France Rail Pass Premium

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

Need assistance planning ?

Only we have over 75 years of experience and connect you realtime to more than 35 European railroads

LEARN MORE

Customer reviews

Comfort

votes: 3
Value for money

votes: 3
Convenience

votes: 3

Why settle for Paris alone when you can bike the Loire Valley, ski the Alps, or sashay along the South of France sand? Take part to the French cultural life and go to the concerts, festivals, events, museums... Make the night yours while travelling with children: we have designed the France Rail Pass Premium to take care of all of you.

Early Bird Deals!
Book in advance and win up to $0
to get the best deals on your train travel!
Check it out! Conditions apply.


The France Rail Pass Premium is THE best way to discover France for non European residents. This pass provides unlimited travels on the French National Railways (SNCF) in 1st Class. Besides travelling in style and comfort, the France Rail Pass Premium also includes a complementary private Concierge service from the Welcome email you receive when booking your Pass until the end of your journey.

Enter a world of privileges with the France Rail Pass Premium!

What you get

 Destinations: unlimited travel on the national rail network of France
 Travel : 3 to 9 days within 1 month
 Flexible Pass: travel days may be used consecutively or not
 Class of service: 1st class only
 Discounts: Friends/Families (2 to 5 people travelling together)
 Complimentary concierge service available in 7 languages
 Seat reservation: exclusively available on Rail Europe websites, mandatory on high speed and scenic trains.

Pass fares

Prices are displayed in NZD.

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.

France Rail Premium - Reservation

Validity Adult Child Senior Youth

Total

NZ$0
Class
By checking this box, I certify that all selected parties will be travelling together.

France Rail Premium

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

3 days (within 1 month) NZ$ 449 361 n/a n/a 225 181 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
4 days (within 1 month) NZ$ 503 406 n/a n/a 252 204 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
5 days (within 1 month) NZ$ 549 443 n/a n/a 275 222 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
6 days (within 1 month) NZ$ 584 484 n/a n/a 292 243 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
7 days (within 1 month) NZ$ 626 522 n/a n/a 313 262 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
8 days (within 1 month) NZ$ 673 561 n/a n/a 338 282 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
9 days (within 1 month) NZ$ 723 603 n/a n/a 362 303 n/a 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 France Rail Pass Premium


Who can get

Non European permanent residents outside of Europe, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Turkey (for more than six months) are eligible to purchase or use a France Rail Pass Premium.

How to use

Validation

 Passes must be validated within 6 months of issuing date by a railway official in France (station’s desk) who also fills in the passport number
 Passes must be validated prior to boarding 1st train or using a bonus. The date of travel has to be entered in the correct way before boarding the first train/bonus, by the traveller, in the corresponding box of the calendar

Concierge service:
A welcome email will be sent a few days after booking the France Rail Pass Premium detailing all the concierge contact detailsinformation . You can contact your concierge by email or by phone until the end of validity of your France Rail Pass Premium.

7:00pm rule

 if a direct overnight train starts after 7:00 p.m. on a validated France Rail Pass Premium, the pass holder must enter the next day’s date on the pass, provided it falls within the validity of the pass, except for ARTESIA Paris - Roma night train.


Bonuses

Thanks to our partnerships you can benefit from numerous bonuses during your stay in France. Your Concierge will help you to tailor-make your own tour across the country using those bonuses or booking other animations services for you. Hotels discount, reduced boat crossing, buses, museums... your France Rail Pass Premium allows you a wide range of negotiated offers so that you will fully enjoy the journey!

Here are some examples of what you can get by choosing France Rail Pass Premium:

 Special Pass holder fare on several European operators and trains: Artesia Day & Night Brussels-France Elipsos Eurostar Genève Med Lunea (overnight) trains Paris-Germany Night Train Teoz TGV TGV Lyria Thalys

The “Easy Access” PassholderPass holder, only valid with the France Rail Pass & France Rail Pass Premium, allows you to board any train even it is full but doesn’t guarantee a seat.

 Special France Rail Pass Premium “Paris Airport” Bonus : Valid on RER Line B between Paris Charles de Gaulle airport and Paris Nord Station, this bonus allows you priority to boarding RER, proceed to the SNCF-Transilien ticket counter in Roissy Charles-de-Gaulle and ask for a “contremarque” voucher

 Discounted rate or special offers among more than 200 partners
Visit: http://www.francerailpass.com
Bonuses are subject to availabilities and changes. You are responsible to confirm bonuses locally.


Travel destinations

Aboard regional or high speed trains (TGV), the France Rail Pass Premium allows unlimited travel in 1st Class on the SNCF French network.

