europe rail pass guide 2009: basics

Looking for discount train travel in Europe? A Europe rail pass is the cheap travel way to experience European first class train travel... from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia and beyond! A Europe rail pass can also save money on student train travel, senior train travel and group travel by train in Europe.

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Europe rail passes are an easy and convenient way to explore Europe by train. Rail pass holders bypass long ticket lines at the train station. They don't have to wrestle with an unfamiliar language just to buy a ticket. Best of all, Europe rail pass holders save money -- providing they choose the right Europe rail pass for the trip being planned.
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Europe rail pass types vary to suit a range of itineraries, from a single country adventure to a 21-country odyssey. Europe rail pass types generally fall under four broad catagories. Best known is the original Eurail Global Europe Rail Pass which accomodates a consecutive number of travel days across 18 countries. Eurail Select Europe Rail Pass -- successor to the former Europass -- lets Europe rail pass holders criss-cross 3, 4 or 5 bordering countries. Multi-Country Europe rail passes are for exploring selected pairs of countries and designated regions by train (Scandinavia or Eastern Europe, for instance). There are also a wide range of Single-Country Europe rail passes from which to choose.
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Europe rail passes are available in two formats offering consecutive days of travel or flexible travel days.

A consecutive-day rail pass appeals to vagabond spirits and fast-paced travelers who want to see it all. Consecutive Europe rail passes, valid from 2-weeks to 3-months, permit non-stop travel for the duration of the pass (ie: a 15-day Europe rail pass is valid for 15 consecutive days of travel).

A flexi -- as in "flexible" -- rail pass offer a practical and thrifty alternative.

Flexi Europe rail passes are designed for itineraries entailing fewer travel days with longer stays at individual destinations. Flexi Europe rail passes permit a limited number of travel days over an extended period: generally, from 3-10 travel days within a 2-month period.
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Europe rail passes are variably available in two classes. Eurail Global Europe rail pass and Eurail Select Europe rail pass are for First Class train travel only. Multi-country Europe rail passes and single-country Europe rail passes are available for First Class train travel and, in some instances, 2nd Class train travel. Scanrail rail passes and Norway rail passes are available only for 2nd Class train travel. All youth Europe rail passes are for 2nd Class train travel.
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The Rail 'n Drive pass offers an intriguing alternative for adventurous travelers. Rail 'n Drive passes combine several days of European train travel with several days of car rental. Rail 'n Drive passes are based on the "flexi" rail pass format, permitting a set number of train travel days over an extended period (for example, 3-10 days train travel and 3 or more days car travel over a 30-day period).
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Most Europe rail passes are available at discounts. Saver Europe rail passes cut expenses for group travel by train. Youth Europe rail passes are a great deal for student train travel. Likewise, older travelers can buy discount Europe rail passes for senior train travel. Children, under 12 years of age, are eligible for significant train travel discounts when accompanied by an adult. Children, under age 4, generally travel free.
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Many Europe rail passes feature free or discounted fares for ferry crossings, boat cruises, connecting buses and private trains. Special reduced fares are also available for night train sleeper upgrades and Eurostar. Discounts for hotels and local attractions may also be included. Discounted travel generally does not use flexipass train travel days. Bonuses must be arranged locally. Check individual links for specific bonus offers.
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For limited or unique European train travel itineraries, Regular Train Tickets -- point-to-point; one-way or round-trip -- can offer an economical alternative to rail passes. In some instances a combination of Europe rail pass and train ticket travel may be preferable (for instance, when combining an extended tour of Italy with a side-trip to Paris).
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Europe rail passes should be obtained in the purchaser's country of residence as they are largely unavailable in Europe. Europe Rail passes do not guarantee seat availabilty. Some European trains -- AVE, Cisalpino, Eurostar Italia and Thalys, for instance -- require reservations for seats (subject to fees and taxes). A passport must be presented to train travel staff whenever a Europe rail pass is used. Other restrictions and fees may apply.
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Bicycling is an ideal complement to train travel through Europe. Bikes may be transported on many trains. Conditions vary. Some European trains are equipped with racks, others require dismantling and/or boxing. Selected trains, notably ICE, TGV and Eurostar, require that bicycles be checked as baggage. Additional charges may apply. Before traveling, cyclists should contact individual railways for specific details. Alternatively, bicycles are available for rent at or near many European train stations.
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