Big news from Eurail: France is back in the "Select Pass"

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Since January 1, 2013, when France announced its withdrawal from the "Eurail Select Pass," travelers who were determined to visit France but also wanted to explore other European countries have been greatly inconvenienced. But here's the good news: starting April 1 this year, France will rejoin the Eurail Select Pass.

%...Starting this year on April 1, it will rejoin the Eurail Select Pass. (Photo provided by Feida Travel)

After this, the Eurail 4-Country Select Pass will offer a choice of 26 countries, including France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria (including Liechtenstein), Benelux (the Netherlands/Belgium/Luxembourg), Ireland, Bulgaria, Serbia/Montenegro, Czech Republic, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Finland, Romania, Sweden, Croatia/Slovenia, Germany, Spain, Greece, Hungary, Turkey, Slovakia. The selected countries must either share borders or be connected by direct trains or ferries. For example, Benelux, Germany, and Switzerland are three adjacent countries; Norway and Denmark have direct ferry routes, as do Spain and Italy—thus they are considered adjacent and allow you to choose additional neighboring countries.

Additionally, to simplify the ticket categories, starting April 1 this year, Eurail will cease selling the "Eurail 3-Country Select Pass" and the "Eurail 5-Country Select Pass." Travelers planning to visit Europe before the end of September this year should take advantage of these limited-time offers before they are discontinued. Eurail passes purchased before the end of March will remain valid until the end of September, so we encourage everyone to plan their itineraries and book tickets in advance.

Also, several Eurail promotions are ending by the end of March. Travelers planning to visit Europe in the second half of 2014 can take advantage of the discounts by booking in advance during the promotional period.

Eurostar (London–Paris–Brussels) at 30% off.
TGV Lyria at 30% off (Paris to Lausanne / Bern / Zurich / Basel / Geneva).
Thalys (Northwest Train) at 40% off (Paris to Cologne / Amsterdam / Brussels).
Eurail Global Pass (24 countries) comes with 2, 3, or 5 extra travel days.
France Rail Pass at 20% off.