The Concierge will advise you and help you plan and organize your travel in France to the smallest detail. Need to book a hotel, a concert? Find a baby-sitter, reserve a restaurant? Your concierge is your first assistant to make your journey in France as free-minded as it can be.

Among all the plans your concierge will recommend you and certainly help you to plan, some are part of the numerous bonuses and reductions you benefit from with the France Rail Pass Premium.

map need flash

Frequently Asked Questions


  • A. In most cases, railpasses are not accepted on city transportation systems such as buses and subways. Passes will generally cover local commuter trains that are above ground.

    The exception to this is the Swiss Pass, which is valid for transportation in 37 Swiss cities.



  • 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. TGV Lyria offers direct, high speed services between Paris-Gare de Lyon, Dijon and cities such as Geneva, Lausanne, Basel, Neuchatel, Bern and Zurich. During winter, TGV Lyria snow train connects you directly from Paris to the charming resorts of the canton of Vaud (including Château-d’Oex, Leysin, Les Diablerets and Villars) and Valais (Verbier, CransMontana, Leukerbad, Saas-Fee and Zermatt, among others).


  • A. The term "Gender Specific" means that these compartments will not allow male and female passengers to travel in the same compartment. The exception to this condition is if you and your travel companion(s) intend on using all beds within the compartment. Trains in which this condition applies are: Elipsos, CNL, Lusitania, Spanish Night trains.


  • A. Discounted Senior rates for travelers 60 and older are available on the following passes:
     Balkan Flexipass-1st class
     BritRail Consecutive and Flexipass 1st class,
     BritRail England Consecutive and Flexipass 1st Class
     France Rail Pass, 1st Class
     Eurail Ireland Pass - 2nd Class
     Eurail Romania Pass - 1st class


  • A. Travel from London - Paris/Brussels and most of the train stations in between these 2 routes.

    For more detailed information on how to use a Eurostar self service kiosk review: How do I retrieve my e-tickets at Eurostar train stations ?



  • A. No. A ticket allows you to board the train, but does not guarantee you a seat. You must make a seat reservation to have a guaranteed seat on the train.

    NOTE: On certain trains tickets and reservations are sold together as one ticket.



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


  • A. 1st Class seats often recline, there are fewer seats per car, and there is more space for luggage. On some high-speed trains, the price of a 1st Class ticket includes a meal. 1st class is generally quieter with more business and adult passengers.

    2nd Class accommodations are less expensive, but not as spacious, as there are more seats per car.

    For trips over 2 hours we recommend that you book 1st class.



  • 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.



  • 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. 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. On-board Frecciarossa trains, the official luggage allowance is two large bags or suitcases and one piece of hand luggage. It’s enough to enjoy a very long trip and explore the richness of Italy.


  • A. Passes are non-transferable as travelers name appears on the Railpass, and are valid for 6 months from date of purchase, which offers you the opportunity to reschedule your trip.


  • A. A rail day lasts from midnight to midnight. You can take as many trains as you wish during this time.


  • A. Not presently but as soon as European railways introduce e-tickets, we will be able to offer them.


  • A. A Swiss Pass enables you to travel free of charge in the Swiss public transport services for periods ranging from four days to one month in 41 cities.


  • 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. To begin using your pass, go to the ticket window at the rail station before boarding your first train and have a railroad official enter the first and last day of the validity on your pass. The railroad official will also stamp your pass and you will have to show your passport.


  • A. Passes are only valid for travel in the countries covered by that particular pass. If you travel through a country not included on your pass, you’ll need to purchase an additional ticket for that part of the trip. For example, if you travel from Germany to Italy through Austria, Austria is not a country on your Eurail Select Pass and will not be covered; you must purchase an additional ticket.

    If you have not purchased your pass please view our online maps to see if you will be travelling through a country you have not planned for.



  • 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. We are not able to sell rail passes or tickets to residents of Europe, the UK, Morocco, Turkey or any of the countries of the former Soviet Union. If you are a resident of these countries, we will not be able to sell you one of our passes. If you are a citizen of any of these countries, but are a resident of another country, we are able to sell the rail pass or tickets to you. Passes are based on residency not citizenship, and the country of your residence will be printed on the rail pass.


  • A. TGV Lyria is a high speed train and requires a compulsory reservation. Special pass holder fares are available if you carry a Eurail Pass covering France or Switzerland, Swiss Pass or France Rail Pass but subject to limited availability.


  • A. With most passes the pass will start the when you get your pass validated by a rail official.


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


  • 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. Each passenger is allowed 2 pieces of luggage and 1 carry-on bag.


  • A. Our "Train Tickets and Schedules" section calculates the total cost of your outbound journey first, and it includes the cost for the number of people that you specify. Once you choose an outbound journey, the costs of the return journey appear.


