Berlin Pass

• Q. Will my luggage be safe, accessible, and in my line of sight throughout the duration of my trip?

  A. Your luggage will either be safely above you in a luggage rack, or at the end of your train car. These are the designated locations for luggage storage. You will be able to access your bags as needed.

  You are responsible for your luggage. The railways will assume no responsibility in case of loss or theft of baggage carried on board.

  Be sure to have luggage tags with your name and contact information securely attached in case you leave anything behind.

• Q. What should I do if I am downgraded due to equipment issues, or affected by a traffic disruption or a strike?

  A. If your travel is affected by circumstances beyond your control, such as a strike or mechanical problems, the railroad will often put in place measures to compensate travellers.

  If a train is canceled by the railroads due to a mechanical issue and alternate transportation has not been offered or you decline the alternate transportation, then a railway official at the origin station must cancel your seat and they must stamp the back of your ticket/reservation “Not Used Due to Mechanical Issue” before the original train departure time.

  Our partners at the European Railroads will not allow us to process a refund unless this step has been taken.

  Please send the ticket to our Customer Relations department within 30-days from the train departure date so that they can process any applicable refund.

• Q. Are there facilities on board for disabled travellers?

  A. Special amenities for disabled travellers are offered on trains and at many train stations, and are clearly indicated with pictograms (for telephones, toilets, elevators, etc.).

  Special equipment is also available for use by disabled travellers but must be reserved locally in advance. You can do this while you’re in Europe by inquiring at the train station or through your hotel concierge.

  Be sure to specify if you need personal assistance (whether with a wheelchair, boarding, etc.).

• Q. Are there smoking and non smoking sections on trains?

  A. Smoking is not permitted on any trains in Great Britain, Denmark, Ireland, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg), France, Hungary, Spain, Turkey, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Norway, Sweden, or Poland.

  Smoking is restricted on trains in Finland and the Czech Republic.

  Smoking is also prohibited in lavatories and dining cars. And you must observe special regulations at stations where you usually find dedicated smoking areas or rooms.

• Q. How much luggage can I take on an overnight train?

  A. There are usually no restrictions on the amount of luggage that may be brought on an overnight train, but there is limited space in the compartment to store the luggage. A small luggage rack and any floor or bed space must be shared among all travellers occupying a sleeping compartment or couchette.

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

  A. A rail pass can be purchased anywhere from 6 to 11 months prior to your first travel day. We advise you to check the specific conditions of use for the pass you are interested in.

• Q. Do I need to do anything to my train ticket before boarding the train?

  A. If you purchased and received a paper train ticket in the mail, there is nothing further you need to do.

  If you purchased a print at home e-ticket, be sure to print your ticket before you leave home and keep your train ticket safe and secure. For Italo tickets, just print your Rail Europe email confirmation which includes your unique e-ticket confirmation code(s). This e-ticket confirmation code along with your photo i.d. will be checked when on the Italo train.

  If you purchased a print at the station e-ticket, you’ll need to visit a self-service kiosk to print your train ticket (remember, you’ll need the e-ticket confirmation code included on your invoice). When retrieving your e-ticket in France at an SNCF kiosk or in Italy at a Trenitalia kiosk, you will need to “stamp your ticket” (composter votre ticket as French say) prior to boarding the train. Should you have any problems, just ask the conductor of the train to do it for you when you board the train.

• Q. How can I find the cheapest train tickets?

  A. There are two ways you can ensure you get the best price. The most effective way is to book your train ticket(s) in advance. Many rail carriers operating high speed trains or night trains make a limited number of cheaper seats available for advance purchase. Once those seats have been sold or the purchase window has passed, prices go up. That’s why we recommend booking 60 to 90 days prior to the train departure, especially if you plan on traveling during peak season (summer and holidays).

  The other way to ensure you get the best rate is to correctly indicate the composition and number of your traveling party when requesting your fares and schedules. This will allow us to determine eligibility for some reduced fares such as child, youth or senior fares when offered by the rail carrier.

• Q. I bought the Rail Protection Plan™. Can I exchange my train ticket, even though the ticket is non exchangeable?

  A. One of the greatest benefits of the Rail Protection Plan™ is that it provides you with the total flexibility to change your train ticket or rail pass – regardless of its refund/exchange policy- no questions asked. With the Rail Protection Plan™ you’re also protected in the event of a railroad strike, or the loss or theft of paper tickets or rail passes.

• Q. What types of sleeping compartments or accommodations are available on overnight trains?

  A. There are Second class, First class, and on some overnight trains, Premier class accommodations.

  In Second class, you can relax in a reclining seat, a ‘couchette’ that is a shared compartment with up to 6 beds, or a compartment with 3 to 4 beds.

  In First class, you’ll share a more relaxing locking compartment with one or two beds and a wash basin in the compartment.

  Lastly, on some trains, you can book a Premier class ticket for a great night of sleep with private, lockable accommodations for one or two, a private shower and toilet, and includes breakfast and on some trans, dinner.

  Sleeping accommodations vary by train type and by route. Be sure to read the product details for the overnight train you’re interested in to see what that train offers in each class of service.

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