Swiss Pass

Book a seat reservation

  • Most high speed, scenic and night trains require a seat reservation.
  • Seat reservation is not included in the price of your pass.
  • If you already have a Rail Pass, you can buy the reservation separately on our website.

Online reservation

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Unlimited travel throughout Switzerland by train, bus and boat

Get a free pass!
Travel together, buy a pass and get 1 free!
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The Swiss Travel System includes rail, lake steamers and city transportation lines and with our Swiss Pass, you can use all of these to travel through Switzerland.

What you get:

  Unlimited travel on the Swiss Travel System that includes trains, buses and boats.
 Travel: 4 days to 1 month (continuous) or 3 to 6 days within 1 month (flexi)
 Continuous Pass: travel days must be used consecutively
 Flexible Pass: travel days may be used consecutively or not
 Class of service: 1st and 2nd class
 Discounts: Children up to 3 travel free if there is no reservation, Child (6-15), Youth (16-25), Friends/Families (2 to 5 people travelling together)
 Seat reservation: exclusively available on Rail Europe websites, mandatory on high speed and scenic trains.
" Free map of Switzerland

Pass fares

Prices are displayed in ZAR.

Consult the table below for the best suitable fares. Select the travel period of your pass (e.g. 4 days within 2 months) and your class of service.
Note: Check the box below to benefit from Friends/Families Fares if all parties are guaranteed to travel at the same time. Otherwise, leave the box unchecked. The total price for your selection will be displayed. Add to cart to proceed with your purchase.

Swiss Pass -

Validity Adult Child Senior Youth

Total

R0
Class
By checking this box, I certify that all selected parties will be travelling together.

Swiss Pass

Travel days The travel days indicate how often you can use a railpass.

Adult

1 to 10 pax

Child Child formula's, for those under the age of 12

1 to 10 pax

Senior Senior formula in 1st class only, for traveller from 60 included on the first day of travel

1 to 10 pax

Youth Youth formula for travellers from 12 up to 25 included on the first day of travel in 1st and 2nd

1 to 10 pax

4 days (continuous) R 3,928 3,329 2,452 2,086 1,964 n/a 1,226 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 2,951 n/a 1,842 n/a
8 days (continuous) R 5,670 4,815 3,551 3,007 2,835 n/a 1,776 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 4,249 n/a 2,663 n/a
15 days (continuous) R 6,879 5,836 4,294 3,650 3,440 n/a 2,147 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 5,159 n/a 3,218 n/a
22 days (continuous) R 7,922 6,735 4,948 4,216 3,961 n/a 2,474 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 5,936 n/a 3,717 n/a
1 month (continuous) R 8,720 7,422 5,448 4,638 4,360 n/a 2,724 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 6,546 n/a 4,094 n/a
3 days (within 1 month) R 3,750 3,184 2,341 1,997 1,875 n/a 1,171 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
4 days (within 1 month) R 4,549 3,872 2,841 2,419 2,275 n/a 1,421 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
5 days (within 1 month) R 5,259 4,471 3,284 2,796 2,630 n/a 1,642 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
6 days (within 1 month) R 5,991 5,082 3,739 3,173 2,996 n/a 1,870 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

How to activate my pass?

You must activate or validate your Rail Pass at the train station. A railway staff will write down the first and last day of validity on your pass and will stamp it. This procedure must be done before using your Rail Pass, whether it is a Flexi Pass or a Regular Pass.
Click on the link to view the features that are necessary to activate a Regular Pass / Flexi Pass


Special for Families — The Swiss Family Card:
 The Swiss Family Card is just for families traveling together. And Switzerland is indeed an ideal place to take your family. The Swiss Family Card allows children under 16 to travel free when accompanied by a parent holding a valid Swiss Travel System ticket. Probably the best part of all about the Swiss Family Card is that it is free! Just request it when you purchase your Swiss Pass.

Conditions:
 Passes must be validated within 6 months of issue date.