  • 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. There are no check-in or customs procedures before boarding TGV trains. However, you must be onboard at the latest 2 minutes prior to the departure time, beyond which access to the train cannot be guaranteed. Ticket control and passport checks will occur on board the train.


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


  • A. We are unable to ship tickets purchased on Raileurope outside of your country of residence. We recommend that you have all travel documents in hand before departing from your country of residence.


  • A. Like most high-speed trains in Europe, you need to make a booking when travelling with Thalys. Passholders with passes covering the whole Thalys route (Eurail Global Pass, Eurail Select Pass including France, Benelux or Germany, depending on the route, Eurail and Benelux-France) benefit from special Passholder fares. Just bear in mind that some passes covering partially the Thalys sector like France Rail Pass but also Eurail passes including Benelux-France / France-Germany / France-Italy / France-Spain / France-Switzerland / Benelux also offer special Passholder deals. German Rail Pass is not valid on Thalys routes to Germany.


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


  • A. Frecciarossa trains offer a full sit-down restaurant service, with a regularly changing menu of traditional Italian dishes. The restaurant is very modern and elegant. Alternatively, Frecciarossa trains also feature a coffee bar service offering fresh sandwiches, snacks, desserts and hot and cold beverages.


  • A. You can print your tickets from the convenience of your home or you can retrieve them from self-service machines in London St Pancras, Brussels Midi or Paris Nord station before boarding your Eurostar train.


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

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



  • A. No. You need to buy your Eurail Italy pass before travelling to Europe. Just remember that Eurail passes, including Eurail Italy pass, can be bought up to six months in advance of your travel date.


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


  • 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. 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. 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. 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. Yes, depending on the country you are traveling in. Generally there are local trains that travel the same route as high-speed trains, however they generally take much longer to travel the same route. You will need to weigh the cost of a reservation compared with the time it will take to travel the same route.

    Example: Lyon to Marseille is generally about 1 hour 45 minutes on the TGV. A local train for this same route would be about 3 and half hours.



  • 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. 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. 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."Yes! Thanks to new means of payment on our websites, it is now possible to book your train ticket or pass and pay through payment services like PayPal, Western Union, Boleto Bancario, Moneybookers.com, eNets or BPay. The availability of those payment services depends on the customer’s country of residence."


  • A. Depending on where you are traveling, there are two different rules regarding overnight travel. Some trains allow travelers departing after 7 PM to mark only the following day on the pass, meaning that only one travel day will be used. However, other trains will require that this travel use 2 days on your pass. It is recommended that you check the rules included in the ticket jacket included with your pass for more specific information.


  • 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. 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. 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.


  • A. It’s easy ! Use the self service kiosks at the rail station to retrieve your tickets in a few easy steps.


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


  • A. Reservation is only compulsory for ICE Trains called ICE Sprinter as these trains have special services such as a meal and newspaper. Here is the list: Hamburg HBF - Frankfurt HBF, Frankfurt HBF- Berlin HBF, Berlin HBF - Frankfurt HBF, Hamburg HBF – Koeln HBF and Koeln HBF – Hamburg HBF. Passes valid to travel within Germany cover Eurail Global and Select Passes including Germany / Eurail Germany-Benelux Pass / Eurail Germany-Denmark Pass / Eurail Germany-France / German Rail Pass.


  • A. The AVE offers 2 first class options they are called Club class and Preferente class.

    Club class on the AVE offers access to the AVE lounges at the rail stations, large comfortable reclining seats, a selection of video and audio programs at your seat, and friendly staff serves you drinks and light snacks at your seat. This class of service offers tables for each seat.

    Preferente class on the AVE offers access to the AVE lounges at the rail stations, large comfortable reclining seats, a selection of video and audio programs at your seat, and friendly staff serves you drinks and light snacks at your seat.

    Tourist class (2nd Class) on the AVE offers generous legroom, a selection of video and audio programs at your seat and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.



  • A. You can use your Eurail Italy pass throughout the entire Italian railway network. Eurail Italy pass holders are also entitled to several discounts and benefits on ferry crossings and more. For 1st class pass holders, transfers between Roma Fiumicino Airport and Roma Termini train station on the Leonardo Express and between Pisa airport and Florence central station are free.


  • 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. 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. Paper tickets will be sent to you by postal mail prior to departure.


