GENERAL POLICES All rail pass orders are subject to a non-refundable handling fee. Italian Railpasses are subject to a US $10.00 issuing charge per pass. Rail Pass Express accepts credit card payment through Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
REFUNDS Lost or stolen rail passes are neither refundable nor replaceable. Handling and/or issuing charges are not refundable. Unused rail passes are refundable within one (I) year from issue date (or six months from issue date where so stated) provided the passes have not been validated, or, if they have been validated, have been canceled and so stamped at a rail station in Europe prior to the beginning of the validation period. All refunds are subject to a 15% cancellation charge. Unused vouchers of combination packages (those combining rail with other travel programs such as car rental) are not refundable if any of the services of the entire combination package have been wholly or partially used.
EXCHANGES Rail passes may be exchanged for an additional US $10.00 per pass and a $10.00 shipping fee. Exchanges must be made within six months from the date of purchase. After six months from the purchase date a refund is available (15% cancellation charge).
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR RAIL PASSES NOTE: The following Terms and Conditions apply to all Rail Passes offered by Rail Pass Express and should be read carefully.
Every effort has been made to ensure all information appearing on America Online is correct and exact. However, Rail Pass Express cannot accept responsibility for human or printing errors or changes in prices that may be imposed Rail Pass Express after publication by European Rail systems, or other providers of services mentioned in this brochure.
All products featured in online must be purchased in North America. All prices indicated are effective January 1, 1995, and are subject to change without notice.
Eurail Passes may not be issued to residents of Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States (the former Soviet Union), Turkey, Morocco, Algeria or Tunisia.
Passes are to be validated within 6 months from the date of issue and prior to the first day of use. Validity starts only when the pass is endorsed by a railway official at a railway ticket office - not a conductor - from the country in question with your passport number and the first and last days of travel. This must be done before boarding the train for the first time. In most cases, vaLidity runs from midnight to midnight for the period shown on the pass.
Under no circumstances is the holder allowed to validate his or her own pass. Any tampering or altering of passes will invalidate them and could incur a fine in local currency levied by train personnel. On Flexipasses, the holder must enter the date of each day of travel, in ink, in the appropriate box before boarding the first train of the day. Failure to comply with validation and date-of-use regulations will result in a fine collected onboard the train. NOTE: The special discounted Eurail Saverpass on sale through March 14, 1995 will be validated by Rail Pass Express. Rail/Drive packages may also require pre-validation.
For complete details, see Conditions of Use as printed on each pass or pass cover.
Passes are available in first-class and 2nd-class unless stated otherwise. Passengers holding first-class passes are also permitted to travel in 2nd-class. Passengers holding 2nd-class passes are permitted to travel in first-class only if they pay the difference between the two fares as applicable locally.
A rail pass does not guarantee a seat on a train, bus or space on a ship, and reservations should be made in advance. While seat reservations are recommended for all long-distance trains, they are required for certain high-speed trains. Travel in sleepers or couchettes always require advance reservations.
Seat reservations, sleepers and couchettes, travel on certain high-speed trains, luggage checking, port taxes, meals, beverages and refreshments, are all subject to additional charges, which are not included in the price of the rail passes, and which must be paid separately.
Passes are strictly non-transferable and are only valid for those named. Use by anyone other than those named will invalidate the pass and will result in a heavy fine in local currency. It is compulsory to present passports to European railway officials on request.
All transportation covered by those passes where use is intended for more than one country is subject to the Uniform Rules concerning the Contract for International Carriage of Passengers and Luggage by Rail (CIV). National and/or single-country passes are subject to the rules and regulations of their specific countries. The European railroads are not responsible for damages resulting from strike.
RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY ( 1 ) Rail Pass Express acts only as booking agent and has no control over, nor responsibility for, the passes, carriers and other travel accommodations listed on America Online. All bookings are accepted and all tickets, passes and vouchers are issued on the express condition that Rail Pass Express, Inc. is not responsible nor liable for: any loss (consequential or otherwise); damage (including, but not limited to, loss of, or damage to passengers' clothes, baggage, property whatsoever); death, injury, delay, inconvenience or irregularity caused by, or arising from, or in connection with, any defect in any vehicle or other land or sea convqance used, rented or traveled in; or through the negligence, willful misconduct, strikes or other acts, defaults or omissions of any carrier, car rental company, hotel, restaurant or other provider of goods or services. (2) Every booking accepted is subject to the conditions, tariffs and regulations imposed by the rail, shipping, bus, car rental, car insurance or other companies, firms and persons concerned. (3) Travel insurance is recommended. (4) Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they have all necessary travel documents and visas.
