Eurail Pass vs Point-Point

Hello,

We are planning our first trip to Europe in Oct. We haven%26#39;t settled with which cities to scratch away, but i am starting to read about Eurail Pass. It seems a lot of people are saying Point-Point tickets should be the way to go. I was wondering, in order to take advantage of Point-Point, you should get it with the promo rate. For trips covering different cities, what if you are running a bit late or you want to change from one city to another? I guessed, it%26#39;s not possible with the Point-Point promo rate, and with Point-Point normal rate, i have to book way ahead in order to get the discount.

After some calculations based on the fare posted on individual train site, using the pass seems to work out better for us, maybe i am missing out something.

Paris - Brussels (stopover), thalys: 82, Promo 25, Pass Supplement 22 1st class (in euro)

Brussels - Amsterdam (2 nights) thalys: 55 , Promo 25, Pass Supplement 22 1st class

Amsterdam - Koblenz (stopover) ICE: 70, Promo 29

Koblenz - Mannheim (2 nights) EC/IC: 32, Promo 29

Mannheim - Zurich (stopover) ICE: 72, Promo 29

Zurch - Lucerne (2 nights) 25

Lucerne - Paris (TGV, 5 hours) to take flight to Prague, TGV: 107, Pass Supplement 22

Prague - Vienna (2 nights) EC: 30

Vienna - Venice (2 nights) EC: 70, Promo 29

Venice - Florence (stopover) ES: 38, Amira 25

Florence - Rome (2 nights) ES: 36, Amira 28

with non promo rate, total about euro 617 / usd 987

with promo rate, total about euro 381 / usd 609

Global Euro 15 day saver pass: usd 675 + 106 TGV supplement on 3 trips + 50 estimated reservation in Italy/Germany = estimated usd 830

What do you think?

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I know you didn%26#39;t ask me to comment on your schedule, but... I think you%26#39;re nuts. :)

Have you factored in the duration of each train ride, including checking out of hotel, getting to the station, leaving the next station and checking into next hotel? How much sightseeing time does that leave you in each city?

Other than that, I would go with the pass just to ease up the pain of your itinerary somewhat. This also gives you more flexibility over worrying about losing your %26#39;discount%26#39; on the promo tickets.

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Well you have done all the research and worked it out for yourself. Point to point tickets using the discounted rates are $221 cheaper than the pass but you won%26#39;t have any flexibility with your incredibly hectic schedule. If you think you might want to make changes then you should pay the extra and get the pass. If you are sure of your itinerary then buy the discount tickets. You can probably afford to miss 1 or 2 of the cheaper trains and still be ahead.

Please consider travelnutty%26#39;s advice. There is not much time to sightsee with this plan. You are going to spend 7 of your 15 days in trains and at train stations. That%26#39;s nearly half your vacation - are you sure that is what you really want to do?

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Thanks for replying... i agree, we have to take away some cities.. and i will just order the pass.

Thanks!

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