The only time I ever used a rail pass, I cleverly optimized so I would never use it for a trip that was more expensive the cost of a travel day on the pass. After the trip, I did the maths and I ended up not using 3 days on the pass and the cost of the trips I did make did not equal the price of the pass. So I think you’ve got a good idea to check the prices ahead, but I would do so with the view to see if the pass is worthwhile at all.

The closest to what you’re looking for I can think of is to check the prices on the different rail operators’ web sites.

There’s used to be a map at the Rick Steves website (www.ricksteves.com) but now you have to download it. It is NOT a good tool as it tells the prices to buy the tickets from the US — so the prices are inflated by about 35%. A more accurate option is to use www.railsaver.com If you follow the "I know my itinerary" route and click "use a railpass ‘only if it saves money’" it will compare point to point tickets to the cost of a railpass. If railsaver recommends point to point tickets instead of a railpass it will give a pretty accurate estimate of the cost of each base ticket (which would be covered by railpass) if you bought it in Europe. Just break up your itinerary into small portions so railsaver.com doesn’t recommend a railpass.

ok, so i just checked on railsaver and discovered that it will be cheaper for me to not use a railpass and just by individual tickets. However, it’s only like $20.00 cheaper. Is having a railpass more convenient? Should I just get one anyways? I will be buying my reservations anyways so i’m still going to have to do that while i’m at the train station, would it make sense to just buy point to point tickets then? Thanks for all your help so far!

Where (what countries) are you traveling? Sounds like you’re planning on trains that require reservations between major cities but you can often avoid trains that require reservations. Are you planning day trips by train? Will you be using any of the discounts or freebies (ferries, specialty railroads, airport trains, guide books, other transportation options) that come with the railpass?

A railpass is very convient to hop on local and regional trains and other trains that don’t require reservations. If you’re taking trains that require reservations there’s not as much difference in convenience. In Italy, I prefer not to use a railpass. It’s easy to buy a ticket (with reservation if needed) from the kiosk. Buying a reservation to use with a railpass usually involves standing in line. Elsewhere, buying a reservation is less of a problem and there are some options that make it easier.

Oldlady, Yes, most of my travelling will be from big city to big city, with a lot of time in each place. I do plan on doing a lot of day trips though but I don’t even know where to begin with that! Should I use trains or buses, where do I get information on day trips that actually tells me what transportation form to use (not just where to go and what to do when there)? And I was under the impression that unless you want to wait at the train station for over 2 hours than you should get a reservation…..is this true?

quote:

quote:I do plan on doing a lot of day trips though but I don’t even know where to begin with that! Should I use trains or buses, where do I get information on day trips that actually tells me what transportation form to use (not just where to go and what to do when there)?

I like "Europe by Eurail" for trips like yours: the base city/day trip concept. Most guide books will list "excursions" or day trips from any major city. You can also look at tour brochures and google "day trip" +(whatever city) and browse the tour company sites to see what the popular day trip destinations are from each city.
Bus is better for some day trips, but in Western Europe, train is usually the best choice — fast and the train station is generally right in the middle of the stuff you want to see.

quote:And I was under the impression that unless you want to wait at the train station for over 2 hours than you should get a reservation…..is this true?

I think you’ve confused some stuff. 1. Most trains do not require reservations, many don’t even offer reservations — you can usually avoid trains that require reservations for your day trips. 2. Express trains between major cities often require reservations. It’s best to get those a day in advance, but you can usually buy them up to an hour or so before train time — thus the idea of getting to the station 2 hours before train time if you’re taking a train that requires a reservation and don’t already have it. If the train doesn’t require a reservation and you have a railpass you can just hop on at the last minute.

PS: If you buy a railpass you might save a little money by buying it now, at the 2006 price. You have to start using it within 6 months of the purchase date, so if you’re starting your trip in May or early June you can buy it now. Also, railpass.com used to offer "Europe by Eurail" free with some railpass orders.

I thought that the railpass had to be validated within 1 and half months of purchase? Thanks for the info so far, this is the one confusing part of the trip. Also, how do I know which trains need reservations and which do not?

Train schedules indicate if a reservation is required. The symbol is a filled-in red (black if the document isn’t in color) box with a white "R" on it. If a reservation is recommended it’s an open box or circle with the "R" in color. The German rail website is the best for schedules anywhere in Europe: http://reiseauskunft… If you click on the specific train the "details" will say "subject to reservation" and may show a red filled in circle with the "R" if a reservation is required. It will also indicate if reservations are recommended.

Overnight trains almost always require a reservation or supplement. Reservations are required on Thalys, TGV, AVE, Cisapino, EurotarItalia and some other "name" trains. IC, (intercity) ICE (intercity express)and EC (Eurocity) trains usually don’t require a reservation but it’s often recommended and may be required in some countries. Local and Regional trains don’t require reservations and usually don’t even accept reservations.

quote:I thought that the railpass had to be validated within 1 and half months of purchase?

quote:Your rail pass will be validated twice. The first stamp is printed automatically by our office and will appear on the top right hand corner of the pass. You must begin to use your pass within 6 months of this validation.

I just wanted to confirm that the prices given on railsaver.com are in US dollars and not Euros….correct??

Yes, they’re in dollars. Railsaver.com doesn’t update very often, so the prices may be off a little because of changes in the euro/dollar exchange rate.