Transportation Cards for Austria and Greece

Greece and Austria have launched discount transportation cards for travelers.

The Greek card, which must be bought in Greece, covers both rail and bus travel. It is good for 10, 20 or 30 days.

During this consecutive-day time span you get unlimited second-class travel on the rail system and on the bus network. Passes are available for one to five persons.

Based on the current value of the dollar, rates for one person are $40 for 10 days, $60 for 20 days and $89 for 30 days. The cost for two, three or four persons is based on the single rate. For example, the cost of a 10-day pass for two people would be $80.

For a group of five, however, the cost is $100 for 10 days, $125 for 20 days and $195 for 30 days.

Overall, the discount off regular rail and bus prices is about 45%, according to the Greek National Tourist Organization.

Greece also is a member of Eurail, with this pass good for unlimited rail travel in Greece as well as 16 other European countries. The Eurailpass also offers various bonuses, including ferry rides to some of the Greek islands.

For more information, contact the Greek National Tourist Organization, 611 West 6th St., Los Angeles 90017, (213) 626-6696.

The Austrian Railway Network has introduced a Rabbit Card that allows travelers to choose any four days out of a 10-day period for unlimited travel on its system. The Rabbit Card also is valid for boat trips on Lake St. Wolfgang and narrow-gauge trains throughout Austria.

The pass also provides a 50% discount for boat trips on Lake Constance, and on all scheduled boat service on the Danube River within Austria.

The cost of the pass is approximately $99 first-class and $68 second-class. Until the age of 26 you can get a junior version of the Rabbit Card for $53 first-class and $38 second-class.

The Rabbit Card can’t be bought in the United States, but can be at major train stations and travel agencies in Western Europe. Payment would have to be in the currency of that country.

Meanwhile, Austrian Railways has dropped its nine- and 16-day rail passes that were on a consecutive-day basis. You can still buy a 30-day pass, allowing unlimited rail travel within that period, for about $538 first-class and $238 second-class. Austria is also part of the Eurail system.

Contact the Austrian National Tourist Office, 11601 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2480, Los Angeles 90025-1760, (213) 477-3332.