Eurail Global Flexi Pass

1. "Fantastic way to see Europe, value for money"

Vincent
(Auckland New Zealand)

Recommend:
Overall rating:

Value for money: 5/5
Ease of use: 5/5
Suitability: 5/5

2. "Very good product, the only way to go"

Trevor
(Croydon, VIC)

Recommend:
Overall rating:

Value for money: 4/5
Ease of use: 5/5
Suitability: 5/5

This product was easy to use and we had no troubles using it in any country. Station attendants were very helpful except in France where we were told all eurail seats to Lyon were booked on a specific day and a recommendation was made to travel domestic for 9 hours. Further investigation with the SCNF at another office had Thalis tickets in 2 minutes for the same day.

3. "The product is excellent value."

Robert
(Surrey Hills, VIC)

Recommend:
Overall rating:

Value for money: 5/5
Ease of use: 5/5
Suitability: 5/5

4. "Trains are only way to travel in Europe, fantastic."

Keith
(Auckland)

Recommend:
Overall rating:

Value for money: 5/5
Ease of use: 5/5
Suitability: 5/5

Only complaint i have this time with Eurail pass is the cost of reservations for compulsory reservation, particularly in Italy.

5. "Great Idea Good value"

Mark
(Valla Beach, NSW)

Recommend:
Overall rating:

Value for money: 5/5
Ease of use: 5/5
Suitability: 5/5

6. "saved by the late night express - Point to point"

uli
(Atherton, QLD)

Recommend:
Overall rating:

Value for money: 5/5
Ease of use: 5/5
Suitability: 5/5

Saved by the Late night express..... The year was 1988 Â? the month May and I was hitch hiking from Greece back to Germany with a best mate, I had recently met climbing Mt Sinai in Egypt. At the age of 23 that seemed the absolute right way to travel! We had limited funds, heaps of time and no sense of danger. We spent the days talking about our backgrounds; we slept under bridges, in cemeteriesÂ? and on beaches walked along the road and put our thumbs out for a ride. After 3 horrendous experiences (which could have easily cost our young lives) we arrived into Thessaloniki. I wonÂ?t go into particulars as that is another novel. We were still shaken as we demanded our lift to drop us near the railway station. Scarred cold and hungry we made our way into the railway station to get out of the cold night and to discuss our next move. We pooled our money Â? which was very limited and worked out that we could buy a rail ticket through to Austria for both of us. This would take us through the countries that were known to be unsafe. We were debating our options when our guardian angel must have urged us to the ticket counter and made us buy economy tickets through to Villach. We boarded our train the next night with our Economy tickets Â? no seat reservations Â? on an overnight train that was to take 35 hours- but hey after the scary experiences we had been through this was pure luxury. We started to relax for the first time in weeks, and we could really enjoy the scenery flitting by. As we had no seat reservations, we could just sit in any vacant seat. We moved about the train feeling very safe. We met lots of other backpackers and sat for hours exchanging stories and travel information. That in itself was worth more than any money can buy. I still correspond with an English girl I met that day. We didnÂ?t have to worry about where we would sleep or how safe we would be in some strangerÂ?s car Â? we actually had time to absorb the scenery and enjoy the ride. Once we got to boarder lots of young soldiers boarded the train. They were very excited and had energy to burn, being two young girls travelling on our own they seemed to be quite interested in us. We were communicating with some young soldiers when the sliding door opened from one of the first class compartments. A mature Greek lady invited us in for a chat Â? she sat us down and pulled the blinds down on the windows so the young men could no longer see us. She was travelling with a black poodle that she treated like a child, it was quite hilarious. This generous lady fed us and indicated that we could sleep in her compartment Â? weÂ?d be a lot safer than mingling with the soldiers out in the corridor. Our luck had changed; everybody seemed to be looking out for us. We had a great nightÂ?s sleep Â? now worries and all the time we were getting closer to our destination where we would stay with some friends. If we would have continued hitchhiking, we probably would still be on the way somewhere or 10feet under. Looking back now I would say that the money spent on that ticket was the best investment I had made around that time. It was safe, we met some fantastic people and we could sit back, relax and enjoy some incredible scenery. I am a parent now and there is no way in the world I would want any of my children hitch hiking Â? if they ever get the travelbug, they will be taking a prepaid rail pass with them!

