Traveling through Europe in a fast-moving train sounds pleasant, even romantic. To get the most out of your European train journeys, however, you must first learn the pros and cons of Eurail travel.

If you’re on a tight budget, and you want get the most of Europe in a short amount of time, a Eurailpass is great way to go. Remember, Eurail passes must be purchased prior to your trip, so knowing which of the five different Eurail options to purchase takes some planning.

The standard Eurailpass permits ticketholders to travel in 18 European countries for 15 days during a three-month period. How many cities you visit in day is up to you. For example, you can begin your day in Rome, make your way to Venice, then head to Switzerland, in one break-neck day of train travel and use only one day of your pass.

The Eurailpass Flexi is similar to the standard pass. You can choose either 10 or 15 days of train travel, but is valid for only two months. Like the standard Eurailpass, it is in 18 European countries.

If you don’t think you’ll be traveling throughout all of Europe, perhaps the Eurail Selectpass is best for you. With it, you can choose to travel anywhere within three, four or five neighboring countries. The Selectpass is valid for two months, and you can choose five, six, eight, ten or 15 days of travel days.

Regional and National passes are also available. The Regional Pass offers 16 different country combinations, and offers four to ten days of travel time that can be used within a two-month period. The national pass has the same travel options as the Regional pass, but as the name implies, the national pass is valid in only one country,

If you do your homework ahead of time, you can get an Eurailpass that fits your travel plans, the duration of your stay and your budget. Travelers 26 years-old and younger may receive an additional youth discount.

Armed with your pass, you are now ready to ride the rails through Europe. To get the most out of your travels, follow these easy tips:

Bring food and water. If you find yourself on a long-distance train trip (i.e. Amsterdam to Vienna), then you’ll be happy that you brought along some sustenance. While most trains in most countries offer a meal cart or dining car, be forewarned, they can be expensive, a small bottle of water can go a budget-busting 5 Euros (6 USD). Some trains may not even offer such amenities.

Travel light. Imagine you just got into Munich, and you’re ready to catch the next train to Paris. You exit your railcar only to discover you and your bags have to be at the opposite end of the station in 10 minutes to make your connection. If you packed the equivalent of a one-bedroom apartment in your suitcases, chances are you’re going to miss your train and will have to baby-sit your luggage for hours as you wait for the next connection. But if you travel light, you have a much better chance of grabbing your gear and catching your connection.

Remember, the Eurail won’t get you everywhere. The Eurail pass is only valid in: Austria (including Liechtenstein), Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France (including Monaco), Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Don’t try to visit every country in 15 days. Unlimited travel is all well and good, but if you want to maximize your Eurailpass usage, you won’t be spending that much time at each location you visit. It’s often better to spend quality time in just a few locations, rather than trying to visit thirty cities in two weeks. Train travel can be fun, but it loses its allure after 20-hour train rides or days of back-to-back railing.

Use the curtains. If you’re traveling overnight on a train that isn’t packed, consider closing the curtains and claiming your space. If your in a compartment that seats six, and you’d like some privacy, close the curtains, put your bags on the seats closest to the entry way, and turn off the lights. That way when people board the train, all they see is a crowded room full of travelers that don’t wish to be disturbed. At times the trains can get pretty cramped, and you might find yourself taking desperate measures to get some privacy. Sleeping cars are available, but they were designed for midgets, and cost as much as a hotel room.

There are pros and cons to seeing Europe on the Eurail. If you do your homework before you get there, you can find a pass that’s right for you, and if you don’t overdue your time on the rail, you’ll enjoy the experience tremendously.

For more information on the Eurail, visit eurail.com.

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