I will be going to 4 different countries in Europe (all involving long distance trips) and I've read conflicting opinions on whether to buy a Eurail Saver Pass for 4 countries in 8 days, rather than buying the tickets online?

I did my own calculations and so far, the Eurail Saver Pass has come out cheaper?

Can someone point out if I missed anything?

Thanks!

What prices did you compare? Where did you find the individual ticket prices? There are many discounted tickets. If you are looking at top price tickets, it could be very misleading.

So much depends on what countries you are visiting. And which online prices you use as a point of reference. The prices charged by many US agents for point-to-point tickets are frankly scandalous - and have the effect of encouraging the unwitting traveler to go for a pass solution because they suggest that European rail travel is unduly expensive.

If you are prepared to hunt around, using the various websites of the European railway administrations, and the private rail operators (where they exist), there are often big savings to be made. I just this week bought a one way night sleeper ticket from London to Inverness (600 miles) for 19 pounds sterling (about $34) - not a seat, but a proper sleeper. That was under the Caledonian Sleeper bargain berths scheme. Just an example.

Hope this helps.
Nicky
http://www.hiddeneurope.co.uk
hidden europe magazine

Hi al,

What's your itinerary?

You could be right.

There could be discounted fares and you could be wrong.

Did you copmpare the fares of low-cost intra-Europe flights on some of those long train trips? See www.whichbudget.com

Or maybe you would prefer a train ride of 10 hours or more, when a flight of 2 hrs or less would be cheaper...

Best wishes,

Rex