Q - Do you have any tips to help me decide which railpass is the best option for me?
A - The important thing to do before you buy a railpass is to study a map of Europe and note down the key country/ies, regions and cities that you really want to visit. Then decide how much time you have got to spare and this will help you in deciding which type of pass will suit you best. If you only have a week or so, it's probably not a good idea to choose a pass covering lots of countries as you just won't have the time to visit them all.

 
Switzerland is a beautiful country and the rail network is extensive. The Swiss Pass range is bound to have a pass to suit you, if you really want to see all that this country has to offer.
If you do have a little longer to spare, then there are several pass options that are ideal for longer trips. The InterRail pass is well known as a young persons or student travel option, but it's available to all ages and offers up to 1 month's rail travel throughout Europe at really reasonable prices.
The ScanRail pass covers Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark and there is no better way to explore the fjords and cities of Scandinavia than by train with a ScanRail pass.
Flexibility is what railpass travel is all about and once you have your pass in your hand you really can just decide from day to day where you'll head next. The entire European rail network is just waiting to be explored and whether you're seeking city sophistication or somewhere slightly more off the beaten track, it's possible with a railpass.

Q - I am planning to buy a railpass in a few months time and I was wondering how much the prices fluctuate. Is it worth booking now or will prices go down?
A - Prices normally change once a year and current prices are not expected to change until 31st December 2007 at the earliest.

Q - What are prestige trains ?
A - When we talk about 'prestige' trains we usually mean the more modern and comfortable, high-speed services that are in operation today, such as Eurostar, Thalys and TGV Lyria, to name a few. Also included in this category would be trains such as Elipsos and Citynightline which are some examples of European overnight services. Passholders are permitted to travel on these trains, but will have to pay a passholder fare. (See 'Additional Info' for further details.

Q - Do you have to pay supplements on lots of trains, even if you already have a railpass?A - Supplements and reservation fees are payable on most high-speed and overnight services, but you will sometimes find alternative trains running on the same route for which you will not be charged a supplement. By avoiding peak trains and travelling off-peak, the cost of the reservation and supplement fees can be reduced and sometimes avoided altogether. Passholder fares are always payable on prestige trains such as Eurostar, Thalys etc.

Q - Do they tend to speak English on trains throughout Europe or will I need lots of phrasebooks?
A - Generally speaking, in the Northern European countries such as Scandinavia, Holland and Germany you will find rail staff fairly conversant in English. You are less likely to hear English spoken in the southern European countries, although this is improving. Lots of sign language can help - it's all part of the fun!

Q - Can I take my bike on trains in Europe?
A - If your bike folds up and fits into a bike bag, then yes, it can be taken on board trains as hand luggage and stored in one of the luggage storing spaces on the train. If your bike does not fold up, it is definitely not as easy to transport it by train. Some off-peak services do accept bikes in their fully assembled state, but the number of bikes is limited per train so there is no guarantee you'll be able to catch the train that you want and you won't know until the day of travel. Don't forget, bikes can be hired almost everywhere nowadays, so this might be the most hassle-free option.