New Rail Passes for Eastern Europe

Travelers headed to Eastern Europe now have several options to consider when traveling by rail.

Rail Europe, which handles sales for most of the European rail passes, will introduce the Polrail Pass on Jan. 1. This pass will allow unlimited rail travel within Poland during 8- , 15- , 21- or 30-day periods. Each pass must be used on a consecutive-day basis. The 8-day pass costs $50 first-class and $35 second-class; for 15 days, $60 first-class and $40 second-class; 21 days, $67 first-class and $45 second-class, and for one month, $75 first-class and $50 second-class.

Hungary has two passes to consider, both offering more flexibility in planning. The Hungarian Flexipass provides a choice of any five days of unlimited rail travel within a 15-day period for $35, or 10 days of rail travel in a one-month period for $55. Each is for first-class rail travel.

The European East pass offers unlimited first-class travel on the rail systems of Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Poland. Travelers may choose any five days out of a 15-day period for $160, or 10 days out of a one-month period for $259.

Prices are going up in 1992 for the popular Eurailpasses, which are still good buys if you plan to roam around the Continent. The Eurail Flexipass, which allows a choice of 5 travel days out of 15, will cost $280 next year, compared to $230 in 1991. You can also travel for 9 days out of a 21-day period for $450, up from $398, or 14 days out of one month for $610, up from $498.

The passes, which have to be bought in the United States, offer unlimited rail travel in 17 European countries. Valid only for first-class rail travel, the passes provide such other perks as reduced or complimentary fares on ferries, steamers and buses.

Countries covered by the Eurailpass are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Many of these countries have separate rail passes good within their borders that might be a better buy for travelers who plan to spend most of their time in that nation. Some passes cover more than one country, such as with the Scandinavian pass.

If you plan to travel to Europe during the first few months of 1992, a good idea is to buy your rail passes now, at 1991 rates. The passes are good for six months from issuance.

Contact travel agents or Rail Europe at (800) 345-1990.