Rail Terms and Conditions

Rail Terms & Conditions

	Refunds
	Seating
	Payment
	Lost Tickets and Passes

	Advance Booking
	Responsibility and Liability
	General Terms and Conditions for Rail Passes, Flexipasses and Combination Passes
	Rail Protection Plan™

Rail Europe, Inc. (REI) reserves the right to change prices without notice whether such changes are related or not to alterations in rates of exchange.

Refunds:

Applications for refunds must be submitted by the client to the office where the pass, ticket or reservation was purchased. Expired tickets/passes are non refundable. No refund can be made unless the pass or ticket can be produced. No refund will be made in Europe for tickets/passes issued by REI. No refund can be given on tickets/pass purchased in Europe. Passes, tickets or reservations must not be removed from their ticket cover and must bear no evidence of having been tampered with in any way. Refund amounts are posted to the original form of payment.

Eurail Global passes, Eurail Select Passes, Eurail Regional and National Passes are refundable only if totally unused and unvalidated and received within one year from the issue date. Six months for the following passes: Austria, Scan and BritRail pass. Please note that the Czech Flexipass and Prague Excursion pass are refundable up to seven months from the date of issue. All refunds are subject to minimum 15% cancellation fee.Rail 'N Drive passes are not refundable if either the rail or car portion has been used. Saverpasses, Twin passes and Party Passes are not refundable if partially used. Validated and partially used passes are non refundable.

Premier trains tickets are refundable based on the "after sales" rules of the type of ticket purchased (click on "details" of the products at the time of booking, also printed on the ticket). Refunds, when applicable, are possible only if the ticket is received in our office within the time frame allowed for a refund. Cancellation fee varies from 0 to 100%

BritRail Point-to-Point Tickets are refundable only if totally unused and unvalidated and must be received by the issuing office within 6 months from the date of issue. 15% cancellation fee applies. Roundtrip tickets used one way are not refundable.

Totally unused point-to-point tickets received by the issuing office prior to the first date of validity are refundable. Tickets received after the first day of validity are refundable if canceled and stamped "not-used" by a railway official, at the station of departure. These tickets are refundable up to six months from the last day of validity. All refunds are subject to a 15% cancellation fee. Tickets submitted after the first day of validity, which have not been cancelled, are not refundable.

Sleepers and Couchettes: For cancellations in North America, the unused ticket must be received by Rail Europe at least 24 hours before the train departure date. If clients are in Europe, ticket must be stamped cancelled by a railway official at the station of departure at least 24 hours before the train departure date. 15% cancellation fee applies. If space not cancelled and ticket received after the travel date, no refund is allowed.

Non-refundable Products: Paris Visite, Paris Museums, Great British Heritage Pass, London Travel Card, Fly-Rail Baggage, Original London Sightseeing Tour, Rail Protection Plan™, Seat Reservations.

Where no other time frame for refund is specified in this website, refund requests for tickets, passes, tours & packages must be received by rail Europe within six months of the issue date. Once tour/package is confirmed a refund is not allowed. Special refund conditions apply to Swiss packages - please check at the time of booking.

Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended.

Seating:

Most trains offer only nonsmoking accommodations, but some trains offer smoking and non-smoking.

Payment:

American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Visa or MasterCard are accepted.

Lost Tickets and Passes:

REI is not responsible for passes, tickets or vouchers which are lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed. Refunds cannot be authorized in such cases. To protect yourself against such losses please refer to our Rail Protection Plan™.

Advance Booking:

Please apply for your passes and other tickets at least 7 business days prior to your departure from North America. REI will always try to help if less notice is given, but REI is not responsible for delays in delivery service or otherwise. If a product is ordered at short notice, REI will charge an additional fee for overnight delivery service. When ordering, please include your date of departure from North America.

