Europe has a distinct advantage in that it has an elaborate rail system where you can travel to practically any country quickly and efficiently. The trains are modern and clean and they have picturesque views while you travel across this continent rich in history, art, and culture. And the European nations recognize this and have many different rail pass options for your convenience in traveling across Europe by rail. One of the rail pass options is the Eurail Select Pass.
This pass is great when you need to travel through three, four, or five countries that share borders (adjoining). It can be used in a network of 23 different countries. And, unlike the Global pass, you can buy the Select Pass for usage over 5, 6, 8,10, or 15 days within a two-month span and you don’t have to use those days consecutively.
The Eurail Network includes 23 different countries. They include: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Netherlands, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland. There are some special methods used to count certain countries for purposes of the pass:
- Benelux is the name give to three countries: Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg. It is counted as one country.
- Croatia and Slovenia count as one country.
- Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Serbia count as one country.
As mentioned earlier, the countries you select for travel must share adjoining borders. This is also to say that the countries you travel to by rail must link together and not pass through some other country where you did not purchase a pass for. You can also use your Select Pass for sea passage to some countries but the same rule applies.
You can travel for the number of days purchased any time within a two-month period. Your options in travel days for the Eurail Select Pass are 5, 6, 8, 10 and 15 days. So if you buy a 10-day pass, this means you can travel any 10 days within a two month continuous period. Unlike the Global Pass, the days do not have to be consecutive. So the Select Pass is perfect if you want to go to a destination, stay a little, and then move on to the next bordering country. The two month validity span starts at the point you take your first trip and your pass gets validated.
All children under age 3 ride free of charge. There is a 50 percent discount for children aged 4 to 11 and youth second class fares apply to those age 12 thru age 25. Passes cannot be replaced if they are stolen or loss unless you purchase the Pass Security plan. This plan can be purchased for a small fee and can replace your pass in the even of theft or loss provided you report the incident to the police within 24 hours. The replacement is based upon the remaining days that were left on the pass stolen or lost.
Make sure you are clear on what a rail day is. Technically a rail day goes from 24:00 to 24:00 the next day. However, there is a rule that if you board after 19:00 (7:00 PM) then your rail day is counted the next day. This means you would probably have to wait until after 19:00 to travel on the next day.
There is nothing like traveling by rail in Europe. You will be awestruck by the incredible landscape on this continent. For example, in Germany, you will see farm fields that look like they are laid out as carpet. Throughout Europe you will see rivers, mountains, and castles. Riding rail with the Eurail Select Pass is definitely a great way to see a good portion of historic Europe.