FrenchRail to Retain Its Pass System in 1990

FrenchRail will continue to offer its four- and nine-day rail passes in 1990. These passes allow you unlimited train travel and the flexibility of choosing which days you want to travel within a given time period.

The four-day pass, which has to be used within a 15-day period, will cost $149 first-class, up from $134 in 1989. The second-class rate will remain at $99.

The nine-day pass, which has to be used within a one-month period, is priced at $249 first-class, up from $224, and $175 second-class, compared to $160 this year.

The four- and nine-day passes also include such extras as round-trip airport transfers in Paris, one-day Metro passes, admission to the Pompidou Museum and a 50% discount on Seine River excursion boats.

Similarly, FrenchRail and Avis are continuing their seven- and 15-day rail and drive passes in 1990. These passes also allow you to travel on non-consecutive days within specific time periods. However, two people have to travel together on these passes.

The seven-day pass permits four days of rail travel and three days of using the rental car within a 15-day period. Using first-class rail travel, the cost in 1990 will be $199, up from $179. The second-class rail travel rate stays at $149.

The 15-day pass allows nine days of train travel and six days of car rentals within a one-month period. The cost of first-class rail travel will be $329, up from $299. Second-class train travel is $279, compared to $249 in 1989.

Prices for the seven- and 15-day rail-and-drive passes are per person. The offer includes unlimited mileage with the rental car, the value-added tax and a free drop-off at any Avis agency in France. Many of the car agencies are at train stations.

In addition, there is a train/car/air pass that allows four days of rail travel, three days’ car rental with Avis and one day of unlimited air travel on Air Inter, a domestic French airline, at $229 per person, up from $199.

These eight days of different forms of travel can be used as you wish during a 15-day period. The offer is also based on two people traveling together.

All of these passes have to be bought in the United States. While their validity begins with the first day of use, they are good six months from the purchase date. Therefore, if you plan to travel in France during the first part of 1990, you might be able to save some money by buying the passes this year at 1989 rates.

Contact travel agents.