The comparison shouldn’t start with the price of a single travel pass, but with a list of your actual journeys. Without such a list, it’s easy to end up paying for flexibility or days you won’t actually use.
Draw up two estimates
In the first, list the actual individual tickets for the dates you need, with the same comfort requirements. In the second, include the relevant travel pass, compulsory bookings and any uncovered sections of the journey. In both, take into account the journey to the stations. Do not compare the cheapest non-flexible seats with a travel pass and sleeping berths as if they were the same journeys.
Assess the flexibility
If your stops are already fixed by bookings, flexibility may be of less value. If you want to change cities, check which journeys require a booking, as this limits spontaneity. Count the days used and don’t add unnecessary journeys just to justify the purchase. Your choice should match your holiday style.
Read also: Interrail and Eurail: how to check the name and availability of a pass; Europe’s night trains: how to choose a truly relaxing journey.
Official sources
Interrail: planning your journey. Check current services, prices and conditions for your travel dates; the photographs illustrate rail travel and do not confirm the composition of a specific service.
Image details
- SBB Giruno by Stadler (47086627004).jpg — Kecko from a rural area of Eastern Switzerland; CC BY 2.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. Licence terms can be found on the original page.
- SBB Giruno by Stadler (47824061852).jpg — Kecko from a rural area of Eastern Switzerland; CC BY 2.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. Licence terms can be found on the original page.
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Questions and answers
What is included in the season ticket price?
Bookings and any journeys not covered by the pass.
Is a travel pass always the best option for a long journey?
No, the length of your holiday does not necessarily correspond to the number of train journeys.
What should you compare in terms of comfort?
The same classes and seat types, rather than offers that differ in substance.
When is flexibility less important?
When all dates and stops are already fixed.