Several European countries have train pass options that could be useful for foreigners. (iStock)
Incredibly scenic and environmentally friendly, travel by train is a wonderful way to see the best that Europe has to offer. While a ride on the fastest of trains can cost a bundle, particularly when tickets are bought at the last minute, single or multi-day travel passes enable not-in-a-rush travelers to take in some beautiful landscapes as they save their pennies.
Here are a handful of regional and national train travel offers to consider before your next trip:
Italy
The “Discover Italia In Tour” are regional promotions allowing travelers to travel without limit for either three or five consecutive days from the time of setting off on the first journey. The offer is good for travel between any origin and destination and applies to second-class travel on Trenitalia and Trenitalia Tper’s regional, fast regional and metropolitan trains. Such travel passes can be purchased online, from the automated machines found in stations, or at ticket counters. The “Italia in Tour 3” goes for 29 euros for adults and 15 euros for those ages 4-11; the “Italia in Tour 5” costs 49 euros for adults and 25 euros for youth ages 4-11. Online: tinyurl.com/24bvxn3j
Germany
The single-day ticket allowing passengers to enjoy journeys of any distance throughout Germany is known as the Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket. This flat-rate ticket is good for use on inner-city buses and trams, subways, as well as second-class travel in the S-Bahn, regional and regional express trains. Up to three children between the ages of 6 and 14 can travel free of charge with their parents or grandparents. The ticket can also be ordered in the form of a group pass for up to five travelers. As the ticket remains valid until 3 a.m. the following day, there’s no need for night owls out on the town to buy a new ticket at the stroke of midnight. A single-day pass goes for 46 euros, a pass for a couple costs 55 euros, three passengers pay 64 euros, four friends traveling together pay 73 euros, and a group of five friends or family members can make a day of it for 82 euros. Online: tinyurl.com/3mean4r6
Great Britain
Americans traveling through Great Britain might wish to consider the purchase of a BritRail pass, offering unlimited train trips over the course of a day across England, Scotland and/or Wales. A variety of passes are offered, including types to be used in consecutive days in a row, or those that can be used for a fixed number of days within a month’s time. Regional and single-country passes are offered too. For example, a pass valid for two consecutive days in second class for a single traveler goes for 107 euros, while a pass valid for an entire month goes for 634 euros. A flexi-pass valid for two days of travel within one month goes for 136 euros; a flexi-pass good for eight days within one month costs 365 euros. Travelers should be sure to purchase Britrail Passes prior to entering Britain, as these are not available for purchase inside the country. Online: britrail.com/britrail-passes/britrail-pass
Luxembourg
You won’t find a better deal than that proposed by the public transportation system of this pocket-sized nation: travel on all trains, buses and trams costs nothing at all. Since 2020, residents and visitors alike have been able to get around for free. Subject to the availability of space, bringing along a bicycle is also allowed. Travel in first-class carriages or on the network of high-speed trains does remain subject to charges. All passengers must carry personal ID and be prepared to show it at any time. Online: tinyurl.com/rupnmp8z
Spain
Although single-day travel passes are not available on a regular basis, foreigners living outside the country can avail themselves of the Renfe rail network’s Renfe Spain Pass, also referred to as an “Abono para extranjeros.” The pass allows for travel on a variety of services such as national Larga Distancia (Long Distance) trains, including the AVE high speed train, along with mid-distance regional trains and the Avant mid-distance high speed train. For some services, a seat reservation is required. The pass remains valid for one month after the first trip has been taken. The cost of the pass is 195 euros for four journeys, 275 euros for six journeys, 350 euros for eight journeys and 410 euros for ten journeys in standard-class carriages. Online: tinyurl.com/yc7uatje
Switzerland
Swiss Rail offers travelers a Saver Day Pass that allows adventurers to spend an entire day traveling throughout the land at a cost of just 52 Swiss Francs and up. The pass is good not only for travel by rail on both SBB trains and those belonging to other rail companies, but also on other forms of public transportation such as boats, buses and trams. The pass is good for travel within the so-called GA (Generalabonnement) area, which essentially means it’s good for travel to residential areas, as opposed to what would be considered touristic destinations such as mountain summits. The earlier the pass is booked, the cheaper its price comes in. The pass is valid for travel in second class carriages, and it cannot be booked on the same day of travel. Online: tinyurl.com/3ez9vcxh
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Publish date : 2024-10-25 11:56:00
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