Responsibility/ Liability:

REI acts only as a booking agent. REI has no control over, and is not responsible for, any of the tours, passes, attractions, hotels and other travel accommodations listed in this site. All bookings are accepted and all tickets, passes, and vouchers are issued on the express condition that, REI is not responsible or liable for any loss (consequential or otherwise); damage (including but not limited to loss of, or damage to passengers' clothes, baggage, or other property whatsoever); death, injury, delay, inconvenience or irregularity caused by, or arising out of, or in connection with, any defect in any vehicle or other, air, land or sea conveyance used, rented or traveled in; or through the negligence, willful misconduct, strikes or other acts, defaults of omissions of any carrier, car rental company, hotel, restaurant or any other provider of goods or services.

Every booking is accepted subject to the conditions, tariffs and regulations imposed by the air, rail, shipping, bus, car rental, car insurance, hotel or other companies, firms or persons concerned.

REI reserves the right to alter, cancel or substitute any component of a package.

All items of a personal nature not specifically mentioned such as phone calls, tips, taxis, etc. are the responsibility of each passenger.

General Terms and Conditions

NOTE: The following terms and conditions apply to all Rail passes, Combination passes that include rail and car. Carefully reading these terms and conditions is recommended for all Combination passes.

1. Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they have all necessary visas and appropriate travel documents prior to their departure from North America.

2. Certain trains may transit through a country not covered by the pass. In that case an additional ticket must be purchased.

To Purchase:

Passes cannot be issued to residents of the countries the pass is valid in. Residents of the Russian Federation, Turkey, Morocco, Algeria or Tunisia are not eligible to purchase Eurail Global passes, Eurail National and Regional passes and the Czech pass. Residents of United Kingdom are not eligible to purchase BritRail Passes or Eurail Passes.

How to Validate and Use Your Pass:

Passes are issued open dated and must be validated within six months from the date of issue and prior to the first day of use. To validate the rail pass, present the rail pass along with your passport to the Railways official at the station of departure. At this time, the first and the last day of validity of the pass as well as the passport number is entered and the passenger must sign the pass. Under no circumstances is the pass holder allowed to validate his or her own pass. In the case of a Flexipass, the passenger must enter the date of travel each day before he/she boards the first train of the day. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the payment of a fine and the cost of a full fare ticket. Also, if there is any indication that a railpass has been tampered with, forged and or/used by anyone other than the passholder, or used beyond its validity, the railway Official are authorized to confiscate the pass and require the payment of the full fare plus a fine.It is compulsory to present passports to railway officials on request.

In most cases validity runs from midnight to midnight for the period shown on the pass. All services, rail, rental car, air travel and travel bonuses must he be used within the validity of the accompanying rail pass. One-month period is based from a date in one calendar month to the corresponding date in the following month (minus one day). Depending on the calendar month the pass is validated, the validity period may therefore consist of 28, 30 or 31 days.

Passes are not valid on hotel trains, private or specialty trains unless otherwise stated.

Passes are available in first and second class unless stated otherwise. Passengers holding first class passes are also permitted to travel in standard/ second class however a refund of the fare difference is not applicable. Passengers holding standard/second class passes are permitted to travel in first class only if they pay the difference between the two fares as applicable locally. For BritRail passes: Some trains in Great Britain do not have 1st class accommodations. The price of the 1st class Passes have been adjusted to reflect this.

Refunds are limited to completely unused undated, unvalidated passes, ticket and inclusive packages, hotel and car vouchers and will be granted only where permitted under the terms and conditions set forth below or elsewhere in this site. Passes, tickets and vouchers must be returned for refunds. Companion and Saverpasses, BritRail discounted and Eurail and Eurail Select Pass, Rail 'n Drive passes together are considered one document and must be submitted together. No refunds will be granted on partially used passes or tickets, or on unused parts of inclusive packages; documents must bear no evidence of having been tampered with in any way.

7pm Rule:

When traveling on a direct overnight train (no change of train) departing after 7pm, the next day's date must be entered. In such cases, travel from 7pm and midnight of the following day is included and considered as one day of travel. If the overnight trip requires a train change before midnight, traveler will use 2 travel days.

