To clarify:

All point to point fares on TGV trains and Eurostar Italia trains include a seat reservation (which is mandatory*) - there is <b>no extra charge</b> for this. On the other hand despite the fact that these trains are considered to be &quot;included&quot; in the rail passes, passholders need to purchase a separate reservation seat reservation (they are admittedly quite cheap).

The Thalys as well as the Eurostar service to/from London on the other hand are NOT included in any rail passes. Passholders are entitled to special fares though. These vary according to the pass type and can be found on the Rail Europe site.

For example, if &quot;wouldbetraveller&quot; were to purchase a 3-country Eurail Selectpass covering Italy, France and the Benelux, he would be eligible for the &quot;Passholder 1&quot; fare of $13 in 2nd class or $28 in 1st class on the Thalys from Paris to Amsterdam.

* The ONLY exception to this are the &quot;sur-r&eacute;servation&quot; (overbooking) tickets on TGV and Thalys, which are made available when the seats on a given train are sold out.

Hope this helps,
Andre

I need help!

I'm told that we can get a 4-berth in 1st class cheaper than a 3-berth in 2nd class for the overnight train.

What's the difference between the two? There's three of us. What's the likelihood there'll be a fourth person booked in there with us.

Is the 3-bed more comfortable? It's quite a bit more. Is it worth it?

Thanks!

don't expect luxury on these Artesia night trains. My agency sells these tickets through RailEurope and Raileurope sent us a note saying not to bill these as luxury trains due to the many complaints clients had lodged. I booked some friend on them last summer, during Europe's heatwave and they said it was like hell - the air conditioning (T-3) didn't work and they felt like they were dying. Good luck!

Thanks PalQ. Have you stayed on a first T4 vs. a second class T3?

I'm trying to figure out whether the T3 is worth the extra money. At the same we would prefer to have the cabin to ourselves.

Also re: SNCF site...I'm trying to get the overnight train from Italy to France...but how do I get the tickets when I'll be in Italy? It doesn't give me the choice of ticketless option.

to wouldbetraveler:

When they say buying a 4-berth, might they mean buying all four spots? If so, then you wouldn't have anyone else in with you, because you have bought the whole compartment. I also wonder if the 4-berth is a couchette compartment and the 3-berth is a real sleeper. In that case I think you would want the 3-berth.

Hi would,

&gt;...but how do I get the tickets when I'll be in Italy? It doesn't give me the choice of ticketless option. &lt;

Have them mail the tickets to your hotel in Italy. Choose &quot;Italy&quot; in the first screen.