Options:
 Mount Titlis, Mount Pilatus, Schilthorn/Piz Gloria (Available only in conjunction with a Swiss Pass, Swiss Flexipass, Swiss Saverpass, Swiss Saver Flexipass or Swiss Youth Pass.)

Bonuses:

 50% discount with the Swiss Pass, Swiss Flexi Pass, Swiss Youth Pass and on Cable cars and Mountain trains not included in the Swiss travel System range of passes.
 The Swiss Pass, Swiss Youth Pass and Swiss Flexi Pass are also valid as Swiss Museum Pass and give free admission to more than 450 museums and exhibits in Switzerland.
 Free public transportation systems in 38 Swiss Cities.
 Guided city tours: Basel (50% discount on the guided city tour), Bern ( 20% discount on guided walking tour through old town/clock tower or guided city bus tours), Geneva (20% discount on the guided city tour), Lausanne (20% discount on guided city tours), Lucerne (20% discount on the guided city stroll), Schaffhausen (50% discount on guided city tour), Zuerich (50% discount on guided city walking tours)


Travel destination

And, you’ll want to use them all to journey through the Alps, St. Moritz, Lugano, Zermatt and more. Be sure to see our "Special for Families." You and your children will have the time of your life traveling together in Switzerland, and at a great bargain.

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Frequently Asked Questions


  • A. Train stations in Europe are very traveler friendly. Once arriving to the station there are large Departure and Arrival Boards located in the center of the most stations. Match the train number and departure time on your reservation / ticket to the train number listed on the departure board. Once you have found your train on the Departure Board, you will find a platform number where your train will be departing from.

    Upon arriving to your platform you will notice that each car (also known as a coach) number on the train is clearly indicated on the side of each coach. Check your reservation / ticket for your car/coach number. You notice the class of service will also be listed in addition to the car/coach number on the side of the train.

    Once onboard the train, you will find that similar to an airplane each seat is clearly labeled with a number. Match the seat number on your reservation / ticket number to seat number in the train car / coach.

    Train stations in Europe have international pictograms that are easy to understand and are used in international airports. These pictograms will assist you once you arrive to the station. If you still have difficulty in finding your train, the stations staff can always help point you in the right direction.



  • A. First class on the Talgo Day offers large comfortable reclining seats and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.

    Second class on the Talgo Day offers generous legroom and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.



  • A. If you board a direct overnight train that departs after 7:00pm, then you use only 1 day on your pass. However, when marking the day of use for that train, be sure to mark the next day’s date. If your overnight train requires a train change before midnight, then you will use 2 travel days.


  • A. The BritRail Family Pass allows one child between the ages of 5 and 15 to travel free with an adult or senior BritRail Pass holder.


  • A. Yes. If you’re on Turista class, you could buy some nice snacks and beverages to a bar buffet car. On Ave First class, a catering service will deliver you some meal and beverages directly to your seat. You could also get access to an A la Carte service at seat and even a bar service.


  • A. Toilets are easily accessible on all the trains and are usually marked with the letters WC. Toilets can usually be found at the front or back of each train car (also known as a coach), and will include a sink, toilet and a locking door.


  • A. First class on the Italian day train offers large, comfortable reclining seats, and bar-buffet car offering a complete selection of food and beverages for purchase. (on major routes)

    Second class on the Italian day train offers generous legroom and bar-buffet car offering a complete selection of food and beverages for purchase. (on major routes)



  • A. Frecciarossa trains run on the high-speed line connecting Turin to Salerno, Northern to Southern Italy and more particularly Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome, and Naples. These trains connect Bologna to Florence in just 37 minutes and Rome to Milan in less than 3 hours. Travel time between Milan and Florence is just 1 hour and 45 minutes.


  • A. The best-selling Eurail Global Pass offers unlimited, 1st Class train travel in 20 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Choices range from 15 consecutive days to 3 months of travel or 10 and 15 flexible days within a 2-month time period, plus money-saving Eurail Global Pass bonuses.

