Congratulations! You are about to embark upon one of the most exciting forms of transportation in Europe. Your decision to purchase a Eurail/Britrail pass lays Europe at your feet. But, before you board your first train there are a few things you must do first in order to activate the pass.

 

Your Eurail/Britrail pass is valid for 6 months after issuance. However, once you activate your pass, it will be valid only for the specific number of days you purchased. This pass is not sold to Europeans. Because it provides unlimited train travel it is more valuable than money. Please guard it very carefully. You will receive a validation coupon with your pass. Keep this coupon separate from the pass. If your pass is lost or stolen you can replace it by taking the validation coupon to one of 45 Eurail-aid offices in Europe.

 

• The day you plan to take your first train trip arrive at the station approximately 1-2 hours before the scheduled departure of your train. Major cities will tend to be more crowded and the lines longer.
• Once in the train station look for a luggage cart. These are free and are great for keeping your luggage together while waiting in line. Grab one whenever you can. At the front entrance of the train station will be the general ticket sale area. If the station is small get in the shortest line you can and ask by showing the pass where you can receive the validation stamp. The clerk will either point you in the right way or handle it for you. In large stations, there is generally a combination tourist information-reservation-general inquiry office over to one side. Go there directly and start asking which is the correct line.
• Now that you have a few minutes, there is an area on the pass for you to write your passport number, do so before giving it to the clerk. When you are traveling keep your passport nearby, so the conductor can check it against the number on the Eurail/Britrail Pass.
• When your turn arrives hand over your pass, the validation coupon and your passport. The clerk will stamp in the current date and return the pass, coupon and your passport. And at that time double check to see that the date is correct and that you have received the coupon back as well
• With your pass now validated you are free to proceed to your train's departure track.
• When your train arrives, simply find a free seat (if you have a 2nd class pass you mist sit in cars marked 2 only) stow your luggage and relax.
• Once underway the conductor will eventually make his way to your compartment to check your pass.
• During the valid dates of your Pass you may take as many trains as you wish, at any time day or night. You need not stand in any lines, just board your train and go!