How Filipinos Can Travel Europe by Train With a Eurail Pass

Ever wondered how it feels to explore Europe hassle-free? Imagine waking up in Paris and enjoying a slow morning with croissants. Then hop on a train to spend a couple of days in Rome, tasting real pizza. Later, make your way to Munich for a relaxed evening with a cold beer. Sounds like a dream, right? But here’s a doable way to see Europe even if you’re traveling on a Philippine passport. Is Eurail Pass worth it?

It’s also a perfect chance to learn a new language. You can transform your train seat into a DIY mobile office. Train travel gives you space and time to be productive, curious, and connected. All while crossing borders with ease.

If you’re just starting out or curious about becoming a full-time remote traveler, check out my eBook “The A-Z on Becoming a Digital Nomad“. It’s packed with tips, tools, and real advice from my years of travel!

Let me show you how to travel across Europe for 30 days by local trains using the Eurail Global Pass, it is truly worth your money and time! You’ll also learn how to apply for a Schengen visa via the French Embassy. There’s a route that includes France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Austria, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. There are also side trips to Romania, Bosnia, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Portugal, Ireland, and Belgium.

Step 1: Start with the Schengen Visa — Apply via the French Embassy

Planning to begin your trip in Paris? Then, apply for your Schengen visa through the French Embassy. This visa is a must for traveling within most of Europe. Getting it early will save you stress.

Prepare your passport. It must be valid for at least three months beyond your trip. You also need round-trip flight tickets, hotel bookings, and a travel itinerary. Don’t forget to get travel insurance. It should have at least €30,000 in coverage. SafetyWing is a great option for digital nomads. You can also look into other travel health insurance providers for longer stays.

You’ll also need proof of funds. This could be your bank statements, payslips, or screenshots of your online income. Make sure to explain everything clearly. Your cover letter should state that you’re working remotely while traveling. You must also show ties to the Philippines. Examples include business permits, property titles, or an employment contract.

Book your visa appointment through France-Visas. Submit your documents via VFS Global. Apply at least one month before your trip. If you freelance or own a business, display your business permits and recent client work. You can also include PayPal or TransferWise records. For lodging, go for refundable options like those on Booking.com.

The visa fee is around €80 or PHP 4,800. Processing takes 15 to 30 days. In your cover letter, explain that France is your “main destination.” Say it’s where you’ll enter, exit, or spend most of your time.

Step 2: Buy the Eurail Global Pass (30 Days)

After you secure your visa, buy your Eurail Global Pass. It gives you access to trains in 33 countries for 30 straight days. This is ideal if you love freedom and spontaneity. You won’t need separate train tickets. Just hop on and go.

Some high-speed and scenic trains like the Bernina Express require seat reservations. Reservation fees can range from €10 to €35. The Eurail app makes booking easy.

You’ll need to choose between a 1st class pass or 2nd class. A first class pass costs more but gives you wider seats, fewer people, and more quiet time. A second class pass is cheaper and still very comfortable. Either option lets you ride most regional trains, specific trains, and even some trams.

The 30-day continuous pass is best for Filipinos visiting multiple countries. You can also consider the Interrail Pass if you are an EU resident or the One Country Pass if you’re only visiting one country.

Buy your pass at www.eurail.com. Activate it digitally with the app. The app helps you find train times and book seats. It also tracks your travel days. Bring small comforts like a portable neck fan to stay cool and relaxed while traveling.

Watch for point-to-point ticket prices if you’re only riding a few times. Sometimes, it can be cheaper than the rail pass. But if you plan to travel often and spontaneously, the pass offers better value.

Sample 30-Day Europe by Train Itinerary for Filipinos

Here’s a sample route I used. It blends fast-paced city visits with slow travel. You’ll cover France, Italy, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Spain.

Day 1–5: Paris, France

Arrive in Paris and activate your Eurail pass. Visit the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and the Louvre. Take a Seine river cruise. Try coworking at Anticafé or Hubsy Arts et Métiers. Budget stays cost around €40–60 a night. Coworking passes are about €5–10.

Day 6–9: Milan & Venice, Italy

Take the high-speed train from Paris to Milan. The ride takes about 7 hours. Spend 1–2 days in Milan. Then take a 2.5-hour train to Venice. The canals are picture-perfect. Reserve seats on high-speed trains (€10–15). Stay in Venice Mestre for cheaper lodging.

Day 10–13: Vienna & Salzburg, Austria

Ride from Venice to Vienna. It takes about 7 hours. Vienna is full of culture, coffee, and calm. Visit Salzburg for a day or overnight. It’s Mozart’s hometown and the setting of The Sound of Music. Try coworking at Impact Hub Vienna or Das Packhaus.

Day 14–17: Munich & Berlin, Germany

Go from Vienna to Munich in 4 hours. Then travel another 4 hours to Berlin. Munich has beer gardens and old-world charm. Berlin feels more modern and tech-friendly. Most ICE trains don’t need seat reservations. For work, check out Betahaus or Mindspace.

Day 18–21: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Take the train to Amsterdam. It takes about 6 hours from Berlin. Amsterdam is easygoing and fun. You can also stay nearby in Utrecht or Haarlem. That helps you save on hotels. Use Yesim (Code: KATRIN8414) to stay online as you move.

Day 22–23: Luxembourg

Travel from Amsterdam to Luxembourg in about 5 hours. It’s a small but lovely place to explore in two days. Public transport is free nationwide.

Day 24–28: Barcelona & Madrid, Spain

Take a long trip from Luxembourg to Barcelona, with a stop in Paris. The total ride is about 10 hours. Spain is affordable and full of flavor. After Barcelona, head to Madrid. Flamenco, tapas, and museums await. Reserve seats on Spanish trains (€10–20). Try coworking at La Vaca or Impact Hub.

Day 29–30: Return to Paris, France

Take the direct train to Paris. The ride is about 9 hours. Enjoy your last moments with a museum visit or picnic near the Eiffel Tower.

If you still have time, consider a side trip to Prague, Budapest, or even Bulgaria. These cities are train-accessible and rich in culture.

Practical Tips for Filipino Digital Nomads

• Pack light. Bring a carry-on and a small day bag.
• Coworking hubs are everywhere. They offer day passes and a good place to work.
• Use the Eurail app. It shows schedules and lets you manage seat bookings.
• Create content along the way. Blog, vlog, or post to document your trip.
• Watch your belongings. Stick to daytime trains when you can.
• Don’t forget to greet or ask help from a conductor if you’re confused about platforms or specific trains.

Why Train Travel Works for Filipino Digital Nomads

Trains drop you in city centers. You skip airports and long lines. Trains are also eco-friendly. They let you enjoy Europe’s views while moving. Missed a train? No worries. Just catch the next one.

Exploring Europe on a Philippine passport is possible. It’s also exciting and freeing. The Eurail Global Pass makes it simple. No need to book each ride. Just go where you want, when you want. If you’re still wondering Is Eurail Pass Worth it, this freedom and flexibility make it a big yes.

So pack your bags. Get your visa. Buy your Eurail pass. Your European train adventure is waiting. And remember to bring your travel health insurance. It keeps you covered for the unexpected.

Follow more of my adventures on Instagram @kach.umandap.

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