Eurail Select Pass offers unlimited travel on the national rail networks of any 3 to 5 bordering countries out of 23 European nations that are connected by train or ship.

Eurail Select Pass countries include Austria (including Liechtenstein), Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg – all counted as one country), Bulgaria + Serbia & Montenegro (counted as one country), Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France (including Monaco), Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Slovenia + Croatia (counted as one country), Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The standard Eurail Selectpass offers 1st class travel for everyone.

The Eurail Selectpass Saver allows travel in 1st class for 2-5 people traveling together.

The Eurail Selectpass Youth offers 2nd class travel for those under the age of 26 on the first day of travel.

General Conditions

• Eurail passes are not intended for sale to residents of Europe, the Russian Federation, Turkey, Morocco, Algeria or Tunisia.
• Passes must be validated prior to first train journey. Passes must be validated within 6 months of issue date.
• If an overnight train starts after 7pm on a validated Eurail Select Pass, the passholder must enter the next day’s date on the pass, provided it falls within the validity of the pass.
• A complete list of bonuses is included on the complimentary Eurail map you will receive with your pass.
• Discounted fare on Eurostar (the channel tunnel train between Paris and London or Brussels and London) and other international high speed services such as Thalys and Artesia.
• Passes can not be replaced if lost or stolen.
• Ages 26 and over qualify for Adult passes only. Ages 12-25 qualify for Youth passes, if offered. Ages 4-11 qualify for child fares (50% of adult fare), if offered.

Have a backpack, passport, and zest for adventure? With a Eurail Global Pass you can conquer 21 countries: Feast on fromage in France. Ski in Switzerland. Or try to nap in Norway as the sunshine peaks through your room at 3 am. This is the pass of good times ahead. It’s just you, a Eurailpass and a continent filled with unending possibilities.

This pass gives you unlimited travel on the entire rail networks of: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The consecutive pass is available for 15 days, 21 days, 1 month, 2 months or 3 months. A consecutive pass gives you an unlimited sense of freedom during your European trip.

The standard Eurail Pass offers 1st class travel for everyone.

The Eurail Saver Pass allows travel in 1st class for 2-5 people traveling together.

The Eurail Youth Saver Pass offers 2nd class travel for those under the age of 26 on the first day of travel.

General Conditions

• Eurail passes are not intended for sale to residents of Europe, the Russian Federation, Turkey, Morocco, Algeria or Tunisia.
• Passes must be validated prior to first train journey. Passes must be validated within 6 months of issue date.
• If an overnight train starts after 7pm on a validated Eurail Select Pass, the passholder must enter the next day’s date on the pass, provided it falls within the validity of the pass.
• A complete list of bonuses is included on the complimentary Eurail map you will receive with your pass.
• Discounted fare on Eurostar (the channel tunnel train between Paris and London or Brussels and London) and other international high speed services such as Thalys and Artesia.
• Passes can not be replaced if lost or stolen.
• Ages 26 and over qualify for Adult passes only. Ages 12-25 qualify for Youth passes, if offered. Ages 4-11 qualify for child fares (50% of adult fare), if offered.

Is your time flexible? The only difference between the Eurail Flexi Pass and the Eurail Pass lies in the duration of your travel. With the Flexipass, choose either 10 or 15 days of unlimited travel in 21 European countries (whether they border each other or not) within a 2-month period.

The standard Eurail Flexi Pass offers 1st class travel for everyone.

The Saver Flexi Pass allows travel in 1st class for 2-5 people traveling together.

The Youth Flexi Pass offers 2nd class travel for those under the age of 26 on the first day of travel.

General Conditions

• Eurail passes are not intended for sale to residents of Europe, the Russian Federation, Turkey, Morocco, Algeria or Tunisia.
• Passes must be validated prior to first train journey. Passes must be validated within 6 months of issue date.
• If an overnight train starts after 7pm on a validated Eurail Select Pass, the passholder must enter the next day’s date on the pass, provided it falls within the validity of the pass.
• A complete list of bonuses is included on the complimentary Eurail map you will receive with your pass.
• Discounted fare on Eurostar (the channel tunnel train between Paris and London or Brussels and London) and other international high speed services such as Thalys and Artesia.
• Passes can not be replaced if lost or stolen.
• Ages 26 and over qualify for Adult passes only. Ages 12-25 qualify for Youth passes, if offered. Ages 4-11 qualify for child fares (50% of adult fare), if offered.

Attention students (for those under 26 holding a valid ISIC International Student Identity Card):

When you book a Eurail 8 day youth Select Pass from June 1 to July 31, 2009, you’ll get 2 additional days free. Yes, your 8-day pass becomes a 10-day pass, regardless of whether you choose from our 3,4, or 5 country options.

