The venerable Eurailpass has long been one of Europe's best travel bargains for independent travelers. Now it has become much more flexible to use, with several recent options that allow you to choose a pass tailored to your own personal style of travel.
The satisfaction of exploring by train vs. rented car vs. plane is basically a matter of personal preference. But if cost is a big consideration, there is no question that rail travel in Europe - using a Eurailpass or national railroad pass - is cheaper than driving or flying. (The car becomes competitive only when you are a group of three or more.)Recent additions in rail pass options include:
-The BritFrance Railpass, which was inaugurated Jan. 1 and allows unlimited travel in both Great Britain and France. (Great Britain is not a part of the Eurailpass network, so until this year you had to buy separate passes to tour both countries by rail.)
-A series of escorted rail tours, including some one-day excursions, that are offered to rail pass holders by both British and French rail systems at sharply discounted prices.
In its original form, the Eurailpass provided unlimited rail travel in Western Europe (except Great Britain) for a specified period of time, such as 15 days or a month. In the '60s and '70s, travel to Europe was something new for most Americans, and many raced across Europe in a frantic dash, trying to see as much as they could before their passes expired and feeling that any day they didn't board a train wasted a part of the pass.
Since then, however, American travel patterns have changed considerably, and Europe's national railways have had to create new variations of the Eurailpass to keep abreast. For many American travelers, Europe nowadays is a repeat destination.
Today's vacationers prefer to explore one or two countries or a region rather than a dozen countries, and often settle in one place for several days at a time. As a result, the Eurailpass now comes in "flexi" versions. For example, you can buy a pass good for unlimited travel on any five days within a specified 15-day period. This makes it possible to limit your sightseeing to four or five cities where you can relax without fretting that you are wasting the pass by not using it.
Europe's trains are very convenient, especially if you plan to visit major cities. But a car is handier for touring the countryside, which many Americans are opting to do. To meet this challenge, Europe's railroads have introduced EurailDrive passes. Such passes provide for several days of rail travel plus use of a rental car for a specified number of days. At selected destinations, the car will be waiting at the train station.
The Eurailpass and its variations, offering substantial savings over regular rail ticket prices, are sold primarily for travel in two or more countries. Most European nations, including Great Britain, also offer national rail passes at discount prices. Like the Eurailpass, they come in flexi and rail-drive options. The only difference is that national passes are valid only within a single country's borders.
Eurailpasses permit travel in first-class coaches, and the price includes all the supplemental fees generally charged for Europe's special EuroCity (international) trains and such high-speed trains as the French TGV. An exception is the Eurail Youthpass, which is good for second-class travel only.
Some of these special trains require seat reservations, for which all pass holders will have to pay a small fee. The one big drawback to the multiple rail options now available is that the diversity can be confusing. Before heading for Europe, you should consider which rail pass is best for your travel plans. A point to remember is that rail passes are most valuable if you plan extensive travel; if you anticipate only a few short rail trips, you probably will be better off buying regular point-to-point tickets rather than a pass. Passes are sold at most travel agencies.
Eurail and BritRail passes must be purchased before you leave the United States. The Eurailpass is valid in 17 European countries. The newest member, admitted a year ago, is Hungaryo - the first nation in Eastern Europe to be linked in the network. The other members are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, West Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Holland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Ireland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. More than 100,000 miles of passenger rail lines crisscross these countries.
Great Britain offers its own rail pass, called the BritRail Pass, good for travel in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The British Rail network serves more than 2,400 stations in all corners of the United Kingdom.
Most passes include free or heavily discounted travel on many steamers, ferries and national bus lines. They can be used for linear trips, carrying you across Europe between two destinations; for grand circle trips, which return you to the city where you began; and for frequent day trips from a hub city where you return each evening.
Among the variety of options available this year:
On the Continent
-Eurailpass: The basic pass provides for unlimited rail travel in first class to all 17 nations in the Eurail network. For an adult, the price is $340 for 15 days; $440 for 21 days; $550 for one month; $750 for two months; and $930 for three months; children under 12 pay half fare, those under 4 ride free.
-Eurail Saverpass: Two people traveling together on the same itinerary can purchase a 15-day pass for $240 per person. However, between April 1 and Sept. 30, a minimum of three people must be in the group, each paying $240 for 15 days. Available only for first-class travel.
-Eurail Flexipass: There are three variations to choose from-five days of rail travel in a 15-day period for $198; nine days within 21 days for $360; and 14 days within one month for $458. Available in first class only. Children under 12 pay half fare; those under 4 ride free.
-Eurail Youthpass: For travelers age 25 and under, this pass provides for unlimited travel in second-class coaches and costs $380 for one month, $500 for two months.
-EurailDrive Pass: This unusual pass, available from travel agents through FrenchRail, includes four days of first-class train travel plus use of a Hertz rental car for three days with unlimited mileage. Travel must be completed within a 21-day period. The offer is not valid in Hungary. For an economy-sized car, the price is $229 per person for two people; for a small car, $259 per person; for a medium car, $279 per person.
