I paid $560 for a 7-day Eurail pass to country hop by train in Europe. I took 8 rides between 6 cities and it was so much better than flying.

Joey HaddenSep 28, 2024, 02:52 IST

The author traveled around Europe with a Eurail pass.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I traveled by train in four European countries using a Eurail pass in October 2022.
I preferred the experience of country hopping by train to flying to each place.

Traveling by train beats flying any day — at least in Europe.

I formed this opinion in October 2022, when I spent two weeks backpacking through Europe with a Eurail pass.

Eurail passes grant travelers unlimited access to most European trains for a set number of days. Some trains only require a Eurail pass, while others, including overnight trains, incur an additional, discounted price.

Instead of trudging through airports and squeezing into coach seating, I rode the rails in affordable, top-tier classes. Here's why I'll only take trains through Europe in the future.

I used Eurail to travel by train from Germany to Austria, Italy, and Switzerland and to travel locally in those countries.

The author prepares to board a train in Europe.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

In total, I took eight train rides between six different cities over a seven-day period.

The author's Eurail pass on a European train.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

According to a quick search on Google Flights, if I were to fly between each city in economy class instead, it would be about the same price as a Eurail pass — $360.

The author gets off a red-eye flight in Berlin.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

According to a quick search on Google Flights, if I were to fly between each city in economy class instead, it would be about the same price as a Eurail pass — $360.

With Eurail, I could afford to ride in first and business class in large, plush seats.

The author sits in business class on a train in Italy.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I also booked a bunk in a shared cabin on an overnight train.

The author rides a Nightjet sleeper train in Europe.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Additionally, trains were easier and quicker to board than flights.

The author boards trains in Italy.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

And on trains, I didn't experience one of the most annoying things that happens to me when I fly: the ear-popping that often lingers for a couple of days.

The author enjoys a business-class ride on a Trenitalia train in Italy.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Plus, with large windows overlooking picturesque scenery, my train rides offered views of each country that I wouldn't see from a plane.

Views of Switzerland from a train windowJoey Hadden/Business Insider

Lastly, I appreciated that traveling by train is a more sustainable way to get around Europe.

Inside a train car in Italy.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

For me, traveling by Eurail pass proved to be comfier and more eco-friendly than flying.

The author boards a train in Italy with her big backpack in October 2022.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I flew on 2 long-haul flights, one in business and another in economy. The perks were drastically different — take a look.

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

I paid $560 for a 7-day Eurail pass to country hop by train in Europe. I took 8 rides between 6 cities and it was so much better than flying.

I used Eurail to travel by train from Germany to Austria, Italy, and Switzerland and to travel locally in those countries.

In total, I took eight train rides between six different cities over a seven-day period.

According to a quick search on Google Flights, if I were to fly between each city in economy class instead, it would be about the same price as a Eurail pass — $360.

With Eurail, I could afford to ride in first and business class in large, plush seats.

I also booked a bunk in a shared cabin on an overnight train.

Additionally, trains were easier and quicker to board than flights.

And on trains, I didn't experience one of the most annoying things that happens to me when I fly: the ear-popping that often lingers for a couple of days.

Plus, with large windows overlooking picturesque scenery, my train rides offered views of each country that I wouldn't see from a plane.

Lastly, I appreciated that traveling by train is a more sustainable way to get around Europe.

For me, traveling by Eurail pass proved to be comfier and more eco-friendly than flying.