Tag: Train

Here’s How You Can Travel 33 Countries In Europe By Train For Less Than $200
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Are you going on an Euro backpacking trip anytime soon?

You may want to reconsider whatever itinerary you have planned, as we have just come across an irresistible deal that will make your travels much simpler. Instead of multiple, ultra-expensive flights that will likely get delayed in the end, how about booking a single train ticket enabling you to travel across 33 countries for a whole month, or longer, for less than $200?

The Eurail Pass is a Europe-wide initiative aimed at boosting train ridership at a time when carbon emissions are rising, especially after the resumption of international flights, and strengthening connectivity within the continent. Essentially, pass holders are allowed to hop on and off trains as many times as they wish, within a pre-determined period of time, as per existing fare rules.

Pretty exciting, right? Here’s everything you need to know about the increasingly popular ‘Europe train pass’:

Travel All Of Europe With A Single Ticket

Known as the Eurail Pass, this ticket grants unrestricted travel to 33 countries within the European region, including both European Union (EU) and non-EU member states, such as Turkey and Serbia. In sum, it grants its holders the right to hop on any train of their liking for a number of days within a specific timeframe (e.g. 7 days within 1 month).

Effectively, it is a pretty good deal for backpackers visiting Europe for longer, as it allows them to travel the continent with a single pass, as opposed to booking separate tickets for each section of their trip. There’s more: if you’re a young traveler, aged 12 to 27, you get a 25% discount off the fare, regardless of the longevity of the pass.

This means you may be eligible for a minimum of 4 days of unlimited travel within Europe for only $188.

Train Travel Is The Way Forward

If there is one trend picking up momentum now that the aviation industry has descended into chaos is long-distance train travel. Originally a transport modality that only a niche of travelers used, either for environmental concerns or for the scenic views, trains are getting more and more affordable now that flight prices have gone through the roof.

The crisis is hitting some countries harder than others, particularly in Europe, where a number of airports have been forced to cap the number of daily flights due to the overwhelming demand, mostly to no avail. Luckily, unlike the Americas, Europe has a well-developed rail system offering links between multiple cross-border destinations.

Surpirisngly, many Americans are not aware the Eurail Pass exists, but one of the best ways to travel Europe is booking this multi-journey ticket valid between one to three months, or the exact amount of time tourists are normally allowed to stay in Europe. Needless to say, train travel is the way forward.

What Are The Eurail Fares And Validity?

Eurail Pass Fares

Unlimited Travel Days Within 1 To 2 Months

12-27 years
- 4 unlimited travel days within 1 month – $188 (2nd class) / $250 (1st class)
- 5 unlimited travel days within 1 month – $215 (2nd class) / $287 (1st class)
- 7 unlimited travel days within 1 month – $255 (2nd class) / $341 (1st class)
- 10 unlimited travel days within 2 months – $306 (2nd class) / $408 (1st class)
- 15 unlimited travel days within 2 months – $376 (2nd class) / $502 (1st class)
28-59 years
- 4 unlimited travel days within 1 month – $250 (2nd class) / $334 (1st class)
- 5 unlimited travel days within 1 month – $287 (2nd class) / $383 (1st class)
- 7 unlimited travel days within 1 month – $341 (2nd class) / $454 (1st class)
- 10 unlimited travel days within 2 months – $408 (2nd class) / $544 (1st class)
- 15 unlimited travel days within 2 months – $502 (2nd class) / $669 (1st class)
60+ years
- 4 unlimited travel days within 1 month – $225 (2nd class) / $300 (1st class)
- 5 unlimited travel days within 1 month – $258 (2nd class) / $344 (1st class)
- 7 unlimited travel days within 1 month – $307 (2nd class) / $408 (1st class)
- 10 unlimited travel days within 2 months – $367 (2nd class) / $490 (1st class)
- 15 unlimited travel days within 2 months – $452 (2nd class) / $602 (1st class)
Continuous Travel

12-27 years
- 15 consecutive days of unlimited travel – $338 (2nd class) / $451 (1st class)
- 22 consecutive days of unlimited travel – $396 (2nd class) / $527 (1st class)
28-59 years
- 15 consecutive days of unlimited travel – $451 (2nd class) / $601 (1st class)
- 22 consecutive days of unlimited travel – $527 (2nd class) / $702 (1st class)
60+ years
- 15 consecutive days of unlimited travel – $406 (2nd class) / $540 (1st class)
- 22 consecutive days of unlimited travel – $474 (2nd class) / $632 (1st class)
Monthly Tickets

