If you’re planning a big trip around Europe, one of the first decisions you’ll have to make is how you’ll get around. If you’ve made the excellent decision to travel the continent by train, you’ll then have to figure out whether you’ll be buying single train tickets as you go or opting for a Eurail pass. This article focuses on the former, known as point-to-point tickets.

Read on to discover what they are, why you should choose them, and what to expect from your trip.

What Are Point to Point Europe Train Tickets?

You can purchase single Europe train tickets, also referred to as point-to-point tickets, for a particular destination instead of opting for a Eurail pass. Moreover, you can buy these tickets before you leave the United States, which makes travel planning incredibly convenient. For instance, a ticket from Paris to Lyon or from Munich to Prague serves as a clear example of point-to-point tickets — they are single tickets from one destination to another, possibly with a stop in between.

What’s the Difference: Point to Point Europe Train Tickets and Eurail Passes?

Eurail passes are established by a consortium of European train carriers known as “Eurail” or “Interrail.” The Eurail option is specifically for American citizens.

A Eurail pass covers unlimited train rides over a selected number of days, typically encompassing two, three, or more European countries. For instance, a Eurail Global Pass covers 20 countries and an extensive number of rides that would otherwise require individual ticket purchases. Understanding whether a Eurail pass suits your travel plans can get complicated; therefore, it’s wise to read up on them before making a decision.

Conversely, point-to-point tickets go directly from one point to another, like Milan to Rome. However, you can often hop off and back on over the course of multiple days, although rules may vary. Tickets frequently include seat reservations, which may incur a slight fee. You’ll need to make a reservation if you wish to guarantee a seat while using a pass (particularly on high-speed trains like Thalys, which always require reservations). Notably, discounted point-to-point tickets may have restrictions on changes, while the Eurail pass offers more flexibility to board whenever there’s an open seat.

Can I Get Student Discounts on a Point to Point Ticket?

Discounts on single European train tickets typically exist based on various categories, such as purchase date or travel time (off-peak times are generally less expensive). Moreover, some youth discounts are available, but you may need a youth rail card for that specific country, which could involve an additional cost.

However, significant discounts are available for youth Eurail passes purchased in the U.S., covering your train ride while noting you may have to pay extra for reservations on popular routes.

What About the Eurostar Train?

The Eurostar operates between London and Paris, running under the English Channel. With the Eurostar, you can travel from Brussels in the morning and back to London in the afternoon. Do note that travel on the Eurostar requires a separate ticket from any Eurail pass you may possess; however, some Eurail passes offer discounted fares for Eurostar tickets. Additionally, students under 26 qualify for discounted Eurail passes along with a Eurostar youth flexible voucher that can be exchanged for a Eurostar ticket at any time.

Do I Have to Buy Point to Point Tickets in Advance?

While it’s certainly possible to buy tickets in advance, it is not mandatory. This flexibility is one of the appealing aspects of purchasing single European train tickets rather than enduring the possibly higher costs of a Eurail pass or committing to a specific travel duration in a country. The freedom to change your plans opens opportunities for unexpected adventures and connections during your travels. If you meet someone intriguing and wish to alter your itinerary, point-to-point travel accommodates that spontaneity.

If you opt for this route, purchasing a ticket is straightforward: simply enter a train station, request your ticket, and pay. It’s advisable to buy tickets a few days ahead of your intended departure, especially during peak travel seasons when trains can fill up quickly.

If you arrive at the station and find all trains full, the options are to adjust your plans to visit a different city or to wait for the next available train. Fortunately, train stations are usually centrally located within European cities, ensuring that if you need to make last-minute changes, suitable accommodation is likely nearby.

What About Night Trains?

You can purchase single tickets for overnight trains that generally run all night (for example, the service from Munich to Rome). Alternatively, you can make reservations for an overnight train journey using your Eurail pass.

Traveling on overnight trains in Europe may be beneficial if you need to save on travel time; however, they might not offer significant savings if you’re already using budget accommodations like hostels. Moreover, planning ahead can yield better experiences — sitting upright for an entire night can be quite uncomfortable, making it worthwhile to book a sleeper bunk in advance if it’s within your budget.

Individual Country Rail Websites

The pricing and regulations for train tickets in Europe vary significantly between countries. Generally, you should have no problem purchasing single European train tickets through Rail Europe’s website or the Die Bahn website, which effectively covers tickets for much of Europe. If you’re considering traveling across multiple routes, it may also be wise to explore a Eurail pass, even for just one country. For further details, consult individual country rail websites:

• Britain’s National Rail
• France Sncf.com
• Germany
• Spain

Bon voyage!

This article has been edited and updated by Lauren Juliff.