InterRail

InterRail passes are similar to Eurail passes in their intent (to get budget travelers on the rails), but different in operation, coverage, and price. There are also a number of restrictions - you must have been a resident in a particular European country for at least six months, and the pass cannot be used in that country. You can find them on the Web at ® www. inter rail. net.

InterRail prices are very competitive. The system divides the countries of Europe into a series of zones, and you pay according to the number of zones you wish to travel through. Note that, unlike Eurail passes, InterRail passes are for second-class travel only; you must pay a supplement on “fast” trains such as the TGV and ICE or the AVE, Spain’s bullet train. As with Eurail passes, there are discounts ranging from 30 to 50 percent on ferry lines all over Europe.