The European rail system is an extensive network leading to and from all major cities as well as through those smaller ones that time has seemingly forgotten. With so many choices in European rail tickets, each with a different name and itinerary map, selecting the right rail pass to your particular destination can be confusing. The most important factors in choosing a rail pass will be the amount of time you have to spend and the places you wish to visit during that time. Below are a few pointers to help you find your best alternative.

One or Two Countries

• If you know your precise destination, and are planning a trip to only one or two countries, then getting your ticket at the counter or on board the train is the way to go. Further, some countries establish discounted rates for frequent travel in the form of a commuter pass. Ask discount programs and special deals at the information desk at any rail station within the country.

Three to Five Countries

• If the countries you plan to visit sit next to each other on a map, whether connected by land border or by sea (for example, Greece, Italy, France, and Spain), then the Eurail Selectpass may be a good choice for you.

This flexible ticket offers unlimited travel within a 2 month period on 5, 10, or 15 days, and further offers a choice between 3, 4, or 5 bordering countries. Keep in mind that a rail pass must be valid not only for the country to which you are traveling, but also for any country you might travel through.

City Hopping

• When the scope of your journey includes more than five countries, the ticket you need is simply called, the Eurailpass, because it gives the traveler the luxury of unlimited carriage to and within 18 Eurail countries.

There is nothing like the freedom of spontaneous travel to excite the spirit with all the possibility that Europe has to offer – the ability to awake on any given morning and decide your destination according to mood and a glimpse at a map is in itself a thing to experience.

With this pass in your pocket, the only question left will be whether you will have enough time to see it all. Visit eurail.com or eurailnet.com or even eurailnet.com for more information on all European rail passes.

Residents of Europe

• For exchange students and residents of the Europe and North Africa, the InterRail pass provides 2nd class seating and unlimited travel through 30 IRC (Inter Rail Community) countries within a specified time period. The participating countries are organized by zones and include Morocco and Turkey among them. More information is available at Interailnet.com