Seat Reservations:

Having a pass does not guarantee a seat. Seat reservations are optional on most of the trains however they are mandatory for traveling on high speed trains (TGV, Thalys, AVE, etc), international trains (EuroCity, InterCity etc), night trains (Elipsos, Artesia, etc.). Also, some trains require the payment of a surcharge, which includes the compulsory seat reservation (known as Pass holder ticket). On some trains the number of seats available for Pass holders may be limited. It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance. The cost for the pass holder ticket and/or reservation varies depending on the type of train and country. Rail Europe can secure seat and sleeper reservations for your trip before you depart North America, this ensures that you will have a seat on the train you wish to travel on. Simply click here to begin your reservation request.

Overnight Travel:

European night trains offer a variety of accommodations to suit all budgets. Most night trains offer sleepers and couchettes, and some also have reclining seats.

Couchettes and reclining seats are the most economic type of accommodations. Couchettes are not gender specific; they consist of four bunk beds in 1st class and six in 2nd class. A blanket and pillow is provided, but you sleep in your day clothes. Reclining seats are available on selected trains and generally in 2nd class only.

For more comfort and privacy, you can reserve a sleeper compartment in 1st class accommodating one or two passengers or 2nd class for two or three passengers. Though the compartment may include a wash basin it does not have a private toilet. Toilet facilities are located at the end of each car. Some night trains also offer deluxe compartments with a private toilet and shower. Sleeper compartments are gender specific, except when couples or families occupy all berths.

Night accommodations must be reserved and paid for in advance. On some night trains the number of accommodations for Pass holders may be limited. It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance. Prices vary depending on the type of accommodation and country. Rail Europe can secure seat and sleeper reservations for your trip before you depart North America, this ensures that you will have a seat on the train you wish to travel on. Simply click here to begin your reservation request.

Additional Charges:

Seats, sleepers and couchettes, pass holder tickets for travel on trains such as Eurostar, Italian Day trains, AVE, Talgo, Elipsos, Thalys, Cisalpino, etc. luggage checking, and port taxes, are all subject to additional charges which are not covered by the passes. The prices for all BritRail passes and/or tickets include a processing fee. These, including meals and refreshments, are all to be paid separately. Luggage checking, port taxes, meals and refreshments as well as seat reservations, sleepers and couchettes reserved locally must be paid abroad in local currency.

Governing Rules:

All transportation covered by those passes where use is intended for more than one country is subject to the Uniform Rules concerning the Contract for International Carriage of Passengers and Luggage by Rail (CIV). National and/or single-country passes are subject to rules and regulations of their specific countries. Neither the British nor European railroads nor REI assume any responsibility for damages resulting from a strike.

Rail Protection Plan™:

Rail Europe, Inc. (“REI”) is pleased to offer its Rail Protection Plan™ for all rail European passes and rail tickets issued through our company.

Exchanges: if you need to exchange your pass/ticket due to illness or injury to yourself or illness, injury or death of an immediate family member, you will be allowed a one time exchange of your pass/ticket regardless of the fare restrictions.
Cancellations: if you are unable to use your pass/ticket due to the illness, injury or death of an immediate family member or yourself, the unused portion of the pass/ticket including any cancellation penalties will be reimbursed.
Strikes: if you are traveling in Europe and your trip is interrupted or stopped due to a rail strike, you will be reimbursed the value of the unused ticket. Coverage for rail strikes only applies to unused tickets and does not apply to passes.
Loss or Theft: you’ll receive reimbursement on your pass/ticket that is lost or stolen while traveling in Europe. Under the Rail Protection Plan™, Rail Europe will either refund the unused portion of the lost or stolen rail pass/ticket or the cost of replacement, whichever is of lesser value.

Important: Please print and keep these Terms & Conditions with your travel documents. The Rail Protection Plan™ fee is non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

How do I file a claim to receive reimbursement through the Rail Protection Plan™ if I need to do an exchange?