The only thing you’ll need to remember is that the chosen countries must be bordering or have a direct line that is part of this special Eurail offer. You’ll even have 2 months within which to spread your ten travel days.

This pass gives you unlimited travel on the national rail networks of 3, 4 or 5 bordering countries connected by train or ship, including:

Austria, Benelux (includes Belgium, Luxembourg, Holland), Bulgaria/Serbia/Montenegro, Croatia/Slovenia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland)

In summary, 10 days of travel within 2 months for the price of an 8 day pass!

During these tough economic times, it may be difficult for some people to purchase a rail pass that may cost $1000 or more. Fortunately, Rail Europe has stepped up with a special deferred payment plan for 2009 Eurail passes that may help some travelers with their rail pass purchase.

Key conditions:
1) purchase by July 30th, 2009
2) minimum purchase of $250
3) select Bill Me Later at purchase
4) subject to credit approval
5) take up to 90 days to pay (can be sooner if you wish)
6) no interest charges if payment in full within 90 days

As Eurail passes are rarely offered on sale or with a discount, this may be the best way for some people having a temporary financial constraint to purchase a rail pass for their 2009 summer in Europe experience. Just be sure you can afford your purchase and can pay in full within the 90-day period.

Recently launched is a clever discount for those travelers who need both a Europe rail pass and a backpacker for their 2009 summer in Europe.

What:

1) Make a purchase from Rail Europe and receive $20 off a purchase of $75 or more from Ebags

OR

2) Make a purchase from Ebags and receive $25 off a purchase of $295 ($365 CAD) or more from Rail Europe.

When: Make either purchase by September 9th and redeem the resulting coupon on the other site by October 15th.

How: Your discount code for the 2nd purchase will be on your confirmation email from your 1st purchase.

Every day we get visitors to this site asking “where should I buy a Eurail pass?” or “where is the best place to buy a Eurail pass?”

First of all, it is important to understand exactly what “Eurail” is – it is a marketing term utilized by a cooperative effort of European train companies to market their train services to foreign travelers, mainly North American residents.

There is a different marketing term, called Inter Rail, marketed to European travelers (and some other nations) and not relevent for North Americans.

For North American travelers, your direct source for Eurail passes is Rail Europe.

To answer the question of where to buy your Eurail pass:

1) Buy directly from Rail Europe (other providers are middle companies that will charge a markup fee);

2) Before you leave

Why before? First, because you can have peace of mind having your pass secure in your possession before you leave, and save yourself from spending valuable time and effort in Europe to obtain your pass.

Second, the passes physically available are different than the ones that can be delivered to your North American address and usually have a higher price.

3) The same logic applies to Canadian residents, who can access the Canadian version of Rail Europe here.

Rail Europe is now offering their normal pre-summer Free Shipping offer. In past years, this offer usually expires on May 31st, so if you are going to buy a pass, be sure to take advantage of this offer ($18 value).

France conjures up images of rolling vineyards, fine food and cheese and incomparable art. This is a nation to see in its entirety. Why settle for Paris alone when you can bike the Loire Valley, or sachet along the South of France sand? The same goes for scenic Switzerland. Visit world-class cities – centers of Olympic tradition (Lausanne) and banking (Geneva). Taste mouthwatering chocolates and shuss down snow-capped mountains with a France – Switzerland Rail Pass.

You get any 4 days of unlimited travel within a 2-month period on the national rail network of France and the SBB network of Switzerland (including some private railroads). Travel days may be used consecutively or non-consecutively. You can purchase up to 6 extra days of train travel for a reasonable extra cost per day.

The standard France – Swiss rail pass offers 1st class travel for everyone.

The France – Swiss Saver pass allows travel in 1st class for 2-5 people traveling together.

The France- Swiss youth pass offers 2nd class travel for those under the age of 26 on the first day of travel.

Bonuses with all France – Switzerland rail passes:

• Eurostar offers a discount on full 1st and 2nd class Eurostar fares from France to the UK. The pass holder 1st class reduction is also available with a 2nd class youth pass.
• 50% reduction for Pass holders on normal fares on ferry crossings between Calais – Dover (UK) operated by SeaFrance
• 30% reduction on the standard foot passenger fares on ferry crossings from Cherbourg to Rosslare (Ireland) (March to January) and Roscoff to Rosslare (Ireland) (April to September) operated by Irish Ferries.
• Numerous discounts on private trains, boats, cable cars and funiculars in Switzerland, such as: 20% discount on normal fares on the Furka Cogwheel Steam Train Cable Cars and Funiculars up to the mountain peaks, 50% discount on mountain railways and cable cars, and 25% discount on Kleine Scheidegg-Jungfraujoch route.

