Introduction
August 3, 2011 Posted by koshal
First Class vs Second Class Eurail Passes | Eurorail Passes
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The difference between first class and second class Eurail passes are linked to the facilities each class offers and the associated cost. If you are planning to travel in Europe, Eurail is one service that you must avail as it is fast, efficient, and fun to move across important tourist destinations and different cities in Europe. Eurorail, or Eurail, as it is informally called, is a Netherland based company that provides tickets and passes to passengers. These passes, called Europass are valid on practically all rail services across Europe, and are a good way to save your money while traveling in a fast and efficient manner. However, there are many differences between first class and second class Eurail passes as both have different features and facilities. It is prudent to know all about these passes to be able to make the most of your money and also to choose passes that suit your requirements. Here is a quick comparison of the two types of passes.
Passes are great if you take a number of rail trips during your sojourn. However, they may be a waste of money if you plan to take only 2-3 trips that are small and not for any long route. In such cases, it is better to stick to train tickets avoiding the lure of Eurail passes. A fact that not many are aware of is that Eurail passes are for non-Europeans only. European residents need to have InterRail that provides similar benefits to the holder.
What is a First Class Eurail Pass?
If you think that a first class pass has many extra or special features, you are wrong as it is a normal adult fare pass most of the time. If you are above the age of 26, you should buy first class rail pass. However, sometimes, the first class pass can provide extra facilities. In some high-speed trains, the first class passengers can have facilities such as complimentary snack and drink, free newspaper, power sockets, and Wi-Fi internet connection facility. First class passes provide a quieter and more spacious train travel than what the second class passes provide. One gets more legroom and better, reclining seats. The seating arrangement in first class train car is two seats on one side and one seat on the other making it 3 in total. In first class passes, the seating capacity is kept low while making more space available. So, the compartment in a first class car has 6 seats only. Then, there are also single beds in first class cars. There is also a first class saver pass for two that costs same as one first class adult and another second class youth.
What is a Second Class Eurail Pass?
Second class Eurail pass is one category of ticket that you can buy for a lower price than the first class pass. However, the second class train car has 2 seats on either side, making it a bit congested. There are arrangements for 8 people to sit in a compartment in second class car. There are 2-3 beds in 2nd class cars. If you can spare some extra dough, moving around in train cars that are less crowded and more comfortable is what you can expect through first class passes. However, with second class pass, you can save money as well. Buying first class tickets can be up to 50% more expensive than second class tickets, but first class passes cost only about 25% more than second class passes. However, if you are financially tight, it makes sense to buy second class passes as these passes are as comfortable as the older first class passes.
What is the difference between First Class and Second Class Eurail Passes?
• Cost:
– First class Eurail passes are costlier than second class rail passes.
• Atmosphere:
– First class Eurail passes do provide more comfort and quieter train cars than second class rail passes.
• Legroom:
– There is also more legroom for those having first class rail pass.
– The second class does not have as much legroom as first class.
• Conditions in buying passes:
– Those above 26 have to buy first class passes. They have no option of choosing second class passes.
– Those under 26 have an option of buying either first or second class passes.
• Extra facilities:
– In some high-speed trains, the first class passengers can have facilities such as complimentary snack and drink, free newspaper, power sockets, and Wi-Fi internet connection facility.
– Second class passengers are not offered such facilities.
However, those tight on budget can have second class passes as new second class passes are as comfortable as older first class passes. Passes are money savers if you plan to take many rail trips.
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Images Courtesy:
EuroCity 37 from Geneva to Venice by Kabelleger (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Flytoget at Oslo station, Norway by Kjetil Ree (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Highlights
1. The difference between first class and second class Eurail passes is mainly linked to the cost and the facilities each class offers. First class passes are generally more expensive but provide more comfort, quieter train cars, more legroom, and sometimes extra amenities such as complimentary snacks and drinks, free newspapers, power sockets, and Wi-Fi.
2. Eurail passes are only available to non-Europeans. European residents need to have InterRail passes, which offer similar benefits.
3. Passes are a great option if you plan to take multiple rail trips during your journey, but they may not be worth the money if you only plan to take a few small trips. In such cases, it is better to stick to individual train tickets.
