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  4. 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 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 Hadden   

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.
The author traveled around Europe with a Eurail pass.Joey Hadden/Insider
  • I recently traveled by train in four European countries using a Eurail pass.
  • I preferred the experience of country hopping by train to flying to each place.

I recently spent two weeks traveling by train through four European countries with a Eurail pass. I thought it was so much better than flying to each place.

I recently spent two weeks traveling by train through four European countries with a Eurail pass. I thought it was so much better than flying to each place.
The author exits a Nightjet train in Venice.      Joey Hadden/Insider

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.

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.
Eurail tickets on a train in Italy.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Source: Eurail

It was my first time using Eurail, and I bought a week-long pass for $477. I used it to get from Germany to Austria, Italy, and Switzerland, as well as to travel locally in those places.

It was my first time using Eurail, and I bought a week-long pass for $477. I used it to get from Germany to Austria, Italy, and Switzerland, as well as to travel locally in those places.
The author prepares to board a train in Europe.      Joey Hadden/Insider

I paid additional fees on top of my Eurail pass for two overnight trains, and when I upgraded from coach to first and business class on three rides. Each added fee was between $10 and $45, depending on the trip duration.

I paid additional fees on top of my Eurail pass for two overnight trains, and when I upgraded from coach to first and business class on three rides. Each added fee was between $10 and $45, depending on the trip duration.
The author in first class on a train traveling from Italy to Switzerland.      Joey Hadden/Insider

In total, I took eight train rides between six different cities over a seven-day period for $560 with the added fees.

In total, I took eight train rides between six different cities over a seven-day period for $560 with the added fees.
The author's Eurail pass on a European train.      Joey Hadden/Insider

According to a quick search on Google Flights, if I flew between each city in economy class instead, I would have paid a total of $640.

According to a quick search on Google Flights, if I flew between each city in economy class instead, I would have paid a total of $640.
The author gets off a red-eye flight in Berlin.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Not only were trains cheaper than flying, but overall, I found them to be more comfortable. With Eurail, I could afford to ride in first and business class in large, plush seats. Those cabins were too expensive for me on a plane.

Not only were trains cheaper than flying, but overall, I found them to be more comfortable. With Eurail, I could afford to ride in first and business class in large, plush seats. Those cabins were too expensive for me on a plane.
The author sits in business class on a train in Italy.      Joey Hadden/Insider

I also booked a bunk in a shared cabin on an overnight train. I could lay flat and get some sleep, which would have been much more difficult on a red-eye flight in coach.

I also booked a bunk in a shared cabin on an overnight train. I could lay flat and get some sleep, which would have been much more difficult on a red-eye flight in coach.
The author rides a Nightjet sleeper train in Europe.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Additionally, trains were easier and quicker to board than flights. Rather than going through a lengthy check-in and security process at the airport, I could just walk right onto the train platform.

Additionally, trains were easier and quicker to board than flights. Rather than going through a lengthy check-in and security process at the airport, I could just walk right onto the train platform.
The author boards trains in Italy.      Joey Hadden/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.

And on trains, I didn
The author enjoys a business-class ride on a Trenitalia train in Italy.      Joey Hadden/Insider

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

Plus, with large windows overlooking picturesque scenery, I thought my train rides offered views of each country that I wouldn
Views of Switzerland from a train window      Joey Hadden/Insider

Lastly, I appreciated that traveling by train is the most sustainable way to get around Europe, according to Trainline.

Lastly, I appreciated that traveling by train is the most sustainable way to get around Europe, according to Trainline.
Inside a train car in Italy.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Source: Trainline

The train booking company told Insider that cars and planes create 74% of Europe's transport carbon dioxide emissions, while the entire rail network adds up to less than 1%, as of January 2022.

The train booking company told Insider that cars and planes create 74% of Europe
A train stopped at a platform in Milan.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Source: Trainline

For me, traveling by Eurail pass proved to be cheaper, comfier, and more eco-friendly than flying. I would definitely do it again.

For me, traveling by Eurail pass proved to be cheaper, comfier, and more eco-friendly than flying. I would definitely do it again.
The author boards a train in Italy with her big backpack in October 2022.      Joey Hadden/Insider

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