    The Eurail Select Pass provides unlimited train travel for the duration you select in your choice of any 3, 4 or 5 countries that border each other, as well as attractive bonuses. Select from Austria, Benelux (Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands), Bulgaria/Serbia/Montenegro, Croatia/Slovenia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.



  • A. You can print your TGV ticket directly from your printer at home or retrieve it from the self-service machines available at the train stations before boarding your TGV train.


  • A. Book 1 passenger at a time, and select the Single compartment. You will need to do this step twice, once for each passenger.


  • A. With a Eurail Italy pass, you can travel on all trains from Trenitalia, the Italian railway company. Just bear in mind that reservation is compulsory on-board Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca, Frecciargento, and Eurostar trains. Overnight trains also require reservation of the sleeping compartments.


  • A. A "point to point ticket" is a rail ticket valid on a specific route, between two city stations whereas a Eurail Select Pass offers unlimited travel in 3 to 5 adjoining countries on a total list of 24 countries. The Eurail Select Pass allows you to save money if travelling mainly by train from one country to another.


  • A. Train stations in Europe are very accessible and easy to find. Although the physical train station addresses are generally not listed, the stations are centrally located within the city and accessible with the cities public transportation system or taxi. Check with hotel concierge to give you the best directions from your hotel. Taxi drivers know how to get your to your station fast and worry free.


  • A. If you are having trouble determining what is the best pass for you, click on the blue square button " Search passes ". You’ll be helped, on line, to select the best pass for your trip.


  • A. First class on the TGV France-Italy offers large, comfortable reclining seats and a bar-buffet car offering a complete selection of food and beverages for purchase.

    Second class on the TGV France-Italy offers generous legroom and bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.



  • A. This depends mainly on what Eurostar ticket you have. Business Premier passengers can check-in just 10 minutes before departure whereas Standard Premier and Standard passengers need to check-in 30 minutes before departure. To ensure you have time to go through the security checks and passport control, we would recommend you arriving at the station at least 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure with Eurostar.


  • A. A "point to point ticket" is a rail ticket valid on a specific route, between two city stations whereas a Eurail Italy pass offers unlimited rail travel in Italy from 3 to 10 days. If you’re planning to travel several times by train, buying a Eurail Italy pass will be a more affordable option that buying individual rail tickets.


  • A. Due to the limited availability on overnight trains, if you must change your sleeper reservation, try to do so immediately. You can visit the local station at least 24 hours prior to the train’s departure and see what is available. Be aware that your reservation change may be subject to local service fees and/or upgrade charges. Reservations are required for sleepers and couchettes on all overnight trains and can be made up to 60 days in advance.


  • A. A Swiss pass enables you to travel free of charge in the Swiss public transport services whereas a "point to point" ticket is a rail ticket valid on a specific route, between two city stations.


  • A. A travel day is any travel between 12 midnight on one day to 12 midnight of the following day (i.e. a 24-hour period). On each travel day, you can take as many trains or participating ferries as you wish.


  • A. AVE services offer two different classes of travel: in first class, depending on the train, you will be able to choose between First Class Club and Preferente where you can enjoy a meal served at seat, an access to VIP lounges in the main Spanish railways stations, daily press and free parking (24 hours if you have a single ticket, 48 hours for a return). Turista class, as known as 2nd class, includes a family area, children’s board games, wheelchair facilities as well as audio/video devices.


  • A. In some cases. Normally, your bicycle must be boxed and placed in a separate car, or it might have to be transported on a separate train. Extra charges may apply, and you must arrange bike transport locally. Bikes are allowed as checked luggage on the EC, IC, ICE, and TGV trains. The bike must be wrapped, with the wheels and pedals detached, and the handlebars parallel to the frame.


  • A. A travel day lasts 24 hours, in which you can take as many trains or public transport services as you wish.


  • A. Gatwick Express arrives in London’s Victoria Station.


