Train Tour Trip in Central Europe
Heather Hill Cernoch, Leaf Group
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Europe's sophisticated train system is a fast, reliable network of both high-speed and scenic trains, linking Great Britain to Greece. With the countryside, Gothic churches and castles flashing by the window, it's an enjoyable way to see Central Europe. Some travelers opt against renting a car and travel by rail instead, which is often more efficient and economical.
Snug between Western and Eastern Europe, Central Europe includes the countries of Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. Sometimes, Switzerland is considered a Central European country as well. This area offers cities like Berlin, Prague, Budapest and Vienna, as well as the scenic beauty of the Alps, picturesque villages and medieval castles. Central Europe's vast network of trains makes traveling from site to site simple.
One option for train travel in Central Europe is a rail pass, which allows you to hop on and off as many trains as needed. Passes are ideal for travelers who plan to cover a lot of ground, and varying time-frame and country options are available. Each time you board a train, the date is checked on your pass. When you run out of days, your pass expires. The Eurail Select Pass is a good option if you are concentrating on Central Europe; you choose from either three, four or five neighboring countries for five, six, eight, 10 or 15 travel days. Poland is not included in the Eurail Pass. Rail Europe's European East Pass combines travel in Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.
Point-to-Point Tickets
Alternatively, point-to-point tickets offer less freedom but can save you money if you only tour a few destinations in Central Europe. Before you purchase a pass, tally up the cost of individual tickets and compare it to the cost of a pass. If the totals are close, it makes sense to buy the pass. You can purchase point-to-point tickets at train stations as you travel or online. However, it's easier to keep your options open if you purchase as you go rather than making a reservation beforehand.
Overnight Journeys
Some travelers who are going a long distance choose to ride the rails overnight. This option gives you more sightseeing time during the day and can save you the cost of a hotel. Private sleeping cabins are available on many of these trains for added comfort. For example, the Allegro hotel train, which travels in Austria and the Czech Republic, provides single, double, triple, four-bed and six-bed compartments. Luxury cabins have toilets and showers. Rail passes are permitted on overnight trains, but a supplemental fee and reservations are required.
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Heather Hill Cernoch is a Dallas-based writer and editor who has worked in the editorial field since 2001. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications, including "Signature Kitchens & Baths" magazine and the "Dallas Morning News." An avid travel writer, Cernoch has traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Americas. She holds bachelor's degrees in journalism and English from Southern Methodist University.
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Hill, Heather. "Train Tour Trip in Central Europe." Travel Tips - USA Today, https://traveltips.usatoday.com/train-tour-trip-central-europe-29821.html. Accessed 16 July 2019.
Hill, Heather. (n.d.). Train Tour Trip in Central Europe. Travel Tips - USA Today. Retrieved from https://traveltips.usatoday.com/train-tour-trip-central-europe-29821.html
Hill, Heather. "Train Tour Trip in Central Europe" accessed July 16, 2019. https://traveltips.usatoday.com/train-tour-trip-central-europe-29821.html
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