OPTIONAL INSURANCE AVAILABLE FOR EURAIL PASSES
An optional Rail Protection Plan is available for $10 per pass to reimburse the rail pass holder in the event of loss or theft of the pass while traveling in Europe. Insurance is non-refundable and must be purchased at the time of ordering.
How the Rail Protection Plan Works
When your pass is lost or stolen while in Europe report the loss/theft to the local police within 24 hours and obtain a police report. Purchase point to point tickets for the remainder of your trip. Within 30 days after returning to the U.S. file a claim for reimbursement. The claim should include: A notarized written report of the circumstances of loss or theft, official police report, receipt for replacement tickets. You will then be reimbursed for 100% of the extra rail expense.
Rail/drive packages may be included under the Rail Protection Plan for $15.
The Rail Protection Plan is available for Eurail passes, Eurail Flexipasses, Eurail Saverpass, Eurail Youthpass, Eurail Youth Flexipass, Europasses (adult and youth).
EURAILPASS TRAVEL BONUSES
PARTICIPATING RAILROADS AND SHIPPING LINES
Eurailpasses are valid for unlimited travel in the class dictated on the pass (lst class tickets are also valid in 2nd class) in the trains of national railroads and of some private rail lines of the following countries:
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Quality trains such as EC, IC, TGV, ICE, AVE, Talgo, Rapido, Bernia Express, Panoramic Express, Sud Express etc. are included.
Restrictions/special conditions
- DB Germany
Additional fees are required for the use of 'ICE sprinter' trains. These fees include meals and other services on board.
- FS Italy
Additional fees are required for the use of certain IC trains named ETR 450 connecting some major towns. These fees include meals and other services on board. (Such as catering, newspapers and magazines, hostess assistance etc.).
- NSB Norway
Use of 'Bureau-car' in ICE-trains only against payment of supplement.
- RENFE Spain
AVE high-speed trains between Madrid and Sevilla or vice versa are accessible against payment of a special supplement.
Hotel trains excluded. Only some of them between:
* Barcelona - Zurich or vice versa
* Barcelona - Paris or vice versa
* Barcelona - Milano or vice versa
* Madrid - Paris or vice versa are accessible against payment of a special supplement. Inform at your agency.
- SNCF France
On TGV high speed trains reservation is compulsory.
Eurailpasses are also valid on the shipping lines operated by:
Adriatic di Navigazione and Hellenic Mediterranean between Italy and Greece (Brindisi - Corfu/Igoumenitsa/ Patras or vice versa). However, from June 10 to September 30 inclusive, a US $ 14 high season surcharge must be paid. During July and August, advanced reservation is recommended. Reservation fee: US $ 3 (all year). Special accommodations (airline-type-seats or cabins) as well as port taxes are extra. Before boarding, all passengers must check in at the shipping line pier office. Passengers willing to stop over at Corfu or Igoumenitsa must say so upon delivery of the steamer ticket.
Irish Ferries between France and The Republic of Ireland (Cherbourg/Le Have - Rosslare or vice versa and Le Havre - Cork or vice versa). Port taxes are extra and payable in local currency (IR ú or FF). Advanced reservation is compulsory if cabin accommodation is requested For the months of July and August reservation is compulsory whether cabin accommodation is requested or not. On day of departure card holders must reserve a seat (when available) cost IR ú 5.20 including port tax. Always check the sailing schedule.
Silja Line between Finland and Sweden. Advance reservation is recommended in June - August.
* Stockholm - Mariehamn - Turku or vice versa. Eurailpass holders get free passage on day sailings but pay for cabin space. On night sailings US $12 is charged entitling to a bed in a 4-bed cabin in Tourist class 11. Upgrade to higher cabin space at extra charge.
* Stockholm - Helsinki or vice versa. Eurailpass holders pay US $19 for a bed in a 4 bed cabin in Tourist class 11. Upgrade to higher cabin classes at extra charge.
