Discount Passes for Britain, France

This year, BritRail is offering several new deals for students and for travelers 25 and under.

BritRail Youth Flexipass tickets are valid for travelers 16 through 25. The tickets offer unlimited train travel in England, Scotland and Wales, as well as the opportunity to travel at whim. Travelers don’t have to reserve a spot or line up for tickets; they can just hop aboard any train and plunk into any unreserved seat in the standard-class cars.

Together, England, Scotland and Wales comprise an area about one-third the size of Texas. Because they are blanketed with a network of about 2,400 rail stations, train travel is usually very convenient and a good way to meet the locals.

BritRail Youth Flexipasses don’t require travel on consecutive days to get full value. They are valid for unlimited travel on a specified number of days within a particular time period. A Youth Flexipass valid for four days of travel within an eight-day period is $145; for eight days over a 15-day period, it’s $199. And new for this year is a 15-day Youth Flexipass, which can be used over a two-month period. It’s sold for $295.

For some types of travel, regular BritRail Youth Passes, which are valid only for use on consecutive days, are a better deal. This year, an eight-day pass is $169; 15 days is $255; 22 days, $319, and the one-month version costs $375.

Also new for this year, BritRail has introduced special youth rates on passes valid for unlimited travel in both Britain and France.

The BritFrance Youth Passes allow travelers ages 12 to 25 the freedom to hop aboard any train from the northern tip of Scotland down to France’s border with Spain. Even though these tickets can be used only for standard or second-class travel, they are valid for some special services such as Britain’s “Railblazer 225,” and the world’s fastest train, France’s TGV.

A BritFrance Youth Pass, valid for five days of travel within a 15-day period, costs $199. That’s a savings of $50 from the regular adult rate for the same ticket. You can also purchase a version valid for 10 days of travel over a one-month period for $299.

BritFrance passes also include round-trip passage between Britain and France by Hovercraft, which zips across the English Channel in about 40 minutes. Keep in mind that reservations are essential for this service, and will cost an extra $4 per person, per journey.

Those arriving at London’s Gatwick Airport can use the rail pass immediately because there is frequent train service between the airport and Victoria Station in the center of the city. But it’s important to decide whether using up a day of the pass is good value for such a short trip. It may be a better deal to pay the $13 fare for the 40-minute trip and save the pass for a longer journey.

Remember, BritRail passes are not sold in Britain, thus they must be purchased before leaving home.

Those planning long-term visits in Britain can purchase a special Young Person’s Railcard after arriving abroad. It is honored for about a one-third reduction on standard fares during a one-year period.

This card is available to travelers 16 to 23 years old and students who are attending a British school for more than 15 hours weekly, 20 weeks a year. It’s sold at major stations and student travel agencies. To purchase, it is necessary to produce proof of age or student status plus two passport photos. The price is about $32.

Also sold in Britain are youth versions of Tourist Trail Passes, valid for unlimited bus travel on the National and Caledonian Express network throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

Rates for Tourist Trail Passes, available to travelers 16 to 23: five days for $76; eight days for $104; 15 days for $154; 22 days for $184, 30 days for $214.

Tourist Trail Passes can be purchased through travel agents before leaving the United States or at National Express sales agents throughout Britain.