FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

You will be forced to purchase a full fare ticket and additionally can be fined up to €200. Alternately, you may be asked to leave the train at the next stop.

A rail pass can be purchased up to 11 months prior to departure.

Both passes have their benefits. A consecutive-day pass is great if you are roaming and will likely take a train each day.   Or perhaps you don't know exactly where you are going or how long it will take you.  However, these tends to be more expensive and are only offered on the Global pass.

A flexipass is offered on both Global and one country passes.  It only allows limited days of travel, so more planning needs to go into your itinerary.  However, it costs less than a consecutive-day pass and is great for travelers on a budget and who plan to make only a few long train journeys scattered throughout their trip.

  You must show valid I.D. (passport)  and your railpass barcode on your mobile device.   Your pass must be activated on the 'Railplanner app' before boarding the train and have your trips date and locations that you will travel prior to boarding the train.  For trains that require seat reservations, you must also show your reservation order.

Flexible travel days give the pass-holder a two-month period from the validation date to utilize the number of days they have purchased for their pass. For example, if you buy a two-month flexipass with 10 days of travel, you can use each of those ten days at any point during the 60-day validity period.

 Your rail pass is not valid until you activate it on the 'Railplanner app'  on your mobile device.   You also must add your travel date and segment before boarding the first train on the day you intend to use it. This would include purchasing a seat reservation if required!

Announcements and other official business will typically be conducted in the language of the countries of departure and of arrival, though English is also sometimes added. In most of Europe, you will find English-speaking ticket agents and conductors—though learning to conduct the transaction in the local language is always appreciated.

A seat reservation can be used in conjunction with a rail pass and grants you access to an assigned seat. A train ticket includes both your fare and, if required, the assigned seat reservation.

A consecutive-day pass provides unlimited rail travel for the duration of the pass, once it has been validated. For example, if you buy a month-long pass you can travel on as many trains as you like on any day during that month.

You may travel through it only after you purchase a ticket for the fare, as your rail pass will not be valid in this country.

Yes, you may visit any country that is covered by your pass as many times as you wish. If you travel through a country where your pass is not valid you will have to buy a ticket to cover that portion of the trip. In Italy, you can do this on ItaliaRail.com.

You may start using your rail pass in any country in which your pass is valid.

If your traveling on an Interrail country pass you cannot use this to travel within your own country of residence. However, the Interrail Global Pass can be used for up to two journeys in your home country: one outbound and one inbound, with multiple train transfers included. You can use either journey at any point during your trip.

There are so many exciting options with the Global Pass. Below are a few of the most popular routes offered with this comprehensive rail pass:

Amsterdam–Berlin

Amsterdam–Brussels

Barcelona–Gijon

Berlin–Prague

London–Paris

Madrid–Barcelona

Madrid–Granada

Madrid–Malaga

Munich–Salzburg

Paris–Amsterdam

Paris–Barcelona

Paris–Geneva

Paris–Rome

Prague–Vienna

Rome–Florence

Rome–Milan

Rome–Venice

Venice–Milan

Vienna–Budapest

Vienna–Venice

A Eurail pass must be activated before it can be used. Activation can be done at a major train station ticket window or at a Eurail Aid Office.

An activated pass will show the first and last day of validity of the pass. Activation must take place within 11 months of the issuing date stamp in the upper right corner of your pass.

Activation on board by the train inspector is allowed only if the passholder is entering the valid country on a train from a country where the pass is not valid. In this case, the passholder must report to the train staff immediately upon boarding the train—do not wait for a conductor to come to you.

Failure to activate your pass will result in a payment of the full-fare ticket and a maximum fine of €200.

Most train stations have a lost and found office. If you lose your luggage on the train, it is best to contact the railway directly. Go here for a list of participating railway companies.