New Britain Rail Pass Offers Travel Flexibility

Travelers can be more flexible by rail around England, Scotland and Wales in 1989 with BritRail’s Flexipass that allows travelers to take a break without those days counting against the pass. The pass must be bought in the United States.

Today’s passes are based on consecutive days. Once a pass is used, the subsequent days count even if the pass is not used.

BritRail’s Flexipass, however, offers two options. Travel four out of eight days, or eight out of 15 days. Both the eight- and 15-day periods start from the first-day use of the pass, which is good for six months from date of purchase.

The four-out-of-eight-day pass costs $210 for first-class, $149 for second-class. The eight-out-of-15-day pass costs $310 for first-class, $219 for second-class.

Through Next Year

BritRail also is continuing its consecutive-day passes in 1989.

The eight-day pass is $250 first-class and $179 second-class, up from $230 and $166 in 1988. A 15-day pass costs $370 first-class and $259 second-class, up from $350 and $249.

Travelers can also get other passes. A 22-day pass costs $470 first-class and $339 second-class, up from $440 and $319, respectively, in 1988. And a 30-day pass is $540 first-class and $389 second-class, up from $520 and $369, respectively.

These consecutive-day passes also are valid for six months from date of purchase. Buy them at 1988 prices until the end of this year and use them during nearly half of 1989.

BritRail also is offering its London Transport Card, which permits unlimited use of the subway, including the line from Heathrow Airport into London, as well as double-decker buses.

Where to Buy It

The card is for three, four and seven days. The three- or four-day card must be bought in the United States. The seven-day card can be bought here or in London.

There are advantages to buying the card in the United States. One, you don’t need a photo ID card, which is required if you buy it in London (figure about $2 for the photo).

Two, if the seven-day card is bought in the United States, it comes with discount vouchers for sightseeing and restaurants, perks not provided with cards bought in London.

For more information, contact travel agents or BritRail at (213) 624-8787.