With a Italy-Spain rail pass, hop off your rail ride in classic Florence, the Renaissance capital full of exquisite churches, palaces, and art treasures. Pass by Rome and see its legendary treasures. Madrid’s 24/7 cosmopolitan capital, is alive with art, music, and indulgence. And don’t miss flamenco in Seville. The bullfights, parades, and paella contests in Spain are a must.

You get 4 days of unlimited travel on the national rail networks of Italy and Spain within a 2-month period. Add up to 6 extra days of travel for a reasonable extra fee per day. Travel days can be used consecutively or non-consecutively.

The standard Italy-Spain rail pass offers 1st or 2nd class travel for everyone.

The Italy-Spain Saver pass allows travel in 1st or 2nd class for 2-5 people traveling together.

The Italy-Spain youth pass offers 2nd class travel for those under the age of 26 on the first day of travel.

Bonuses with all Italy-Spain rail passes:

• Special passholder fare on Artesia (France-Italy) and Elipsos (Barcelona-Milan) trains.
• Free ferry crossings from Villa S. Giovanni to Messina (Sicily).
• Hellenic Mediterranean Lines: 30% discount on passenger and vehicle rates (excluding Deluxe cabins) for departures from June 15th to September 15th, 50% discount other times.
• Grimaldi Ferries Prestige: 20% discount on all routes and accommodation types. Ferry services connecting: Rome (Civitavecchia) – Barcelona / Rome (Civitavecchia) – Tolone / Salerno – Malta / Salerno – Tunis / Palermo – Tunis / Livorno – Tunis.
• 20% reduction on the standard passenger fares and cabin fares on crossings from Barcelona to Civitavecchia/Livorno (Italy) operated by Grimaldi Ferries.
• 20% reduction on the standard passenger fares from Barcelona – Palma de Mallorca / Ciutadella / Ibiza / Mahon and from Valencia – Palma de Mallorca , Denia – Ibiza, and various crossings between the Balearic islands operated by Baleria.
• 50% discount on FEVE train on routes Santander – Bilbao, Oviedo – Santander, Leon – Bilbao, Oviedo – Ferrol and local lines in Asturias, Galicia, Cantabria, Vizcaya, Leon and Murcia.

Go off the beaten track with a European East rail pass. Visit Bohemia and the birthplace of Mozart. Head to Danube-hugging Hungary – the land of paprika and thermal baths. Home to Chopin and Copernicus, Poland is historically and culturally rich. In Slovakia, let your feet dance to folk music. Enjoy the unique character and history of each region at your own pace, by train, and in first class.

You get any five days of unlimited travel within a 1-month period on the national rail networks of Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland. Travel days may be used consecutively or non-consecutively. You can purchase up to 5 extra days of train travel.

The standard European East railpass offers 1st or 2nd class travel for everyone.

Neither the European East saver pass nor youth pass  is currently offered.

Bonuses with all European East passes:

• Also valid on direct trains between Kufstein and Salzburg (Germany) if passenger does not change or leave the train.
• 20% reduction on Danube river trips from Melk – Krems and Vienna – Dürnstein and Sightseeing trips in Vienna (only on Sunday) operated by DDSG Blue Danube.
• Passholder fare on Berlin-Warsaw Express.

Lover of the arts? With a France-Germany Pass, you can see the birthplace of impressionism and the avant-garde. France has inspired artists for centuries – with its gorgeous lavender-field landscapes, seaside retreats and energetic cities. Germany has stepped out of the past, especially in Berlin, with cutting-edge architecture and a hot nightlife. Of course one can still head to the Black Forest and the castles of Bavaria for a dose of the Old World.

You get any 4, 5, 6, 8, or 10  days unlimited train travel within a 2-month period on the national rail networks of France and Germany. Travel days may be used consecutively or non-consecutively.

The standard France – Germany rail pass offers 1st or 2nd class travel for everyone.

The France – Germany Saver pass allows travel in 1st or 2nd class for 2-5 people traveling together.

The France – Germany youth pass offers 2nd class travel for those under the age of 26 on the first day of travel.

