Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the new timetable data, updated seat reservation information, and important travel connections
Timetable Updates
We have added and optimized our timetable data to help you plan better:
- Serbia Timetable Data Added: You can now access timetable data for Serbia, making it easier to plan your travels in this beautiful country.
- Estonia Timetable Data Added: Estonia’s timetable data is now available up to a month in advance.
- Euskotren Timetable Data Added: While not valid with a Eurail Pass/Interrail Pass, Euskotren data is now included up to a few weeks in advance, enabling new route planning options to Bilbao not via Barcelona.
- Vilnius-Warsaw-Krakow Timetable Optimized: This route now appears as a direct train, with a note indicating a change at Mockava on the border. Previously, these trains could not be found in the timetable.
Evolving Challenges
Wengernalpbahn: Although the timetable currently shows the Lauterbrunnen-Kleine Scheidegg route as valid, it is only valid till Wengen. We are actively seeking a solution to this rather complex issue.
Seat Reservation Booking Improvements
We have made improvements to our reservation system to provide you with a smoother booking experience:
- Eurostar and TGV Availability: It is now possible to check availability for Eurostar and TGV trains directly from the timetable before purchasing your pass.
- Rail Europe Enabled Passholder Reservations: The following services are now available for Passholder reservations through Rail Europe:
- Eurostar trains
- Various French trains, including TGV (International), TGV Lyria, ICE to/from Germany, Intercity, Night trains (Intercité de Nuit), TER Nomad and Grand Est (Fluo)
- Italian trains such as Frecciarossa, Intercity (notte), and Eurocity trains Italy – Switzerland
- Intercities in Spain, now bookable through our reservations system
- European Sleeper, now bookable through our reservations system
- DB's New Booking Module for Passholders: Deutsche Bahn has introduced a new booking link specifically for Passholders to facilitate easier reservations, especially for:
- TGV & ICE routes between Germany and France
- Brenner Railjet and Eurocity trains on the Munich – Italy routes
- Mandatory Reservations on TER Fluo: Effective from July onwards, certain TER Fluo trains (Grand Est) will require mandatory reservations, available through Rail Europe.
- Happyrail Bookings Expanded: Happyrail now supports bookings for international AVE routes (Lyon-Barcelona and Marseille-Madrid) and other trains operated by Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia, ÖBB, and domestic Spanish routes.
New Routes and Connections
- Snälltaget Seasonal Trains: Seasonal trains to the Alps are now accessible to Passholders, adding a new dimension to your winter travel plans.
- Three Country Train: The new Aachen – Maastricht – Liège route, launched by Arriva, extends into Belgium, offering seamless travel experiences.
- Three Country Train: A new connection from Villa Opicina – Pivka – Rijeka now links Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, opening up more travel options in the region.
Additional Important Updates
- Swiss Travel Benefits: You no longer need to activate a travel day when using Pass benefits in Switzerland.
- International OCP Austria Route: The OCP Austria route is now valid for direct international trains from Austria to Italy, including Railjet and Eurocity trains to various Italian cities such as Verona, Bologna, Venice, and more.
We hope these updates positively impact your travel experience and make your Eurail journey even more enjoyable. Happy travels!