Rail travel and passes for Aussies abroad
The idea of bumping your way around the world on a series of trains, or at least as part of any journey has seen a bit of a rebirth in popularity. Perhaps it’s the hassles of today’s flying; with long lines for security and cramped seats leading people to look elsewhere. Or maybe it’s just the romance of the idea; of taking it slow when everything is speeding up around us (though a bullet train in Europe or Japan can be quicker than flying).
The experience of riding different trains worldwide is impossible to generalise. In South America you might have live chickens for company, in India it might be thousands of other sweaty humans or you might have a Titanic like society experience on the more expensive options around the world.
All train services will have varying ‘classes’ to choose from, with the lower being the cheaper and more crowded, to cabins with your own bed in 1stclass. ‘Tourist’ class tickets can often be a good choice, as you may land aircon/heating and a comfortable seat. It can be well worth paying the extra for a higher class of seat, especially on overnight trips where even a cramped bed will be a godsend.
Below are some of the most popular rail passes Aussies will use while abroad. Such passes allow you a flexible way to see a country or region and are typically limited to certain timeframes (from 2 days – 1 year)
America
Amtrak (http://www.amtrak.com/) Has 15-30 day passes from around $250AUD (more in peak times May-August – December-January). You can but online and collect from a station when you arrive. Covers the extensive Amtrack network through the States as well as passes that include Canada.
India
Indra Pass (http://www.indianrail.gov.in/intert.html/) Starting with a half day pass through to 90 days, these passes will help get you around India and help you avoid perhaps the biggest danger in India; the road toll. Over 150,000 Indians are predicted to die on the roads in 2010: a decent reason to choose the train (check out this article on the road toll in India) . The website lists places to buy the passes; through a travel agent in the Indian capitals is the easiest.
Europe
Eurail. The most popular train pass in Europe that makes budget airlines a poor cousin in terms of comfort and expereince. If you have the time these passes are the best way to get around the continent. It’s only available to Non-Europeans (lucky us) and gets more expensive in peak times (Christmas and their summer). The passes are available in a range of options and will cover most European countries. There are also decent discounts for full time students (see website for details).
Sleeping overnight on the train will save you a hectic day in the airport, while travelling by day through the Swiss Alps sh.ts all over the bus or flying.
Britrail (http://www.britrail.com/) Has various passes covering England, Scotland and Ireland (Non Brits only). You can get a range of passes valid from one day to a month.
A useful site
The Man in Seat 61 (http://www.seat61.com/) Is a site with comprehensive train information and advice, particularly for Europe and helpful for other countries as well (including things like the trans Mongolian railway).
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