  • A.
     Business Premier class is dedicated to serving the business traveler with its superior service. Business travelers can expect a nonsmoking car, fast lane check-in, use of the Executive Lounges, breakfast or a 3-course lunch or dinner with choice of entrée and wine, complimentary drink, newspapers, Wifi access in the terminal and lap top sockets on board the train.
     Leisure Select tickets provide complimentary food (including a 3-course dinner), beverages, and newspapers while you relax in your reclining seat.
     Full Fare tickets gives you access to the Eurostar Lounge.
     Standard Class offers comfort, convenience, and value. Enjoy the bar car, or purchase snacks and refreshments from the trolley cart when it comes to your seat.


  • A. No, Eurostar does not transport cars. You can transport your car on Le Shuttle, which carries cars through the Channel Tunnel. For reservations with Le Shuttle, please call 08705 35 35 35 or at www.eurotunnel.com.


  • A. 1st Class seats often recline, there are fewer seats per car, and there is more space for luggage. On some high-speed trains, the price of a 1st Class ticket includes a meal. 1st class is generally quieter with more business and adult passengers.

    2nd Class accommodations are less expensive, but not as spacious, as there are more seats per car.

    For trips over 2 hours we recommend that you book 1st class.



  • A. Sleeper accommodations vary according to amenities and the number of people occupying the compartment. The name or number advises how many beds are in each room. A couchette (pronounced "koo-SHET") is normally usually in 2nd Class. A couchette accommodates 6 passengers, male and female, and offers no amenities. Keep in mind that some compartments are gender specific unless the compartment is booked in full. For more information about sleepers please visit our how to book sleepers page.


  • A. No, but we do offer discounted rate for many of our tickets and passes for Youth passengers. To qualify for a Youth Pass, you must be under age 26 on the first day of travel.


  • 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. When travelling with Thalys, you can carry a maximum of two suitcases per paying passenger (the largest side must be equal to 85 centimetres) and one item of hand luggage.


  • 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. The following trains require reservations: Eurostar, Thalys, Lyria, all TGV’s, AVE, Artesia trains (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. Gatwick and Heathrow Express trains run every 15 minutes.


  • A. To obtain a refund, please return your unused, unvalidated tickets/pass to your travel agent, or send to your local Raileurope Office. Click here to get the information in our contact us section. Most tickets are required to be returned at least 3 days prior to the departure date, or to be stamped "Unused" at a rail station in Europe to be eligible for a refund. Please add a short note including the original booking number of the order. It is suggested that you send these documents by some type of traceable mail for proof of delivery, should they get lost in the mail.


  • A. A consecutive-day pass provides unlimited rail travel on any day or all days for the duration of the pass. A flexipass is valid for a specific number of days within a longer period.


  • 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. Breakfast is served before 11:00 a.m.; lunch is served between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00pm A snack is served between 2:00pm and 5:00pm Dinner is served after 5:00pm.


  • A. No, there are no student discounts. Discounts are offered to youth travelers instead. A youth traveler is any traveler who is 25 years of age or younger.


  • A. You can buy all your AVE tickets trains quickly and easily online, with no booking fee, and print them in the convenience of your home.


  • A. Validation of your pass is having a Rail Official at the train station stamp your pass as valid.


  • 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. 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. 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. Swiss passes must be validated within 6 months of issuing date by a railway official in Switzerland (station’s desk) who also fills in the passport number. Swiss passes must be validated prior to boarding the first train.


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


  • A. Some passes may be purchased in Europe at a higher cost. It is best to place your order before you departure to ensure that you have your paper documents in hand.


  • 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. 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. No you can’t. You need to buy your Swiss pass before coming to Europe.


  • A. Also known as the red train, Thalys trains link Paris to the gems of Northern Europe: Brussels in 1 hour and 22 minutes, Amsterdam in 3 hours and 18 minutes, and Cologne in 3 hours and 14 minutes. On a seasonal basis (from the end of December till mid - April), Thalys Snow travels from Brussels Midi to the ski resorts in Chambéry, Albertville, Moutiers, Aime-la-Plagne, Landry and Bourg-St-Maurice, every Saturday without any stops.


  • 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. Thalys trains offer two classes of travel: 1st class with Comfort 1 and 2nd class with Comfort 2. In Comfort 1, reclining seats will offer you a high level of comfort. Sockets for laptop or mobile phone are also available on some carriages as well as free newspapers on major routes. Wi-Fi is free in Thalys Comfort 1 and in 2nd class with flexible tickets. In 2nd class (Comfort 2), you will get access to a bar-buffet car offering food and refreshments for purchase. Wi-Fi is available at an additional cost in second class for more restrictive tickets.


  • A. Eurostar journeys can be booked up to 6 months in advance of the return date of travel. Eurostar Direct services to Disneyland Resort Paris have a longer booking period and are made available further in advance. And Eurostar Direct seasonal services to the French Alps and Avignon are opened for sale for the entire season.


  • 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.