Eurail Adds Hungary

Starting on Jan. 1 the Eurail system will include Hungary as its 17th European country, making it the first in Eastern Europe to take part in the rail system.

The other 16 countries are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, West Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Eurail plans to continue its Flexipass next year; it was introduced earlier this year. Rates next year will be $340 for a nine-day pass, compared to $310 this year. The pass enables travelers to use the rail system in any of the participating countries for nine days during a 21-day period.

Unlike many other rail passes, which are based on consecutive day periods, the Flexipass allows you to break your journey as you wish without time spent at a destination counting as part of your usage period. The 21-day period begins from your first use of the pass.

Rates for the Saverpass are going up from $210 this year to $230 next year. This pass, next April 1 to Sept. 30, 1989, will permit three or more people to travel 15 consecutive days together, each at this rate. During the rest of the year the Saverpass can be used by two people traveling together, again for $230 per person.

Prices for the other Eurail passes also will rise next year, but the assorted passes still represent one of the best values for getting around Europe inexpensively and conveniently.

A 15-day pass next year will cost $320 for 15 consecutive days, up from $298. A 21-day pass will be $398, up from $370. A monthlong pass is available for $498 compared to $470 this year. A two-month pass will cost $698 and a three-month pass $860, up from $650 and $798.

These passes are only for first-class travel. They must be bought in the United States. Other benefits include assorted free or reduced fares on steamers, ferries and buses.

A Eurail Youthpass is available if you’re under 26. Travel is in second-class. The rate next year for a one-month pass is $360 (up from $320); it’s $470 for two months (up from $420).

All of the passes are generally good for six months from the date of purchase, with the clock only ticking once you use the pass. Accordingly, you might be able to save money by buying a pass this year for use early next year.

Some countries have separate national rail passes that might be a better bet if you plan to spend a good deal of time in that country.

Contact travel agents. Other sources are the French National Railroads at (213) 274-6934, Italian State Railways at (213) 338-8620 or GermanRail’s representative at (213) 393-8787.