass.
There are 3 possible solutions:
- Order a different Eurail Pass, one that is also valid in Austria.
- Buy an additional ticket in advance at a German station, just for the part of your journey in Austria.
- Research an alternative route, to stay within the countries where your pass is valid. You could avoid Austria by traveling through Switzerland, though this would take you longer.
Aug 28, 2017, 10:13 pm
#3
Moderator: United Airlines
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,853
Aug 29, 2017, 11:06 am
#4
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 276
What EURail site does not do is tell you how bad the value of an Eurail pass really is.
A three country pass Germany - Austria - Italy, for for example 5 days which is what you would need here, would costs you 391,- euro.
That comes to 78,- euro per day.
Now consider this:
Munich - Bologna starts at 29,- euro, when booked in advance on www.bahn.de
Long distance trips within German start at 19,- euro when booked in advance.
Long distance trips within Italy start at 9,- euro!
Local trains are often dirt cheap. Especially in Italy.
Before committing to a Eurail pass, first have a look at what the fares are when bought from the actual companies that run the trains. Eurail is rarely a bargain, and in Italy where you need to reserve long distance trains in advance anyway, not flexible either.
A three country pass Germany - Austria - Italy, for for example 5 days which is what you would need here, would costs you 391,- euro.
That comes to 78,- euro per day.
Now consider this:
Munich - Bologna starts at 29,- euro, when booked in advance on www.bahn.de
Long distance trips within German start at 19,- euro when booked in advance.
Long distance trips within Italy start at 9,- euro!
Local trains are often dirt cheap. Especially in Italy.
Before committing to a Eurail pass, first have a look at what the fares are when bought from the actual companies that run the trains. Eurail is rarely a bargain, and in Italy where you need to reserve long distance trains in advance anyway, not flexible either.