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Benelux Pass : Eurostar question

  • January 11, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 26 views

Hi all!

Sorry if this question has been asked before, I can't manage to find it. 

 

I haven't bought my ticket yet, as I'm trying to figure out what is the smartest in terms of money. This is my situation: 

I live in France, and I want to travel around in the Netherlands. That would mean I'd buy a Benelux Pass.

Getting to the Netherlands requires me to travel with the Eurostar. From Paris to Rotterdam. 
I have a few questions about this: 


1. I think I've read somewhere that for this Eurostar ticket (Paris-Rotterdam) my interrail pass would work, as I think it's allowed to take 1 train in your country (france, paris) to get to your country of destination. Is that correct? Or would my pass only be valid from Brussels - Rotterdam? Because I read that too somewhere, so i'm a bit confused.

  1. I know that you have to reserve a seat on this Eurostar train. I just can't seem to find if there will be an additional fee for this reservation? Otherwise getting an interrail pass might not make sense.
    I already know which Eurostar trains I'd want to take. 1 train to get to Rotterdam, and 1 train to go back to Paris. For example 1 of these tickets, the price is 100eu (without an interrail pass). Would that mean that if I reserve a seat with an interrail pass, for that same train, I don't have to pay extra? Or would I still pay a 100eu since that train is apparantly getting fuller, and thus the prices are rising. 

 

Thank you so much for anyone reading this and finding the time to help me! I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the information everywhere, and some contradicting stories I read online. 

Best answer by ralderton

No, it’s not valid. The Global Pass allows (limited) travel in your home country. But most other passes - including Benelux - only allow travel in the country / countries they cover.

Your Benelux pass is valid as soon as you cross the border into Belgium. You could buy your own ticket to the border (slow route), or just buy a ticket on Eurostar to Brussels or Rotterdam if it’s cheap enough.

You would need a Global Pass if you want to use a pass on the Eurostar from France, and the reservation fee is fixed: €27 in second class. 

Good guide to reservation costs here: https://www.seat61.com/interrail-and-eurail-reservations.htm#France

2 replies

ralderton
Railmaster
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  • Railmaster
  • Answer
  • January 11, 2026

No, it’s not valid. The Global Pass allows (limited) travel in your home country. But most other passes - including Benelux - only allow travel in the country / countries they cover.

Your Benelux pass is valid as soon as you cross the border into Belgium. You could buy your own ticket to the border (slow route), or just buy a ticket on Eurostar to Brussels or Rotterdam if it’s cheap enough.

You would need a Global Pass if you want to use a pass on the Eurostar from France, and the reservation fee is fixed: €27 in second class. 

Good guide to reservation costs here: https://www.seat61.com/interrail-and-eurail-reservations.htm#France


  • Author
  • Rail rookie
  • January 11, 2026

That is super clear. Alright thank you so much!! :)