What is the Difference Between Eurostar and Rail Europe?

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Eurostar and Rail Europe are not competitors, but rather partners in providing train services and ticketing for European travel. The main differences between them are:

  • Services Provided: Eurostar is the cross-channel passenger rail system that connects various European destinations, such as London, Paris, and Brussels. Rail Europe, on the other hand, is a worldwide distributor of rail tickets and passes for European train services, including Eurail and Eurostar.
  • Ticketing: Rail Europe is an official partner of Eurostar, selling its tickets to travelers. Both Eurostar and Rail Europe sell tickets for Eurostar train services, but prices can vary between the two sources, so it is recommended to check both for the best deals.

In summary, Eurostar is the actual train service that connects European destinations, while Rail Europe is a distributor of tickets and passes for Eurostar and other European train services. They work together to provide travelers with convenient and efficient train travel options in Europe.

Comparative Table: Eurostar vs Rail Europe

Here is a table comparing the differences between Eurostar and Rail Europe:

Factor Eurostar Rail Europe
Service Operates high-speed trains between UK, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands Distributes tickets and passes for European train systems, including Eurostar
Ownership Eurostar is a separate entity Rail Europe is an official partner of Eurostar, selling its tickets
Ticket Purchase Tickets can be purchased through the Eurostar website Tickets can be purchased through the Rail Europe website
Onboard Experience Offers various classes of service, including Business Premier Provides access to different prices and ticketing options, but the trains remain the same
Stations Main stations include London St Pancras, Paris Gare du Nord, and Brussels Midi/Zuid No trains of its own, but offers tickets and passes for European train systems

In summary, Eurostar is the train service that connects various European destinations, while Rail Europe is a distributor of rail tickets and passes for European train systems, including Eurostar. The main difference between the two is that Eurostar operates the actual train service, whereas Rail Europe provides tickets and passes for travelers to use on these trains.