  • A. Like most high-speed train services, you’ll need to reserve a seat to travel on Frecciarossa trains. For holders of Eurail Global Pass, Eurail Select Pass (including Italy) / Eurail France-Italy pass / Eurail Greece-Italy / Eurail Italy Pass, just remember that you need to validate your pass before boarding a Frecciarossa train.


  • A. Showers facilities are generally not offered on trains in Europe. However, private showers can sometimes be found with premier overnight trains such as the Elipsos between France and Spain when the Premier fares are booked.


  • A. There are no check-in or customs procedures before boarding a Frecciarossa train. Though, ticket control and passport checks will occur on board Frecciarossa train.


  • A. Many trains such as the Eurostar offer discounted tickets for advance purchase. These fares have limited availability and sell out quickly. To receive the best price on the train you want to travel on you should purchase your tickets prior to your departure so you can avoid fully booked trains.


  • A. The pass can be purchased up to 6 months before your first travel day. The pass must be validated within 6 months of the original date of issue.


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


  • A. Dining cars are available on most long distance trains. Normally, you can just walk into most dining cars, sit down, and eat without a reservation, but you are welcome to make a reservation for a meal when mealtime is busy, or when the train attendant announces the opening of the dining car. If your train does not have a dining car, it is likely to offer passengers a buffet bar car. On local trains, there may be an attendant with a snack cart who travels from car to car, selling snacks and beverages.

    Train Dining cars are part of the train experience and is unrivaled by any other means of transportation. In some trains the quality of the food and the wine is up to the standard of a gourmet restaurant.



  • A. Most cites with airports are easily accessible by public transportation (Train, Bus, Subway or Taxi). The following airports listed have access to the downtown train stations: Amsterdam Schiphol, Athens, Barcelona, Berlin Schoenefeld, Birmingham, Brussels National, Cologne, Copenhagen, Dresden, Duesseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva-Cointrin, Glasgow, Graz, Hannover, Krakow, Leipzig, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Stanstead, Madrid, Malaga, Manchester, Munich, Milan Malpensa, Newcastle, Nice, Nuremberg, Oslo, Palermo, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Pisa, Porto, Rome Fiumicino, Southampton, Stockholm, Stuttgart , Torino, Tronheim, Valencia, Vienna , and Zurich.


  • A. AVE trains can be booked up to 60 days in advance, giving you plenty of time to plan the trip of your life is sunny Spain.


  • A. The following items of luggage are accepted at no extra cost on TGV trains and must be stored in the racks provided: hand luggage (suitcases, travel bags, rucksacks); skis in a bag; children’s prams; dismantled bikes in a bag; portable wakeboards in a bag. Also remember that on all French trains, including TGV, it is mandatory to place a tag on each piece of luggage identifying the traveller.


  • A. Your e-ticket is included in the email confirmation you receive from Rail Europe.


  • A.We use the online services of the worldwide Global Collect network to ensure that your payment takes place as efficiently and safely as possible


  • A. From London to Paris and vice versa, Eurostar offers frequent service: every 30 minutes during peak hours and approximately once per hour during non-peak time. During the peak summer season, up to 24 trains run daily to Paris. From London to Brussels and vice versa, service is offered approximately every 2 hours. During summer, Eurostar offers daily service to Disneyland Paris. During winter, there is 1 train a week.


  • A. No, but you are eligible for a passholder fare on Eurostar, which travels from Paris or Brussels to London. For travel in Great Britain we offer BritRail products to help you travel around the country.


  • A. In Comfort1 (First class), drinks and meal are included in the price of your Thalys ticket and served at your seat. Meal includes a choice of drinks, cold starter and main course, but also bread and dessert. In Thalys Comfort 2 (second class), you will get access to a bar-buffet car which offers a variety of food and refreshments.


  • A. Bookings for a Frecciarossa trains can be made up to 3 months before you depart.