-BritFrance Railpass: This pass, new this year, provides for unlimited first-or second-class travel over the rail networks of both countries. You also get a round-trip ticket for travel across the English Channel via Hovercraft. The pass is a form of the flexi pass. In first class, you can travel any five days within a 15-day period for $269 or any 10 days within a month for $399. In second class, passes for five days of travel within 15 are $199 and for 10 days of travel within a month, $299. Children under 12 pay half fare; those under 4 ride free.
In France
-FranceRail Pass: This is a national rail pass, good only in France. It provides for first- and second-class travel in a flexi format. In first class, adults can travel any four days within a 15-day period for $149, children 4 to 11 for $89; a pass for nine days of travel in one month is $249 for adults, $145 for children. In second class, passes for four days of travel in 15 are $99 for adults, $60 for children; passes for nine days of travel in a month are $175 for adults, $109 for children.
-Franceshrinkers are one- and two-day escorted rail tours from Paris to such popular destinations as Mont St. Michel, Burgundy, Giverny and Versailles and the Chateaux Country of the Loire Valley. Tour buses meet the train at the destination and return you to the station in time for the trip back to Paris. Fares are cheaper if you hold a Eurailpass, FrenchRail Pass or BritFrance Railpass.
For example: On the one-day Loire Valley outing, the train departs Paris's Austerlitz Station at 7:05 a.m. on Tuesday and Friday from April 23 to Oct. 20. At Blois, participants board a bus to visit Chambord, Cheverny, Chenonceaux and other chateaux. Lunch is provided at a country inn. The train back to Paris arrives at 6:45 p.m. With a rail pass, the cost is $116 for adults and $95 for children. Without a pass, it is $148 for adults and $130 for children 4 to 11.
In Great Britain
-BritRail Pass: Unlike the Eurailpass, the BritRail Pass is available in first- and second-class options for adults as well as juniors. There also are special senior citizen (age 60 and older) and youth (16 to 25) passes. All are good for travel only in Great Britain.
An eight-day pass in first class for adults is $285; children (age 5 to 15), $143; seniors, $235. A 15-day pass for adults is $409; children, $205; seniors, $345. A 22-day pass for adults is $499; children, $250; seniors, $435. A one-month pass for adults is $589; children, $295; seniors, $505. In second class, an eight-day pass for adults is $189; children, $95; youth, $169. A 15-day pass for adults is $285; children, $143; youth, $239. A 22-day pass for adults is $359; children, $180; youth, $309. A one-month pass for adults is $415; children, $208; youth $359. There is no second-class seniors pass.
-BritRail Flexipass: In first class, a pass good for any four days within an eight-day period is $229 for adults, $115 for children and $199 for seniors. For any eight days in 15, the pass is $329 for adults, $165 for children and $279 for seniors. For any 15 days in a month, the pass is $479 for adults, $240 for children and $399 for seniors. In second class, a pass good for any four days in eight is $159 for adults, $80 for children and $139 for youth. For any eight days in 15, the pass is $229 for adults, $115 for children and $199 for youth. For any 15 days in a month, the pass is $329 for adults, $165 for children and $289 for youth.
-BritRail Drive: Hertz rental cars are available in conjunction with the BritRail Flexipass (see above). Rates vary depending on the size of the car and are based on a per person rate for two adults per car. A pass that includes four days of car rental and four days of rail travel in an eight-day period ranges from $198 per person for a small car to $361 for a larger car. Other combinations for 15-day and one-month periods are available.
-Capital Travel Pak (Britain): This novel pass, available in two forms, is offered for rail excursions in southeastern England, in the area surrounding London. A four-day Travel Pak includes unlimited travel by city bus and subway within London and four days of second-class rail travel to such countryside destinations as Oxford, Cambridge, Canterbury, Winchester, Greenwich and Brighton. The cost is $99 for adults and $50 for children; a seven-day version is $139 for adults and $70 for children.
-Britainshrinkers are one-day and multiple-day adventures into the British countryside from London. For example: The one-day escorted trip from Paddington Station to the architecturally splendid city of Bath, the ancient monuments at Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral is offered several times weekly from April through September. For a pass holder, the fare is $55 for adults, $50 for children. Without a pass, the fare is $86 for adults, $66 for children. Time is set aside for lunch, but the cost is extra. Other destinations include Dover, Canterbury and Leeds Castle; Stratford-upon-Avon; York and Castle Howard; Oxford and the Cotswolds; and the villages and countryside of Wales.
In Scandinavia
- Scanrailpass, the Scandinavian flexipass, available in first-and second-class options, is valid for travel on the rail networks of Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. In first class, travel any four days in a 15-day period is $159, travel for nine days in 21 is $279 and travel for 14 days in one month is $419. In second class, a pass for four days in 15 is $119; for nine days in 21, $209; and for 14 days in one month, $289. Children age 4 to 11 pay half fare; those under 4 ride free.
Switzerland
A variety of Swiss passes is offered. In most cases, children under 16 travel free when accompanying a parent with a pass.
- Swiss Pass, the basic pass, provides for first- or second-class rail travel anywhere within the country; unlimited use of lake steamers, buses and 24 municipal transport systems; and a 25 to 50 percent discount on certain mountain railroads and aerial cable cars. In first class, an eight-day pass is $180; a 15-day pass, $220; and a one-month pass, $300. In second class, an eight-day pass is $125; a 15-day pass, $155; a one-month pass, $210.
