Don't be put off by the outdated timetable reference on the homepage; the content of Raja's attractive web site is extensive and timely. Travel classes, amenities and schedules are well documented though the absence of a route map is an unfortunate ommission. Tickets purchased on-line may be acquired up to a month in advance from nearly 200 sales offices across the Republic.

The railroad's stated goal is to get Israelis and visitors off the roads and onto the trains. Restoration of Jerusalem rail service is planned. This informative, easy-to-navigate site posts individual station pages with checklists of amenities ranging from pay phones and toilet facilities... to bus and taxi connections... to buffets, shopping and ATMs. Elsewhere: freight division and expanding commuter services are profiled. Here's the Hebrew version.

Following an ancestorial route, today's Muslim pilgrims make their way between Damascus and Medina down a century-old railway -- operated since the fifties by the HJR. Domestic service extends from Ma'an in the south, via the capital Amman, to Az Zarqa in the northwest. Service is cheduled in both directions on Mondays and Thursdays. The railway's website is fluid and modern... all the while extolling the nobility and grace of the Hashemite Kingdom.

All aboard the Marrakech Express: "Plus Classe" Casablanca-Marrakech service is AC-cooled, meal-inclusive and delivers in 3 hours. Morocco's surprisingly cohesive and up-to-date rail scheme supplements national services with the Al Bidaoui Airport Shuttle to Mohammed V Airport and Extended European Rail Plans for ONCF passengers. The "Les Horaires" link leads to an intuitive -- though French -- journey planner. We've linked to the French version of the site. Its also in Arabic.

Nationwide passenger service is operated by the country's freight carrier. The easy-to-navigate site includes timetables and fares plus info regarding onboard amenities and special needs fulfillment.

Formerly Spoornet's MLPS (Main Line Passenger Services), the national passenger service has been rechristened "Shosholoza Meyl" -- a name steeped in African tradition and intended to accord one a superlative journey. Africa's most comprehensive passenger rail service connects ZA's principal cities, the longest runs being the weekly trains between Durban and Cape Town. Pretoria to Cape Town Premiere Classe passengers receive select over-night accomodations and optional auto transport.

Compared to the bleak condition of most of Africa's railways, NRZ's bare-bones services are comparitively high-end. The simple but thorough web page reflects this covering such topics as timetables and fares, food services and bedding and (a bit ominously)... first aid. No map, but you can't expect everything.