Rail Travel in Europe

Traveling through Europe by rail is going to be easier in 1988, when Eurail introduces Flexipass in January.

Unlike other Eurailpasses, which are based on traveling on consecutive days, the new pass will allow you to break up your journey.

For example, you could travel by rail in one or more countries, spend a few days at a destination without the days counting as part of a usage period, and then continue traveling again. Cost of the pass, which has to be bought in the United States as do other Eurail passes, is $310. Similarly, as with most Eurailpasses, travel is in first-class. You’re also entitled to various complimentary or reduced-rate perks on steamers, ferries and buses.

Rates for other Eurailpasses will go up for the most part in 1988, but will still represent one of the better values for European travel.

A 15-day pass will cost $298, up from $280. The 21-day pass is $370, up from $350, with a one-month pass rising to $470 from $440. There also will be two- and three-month passes for $650 and $798 next year, up from $620 and $760.

Eurail also is continuing Saverpass. The pass allows three or more people to travel 15 consecutive days. The group has to travel together throughout. The 1988 price will still be $210. In addition, from Oct. 1 through the end of March, 1988, the Saverpass can be used by two people traveling together--again for $210 per person.

There is a Eurail Youthpass you can buy if you’re younger than 26. The one-month pass will cost $320, up from $310; a two-month pass will be $420, up from $400. Travel is in second-class.

The rail travel and other assorted benefits cover 16 countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, West Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

If you’re going to spend a good deal of time in one country, the national rail passes that most countries offer would be a better bet.

For more information, contact travel agents. Or French National Railroads at (213) 274-6934 or Germanrail’s representative at (213) 393-8787.