Using The Eurail (Part 2 of 3) · Includes Spain, France & Slovenia · by Crackly

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So you want to use the Eurail to get around Europe?? Its an awesome way to get around and you will meet some interesting locals and hear some amazing stories. This blog will discuss France, Slovenia and Spain.**** Slovenia has an excellent and relatively cheap railway system. The conductors and station staff were the most helpful and friendly I met in Europe. Booking tickets is easy and there were usually enough staff to get you seen to within 15 minutes at most train stations. English is fine except in some of the smaller country stations. In summer for the last 3 years they have had a special on tickets where for a full paying fare, you get the second half price. Its ALWAYS in your interest to ask about special fares or offers. Even if you have to book as a group of 4 or more...it can save you a stack of money. Lockers are available at every station..and theyre very cheap. Slovenia has its own rail pass but at the moment, is not included on all Eurail pacakges. I suggest visiting a raileurope, interrail or eurail website for more info and best prices. Trains run on time, and you will make your connections, even if theyre a little tight, say within 20 minutes. The trains are clean, safe and the scenery is just amazing, so keep your laptop closed and take in the view. There are no night trains that run within Slovenia, because its a small country. However, international trains do go through Ljublianja to Munich, Croatia, Italy and Austria on a twice daily basis. My recommendation is pay as you go, this is cheaper more often than not, AND look out the window. **** Spain is a different story. Because of the size of the country, the rail network is vast and security is tight. Like Italy, very very few stations have lockers. You need to check your luggage in if you want to leave it at the station. This can take some time. The main Madrid station is huge and its pretty easy to get mixed up or lost even for a regular traveller. So if you ever have to leave from one of the Madrid stations, be early and book your seat well ahead. Sometimes you have your baggage scanned, and wait around in this huge foyer until they call you for your train. Its well-run though and trains do leave on time. Supplements on Spanish high speed trains are high (about 10 euros) and I think excessive. Sometimes you train ride will be two legs and then your supplement is like 20 euros, even though you already have a pass. I dont know why this is but it eats into your funds more than I would like. Barcelona is also a big station, and the main station for regional Spanish trains- and also the station where you catch a train to France into the start of the Pyrenees. Trains leave mostly on time, but allow a bit extra for connections. This is because even though your train may go to, say, one Madrid station, you may have a 15-minute Metro ride to the OTHER Madrid station. Then you need to get up to foyer 5-10 minutes before your connecting train leaves. It can be a big exercise. Ask good questions and be prepared for what to expect. Regional stations can be a challenge. For example, in San Sebastian the announcements are made in Basque language. So even Spanish may be no help. In Seville, the train station is average size, but counters shut and open all the time and you may be lined up at one, then it shuts. Strange stuff. In Barcelona, there are double doors that you need to punch you ticket so they open, but to get through with a Eurail pass, a guard needs to let you through. Only problem is, no guards sometimes. But like I say, just allow time and have a good attitude. Its all fun and a great learning experience. Still to come , France. I will add ASAP. Cheers , Crackly.

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