12-27 years
- 1 month of unlimited travel – $503 (2nd class) / $682 (1st class)
- 2 months of unlimited travel – $558 (2nd class) / $744 (1st class)
- 3 months of unlimited travel – $689 (2nd class) / $918 (1st class)
28-59 years
- 1 month of unlimited travel – $682 (2nd class) / $909 (1st class)
- 2 months of unlimited travel – $744 (2nd class) / $993 (1st class)
- 3 months of unlimited travel – $918 (2nd class) / $1224 (1st class)
60+ years
- 1 month of unlimited travel – $614 (2nd class) / $819 (1st class)
- 2 months of unlimited travel – $670 (2nd class) / $894 (1st class)
- 3 months of unlimited travel – $827 (2nd class) / $1102 (1st class)
Image by SJ via www.sj.se/en

If you are traveling within a single European country, there is a separate Eurail One Country Pass that can be purchased. Unlike the standard Eurail Pass, prices vary among countries. In Italy, for instance, they start at $107 for 3 days of unlimited travel within 1 month, though it can be as expensive as $326 for a 5-day pass.

What Countries Are Included In The Pass?

A total of 33 European countries participate in the Eurail scheme. Those are:

Map of European countries where Eurail Passes are valid, highlighted in green. Image by Eurail via the Eurail official website.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece (including islands)
- Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales)
- Hungary
- Italy
- Ireland
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg*
- The Netherlands*
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain*
- Sweden
- Turkey
*Only these countries still have Covid entry requirements in place. If you’re flying into Europe via Luxembourg, The Netherlands or Spain, make sure you carry valid health documentation. This may include a mandatory vaccination certificate and/or negative test issued prior to departure.

Eurail passes are also valid for bus and ferry journeys in select locations, such as Spain, where AML, Balearia and Grimaldi Ferry Lines are included. In Sweden, some of the participating ferry operators are Finnlines, Fjord Line, Stena Line and Viking Line, among others. Tourists can find the complete list of participating transport operators on this link.

How Do I Buy And Use An Eurail Pass?

In order to be eligible to buy an Eurail Pass, you must fulfill two simple requirements:

*This does not mean Europeans are barred from traveling by train without limits – they are simply required to apply for the Interrail Pass instead, which works just like the Eurail.

Tickets can be purchased via the official website, where tourists will be expected to create an account, providing details such as age, nationality and country of residence (for eligibility purposes). They will also be required to select the exact duration of their pass. The process is quite straightforward and the product is delivered directly to their Eurail account.

The pass can also be sent by post, in paper form, to their home in the U.S., Canada, or other locations ahead of their flight to Europe. Personally, we would recommend sticking to the online ticket as it is delivered within seconds of buying, and you won’t risk your mail getting lost, or damaging the actual ticket during your travels.

Once they have the Eurail Pass in hands, Americans are free to explore the whole of Europe by train, North to South, East to West and Central, according to their pre-selected number of travel days. It is worth noting it may be necessary to make a free seat reservation on some routes in advance, or at the station prior to departure.

This applies mostly to high-speed and night trains, where seating availability may be limited. Using the pass is super easy as well: if you’re carrying a paper ticket, you’ll need to have an official ‘activate’ it before your first trip, preferably at larger train stations such as Paris Gare du Nord, London’s King Cross, or Amsterdam Centraal. Activation includes getting a stamp indicating the ‘start and end day’ of the pass.

Alternatively, e-pass holders can simply activate it themselves after ordering from the official website. Lastly, it is of utmost importance that all Eurail customers manually fill in their travel diary, which is usually attached to their paper ticket or their online booking, detailing their departure station, departure time and destination for each trip.

In case they don’t keep a record of their traveling in the Eurail diary, including online, their pass will not be considered ‘valid’ by staff, and fines may incur. For more information on how to use the pass and fill in the correct travel information, travelers are advised to contact Eurail or qualified staff at stations. Once the Pass is validated ahead of the inaugural trip, the ‘clock’ starts running.

What Are Some Of The Recommended Train Journeys?
- The Highlands of Scotland, where incredible natural scenery can be found, including the mystical Loch Ness and Great Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis
- The night train from Vienna to Budapest, famous for being one of the most scenic train rides in Europe
- The dreamy Turkey trip between Ankara, Turkey’s capital, to the historical Kars, with breahtaking views o the Anatoliann highlands
- The relaxing 7-hour journey from Paris to Milan with the world-class Frecciarossa, passing through the idyllic French countryside
- The Glacier or Bernina Express, traveling through the majestic Swiss Alps into Northern Italy
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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August 3, 2022
New Tourist Train Connecting Cancun To Major Tourism Destinations Will Launch Next Year
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Last Updated 9 mins ago

Maya Train Set To Connect The Yucatan Peninsula Like Never Before

An exciting new railway system is set to be unveiled in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in 2023 after the government removed roadblocks surrounding its development. The controversial project will connect the popular hub of Cancun with countless towns, cities, and sites around the region like never before.

