Passes: General information

To view the answers to the questions found below, please click on each question link, the answer will be revealed below the question.

Q. Which number of travel days should I buy? What is the best pass for me? If you are having trouble determining what is the best pass for you please use our comparison chart to help you select the best pass for your trip.

Q. Can I buy my pass in Europe?A. Some passes may be purchased in Europe at a higher cost. It is best to place your order before you depart North America to ensure that you have your paper documents in hand.

Q. How far in advance can I buy my pass?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.

Q. Does the passenger's name on the pass need to match the name on the passport?A. Yes

Q. Is a railpass transferable to another person in the event the passholder is not able to travel?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.

Q. Would I qualify for a railpass if I have a European passport, but am a permanent resident with a green card?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 the United States or Canada, 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.

Q. I've purchased a single country pass. What do I do if I decide to visit an additional, bordering country?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.

Q. What is the Swiss Card?A. Our popular Swiss Card provides 1 roundtrip by rail from any Swiss airport or border to 1 single destination. It also includes a 50% discount on all Swiss railways, lake steamers, postal buses, and excursions to mountaintops.

Q. What is the difference between 1st Class and 2nd Class accommodations?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.