Take a Train

Take the A-Train … Or Take the B-Train If You Like

Countries all over the world offer passes that guarantee unlimited, flexible travel at a set price for a specified period, and it often only take one or two trips for you come out ahead by buying one. Below are some of the options.

Australia: Travel between most tourist sites in the vast nation requires an overnight trip, making air travel a practical option in many cases, but the view of the outback is better from ground level. Prince Range: The AustrailPass, with unlimited travel on all ROA railways, ranges from $500 for 14 days in economy class to more than $1500 for 30 days in first class. Austrail flexi-passes run from 8 days of travel in 60 days (economy) to 15 days of travel in 60 days (first class). Some routes are restricted. The Kangaroo Road “n” Rail Pass includes limited travel on Greyhound Pioneer buses. All passes must be bought outside Australia. Train tip: wildflower fans must see the spectacular blooms along the Indian-Pacific line from Sydney to Perth in September and October.

Canada: Train travel in the sprawling nation isn't a particularly efficient means of transport, but the Canadian line through the Rockies is popular among rail buffs for its spectacular views. The Canrail Pass allows unlimited coast-to-coast economy-class travel on VIARail lines for 12 days within a 30-day period. Price range: During the low season (January 6 – May 31 and October 1 – December 14) passes are around $400 for adults and about $300 for those under 25 or over 60. During the high season, they are at least $700 and $500. Canrail passes are not honored December 15 to January 5. Purchase passes from VIARail, Amtrack, or a travel agent. Train tips: In 1992, Canada's national passenger railway launched a restored, stainless steel fleet of passenger cars built in the 50s. The cars retain their art deco sleekness, but are updates with showers and advanced suspension systems.

University Tour. Photo by Elena.

Europe: A way of life for the teeming masses of backpacktoting college grads that storm Europe every summer, the Eurail pass is valid in many countries in Continental Europe (without any notable exceptions). The cheaper Europass covers three to five of the following nations: France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland. And passes must be purchased in the United States and are good for 6 months from the time of purchase. Any travel agent can order passes.

Price Range: Eirailpass runs for 5 days of travel in 60 days to 90 days of unlimited travel. Youth passes are available for those under 26. Europass prices range from $400 for 5 days of travel to 60 days in three countries to $900 for 15 days of travel in 60 days in five countries. Train tip : if you're in a hurry, try the French TGV. It set the world record for passenger rail speed at 320 mph in 1999 and averages 130 mph on regular passenger routes.

India: Rail travel is a popular but slow alternative to India's sometimes harrowing airline system. Indrail passes are available in three classes : air-conditioned first class(sometimes includes a sleeper), regular first class or air-conditioned chair car (different cars, same pass), and second class (which tends to be very crowded). The definition of “first class” varies from line to line. Tickets must be purchased outside of India. From one day pass (second class) to up to 90-day unlimited travel pass (air-conditioned first class). Train tip: Many lines here rely on ancient telexes to confirm reservations; travelers often are stranded when the telex fails.

Japan: If you intend to do even minimal travel in Japan, a train pass is a great investment. An ordinary 7-day pass costs less than a round-trip ticket from Tokyo to Osaka, and the extensive Japan Raiway (JR) system rivals that of Continental Europe for speed and convenience. JR passes come in two flavors: green (first class) and ordinary (economy) . Both include travel on most Shinkansen (bullet trains), some buses, and the ferry between Honshu and Mijajuma. From $400 for a 7-day ordinary pass to $1200 for a 21-day green pass. Children 6 to 11 are half-price. Passes must be purchased outside Japan. Train trip: A 7-day train pass costs about as much as a cab from Narita airport to downtown Tokyo. Don't take a cab.

United Kingdom: Britain is not included in Eurail packages, but it does offer several rail passes of its own. Among them are the Britpass, the BritGermany Pass, and the BritFrance Pass. All include travel in Wales and Scotland, and some include ferry travel. All passes must be purchases in the United States and are good for six months from the time of purchase. A travel agent can provide details and order passes. Britpasses range from 10 days of travel to 30 days days, economy or unlimited travel (first class). Train tip: The Chunnel beneath the English Channel opened in 1994, allowing direct travel from London to Brussels, Paris, and Amsterdam.

U.S.A.: Despite government subsidies, Amtrak has had trouble competing with airlines in most areas except along the Eastern Seaboard and parts of the West Coast, so it has abandoned many less popular lines. Train travel enthusiasts might consider Amtrak's All Aboard America fares, though. They are good for 45 days, but you must choose your itinerary in advance and are allowed only three stopovers. Amtrak divides the nation into three regions: east, west and central.. Tickets range from $300 in one region to $900 (peak) for travel in all three regions. Peak season is from June 17 to August 21. There is a 50 percent discount for children 2 to 15 and a 15 percent discount for seniors over 62. Train tip: Amtrak began the first regularly scheduled transcontinental train service in U.S. History in 1993. The Sunset Limited makes the 3,000-mile journey from Miami to Los Angeles in just 69 hours.