Consecutive or flexi travel? One country or a whole bunch? Saver passes? Rail 'n Drive? Overwhelmed with trying to pick the right European rail pass? Possibilities can be daunting... but choosing the perfect pass can save you time and money. A rail pass lets you bypass long ticket lines at the train station. You won't have to wrestle with an unfamiliar language just to buy a ticket. Best of all, you'll save cash -- providing you choose the right pass.

European rail pass types vary to suit a range of routes and whims. Best known is the original Eurail Global Pass which lets you meander back and forth among 18 countries. Eurail Select Pass -- formerly Europass -- lets pass holders crisscross three, four or five bordering countries. Multi-country passes are for exploring selected regions and some adjoining countries. There are also a wide range of single-country passes available.

European rail passes are available in two formats. Consecutive passes, valid from two weeks to three months, permit non-stop travel for the duration of the pass (ie: a 15-day pass is valid for 15 consecutive days of travel). Flexi passes are designed for itineraries entailing a limited number of travel days over an extended period: generally, from three to 10 travel days within a two-month period. Rail 'n Drive flexi passes include several days of car rental.

Classes of travel vary. Eurail Global Pass and Eurail Select Pass are for first class train travel only. Multi-country passes and single-country passes are available for first class travel and, sometimes, second class travel. Youth passes, as well as Scanrail and Norway rail passes, accommodate only second class.

Most passes are available at discounts. Saver passes cut expenses for group travel by train. Youth passes can be a great deal for students and gap year breaks and older travelers are sometimes eligible for discounted senior passes. Kids under 12 get up to half off when accompanied by an adult (tots, under age four, generally travel free). Some passes will get you free or discounted travel on ferries, buses and private trains (even Eurostar) -- plus sleeper upgrades and deals on hotels and local attractions.

If you plan to "pass" through Europe, read the fine print. A few guidelines prevail. Buy your rail passes before you leave home because they're very hard to find in Europe. Although passes don't guarantee you a seat it's generally unnecessary to reserve a place in advance. Exceptions are for travel during peak times and aboard selected trains, like TGVs, which require reservations at all times. Always have your passport handy and be sure to get your rail pass validated before boarding a train for the first time.

Lastly, be mindful of the ubiquitous caveat: conditions, restrictions and fees may apply. To learn more, visit the Euro Rail Pass Guide at TrainTraveling.com http://www.traintraveling.com/eurorailpassguide