Cancun, along with the likes of Playa del Carmen and Tulum, is an incredibly popular destination for sun-seeking vacationers but suffers from a lack of connectivity with the wealth of cultural attractions in its surrounding area. The vast majority of visitors to the region have their sights set on an all-inclusive resort in the hotel zone and rarely venture out unless on an organized tour.

The new railway project, The Maya Train, is set to change all that. The sprawling 948-mile line will connect Cancun with the entire peninsula with ease, offering tourists and residents alike the chance to explore the region with independence, transforming the landscape for the industry. The line will pass through the states of Quintana Roo, Yucutan, Chiapas, Campeche, and Tabasco.

If estimates are correct, tourists will now be connected with as many as 190 individual cultural sites, archeological zones, or tourist attractions. 46 Mayan sites will be accessible, as well as 14 of Mexico’s “Magical Towns,” which are villages or towns noted for their cultural significance or beauty.

The final product will be a large loop with two offshoots to reach destinations slightly further out and will feature twenty individual train stations at strategic points around the peninsula.

Tourists can expect the typical big names to all have their own station. Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Morelos, all the major beach destinations, will be connected along their short strip of the Mexican Caribbean coast, opening the opportunity for resort loyalists to try a quick trip to another town with ease.

More exciting is the new kind of travel experience it will provide regular visitors and new ones alike. Cancun is generally avoided by cultural tourists due to the lack of historic sites in the immediate vicinity and the emphasis on luxury and resort life. When the system is completed, travelers will now be able to visit the likes of Merida, recently named one of the best cities in the world to visit.

Merida highlights a drastically different experience from the beachside resorts, offering a chance to try more local food, understand the colonial history of the area, and move at a different pace than the hotel zones.

There’s also a stop for the world-famous Mayan ruin, Chichen Itza, one of the wonders of the world. Previously, if visitors to Cancun or Tulum had intended to visit the site, the easiest way would have been to book an organized tour or rent a car. The train simplifies the accessibility issues of visiting, adding to the value of a stay anywhere in the peninsula.

Other interesting stops on the line include often neglected Quintana Roo capital Chetumal and several other lesser-known inland towns.

The project hasn’t been without its controversies, however, and dissenters have successfully stalled its construction several times. Environmentalists and historians have scorned the seemingly rushed development of the Maya Train. Many claim the construction in some areas is bulldozing through valuable undiscovered Mayan archeology zones, destroying pieces of Mexico’s cultural heritage.

Those protecting the environment are concerned about underground caverns and cenotes that will be destroyed in the process. Many of these caves were also sacred places for the Mayan civilization and could also be valuable archeology sites. Others have highlighted the destruction of rainforest areas in the region.

Mexico’s government is often accused for cutting corners for financial benefit, and it appears to have wrangled its way around any further roadblocks by declaring the project a “National Security Project,” which grants it priority over some of the cultural discrepancies that have been brought to light.

If all goes to plan, the train linee should be functional by the end of 2023, although it is likely it may be extended into 2024 along with Tulum’s new airport.

A full list of the intended Maya Train Stations are listed below:
- Palenque
- Tenosique
- Balancan
- Escárcega
- San Francisco de Campeche
- Mérida, Izamal
- Chichén Itzá
- Valladolid
- Cobá
- Cancún
- Puerto Morelos
- Playa del Carmen
- Tulum
- Felipe Carrillo Puerto
- Bacalar
- Calakmul
- El Triunfo
- Boca Del Cerro
- Xpujil
- Nuevo Xsan
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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July 21, 2022
Mexico Government Confirms Mayan Train Will Launch From Cancun In 2023

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The Mexican Government has confirmed this week its ambitious Mayan Train project will be going ahead as planned, with a final launch date set for 2023. Despite some major setbacks recently, including the temporary suspension of construction in key sections, Cancun will soon be connected by rail to numerous other hotspots in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Marred by controversy since it was first presented, the scenic train risked never leaving the drawing board. From triggering the ire of hoteliers, who strongly opposed the installation of train tracks close to their beach front, to being delayed a number of times following strict environmental reviews, it seemed unlikely it would open anytime soon… Until now.

Starting next year, tourists will be able to travel the Riviera Maya extensively, including inland sites that were once largely inaccessible:

A Quick Recap: What Is The Mayan Train?