  • A. With a Eurail Italy pass, you can get free and discounted ferry crossings, as well as other great offers in museums and monuments. 1st class pass holders are entitled to free transfers between Roma Fiumicino Airport and Roma Termini train station on the Leonardo Express and also between Pisa airport and Florence central station.


  • A. We offer an exclusive Rail Protection Plan that provides compensation to you in the case of loss or theft in Europe. The nominal fee is a small price to pay for some big peace-of-mind. The complete policy can be reviewed under "About Us".

    Note: The Rail Protection Plan fee is non-refundable and non-exchangeable.



  • A. Yes.


  • A. You will need to first figure out who wants to share, and who does not. Once you have your travel party broken down, request the number of passengers who want to share a room together and request as either a 1, 2 or 3 person room. Request each compartment separately until all passengers have been reserved in a room.


  • A. Rail passes for children are generally half the adult fare. Some passes do not offer a child pass. Child tickets are offered on most trains and vary by train type. They are generally about half of an adult ticket.

    The Swiss Pass allows children under 16 to travel free when they are traveling with a parent who is holding a Swiss Pass. On BritRail passes, children 5 through 15 are free with each paying adult.



  • A. Located in the middle of the train (carriage 4 or 14), TGV Lyria bar provides a service for tasty snacks and meals: sandwiches, hot/cold local dishes, salads, children’s menu, hot and cold drinks, treats are available to eat at the bar or take away. In First class, you can also enjoy the convenience of Lyriapremière service at seat.


  • A. Reservation is compulsory on TGV and if you are a pass holder, you still need to buy a TGV ticket. Among the passes available on TGV, you’ll be able to choose between Eurail Global, Eurail Select Pass or Eurail two country pass including France. France Rail Pass and France Rail Pass Premium are also among the possible options and offer last minute "Easy Access" reservations.


  • A. Lyria trains offer two different classes of travel. In First class, a delicious cold at-seat meal is offered to you, no matter what time you travel. A large selection of Swiss, French, international magazines and newspapers are also available for your perusal. Onboard taxi booking service is also available from Monday to Friday. Comfortable seats will welcome you in Second class where you can also enjoy the convenience of a bar-buffet car.


  • A. You can request 2 double compartments or a T4 if this type of accommodation is offered on the train you wish to travel on.


  • A. A saver pass is a discount rate for a group of 2-5 passengers traveling together at all times. All names will be printed on a single pass, therefore passengers will not be able to travel independently.


  • A. First class on the TGV East offers ergonomic reclining seats with head and foot rests, non-smoking coaches, individual power outlets, reading light, ability to book a taxi for your arrival with staff on the train and a restaurant car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.

    Second class on the TGV East offers ergonomic reclining seats with head and foot rests, non-smoking coaches and a restaurant car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.



  • A. There are no check-in before boarding a Thalys train and ticket control and passport checks will occur onboard the train. Also worth remembering that children less than 12 years old travelling alone are not accepted on board Thalys trains.


  • A. Many passes offer travel days that are flexible. The 4 days of travel allow the traveler to choose the days that they want to travel in a 2 month time period.

    Example: If a pass is valid from July 1 to August 31. The traveler can then select 4 dates to travel on the train from July 1 to August 31. The days can be consecutive or non consecutive.



  • A. Yes, non-smoking cars are available on all trains. Most high- speed trains are now completely non-smoking and all reservations are requested in non-smoking coaches when both options are available.

    There is no smoking on all trains in France, Italy, Norway, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg, and Switzerland.



  • A.
     Pass/ticket holders must file a police report within twenty-four (24) hours of the incident.

     Pass/ticket holders may purchase a replacement rail pass or rail tickets in order to continue with his/her travel plans.

     Upon return to your country, pass/tickets holder must submit a request to Rail Europe within thirty (30) days including a police report, replacement passes or tickets purchased abroad, airline tickets to/from Europe. A brief explanation of the situation is also necessary to better evaluate the traveler request form.