7. "Night Train - Eurail"

Rebecca
(Balgowlah, NSW)

Recommend:
Overall rating:

Value for money: 5/5
Ease of use: 5/5
Suitability: 5/5

I had a feeling the night train to Paris was going to be life changing..my friend had missed the the train I was all alone...while feeling disapointed there was nothing else to do but to join up with the three other travellers near me & enjoy the trip...the carriage was settling down for the long journey..when along came a young man stuggling with 2 backpacks a duffle bag & a guitar...he introduced himself as Andrew from Australia...how amazing...as that was my next planned trip...he was so friendly he was on a 3 week rail trip around Europe..he also told us about his rail trips around Australia painting such a fasinating picture I felt I was there. Around midnight we all decided to visit the buffet bar where Andrew entertained us with his music..what a geat night it turned out to be. A few hours later with the dawn breaking through just as we approched Brussels the scenery was so beautiful with the mist gently rising from the beautiful countryside...it was breathtaking. Sleep was not on our minds as we talked about the plans for Paris the sights, the night life, art galleries, Arrivng at the beautiful Gared'nord station in Paris we all headed straight for the information centre where we booked a rail trip around the French countryside...then headed for the centre of Paris where we checked into a little hotel...dropping our luggage .. and racing out to breakfast near the Seine River...then off to explore...with my new friends. Returning home we all kept in touch...I went to Australia met up with Andrew we enjoyed each other company & love of travel we became inseperable & married 12mths later...we are planning our 5th anniversary ..yes its the Night Train to Paris.

8. "Variety of trains throughout Europe - Eurail Saverpass"

Lynne
(VIC)

Recommend:
Overall rating:

Value for money: 5/5
Ease of use: 5/5
Suitability: 5/5

My then "friend" and I were travelling throughout Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Bosnia and Hungary in 2005. I remember this day vividly as it was a LONG day and I think it was about 13 hours in total we had to travel including change overs. We spent out time listening to other passenger stories and having a laugh at some of the "friends" arguing and of course talking to each other. By the end of the day we both realised we had barely opened our books and hadn't even listened to our ipods!! Haha, 6 months later we were living together and expecting our first baby!!

9. "Separated at the border - Eurail"

William
(Sydney, NSW)

Recommend:
Overall rating:

Value for money: 5/5
Ease of use: 5/5
Suitability: 5/5

A few years ago my partner and I spent an amazing two weeks travelling the length and breadth of Europe using a Eurail pass. The highlight day was travelling from Salzburg to Rome. An astounding daylight trip around and through many mountains, and past beautiful villages.,Having lunch as the train speed into Italy and seeing the change in architecture of the local houses I will never forget. Anyway I digress. At a town near the border we had a 15 minute break. Me being me I thought i'll jump off get some fresh air and jump back on board so I decided to get off the train and buy a coke at the station store. This was pre euro so, being totally confused with coins, I grappled with what I needed to spend and watched the shop assistant from one eye open her till which was split into four currencies. From the corner of my other eye I could see our train starting to move off - PANIC - my otherhalf, luggage, passports and credit cards were onboard. I bolted , jumped through a door, caught my breath and thought , what the.... there were no passengers. Being overly foolhardy i jumped off back onto the platform look up and there was half of the train still sitting at the platform with my partner serenely unaware that I could have ended up in the wilds of some railway yard in a foreign country. It taught me some lessons, check if your train is going to split in two, always make sure you get back onboard in the same carriage you got off in and don't tell your partner you have been a goose and sit back and say nothing!

10. "Euro Adventure - Eurail"

Holly
(NSW)

Recommend:
Overall rating:

Value for money: 5/5
Ease of use: 5/5
Suitability: 5/5

My best friend and I were backpacking through Europe together in 2007 on the skinniest shoestring budget known to man and decided to get the overnight train from Belgrade through Macedonia to Greece. The journey was amazing, trundling along in a ricekty wooden cabin with the night air whistling through the open windows. AND THEN... 6AM.... We are awakened by men with guns demanding to see our passports and shouting "Australians!! Australians! Off the train!" - We were tresspassing in Macedonia, unbeknownst to us, and the law no longer permitted Australians over the border! (Unfortunately, we had been using an outdated Lonely Planet Guide for information due to budget constraints). We were detained (passports confiscated of course) where we spoke to a translater who deported us back to Belgrade! We didn't listen of course and jumped off at the first stop on our way back to Serbia..WHICH WAS.... Kosovo! A lovely place now by the way.. After this we made a little side step through Bulgaria where we met people from France and Czech Republic who we are friends with and keep in touch with to this day. If not for this apparent 'disaster' we would never have had the opportunity to see yet another country or meet any of these fantastic people. Rail travel is my favourite mode of transport and makes these spontaneous adventures possible.

11. "How Quickly Things Can Change... - Eurail"

Maxine
(VIC)

Recommend:
Overall rating:

Value for money: 5/5
Ease of use: 5/5
Suitability: 5/5

My story is from an earlier time. My husband and I saved our precious holidays and finances to do the 6 week European Eurail odessy. Imagine my horror, when on day 4 in Portugal, on the cobblestone road , my husband stumbled and damaged his back. Stranded in a non english speaking country with 2 heavy bags, and a partner hobbling at a 45degree angle was not an inspiring start to our long awaited, and much anticipated journey. I made my way to a local pharmacy, and through pantomine, managed eventually to purchase pain killers and anti-inflammatories- Greg, hearing of my story at the Chemist, flatly refused to see a doctor in Portugal, so we decided that an overnight train to a hopefully english speaking Spain (madrid) would be our best option. Struggling with all the luggage, and him shuffling several steps behind me, we made our way to the station and boarded the overnight train. The cushette had rock hard seats- so we quickly turned them into the bedding confirguration- and tried to settle for the night. The funny thing was - the combination of the lying flat, on a hard service, and rocking and rolling throughout the night- cured his back! and we went on to have the most wonderful time, travelling on our Pass through France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria & Italy- loving every moment.