BONUSES
Bear in mind that in addition to rail travel, Eurailpass, Eurail Saverpass, Eurail Flexipass, Eurail Youthpass and Eurail Youth Flexipass entitles you to many bonuses, such as transportation by ferries, steamers and buses either entirely free or at a discount.
As a rule, these must be obtained locally and only the companies listed below will honor your pass. Others may provide identical services, but you will not get a special fare, so read the instructions thoroughly and check carefully before committing yourself. The following bonuses are granted for 1994:
Flexipass holders please note: Use of a free transportation bonus requires use of a travel day.
BONUSES - FREE TRANSPORTATION
Austria
* Puchberg am Schneeberg - Hochschneeberg rack railway.
* St. Wolfgang - Schafbergspitze rack railway.
* Steamers on Lake Wolfgang.
* Steamers operated by the 'Erste Donau-Dampfschiffahrts-Gesellschaft' between Passau and Vienna.
Denmark
* Ferry crossings Rodby Faerge to Puttgarden (Germany) and Gedser to Warnemunde (Germany).
* Ferry crossings operated by the Danish and Swedish State Railways between Helsingor and Helsingborg (Sweden).
* Ferry crossings Aarhus to Kalundborg, Knudshoved to Halskov, Nyborg to Kors0r, Fynshav to Bojden.
* Steamers operated by 'Stena Line' between Frederikshavn and Goteborg (Sweden).
Finland
* Buses, particularly those which operate during certain hours of the day as train substitute.
* Ferry crossings operated by Silia Line between Vaasa -Umea (Sweden) and Vaasa - Sundsvall (Sweden).
France
* Digne - Nice or vice versa on the Chemins de Fer de la Provence.
Germany
* Ferry crossings Puttgarden to Rodby Faerge (Denmark), Warnemunde to Gedser (Denmark) and Sassnitz to Trelleborg (Sweden).
* Steamers operated by the 'KD German Rhine Line' making regular runs on the Rhine between Cologne and Mainz and on the Mosel between Koblenz and Cochem (except on ships making cruises of several days between Basel and Rotterdam or vice versa, or between Trier and Koblenz or vice versa). An extra charge will have to be paid for the use of hydrofoils.
* Europabus lines:
* 189 Burgenstrasse (Castle Road): Mannheim - Heidelberg - Heilbronn - Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Ansbach - Nuremberg.
* 190 Romantische Strasse (Romantic Road): Frankfurt/M - Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Fussen.
Sweden
* Ferry crossings operated by the Swedish and Danish State Railways between Helsingborg and Helsingor (Denmark).
* Steamers operated by 'Stena Line' between Goteborg and Frederikshavn (Denmark).
* Ferry crossing from Trelleborg to Sassnitz (Germany).
* Ferry crossings operated by Silja Line between Umea -Vaasa (Finland) and Sundsvall - Vaasa.
* Bus between Boden and Haparanda or vice versa.
Switzerland
* Regular steamer service on the lakes of Geneva, Lucerne, Thun, Brienz, Zurich, Neuchatel, Biel, Murten, on the Rhine between Schaffhausen and Kreuzlingen and on the Aare between Biel and Solothurn. These are seasonal services, so please consult timetables.
BONUSES - REDUCTIONS
Hilton International grants holders of a Eurailpass and Eurail ticket approximately 50% discount on the full official double room rate in the following cities: Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Basel, Brussels, Dusseldorf, Geneva, London, Milan, Munich, Paris, Rome, Rotterdam, Strasbourg, Vienna, Zurich. Breakfast is included. This reduction is zranted on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. During the months July and August this offer is available on weekdays, only on request. Please show your Eurailpass before checking in. This offer is subject to availability and valid until December 31, 1995.
Reservations can be made via your local travel agent or any Hilton Reservation Service.
Austria
* 50% reduction on steamers operated by steamship companies on Lake Constance.
* 50% reduction on steamer day trips operated between Linz and Passau or vice versa by 'Wurm & Kock' and 'Erste Donau-Dampfschiffahrts-Gesellschaft'.
* 50% reduction on steamer trips between Vienna and Budapest operated by the 'Erste Donau-Dampfschiffahrts-Gesellschaft'. Reservations available up to 48 hours prior to departure.
Belgium
* 35% reduction on normal fares for the ferry crossing Ostend - Dover operated by the 'Regie belge des Transports Maritirnes'. Reduced fare tickets only at the principal Belgian stations and the ports of Ostend and Dover.