  • A. The Eurail Italy Pass is the best choice if you want to spend your time exploring Italy. Eurail Italy pass is valid for one month, and the number of travel days available varies from 3 to 10 days.


  • A. A passenger qualifies for Senior Fares at age 60 and over.


  • A. The minimum check-in time for passengers with Business First tickets is 20 minutes. For passengers boarding ski trains, and passengers holding regular tickets, check-in time is 30 minutes.


  • A. TGV trains offer a buffet car where you can find a vast choice of hot and cold meals. Drinks and snacks are also available at vending machines on all TGV trains. You are also allowed to bring your own food and drink onto the train.


  • A. The following trains require reservations: Eurostar, Thalys, Lyria, all TGV’s, AVE, TGV France-Italy, Renfe, Trenitalia, Riveria, Swedish trains, City Night Line, DB (German) night trains, Elipsos, and the Paris-Germany night train. To check if the train you are looking at is on of these trains you just need to look at the details on the fare results to see the type of train in the title.

    The Swiss Scenic trains and some of the German ICE trains will also need reservations. These are route and time specific.



  • A. Each passenger is allowed 2 bags/suitcases plus 1 piece of hand luggage and every piece of luggage must be labelled. Luggage can be stored in the racks above your seat on ICE trains.


  • A. Your railpass covers you to the border city of the country you are traveling in. You will need to purchase additional tickets to travel in any country not covered on your pass.

    If you are planning to travel to more than one city, you may want to consider upgrading your pass to cover an additional country.



  • A. Unfortunately, you cannot request a forward-facing seat. Trains generally pull into a station in one direction, and pull out in another direction and seat positions change, depending on the train.


  • A. To find them you only need to fill in the booking form. This is located on the home page or in the Train Tickets section. Provide us with the cities you would like to travel between and your travel date. A selection of schedules will be displayed. Select later train to see more schedules.


  • A. A travel day lasts 24 hours, in which you can take as many trains as you wish.


  • A. You can request 2 passengers in a double compartment. If there are no Double compartments available, you can then book a shared T3 but keep in mind, the third bed will be occupied by another passenger.


  • A. You will be able to book a Thalys ticket 90 days in advance.


  • A. The train you are requesting does not offer reservations. Please note the train time for your travel information. To board this train you will need your pass and can take any available seat.


  • A. Your Eurail Select pass must be validated by a railway official in one of the countries mentioned on the Eurail Select Pass (station’s desk) who also fills your first and last day of travel in the passport number.


  • A. Toilets are easily accessible on all the trains and are usually marked with the letters WC. Toilets can usually be found at the front or back of each train car (also known as a coach), and will include a sink, toilet and a locking door.


  • A. A ticket that does not include a reservation for a specific train, does allow you to get on and off the train as much as you would like provided that your journey is completed within 2 months.

    Most tickets now include the reservations within the ticket, and do not permit the traveler to hop on or off the train If you are looking for more freedom to hop on and off the train, a railpass would be the best choice.



  • A. Yes, you may travel as many times are you like between countries that are on your pass.


  • A. The best option for 3 passengers is a T3 if it is available. T3 compartments are not offered on all trains. If a T3 is not available then passengers will be advised to divide their party. You can also book a T4 or T6 based on availability and restrictions.


  • A. The prices of accommodations on an overnight train are dependent on a few factors: 1. The expense of the ticket 2. The type of train you will be traveling on 3. The type of compartment you wish to sleep in Similar to Day trains there are different levels of overnight trains. Typically, during the day, high-speed premier trains are more expensive then local services that travel at a slower speed, and offer fewer services on-board. For night trains longer International journeys are more expensive as they tend to be nicer trains, offering the traveler more services.


  • A. Yes all high-speed trains require reservations. Some 1st class trains include meal service in the price of your ticket.


