Rail Pass FAQs

Q: How do I begin using my rail pass?

A: Eurail Passes must be validated within 6 months of their date of issue and must be validated in Europe before your first train ride, car rental, or ferry. To validate your Eurail Pass, present it and your passport to the employee at the train station ticket window (not the conductor) before your first journey. Flexipass holders should write in the date in ink in the appropriate box on the Eurail Pass.

Q: What is not included in the price of the rail pass?

Seat reservations, couchettes and sleeper accommodations are not included in the pass price. These can be purchased prior to departure or at the train station. Reservations are required on some trains. More information can be found in the rail timetable included with your pass purchase.

Q: What are the rules and restrictions of each pass?

A: To qualify for Youth Passes, you must be under 26 on your first date of travel.  To qualify for Saverpasses, two or more people must travel together at all times.

Eurail Passes are honored only in the following 17 countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Other passes are available for travel in Great Britain and Eastern Europe.

Eurail Passes, Eurail Selectpasses, France & Spain Passes, Iberic Rail Passes, Spain Flexipasses, Britrail Passes, German Rail Passes, Switzerland & Austria Passes, France & Switzerland passes, France & Italy Passes, and France Rail Passes cannot be issued to residents of Europe, the Russian Federation (former Soviet Union), Turkey, Morocco, Algeria, or Tunisia. Residents of the United Kingdom are not eligible to purchase Britrail Passes.

Q: I lost my rail pass/my rail pass was stolen! How can I replace it?

A: Unfortunately, rail passes are irreplaceable. If you purchased the optional insurance plan, On Track Protection, you can receive a refund on the unused portion of your rail pass if you do the following:

• File a police report with the local authorities and keep a copy. 

• Save the receipts and ticket stubs from the point-to-point tickets you purchase to finish your trip.

• Submit the police report and receipts/tickets tubs with a claim to STA Travel within 30 days of  your return to the U.S. STA Travel will refund the lesser amount of the point-to-point tickets purchased to complete your trip or the pro-rated amount of the unused days on your original rail pass.

Q: What is On Track Protection, and why do I need it?

A: Your rail pass is like cash, and it's a hot item overseas. If you lose it or it's stolen, you have absolutely no recourse without rail protection. Since Eurail Passes are non-refundable and non-replaceable (they can only be purchased in North America), once the pass is gone you must pay as you go.

On Track Protection covers your out-of-pocket costs if your rail pass is lost or stolen. Eurail will compensate you for the unused portion of the rail pass, but only if you have rail protection. In order to get reimbursed, you must first file a police report in Europe. Second, upon your return, you need to mail a copy of all subsequent rail tickets purchased in the process of completing the journey. Reimbursement is based on the unused value of the rail pass. All other procedures for reimbursement are included in the On Track Protection pamphlet. While the decision is up to the individual, most travel agents and guidebooks recommend buying the insurance.