The Rail Protection Plan™ does not apply to pre-existing illness or injuries.
Claims due to illness or injury must include a letter from the attending physician or hospital in North America confirming that the pass/ticket holder cannot travel due to his/her medical condition. The letter must also state that the illness or injury was not a pre-existing condition.
Claims due to death must include a copy of the death certificate.
Pass exchanges must be for the same product. Pass holders are responsible for shipping and processing fees for the delivery of new passes.
Ticket holders are responsible for any fare increase, shipping and processing fees for the delivery of new tickets.
Exchanges do not apply once the pass/ticket holder has departed North America.

How do I file a claim to receive reimbursement through the Rail Protection Plan™ if I need to cancel?

The Rail Protection Plan™ does not apply to pre-existing illness or injuries.
Cancellation claims being made prior to departure from North America, must include a letter from the attending physician or hospital in North America confirming that the pass/ticket holder cannot travel due to his/her medical condition. The letter must also state that the illness or injury was not a pre-existing condition. The claim must be received by REI prior to the originally scheduled departure date from North America.
Cancellation claims being made when travel has already begun in Europe must include a letter from the attending physician or hospital in Europe confirming that the pass/ticket holder cannot travel due to his/her medical condition. Upon return to North America, the pass/ticket holder must submit the claim to Rail Europe within thirty (30) days. The claim must also include airline tickets from North America to Europe and return and a brief explanation of the situation to allow for evaluation of the claim. Only the unused portion of the pass/ticket including any cancellation penalties will be reimbursed.
Cancellation claims due to death must include a copy of the death certificate.

How do I file a claim to receive reimbursement through the Rail Protection Plan™ if there has been a strike?

Claims due to strikes must include the ticket which must have been stamped at the European rail station by a railway official indicating the ticket was not used due to a rail strike. Passes are not covered in cases of rail strikes.

How do I file a claim to receive reimbursement through the Rail Protection Plan™ if there has been loss or theft?

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 North America, pass/ticket holders must submit the claim to Rail Europe within thirty (30) days including a police report, replacement passes or tickets purchased abroad, Rail Protection voucher, airline tickets from North America to Europe and return. A brief explanation of the situation is also necessary to better evaluate the claim.

More Details for Filing a Claim:
Notice of any claims, as applicable, made under this program for customers who have not traveled to Europe must be received by REI prior to the originally scheduled departure date from North America which was given to REI at the time of booking. Notice of any claims for customers who traveled to Europe must be given within thirty (30) days of your return from Europe.
For claims forms and further instructions, call Rail Europe, Inc. at 1-800-848-7245 or write to: Rail Europe, Inc. Customer Relations Department: 44 South Broadway 11th floor, White Plains, NY, 10601-4421. All claims must be accompanied by the appropriate documentation listed in the conditions above.
This program is administered by Rail Europe, Inc. and can be revised or terminated at our sole discretion at anytime. In the case that the Rail Protection Plan™ is terminated, only passes/tickets issued prior to the date of termination will be covered.

Description of Coverage Exclusions:

(a)

Delay or detention or confiscation by Customs Officers or Officials or Police or other Security Officers.

(b)

Pass/ticket not in clients’ actual possession at the time of loss.

(c)

Flight cancellations, acts of god, war, invasion, act of foreign enemy, hostilities (whether war be declared or not), terrorist acts, civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection or military or usurped power.

(d)

Any dishonest, fraudulent or criminal act by the pass/ticket holder.

(e)

Damage due to wear and tear, gradual deterioration, vermin or inherent vice.

(f)

No change to this program will be valid unless authorized by REI.

(g)

No legal action can be brought to recover against this program within sixty (60) days after a claim has been submitted as required herein within thirty (30) days of your return to Europe.

(h)

No legal action can be brought after one year from the time that a claim is required to be submitted as indicated herein.

(i)

Any provision of this program that is in conflict with applicable law is hereby amended to conform to minimum requirements of such law and the pass/ticket holder agrees to the jurisdiction of New York County, New York.


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