Bonuses with all France-Germany rail passes:

• Eurostar offers a discount on full 1st and 2nd class Eurostar fares from France to the UK. The pass holder 1st class reduction is also available with a 2nd class youth pass.
• 50% reduction for Pass holders on normal fares on ferry crossings between Calais – Dover (UK) operated by SeaFrance
• 30% reduction on the standard foot passenger fares on ferry crossings from Cherbourg to Rosslare (Ireland) (March to January) and Roscoff to Rosslare (Ireland) (April to September) operated by Irish Ferries.
• Free travel on the S-Bahn trains (local railways) that operate in the major German cities. The only exception is Berlin, where the Eurail Pass is only valid on the S-Bahn tracks that connect the DB railway stations of Berlin.
• Free transportation on boats of the Koln-Dusseldorf Rheinschiffahrt AG Line (KD Rhine Line) on:  the River Rhine between Cologne and Mainz and the Mosel River between Koblenz and Cochem am Mosel.
• A 20% discount on the Europabus route: “Romantic Road”, (Frankfurt am Main-Wurzburg-Augsburg-Munich-Fussen), it is strongly recommended to reserve seats about two working days in advance.
• 30% reduction on ferry crossings from Helsinki – Rostock operated by Tallink Silja Oy.

France and Spain, two of the most popular European countries, offer travelers fabulous food, flamenco, art and architecture. With a France – Spain rail pass, see world famous museums like the Louvre and the Prado. Feast of croissants early in the morning and eat tapas late in the evening.

You get 4 days unlimited train travel within a 2-month period on the national rail networks of France and Spain. Travel days may be used consecutively or non-consecutively. Purchase up to 6 extra days of travel for a reasonable extra cost.

The standard France – Spain rail pass offers 1st or 2nd class travel for everyone.

The France – Spain Saver pass allows travel in 1st or 2nd class for 2-5 people traveling together.

The France – Spain youth pass offers 2nd class travel for those under the age of 26 on the first day of travel.

Bonuses for all France – Spain Eurail passes:

• Eurostar offers a discount on full 1st and 2nd class Eurostar fares from France to the UK. The pass holder 1st class reduction is also available with a 2nd class youth pass.
• 50% reduction for Pass holders on normal fares on ferry crossings between Calais – Dover (UK) operated by SeaFrance
• 30% reduction on the standard foot passenger fares on ferry crossings from Cherbourg to Rosslare (Ireland) (March to January) and Roscoff to Rosslare (Ireland) (April to September) operated by Irish Ferries.
• 20% reduction on the standard passenger fares and cabin fares on crossings from Barcelona to Civitavecchia/Livorno (Italy) operated by Grimaldi Ferries.
• 20% reduction on the standard passenger fares from Barcelona – Palma de Mallorca / Ciutadella / Ibiza / Mahon and from Valencia – Palma de Mallorca , Denia – Ibiza, and various crossings between the Balearic islands operated by Baleria.
• 50% discount on FEVE train on routes Santander – Bilbao, Oviedo – Santander, Leon – Bilbao, Oviedo – Ferrol and local lines in Asturias, Galicia, Cantabria, Vizcaya, Leon and Murcia.

Waiting for someone to take you to Paris? Want to experience a gondola ride? With a France – Italy Pass, hit the City of Light before heading to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Then view ancient Roman ruins or bask in the sun on Sicily. Don’t pass up two of Europe’s most magnificent countries.

You get any 4 days unlimited train travel within a 2-month period on the national rail networks of France and Italy. Travel days may be used consecutively or non-consecutively. Purchase up to 6 extra days of train travel for a reasonable extra cost.

The standard France – Italy rail pass offers 1st or 2nd class travel for everyone.

The France – Italy Saver pass allows travel in 1st or 2nd class for 2-5 people traveling together.

The France – Italy youth pass offers 2nd class travel for those under the age of 26 on the first day of travel.

Bonuses for all France-Italy Eurail passes:

• Eurostar offers a discount on full 1st and 2nd class Eurostar fares from France to the UK. The pass holder 1st class reduction is also available with a 2nd class youth pass.
• 50% reduction for Pass holders on normal fares on ferry crossings between Calais – Dover (UK) operated by SeaFrance
• 30% reduction on the standard foot passenger fares on ferry crossings from Cherbourg to Rosslare (Ireland) (March to January) and Roscoff to Rosslare (Ireland) (April to September) operated by Irish Ferries.
• 20% reduction on the standard passenger fares and cabin fares on ferry crossings from Toulon to Civitavecchia (Italy) and Porto Vecchio (Corsica) to Civitavecchia/Livorno (Italy) operated by Grimaldi Ferries.
• Free ferry crossings from Villa S. Giovanni to Messina (Sicily).
• Hellenic Mediterranean Lines: 30% discount on passenger and vehicle rates (excluding Deluxe cabins) for departures from June 15th to September 15th, 50% discount other times.
• Grimaldi Ferries Prestige: 20% discount on all routes and accommodation types. Ferry services connecting: Rome (Civitavecchia) – Barcelona / Rome (Civitavecchia) – Tolone / Salerno – Malta / Salerno – Tunis / Palermo – Tunis / Livorno – Tunis.