Questions and Answers about Railroad Travel

Q. How does a Europass differ from a Eurailpass?
A. The Eurailpasses are valid in 17 countries, and are great when passenger plans to travel through many of the countries offered. The Europass is valid in up to five countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. Passengers can extend the reach of their pass by purchasing Associate Countries. Europasses are the most economical and flexible passes because the passenger can pick and choose the number of travel days and the countries they want.

Q. How can I order through Rail Europe?
A. Any of Rail Europe's products can be ordered in the following ways: By fax OR e-mail, using the fax/res form included in this special section which features our fax number 1-408-626-1252; or e-mail request to: travel@traveldiscounts.com ... attn: Amy.

Q. How many days constitute a month on a pass?
A. A month is counted as a calendar month. A pass that begins on September 15 will expire at midnight on October 14.

Q. How is a "travel day" calculated?
A. Train: midnight to midnight. Car: 24 hours from time of pick up.

Q. Can you explain the 7pm rule for overnight trains?
A. If an overnight trip starts after 7pm on a validated Eurail, Flexipass, Eurail Youth Flexipass, or a Europass, the passholder must enter the next day's date on the pass, provided it falls within the validity of the pass. This rule also applies to the France passes.

Q. Are train reservations extra?
A. Yes. With the exception of Eurostar journeys, there is always an additional fee for reservations.

Q. What forms of payment does TRAVEL DISCOUNTS accept?
A. Rail Europe accepts Personal/Business Checks, Money Orders and Cashier Checks... sorry, we do not accept credit cards.

Q. Are there porters in the train stations?
A. At major train stations porters may sometimes be available to assist with luggage. However, we recommend not to travel with more luggage than you can personally handle.

Q. Do they have lockers in the train stations?
A. Major train stations will have coinoperated lockers and/or special checkrooms in which luggage may be stored for a nominal fee.

Q. Are special group rates available?
A. Yes. The Group department offers special discounts, for 6 or more people traveling together.

Q. Why travel by train?
A. Major airports, big cities and out-ofthe-way villages are all linked by the extensive European rail network.

Q. Can we meet people and do they speak English?
A. While traveling by train you can relax and enjoy the scenery or mingle with your fellow travelers while experiencing the European's choice of transportation.... and yes most people speak some English.

Q. Are trains on time?
A. European railways are fast, comfortable and on time.

Q. Where do I find the train station?
A. Train stations are located in the center of town, making it easy to get from place to place.

Q. Should I travel 1st or 2nd class?
A. The class of travel you choose depends on your budget and your personal preferences. First class is roomier, with fewer seats per car/compartment. Many native Europeans travel in 2nd class, so during high season or holidays, trains may be crowded.

Q. Why do I need to reserve seats, sleepers and couchettes?
A. With a pass or ticket you may board the train, but you are not guaranteed a place (seat, sleeper, or couchette). To guarantee a place on a specific train for a specific date, time, and route, you must buy a reservation. There is always an additional fee for a reservation regardless of whether you have purchased a pass or ticket.

Q. When do I need a reservation?
A. Night Trains: It is always necessary to make an advance reservation for sleepers and couchettes. Day Trains: Seat reservations are required for all TGV, ICE, AVE, Eurostar, certain InterCity and EuroCity trains. For most other trains, seat reservations are not required; you may sit where you like within the class designated on your pass or ticket. A seat reservation can be purchased for most long-distance trains, however, seat reservations can not be requested for certain local trains.

Q. How do I reserve a seat, sleeper or couchette?
A. If you are reserving from North America, you may do so through Rail Europe. Seat reservations are $10 per person, per train and are non-refundable. Sleeper fares are based on distance, while couchette reservations are a flat fee of $24 per person. Reservations can be confirmed up to 2 months prior to the date of travel. For added flexibility, you may reserve in Europe directly at the train station. When in Europe, reservations can be bought as late as the day of departure, however, we recommend that you reserve at least 24 hours in advance since all reservations are subject to availability.

Q. What are the interiors of the trains like?
A. As the scenery changes from country to country in Europe, so do the personalities of the trains. However, while riding the trains in Europe, this is what you will generally find. Day Trains - Your train could have one or both of the following seating arrangements:

• Compartment car seating: the car is separated into cabins which open to a corridor along one side of the car. Cabins accommodate up to 6 passengers in 1st class, and up to 8 in 2nd class.

• Coach car seating: the car is open with a center aisle and seats on either side. In 1st class there are two seats on one side of the aisle and one on the other. In 2nd class there are two seats on either side of the aisle.

• Night Trains: If you intend to travel overnight, consider sleeping accommodations such as a sleeper or a couchette.

• Sleepers contain berths, with a private washstand, fresh linens and towels. First class accommodates 1 or 2 people. 2nd class accommodates from 2 to 4 people. Couples, families and same sex; can share a sleeper.

• Sleeper charges are per person and depend upon the accommodation requested, and the distance and route traveled. Couchettes are open bunks in a compartment each with a pillow and blanket. Located in 2nd class, they accommodate up to 6 people. There is no distinction by sex, so you should expect to sleep in your daytime clothes.

• Couchette charges are a flat, per-night fee of $24 per person, regardless of distance traveled.

Q. What food is available on the trains?
A. Most long-distance trains have a restaurant or buffet car, some even have bar cars. Meals are usually not available on overnight trains, but if they are, the sleeping car attendant will take your continental breakfast order. On shorter trips, snack vendors travel regularly through the train. You can even bring your own food and enjoy a train "picnic".

Q. Is there a special rate for groups?
A. Yes, if you have six or more people, the Group department will make arrangements for you. Fax or e-mail your requests with details.

Q. Where can I store my baggage?
A. In the station: Most train stations have lockers or luggage checkrooms where you can store your bags. On the train: Trains have either overhead storage racks throughout the car or luggage areas at each end of the car. But pack lightly - don't travel with more bags than you can handle yourself.

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