We didn't know about
EuRAIL

     

Photo courtesy of Eurail

What are some of the “things” or activities that Eurail passengers do for fun?

ANSWER: Eurail Passengers are happy to spend countless hours gazing out of train windows while traveling through multiple countries with one Eurail Pass, absorbing Europe’s culture and sceneries, taking pictures of landscapes not possible at 33,000 feet. European trains offer a cultural experience that begins right at the railroad station, which may be a classic 19th century Beaux Arts monument or the latest architectural dazzler. Europe’s trains are virtually inseparable from European culture and are just as much a part of the travel experience as sightseeing. Passengers on the trains enjoy meeting other travelers, sharing activities such as playing cards, having meals together in a dining car or bond over a “picnic” with sandwiches bought at one of the train stops along the way. Others read, post stories on line if Wi-Fi is available, listen to music or hang out at the cafeteria, trying local beers and wines, making new-found friends!

What's one thing the public probably does NOT know about Eurail?

Photo courtesy of Eurail

ANSWER: Many people have the preconception that Eurail is a train. However, Eurail is simply a rail pass which offers a unique way to travel through Europe by rail. Eurail is the result of a long-standing cooperation between a wide range of railway companies, all of which have their own unique characteristics, rules and policies. The Eurail Group GIE acts as the management and marketing organization, the central link between all the member railway networks in order to streamline the Eurail Pass products. Nevertheless, the railways ultimately are responsible for their own rail services. As a result, in some cases, luxury services, such as high-speed trains and night trains, fall outside the scope of the Eurail Pass and compulsory seat/bed reservations need to be purchased separately. Eurail Passes can be purchased from Eurail Group’s authorized sales agents: Rail Europe, Eurail.com, ACP Rail International, STA Travel and Flight Centre.

What has Eurail contributed to the world?

Photo courtesy of Eurail

ANSWER: The concept of creating a Eurail Pass was conceived back in 1959 when the post-World-War II mass tourism market was in its infancy. As more and more overseas visitors flocked to Continental Europe, Europe’s pioneering railway companies saw a perfect opportunity to expand their markets by offering a special pass to foreigners. Now valid in 23 participating countries (practically the whole European continent), the Eurail Global Pass gives travelers the freedom to travel as far as they want, when they want and as long as they want. In Europe, where gasoline has always been expensive, highly developed national rail systems have long been a vital means of cost-efficient and comfortable transportation. With almost 138,000 miles (222,000 kilometers) of track in today’s European railway network covered by Eurail, rail travel offers a safe, fast and reliable alternative to airplanes and cars. With a growing concern about climate change, energy-efficient trains are also seen as the “greener,” more virtuous alternative to fuel-guzzling, carbon dioxide emitting cars and airplanes. “Travelling by rail uses 2 to 3 times less energy than journeys by road,” according to New European Economy, awarding Eurail Group G.I.E. with the “Best Sustainable Travel Award” in 2009 and 2010.

For further information about Eurail, click-on: www.eurailgroup.org.

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