Rail Europe flags a big year

Rail Europe is on track for a strong year as more Australians let the train take the strain across the continent.

New high-speed services, including one linking France and Spain (pictured left) , deals on wheels and an awareness that a fast train is sometimes quicker, and a lot more comfortable than travel by low cost carrier or car, is driving the growth in rail travel.

Three million passengers travelled with Rail Europe last year and growth in sales this year is expected to be 8%.

Eurail Pass sales suffered a 20% drop last year, predominantly due to a surge in advanced purchase point-to-point ticket sales on high-speed services.

Ingrid Kocijan, manager Australasia, Rail Europe, said baby boomers were moving to rail for the convenience and ease of train travel. Travel companies were also starting to offer river cruise and rail packages for travellers keen to add rail travel around Europe to the start or finish of a cruise.

"Australians are now more confident about organising their rail travel, which in most cases is quicker and more convenient than other forms of transport," she said.

"You can travel from Paris to Avignon on high-speed rail in about three and a half hours. It would take you six hours by car."

Among the best value rail passes on offer is the Swiss Pass, which can be purchased for 4, 8, 15 or 22 consecutive days or one complete month.

It includes unlimited travel on all public transportation throughout the country in more than 75 cities, a 50% price reduction off most mountain railways (left)  and cable-cars as well as free admission to more than 470 museums.

Finally, the Swiss Travel System is particularly appealing for families as every Swiss Pass visitor will get a complimentary Family Card, permitting children under 16 (and accompanied by at least one parent) to travel free of charge on public transport nationwide.
 

Rail Europe’s GSAs including Rail Plus, Rail Tickets, CIT Holidays and Infinity Rail in Australia and Rail Plus and Go Holidays in New Zealand have released their lowest ever first class fares on selected routes between France, Germany and Belgium.

Agents booking rail tickets on behalf of their clients travelling between Paris and Brussels, Cologne or Amsterdam; Lille and Amsterdam; and between Brussels and Amsterdam or Cologne can now pass on the savings before the end of August 2014.

Starting at A$48/NZ$52 one way, these fares are exclusive to Rail Europe GSAs. Travel must be completed between August 16 and November 30 2014.