12. "Eurail pass - Salzburg to Venice - Eurail Pass"

Michele
(Oaklands Park, SA)

Recommend:
Overall rating:

Value for money: 5/5
Ease of use: 5/5
Suitability: 5/5

It was May 2007 and it was my second time using the rail network through Europe. This time, with my boyfriend, on a 6 week journey through 10 countries. We entered Europe in Amsterdam after spending time in Britain and Ireland and commenced our 20 day adventure. We had an overnight train booked from Brussels to Berlin, my first overnight experience. It was great, very relaxing and the sound and movement of the train rocked us to sleep. I highly recommend an overnight train at least once on your trip through Europe. The train arrived safely and we were refreshed and ready to explore Berlin. Another memorable trip was from Salzburg to Venice where the train weaved through mountains and and I saw some of the most amazing scenery, while enjoying some wine and cheese we bought at the train station in Salzburg. It took about 7 hours but I enjoy traveling by train and we arrived in Venice and was able to walk to our hotel. That is what is great about using the trains, the cities are built around the rivers and train stations so you are always in a great location. Using the Eurail pass is the best way to get the best value out of your travel in Europe. You can make sandwiches or grab some local wine and chesse and sit back and relax and enjoy the unforgettable scenery that Europe has to offer. I recommend to book your next leg a couple of days prior to confirm a seat or sleeper cabin. The representatives at information booths at the railway stations are always helpful so if in doubt see them to assist you. Whenever I travel I love to immerse myself in the local culture and train travel is a huge part of European culture. Train travel gives me the opportunity to relax, and lose myself in the scenery and allows my mind to escape the hetic world. Cheers Michele

13. "The Travelling Ninjas - Eurail flexi-pass"

Robyn
(Maroochydore, QLD)

Recommend:
Overall rating:

Value for money: 5/5
Ease of use: 3/5
Suitability: 5/5

Imagine sitting in a train calmly waiting for its departure when you suddenly realise that you are on the wrong train. Even though my husband and I are in our more Â?mature yearsÂ? we have enjoyed the experience and independence of travelling through Europe using our Eurail flexi-pass as backpackers. It is a fantastic and relaxing way to see the countryside and meet both locals and fellow traveller alike. However, a word of advice, when travelling by train make sure you take the time to stop and read the signs correctly before boarding the train. When you are running and in a rush Genoa and Geneva almost certainly look the same. Once we realised Â?ourÂ? mistake we had less than 2 minutes to change trains. Obviously we looked like two Ninja Turtles sprinting from Platform 17 to 2 and when we looked at the faces of the Engine Drivers and Guards as we huffed and puffed past them I am sure they wished that they had a camera for the Italian version of the Â?funniest home videosÂ?. We have endless stories and memories of our great train journeys throughout Europe and would highly recommend the passes for anyone wishing to travel throughout Europe. Robyn Milne-Brownlie

14. "I can see the benefits, but we didnt experience them."

Michelle
(Hamilton)

Recommend: Dont recommend
Overall rating:

Value for money: 3/5
Ease of use: 2/5
Suitability: 3/5

We feel that some of the time it was a great deal, however, on a couple of occasions, our train passes were more expensive if we used the Eurail Pass, which makes no sense at all, so we ended up just buying individual tickets, without using our Eurail pass. We had real trouble with overnight trains where on both occasions they counted it as two days travel instead of one and we wasted time trying to get those days back but we were going to be charged 30Euros to get a new pass. Also, the biggest thing is it's really inconvenient and hard having to book with the pass so far in advance as travelling can be so impromptu and can change from day to day. I wouldnt buy one again, I think we ended up paying more than we would have if we'd bought individual tickets.

15. "This was a massive waste of money."

Sam
(Mount Isa, QLD)

Recommend:
Overall rating:

Value for money: 1/5
Ease of use: 2/5
Suitability: 2/5

Every trip you take will cost extra, and on one occasion the overnight train cost 111 euros extra per person. You cannot book trains online and in spain every booking took 2-3 hours of waiting at the train station. With the cost of the ticket I could easily have bought the train trips and saved a lot of money. Also, if you fill in the wrong date you will instantly lose a trip and there's no way to get it back.

Moderator: "We do advise on the page under the price you clicked on to make your booking that High Speed and premier trains require seat reservations. To obtain seat reservations we highly recommend that you pre-purchase your seats as far in advance of your travel date as possible. Passholder seat reservations are limited. You must also take care when filling in the pass date boxes. You are not allowed to amend them as this is considered fraud"

Return to top