Train Travel Tips

U.S.: In the United States of America, we have the Amtrak trains. Amtrak trains are varied: High-speed Acela trains whisk riders between Boston and Washington DC at speeds of up to 150-mph/250-km/h; Northerners trade a dozen hours in traffic for a hassle-free Auto Train-trip to Orlando theme parks; and Coast Starlight guests are pampered as they thrill to breathtaking views along the Pacific shore. Services range from frequent commuter runs with Quiet Cars and WiFi to long-distance trains with spectacular views and hotel-style amenities. See Amtrak for more information.

Amtrak USA train travel tourism guides provide tourism information for Amtrak USA vacation holiday train travel, Amtrak USA weekend getaways and Amtrak USA tourist attractions by train travel. It outlines individual routes and includes brief descriptions. Also covered are special promotions and up-to-date information on requirements for crossing the US/Canadian border by train.

AUSTRALIA: Australia's largest passenger railway operates along three of the country's most important intercity corridors. "The Overland," links Melbourne and Adelaide; "Indian Pacific," travels from Sydney to the Perth and the remote West coast; and "The Ghan," connects Adelaide and Darwin via Alice Springs. Basic Red Kangaroo class or premium Gold Kangaroo with private cabins and reserved lounge and dining services. They also offer passes for multi-day journeys.

NEW ZEALAND: Experience New Zealand's scenic beauty by traveling on one of these passenger rail services: The Overlander train, The TranzCoastal train, The TranzAlpine train or one of the many day train excursions. They have scenic rail passes and combined train and ferry passes.

A flexi -- as in "flexible" -- rail pass offer a practical and thrifty alternative. Flexi Europe rail passes are designed for itineraries entailing fewer travel days with longer stays at individual destinations. Flexi Europe rail passes permit a limited number of travel days over an extended period: generally, from 3-10 travel days within a 2-month period.

Travel Classes: Europe rail passes are variably available in two classes, 1st and 2nd. Eurail Global Europe rail pass and Eurail Select Europe rail pass are for First Class train travel only. Multi-country Europe rail passes and single-country Europe rail passes are available for First Class train travel and, in some instances, 2nd Class train travel. Scanrail rail passes and Norway rail passes are available only for 2nd Class train travel. All youth Europe rail passes are for 2nd Class train travel. Many Europe rail passes feature free or discounted fares for ferry crossings, boat cruises, connecting buses and private trains. Special reduced fares are also available for night train sleeper upgrades and Eurostar. Discounts for hotels and local attractions may also be included. Discounted travel generally does not use flexipass train travel days. Bonuses must be arranged locally. Check individual links for specific bonus offers.

For limited or unique European train travel itineraries, Regular Train Tickets -- point-to-point; one-way or round-trip -- can offer an economical alternative to rail passes. In some instances a combination of Europe rail pass and train ticket travel may be preferable (for instance, when combining an extended tour of Italy with a side-trip to Paris). Europe rail passes should be obtained in the purchaser's country of residence as they are largely unavailable in Europe. Europe Rail passes do not guarantee seat availabilty. Some European trains -- AVE, Cisalpino, Eurostar Italia and Thalys, for instance -- require reservations for seats (subject to fees and taxes). A passport must be presented to train travel staff whenever a Europe rail pass is used. Other restrictions and fees may apply.

JAPAN: The Japan Rail Pass is a discount ticket allowing unlimited rail travel throughout Japan over a 7, 14 or 21 consecutive day period. Here you can find all the ins and outs of traveling on Japan Rail.

ORIENT EXPRESS: At the top of train travel tips: The train against which all other luxury trains are measured' - Vanity Fair, April 2009. One of the most famous trains in the world, the Orient Express is the ultimate in luxury train travel.

CANADA: The Whistler Mountaineer provides you with an exclusive look at some of the most spectacular views in British Columbia. Following the famous Sea-to-Sky corridor, this three-hour Canadian passenger train experience is a link between two world-class destinations, showcasing Vancouver to Whistler, British Columbia, like never before. The route delivers the unique blend of contrasts that the Sea-to-Sky region is famous for: cities and old-growth forests, bustling action and natural serenity, deep valleys and snow-capped mountain peaks, seascapes and mountain views.

Travelling onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train is The Only Way to see the Canadian Rockies. The two-day rail journey offers an unforgettable Canadian passenger train experience considered by many to be a trip of a lifetime. Recapturing the romance of rail travel, the Rocky Mountaineer follows the historic route constructed over 100 years ago through Canada's West and the Canadian Rockies, uniting the country. The entire train ride takes place during daylight hours to ensure you enjoy every minute of the breathtaking scenery of glacier-fed lakes, majestic mountains ranges and ferocious rivers.

VIA Rail is the national train system for Canada. Taking a train through Canada gives you a wonderful opportunity to see the magnificent grandeur of the Canadian country.

If you're planning a trip with VIA Rail this is the site you've been looking for! You'll find a ton of information here, answering almost all of your travel questions.

SOUTH AFRICA: Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood paneled coaches - classics remodeled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travelers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. The trains - which may be hauled by steam, diesel or electric locomotives at various stages of the journey - carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites. Pride of place in the Rovos stable goes to the historic and newly rebuilt Capital Park Station and locomotive yard, which is the heart and new headquarters of this private railway company.

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