  • A.When booking your tickets, you can choose your printing option: Paper ticket, "Print @ Home" or "Print @ the station". Paper tickets are always available. Nevertheless, the other options can be unavailable, depending on the route you have chosen. Please note that for the moment, "Print @ the station" is only offered on Eurostar, ATOC and on all trains departing from France (domestic and international trains such as Thalys, TGV Lyria etc.). The "Print @ Home" option is only offered if the booking includes a Eurostar, Thalys, French Journeys or Spanish trains.


  • A. First class on the Lyria offers large comfortable reclining seats and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.

    Second class on the Lyria offers generous legroom and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.



  • A. You can get free (or cheap) boat trips, discounts on rail travel, free admission in museums, a 50% discount on mountain top excursions and more. You can obtain these benefits locally by showing your Swiss pass, or you can contact the specific benefit company in advance. The discount benefits apply during the validity of your Swiss pass, whereas free passage on trains, buses or ferries is only valid on travel days.


  • A. In order to accommodate a group of 5 travelers, you will need to do 2 separate requests. You have the following options: * 2 passengers in a double, and the other 3 in a T3 compartment (if offered). * 4 passengers in a T4 (if offered) and 1 passenger in a single. * 4 passengers split into 2 double compartments, and 1 passenger in a single. * Reserve all 5 in a T6 compartment. Options a, b, and c will need to be requested separately as it has been broken down. Option d can be requested all at once.


  • A. A Eurail Select Pass offers you unlimited travel on the national rail networks of any 3, 4 or 5 adjoining countries that are connected by train or ship. These countries are to be chosen from a list of 24 participating countries.


  • A. The standard of amount of luggage is 2 large items per person. Trains have either overhead storage racks throughout the car, storage room behind the back of your seat or luggage areas at the end of the car. There is no porter service available and all passengers are responsible for putting their own luggage on the train.

    Note: Luggage kept by the passenger and placed in the luggage racks remains under the sole responsibility of the traveler. The railroads assume no responsibility in case of loss, damage, or theft.



  • A. Yes, you’ll need to reserve your place on AVE trains like in most high speed trains in Europe.


  • A. TGV offers two different classes of travel: 1st and 2nd class. Larger seats that recline electronically, power sockets for laptop or mobile phone and access to the bar buffet car are among the main features you will find in TGV first class. In second class, you will enjoy comfortable seats with also an access to the bar-buffet car where you can choose from a vast selection of dishes and beverages.


  • A.Refund policies for tickets will vary depending on the type of train and fare that are booked. Please check the "details" tab of each fare to obtain specific refund information for the fare you are purchasing.If you have already purchased your tickets, please review the terms and conditions that came with your documents.
    Except for PayPal, for which the amount can be reimbursed automatically on the PayPal account. For all the other payment services, a BIC (Bank Identifier Code) must be sent to receive the reimbursement of your purchase.


  • A. Most major train stations have lockers or luggage storage available at an additional cost. Make sure you have some change available if you are planning to use a locker. We have information about luggage storage on our train station information pages.


  • A. You can print your Lyria ticket directly from your printer at home or, alternatively, you can retrieve it from the self-service machines available at the train stations in France only before boarding your Lyria train.


  • A. Eurail Select Pass is only available in 1st Class for adults and children. Eurail Select Youth Pass is offered in 2nd class to travelers under age 26.


  • A. You will be able to book your TGV tickets 90 days in advance.


  • A. Maps are provided with many multiple country passes and some single country passes. We have online maps for planning on our site.


  • A. A youth pass is valid for any traveler who is 25 years of age and younger.


  • A. Timetables for European Train schedules can be difficult to read and determine what the trains are running. For fast and easy schedule results view our train times on our Train Tickets and Schedules page to view each route.


  • A. Generally, dogs are permitted on trains. Sometimes they may need to be contained in a pet carrier, or they may have to wear a muzzle or leash. Dogs normally travel at half the fare of a 2nd class ticket; this charge is payable directly to the conductor. Pets are not allowed on trains in Great Britain, Spain, Ireland, Norway, and Finland.

