New Rail Pass Links Britain and France

If you like rail travel and are planning a trip to Great Britain and France next year, you might be interested in a new pass that combines the best of two train systems. BritRail and French Rail have created a joint rail pass good for unlimited train travel in both countries.

The new BritFrance Rail Pass will be sold in two versions, starting Jan. 1. Each version will offer travelers the flexibility of choosing how many and which days they want to travel.

Travelers can select any five of 15 days or any 10 days in a 30-day period. The travel days need not be consecutive.

Passes also include round-trip Hovercraft transportation across the English Channel between Dover, England, and Calais or Boulogne, France. Hovercraft trips take about 35 minutes, one way. Take the train to Paris from Boulogne or Calais.

If the Hovercraft discontinues operation because of bad weather, the pass also permits round-trip transportation on the ferry. Ferry journeys take about 1 1/2 hours.

The 5/15-day pass will cost $199 economy, $269 first-class. The 10/30-day pass is priced at $299 economy, $399 first-class.

Children 4 through 11 can travel at half price. Children under 4 years travel free.

The BritFrance Rail Passes have to be bought in the United States, and can be used for six months from date of purchase. The 15 and 30-day periods don’t begin until you start using the pass.

Both BritRail and French Rail have separate rail passes, including those that allow travel on non-consecutive days.

Contact travel agents, BritRail at (213) 624-8787 or French Rail at (213) 274-6934.