All About Train Travel
Tell me more about passes.
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What is a rail month and rail day?
A rail pass month is counted as a calendar month. For example, a pass that begins on July 15th will expire at midnight on August 14th. A rail day lasts from midnight to midnight. You can take as many trains as you wish during this time. The number of days used on your pass when traveling on an overnight train will vary depending upon the situation.
- Overnight train trips departing after 7:00pm and traveling through at least 4:00am (with no change of train) require the traveler to only enter the following day's date on the pass (which means only one travel day is counted).
- Overnight train trips departing after 7:00pm and traveling through at least 4:00am (with any change of train) count as two days of travel.
- Overnight train trips departing after 7:00pm and arriving before 4:00am counts as two days of travel.
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What does flexi mean in terms of a rail pass?
A flexipass is valid for a specific number of travel days that can be scattered within a longer period. For example, 15 days of unlimited rail travel within 2 months. A traveler can pick and choose the days they would like to use the train.
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What does consecutive mean in terms of a rail pass?
A consecutive-day pass provides unlimited rail travel on any day or consecutive days covered in the length of the pass.
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On what date is my rail pass considered validated/activated?
With most passes, the pass starts the day you get it validated by a rail official.
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How do I validate/activate my pass?
Just go to the ticket window at the rail station before boarding your first train. A railroad official will enter the first and last day of the validity on your pass and stamp your pass. You will have to show your passport.
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Can I buy a pass if I have a European passport and a green card from the United States?
We are not able to sell rail passes or tickets to residents of Europe, the UK, Morocco, Turkey, or any of the countries of the former Soviet Union. If you are a resident of these countries, we will not be able to sell you one of our passes. If you are a citizen of any of these countries, but are a resident of the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America or Canada, we are able to sell the rail pass or tickets to you. Passes are based on residency not citizenship, and the country of your residence will be printed on the rail pass.
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How far in advance can I buy my rail pass?
A pass can be purchased up to 6 months before your first travel day (and must be validated within 6 months of the original date of issue). As long as you validate your pass within 6 months of the original date of issue, your pass is valid for use for the full duration of the timeframe for which you purchased it. .
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If I'm on a train overnight, will 2 days of my pass be used?
The number of days used on your pass when traveling on an overnight train will vary depending upon the situation.
However, the following passes require 2 travel days.- Overnight train trips departing after 7:00pm and traveling through at least 4:00am (with no change of train) require the traveler to only enter the following day's date on the pass (which means only one travel day is counted).
- Overnight train trips departing after 7:00pm and traveling through at least 4:00am (with any change of train) count as two days of travel.
- Overnight train trips departing after 7:00pm and arriving before 4:00am counts as two days of travel.
- Britrail Guest Pass
- Britrail Central Scotland Pass
- Britrail London Plus Pass
- Eurail Czech Republic Pass
- Eurail Slovenia Pass
- Swiss Pass
- Swiss Card
- Swiss Transfer Ticket
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Do you offer discounts on passes for groups of travelers?
If you travel in a party of 10 or more, see our special groups offers for a more customized travel solution. And keep in mind, even if you are not traveling in a group, discounted passes are available for youth (under 26 years of age) or for a party of 2 or more.
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Do you offer discounts on passes?
Discounted passes are available for youth (under 26 years of age), seniors (age 60 and over) and children (generally ages 4-11) but should be verified with each product. There are also discounted passes for a party of 2 or more traveling together at all times.
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Do the names on the pass and on the passport have to match?
Yes.
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How do I know which pass (and # of days) is right for me?
Well, that all depends on how long you plan to travel for, not to mention the number of countries and cities you intend to visit. Our recommendation would be if you plan on traveling for more than 3 days, consider getting a pass. For less than 3 days, purchasing individual tickets is the better way to go. You should also consider a pass if you are not sure about your itinerary. The pass will give you the flexibility to change your plans at will. There are two types of passes, Flexipass and Consecutive Pass. Consecutive passes provide unlimited rail travel every day for the duration of the pass. This is ideal for anyone who expects to move around a lot and travel by train each day. A Flexipass is valid for a specific number of travel days within a longer period (e.g. 3 days within one month), so it gives you more flexibility to choose the specific days when you want to travel by rail. For help with choosing the best product for your travels click here.
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How do I use the bonuses that come with the passes?
Any bonus that is free will use a travel day on your rail pass. Discounted bonuses will not require the use of a travel day, but does require a valid rail pass. All bonuses are handled locally and are subject to change.
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If I've already bought a single country pass and plan to travel to a bordering country - what should I do?
If you have not yet left on your trip, contact us to determine what product(s) might better suit your needs. If you are already in Europe, your rail pass covers you to the border city of the country in which you are traveling. Simply purchase additional tickets locally to travel in any country not covered on your original pass.

United States
Canada
Mexico
Anguilla
Antigua /Barbuda
Aruba
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Bermuda
Bonaire
Cayman Islands
Costa Rica
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Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Grenada
Guam
Guadeloupe
Guatemala
Haiti
Honduras
Jamaica
Martinique
Monserrat
Netherlands Antilles
Nicaragua
Panama
Puerto Rico
St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent & Grenadines
Trinidad & Tobago
Turks & Caicos
Virgin Islands