- The Swiss Flexipass offers the same benefits. The price for any three days in a 15-day period is $149 in first class and $99 in second class. The Swiss Card is designed for travelers planning to spend an extended period of time in Switzerland. The one-month pass is valid for a 50 percent discount on all Swiss railroads, buses and steamer boats. It also provides for a round-trip ticket between any Swiss airport or Swiss border town and a single destination in the country. The price is $80 in first class and $65 in second class.
In West Germany
Two types of GermanRail passes, the basic and the flexi, are offered for first- and second-class rail travel in West Germany. A junior fare is available for travelers age 12 to 25. From age 4 to 11, half fare is charged. Under age 4, there is no charge.
In first class, a four-day adult GermanRail Pass is $135; a nine-day pass, $202; a 16-day pass, $285. In second class, a four-day pass is $90; a nine-day pass, $135; a 16-day pass, $190. The second-class junior fare is $85 for nine days and $110 for 16 days. In first class, a GermanRail Flexipass for four days in a 21-day period is $180; for nine days in 21, $270; and for 16 days in 21, $375. In second class, the corresponding fares are $120, $180 and $250. Second-class junior fares are $65, $100 and $135. Incidentally, GermanRail announced recently that it has increased the number of nonsmoking cars on German trains and reduced the number of smoking cars proportionately.
The Netherlands & Beyond
- Two passes are available in the Netherlands: The Holland Rail Pass, new this year, provides for three days of unlimited rail travel in Holland within a 15-day period. The cost is $47.50 for first class and $37.50 for second class. For children 11 and younger, the cost is $1.50. The Rover Pass is valid for seven consecutive days of unlimited rail travel in Holland. The first-class fare is $81; second-class is $55. For an additional $10.30, the pass permits free travel on Holland's municipal transportation systems. No children's passes are available, according to the Netherlands Board of Tourism. Passes can be purchased in Holland or from the Board of Tourism, 355 Lexington Ave., New York, N.Y. 10017, (212) 370-7360.
- The Benelux Tourrail Pass is valid for travel on the rail lines of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. A flexipass, it provides for five days of rail travel within a 17-day period. The fare for adults is $107 in first class and $72 in second class. The fare for juniors (age 4 to 25) is $76 in first class and $51 in second class.
In Spain
Spain offers both the basic and flexipass for first- and second-class travel. Children 4 to 11 pay half fare; those under 4 ride free. In first class, the Spain Railpass is $145 for eight days and $235 for 15 days. In second class, the fare is $105 for eight days and $165 for 15 days.
The Spain Flexipass provides for four days of travel in a 15-day period. In first class, the fare is $99; in second class, $75. In Ireland The Emerald Isle Pass, another new flexipass for 1990, is good for trains and long-distance buses in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. It is also valid on municipal transportation services in Dublin, Belfast, Limerick, Galway, Waterford and Cork.
An eight-day pass, valid for travel in a 15-day period, is $142 for adults and $75 for children (under 15). A 15-day pass for use within one month is $240 for adults and $125 for children.
The passes can be purchased in Ireland or in advance from CIE Tours, 122 East 42nd St., New York, N.Y. 10168, 1-800-243-7687.
In Italy
Italian State Railways offers two passes, the basic and the flexible. Children under 12 travel for half fare; those under 4 ride free. In first class, a basic eight-day pass is $160; a 15-day pass, $196; a 21-day pass, $230; a one-month pass, $280. In second class, an eight-day pass is $106; a 15-day pass, $126; a 21-day pass, $148; a one-month pass, $180. In first class, four days of travel in a nine-day period is $112; eight days in 21, $164; 12 days in a month, $206. In second class, the corresponding fares are $76, $108 and $136. These passes can be purchased in Italy or in advance from CIT, 666 Fifth Ave., 6th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10103, (212) 397-9300.
In Austria
The Austrian rail system's flexipass is the Rabbit Card. It is good for unlimited travel on any four days within a 10-day period. In first class, the adult fare is $109; in second class, $75. A Junior Rabbit Card for travelers under age 26 is $68 in first class and $47 in second class. The cards can be purchased in this country from GermanRail.
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For Information
- A free Eurail Traveler's Guide, with railroad map, and Eurail Timetable are available from: Eurailpass, Box 10383, Stamford, Conn. 06904-2383.
- Cook's European Timetable, a more complete listing of schedules, is available for $22.95 (including shipping) from: Forsyth Travel Library, P.O. Box 2975, Shawnee Mission, Kans. 66201, 1-800-367-7984.
- For BritRail information: BritRail, 630 Third Ave., New York, N.Y. 10017, (212) 599-5400. For more details on national rail passes, contact the country's tourist bureau in New York City. Tickets can be purchased directly and seat reservations made for rail travel throughout Europe with both BritRail and GermanRail. However, this must be done well in advance since confirmation may take several days, and the tickets must be mailed. For BritRail: (212) 599-5400. For GermanRail: (212) 308-3103.