The Mayan Train, or Tren Maya in Spanish, is a 948 mile long intercity train that has been in the works for a number of years. It is Mexico’s boldest attempt yet to ease travel across its sparsely populated Yucatan Peninsula, which comprises three of Mexico’s most popular states: the eponymous Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Campeche.

While highways in Mexico offer access to a number of cities and destinations off the beaten path, the country has never invested heavily in railway infrastructure, like its North American counterparts, until recently. Although its main goal is boosting tourism in less-visited areas, the Tren Maya will also massively improve connectivity for locals.

Planned Route Of The Mayan Train, Yucatan Peninsula, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Beginning in Palenque, in the non-Yucatan state of Chiapas, it will travel northeast-bound towards Cancun, encircling the whole historical peninsula. On its East Coast route, the train will call at Chetumal, Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos, offering easy access to all the main tourist destinations in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

On the Peninsula’s North and West Coast, visitors will be able to travel by rail to Nuevo Xcan, Valladolid, the famous pre-Columbian city of Chichen Itza, Izamal, the historical Merida, home to Mexico’s oldest cathedral, and San Francisco de Campeche. In the Southern line, destinations include Boca del Cerro, El Triunfo, Escarcega, Xpujil and Bacalar.

What Has The President Actually Said?

Regardless of the battle being fought in court against environmentalists, who are urging the Government not to move forward with the so-called fifth section of the train, citing irreversible damage to archaeological sites, Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Orador has at last confirmed the Mayan Train will leave its Cancun terminal ‘by 2023’.

During a press conference, Obrador reaffirmed that launching the train is ‘an affair of the State’, and ensured it be fully operational next year, though he didn’t specify a date. Besides reiterating his full commitment to the project, the President hit back at protesters, effectively accusing them of pursuing their own agenda and calling them ‘corrupt’.

What Is The Status Of The Mayan Train?

Even though Obrador’s statements are reassuring, and he seems adamant the remaining tracks will be laid in time for a launch next year, a settlement to the ongoing legal dispute is yet to be reached. Earlier this year, a Yucatan judge ruled that no more tracks should be laid on the fifth section until further environmental evaluations are carried out.

This stretch is perhaps one of the most important on the rail map, as it connects Tulum, famous for its Mayan ruins, to the paradise beaches of Playa del Carmen, running for roughly 37 miles. Additionally, until the section is completed, Cancun is virtually cut off from the Southern Riviera Maya, as all trains bound for Chetumal will call at Tulum.

One of the authorities behind the venture, Fonatur, Mexico’s National Fund for the Promotion of Tourism, released a new report asserting that progress has in fact been made in laying tracks. Namely, 4 of the 7 sections have had advancements, but due to pending environmental and archaeological reviews, the Tulum-Playa del Carmen stretch is not among them.

On July 3, during his tour of the construction sites, Obrador visited the Merida-Cancun route, or section number four, starting in Izamal and terminating at Cancun International Airport. This route runs for 159 miles and, as claimed by Obrador, is 50% complete. Interestingly, this is the first time the President has ever offered an update as precise as this.

Train Ridership Is Increasing As Air Travel Turns Chaotic

As air travel descends into chaos, following reports of staffing constraints at airports, more and more travelers are turning to alternative transportation as a means to avoid being affected by the increasingly common flight delays. Train travel is one such alternative, with ridership in parts of America now up 25% compared to last year’s figures.

After two years of being placed on hold, Amtrak’s cross-border service to Canada relaunched last month, bringing back international train travel between the United States and its Northern neighbor. Over in Europe, Germany launched a seasonal train pass, allowing passengers to travel to various destinations within the country for only 9 euros.

The irresistible offer, in place during summer, is the German Government’s bid to ease air traffic congestion and promote sustainable travel. Once a thing of the past, sleeper trains are making a comeback of their own as well, as slow/solo travel trends peak. You get our point: while airlines do not get their act together, it seems no one is in a rush to fly anywhere.

It should come as no surprise, then, that Mexico is keen on investing on its own rail infrastructure. More Tren Maya updates can be found on the Mexican Government’s website and at our partners’ The Cancun Sun, another Off Path Enterprises production specialized in Cancun/ Riviera Maya news.

Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

These Are The The Top 3 Destinations In Mexico For American Tourists This Summer

Mexico Authorities Partner With AirBnB To Provide Safer Vacation Rentals For Tourists

Mexico Fails U.S. Airspace Safety Review as Airport Saturation Continues

Italy Launches Campaign To Promote 1000 Off The Beaten Path Destinations

↓ Join the community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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July 10, 2022