    Currently the only animals that will be permitted to travel on the Eurostar are guide dogs for the visually impaired.



  • A. Full Fare is an unrestricted ticket. It is fully exchangeable and refundable even after the departure date. For exchanges and refunds, your local Raileurope office must receive the ticket no later than 60 days after the train’s departure date. Click here to get the Contact Us adress.
     Value fare is non-exchangeable and non-refundable.
     Youth Fare (for travelers under 26 years of age) is exchangeable once in Europe before departure date. It is non-refundable.
     Passholder Fare (issued in conjunction with appropriate railpass) is exchangeable once in Europe. It is non-refundable.
     Senior Fare (for travelers 60 years of age and over) is exchangeable once in Europe. It is non-refundable.


  • A. Check-in is usually open 30 minutes before AVE train leaves and is closed 2 minutes before departure. Also, bear in mind that ticket control and passport checks will occur before boarding AVE Trains. For travellers carrying Eurail Pass including Spain – just remember that you need to validate your pass prior to boarding AVE trains and get a reservation.


  • A. Eurostar services offer three classes of service: 2 for first class (Business Premier and Standard Premier) and one for second class (Standard). Among the facilities offered for Eurostar Business Premier passengers, you’ll find priority express check-in in 10 minutes at the terminals, a dedicated ticket desk for check-in, access to the Eurostar Executive lounges, spacious reclining seats with generous legroom, Wi-Fi access at the terminals, a dedicated coach for business travellers, complimentary newspapers, and also a 3 course meal served at seat. Eurostar Standard Premier passengers, whose check-in is 30 minutes before departure, will be offered spacious reclining seats with generous legroom, complimentary newspapers and a cold meal served at seat. In the convenience of a comfortable carriage, Standard passengers will also be enjoying themselves with a vast variety of dishes they will find at a bar buffet car.


  • A. ICE trains link major German cities from Cologne in the west to Berlin in the east. But they also cross borders and go into France, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, Denmark and the Netherlands.


  • A. Finding Train Tickets and Schedules can be accomplished with just a few simple steps.
     First click on the "Train Tickets" section, located on the top of any page.
     There you will find a form asking for your departure city and arrival city and the date that you would like to travel.
     You will also be asked the approximate time that you want to travel (morning, afternoon or evening).
     If you would like to book a round trip ticket, just click on the "Round Trip" option and provide the information for your return trip on the same page.
     Once all of your information has been entered and you have clicked "Search" you will be presented with a number of results to choose from.
     First, you will want to look through the times offered to see what the best schedule for your travel.
     Once you have chosen a schedule, you should begin to look at the prices that are offered.
     Fares are typically broken down into categories, Business, Flexi First, Best Price First, Flexi Second, Best Price Second and Super Saver. Best Price First and Best Price Second are classes tickets being more restrictive in terms of flexibility. Flexi First, Flexi second and Business are classes offering more flexibility.
     Although these classifications do apply to several different train types, it is always recommended that you click on the "Details" link under each fare type to show the specific refund and exchange rules for that price.
     Once you have decided on the train and fare that you would like to purchase, click on the "select" link, which will take you to the passenger selection page.
     Once you have input your passenger information you can choose to continue shopping or proceed to the checkout process.


  • A. First class on the Talgo 200 offers large, comfortable reclining seats, friendly staff to serve you drinks and light snacks at your seat and major routes have audio and video programs at your seat.

    Second class on the Talgo offers generous legroom, bar-buffet car offering a complete selection of food and beverages for purchase and major routes have audio and video programs at your seat.



  • A. First class on the Spanish day train offers large, comfortable reclining seats, friendly staff to serve you drinks and light snacks at your seat and major routes have audio and video programs at your seat.

    Second class on the Spanish day train offers generous legroom, bar-buffet car offering a complete selection of food and beverages for purchase and major routes have audio and video programs at your seat.