Denmark
* 50% reduction for Eurailpass holders on the hydrofoil the 'Flyvebadene Company' between Copenhagen arid Malmo. (25% for Eurail Youthpass holders)
* 30% reduction between Hirtshals and Kristiansand (Norway) on the normal fares of the steamship company 'Color Line'.
* 20% reduction on the norrnal fares of the 'Steamship Company DFDS' between Esbjerg and Harwich, New Castle, Far Oer Islands, and between Copenhagen and 0slo.
* 50% reduction on the Hjorring - Hirtshals private railroad.
Finland
* 50░/0 reduction on the normal adult rate for the ferry crossing Helsinki - Travemunde on the Finn jet (bookings earliest 7 days before departure)
Germany
* 50% reduction on normal fares for the ferry crossing Travemunde to Trelleborg (Sweden) on the 'TT-Line'.
* 50% reduction on the normal adult rate for the ferry crossing Travemunde - Helsinki on the Finnjet. (bookings earliest 7 days before departure)
* 50% reduction on the full fare of the 'TR-Line' for the ferry crossing Rostock - Trelleborg.
* 50% reduction on regular steamer service on Lake Constance between Romanshorn and Friedrichshafen and between Rorschach and Lindau.
* 25% reduction on the Freiburg (Breisgau) - Schauinsland mountain railroad.
* 50% reduction on steamer day trips operated between Passau and Linz or vice versa by Wurm & Kock and 'Erste Donau-Dampfschiffahrts-Cesellschaft' .
* 40% reduction to Eurail Youthpass holders on the roundtrip bus fare Braunschweig - Berlin or vice versa operated by 'Bayem Express' and 'P. Kuhn Berlin GmbH'.
* 25% reduction on the mountain railroad Garmisch Partenkirchen - Grainau - Zugspitze (Schneefemerhaus) and on some cable cars in the summit area.
Greece
* 30% reduction on the published full fares of 'Adriatica Line' between Piraeus - Candia - Venice or Alexandria and vice versa on the M.S. 'Egitto Express', except between Candia and Piraeus. Contact the local Adriatica office.
Hungary
* 50% reduction on steamer trips between Budapest and Vienna operated by the 'Erste Donau-Dampfschiffahrts-Gesellschaft'. Reservations available up to 48 hours prior to departure.
Ireland
* Bus Eireann offers Eurailpass holders a reduction on the price of their '3 Day Bus Rambler Ticket' (which covers bus services operated by Bus Eireann, Expressway and Stage Carriage (local) within the Republic of Ireland, except city services). The reduced fare is lR ú 20. The ticket is valid for 3 days travel within 8 days.
Italy
* 30% reduction on the published full fares of 'Adriatica Line' between Venice - Piraeus - Candia or Alexandria and vice versa on the M.S. 'Egitto Express', except between Piraeus and Candia. Contact the local Adriatica of fice.
Netherlands
* 50% reduction on the full fare of the Olau Line (U.K.) Ltd. for the ferry crossing Vlissingen - Sheerness.
Norway
* 30% reduction between Kristiansand and Hirtshals (Denmark) on the normal fares of the steamship company 'Color Line'.
Spain
* 20% reduction on the ferry crossings operated by 'Tras-mediterranea' between: Algeciras - Tanger, Barcelona -Palma de Mallorca, Valencia - Palma de Mallorca.
Sweden
* 50% reduction for Eurailpass holders on the hydrofoil of the 'Flyvebadene Company' between Malmo and Copenhagen. (25% for Eurail Youthpass holders)
* 50% reduction on normal fares for the ferry crossing Trelleborg to Travemunde (Germany) on the 'TT-Line'.
* 50% reduction on the full fare of the 'TR-Line' for the ferry crossing Trelleborg - Rostock.
Switzerland
* 50% reduction on steamer services on Lake Constance between Romanshorn and Friednchshafen and between Rorschach and Lindau.
* 35% reduction on the steamer service on lake Constance between Rorschach and Romanshorn.
* 35% reduction to the top of Mount Pilatus near Lucerne, by funicular from Alpnachstad, as well as by cable car from Kriens.
* 35% reduction on entrance fee to the 'Transport Museum Lucerne', the biggest of its kind in Europe.
Rail Pass Express cannot be held responsible for any errors or changes subsequent to posting.
