planning to by a global pass on barcelona eurail aid office (barcelona sant) on the second day of arrival…(in barcelona)

for 6 eu  countries,,paris,,zurich..interlaken (switzerland)..germany..austria,,belguim,,amsterdam..

or its required to buy in advance on line…

thanks

The pass itself you can buy a couple of hours before you travel.

Reservations are needed for some trains, otherwise you won’t be able to board. Especially the TGV Barcelona-Paris you’ll need to reserve in advance. Best do this soon. There are not a lot of trains, and these are very popular.

The rest of the trains will be okay, but all long distance trains in France (TGV) need a seat reservation. Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Belgium,… are doable without reservations as long as you don’t take night trains or Eurostars (they can be easily avoided).

As said reservations are required on some trains (extra costs), particularly in Spain, France and Italy.

Barcelona - Paris is a long journey across France so you want to make sure you can arrive safely at your destination.

Book the required reservations in advance (possible without a pass) as if they're sold out you'll have to take a slower route. Fortunately looks like plenty of seats left on a February weekday. Your itinerary will be as follows :

- TGV Barcelona-Sants - Paris Gare de Lyon 09:28 - 16:12 or 13:25 - 20:18 35€

Which day are you going to Switzerland ? There are plenty of options on this route :

- direct TGVs to Basel for 29€

- TGV to Mulhouse or Strasbourg for 10-20€ + reservation-free regional train across the border

- etc.

Fortunately reservations aren't a thing in Switzerland (and optional in the other countries). You're always allowed to board.

Questions welcome. General links (please read them!) :

https://www.seat61.com/how-to-use-a-eurail-pass.htm

https://www.seat61.com/interrail-and-eurail-reservations.htm

https://www.raileurope.com/en for reservations in and around France (desktop version, not mobile)

I'm not sure whether you can buy a paper Eurail pass in Barcelona. You could call Renfe (+34 91 232 03 20) to ask in advance.

You can buy a mobile pass anytime though, also after arriving in Spain.

thanks very much for the advice and info..will do.thanks again....