New Austria And Czech Republic Pass From Rail Europe; Latest in Range of Affordable Rail Options For Central/Eastern Europe

White Plains, NY, April 8, 2005 -- A new Austria and Czech Republic Pass, available from Rail Europe, is the latest addition to the many railpass options for touring the former Communist countries of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe. This is the first railpass linking the Czech Republic to one of its Western neighbors.

Rail Europe’s new Austria and Czech Republic Pass provides four days of unlimited 1st class rail travel within a 2 month period, starting at $200 US/$ 262 CAD per person when two or more people travel together, $230 US/$ 302 CAD for a solo traveler. A discounted version for young people under 26 traveling in 2nd class sells for $167 US/ $219 CAD. Additional days may be purchased.

Discounted BritRail Passes for Seniors (60 and over) traveling in 1st class, parties of three or more (Party Pass) and families (one free child aged 5-15 per full paying adult) are also available from Rail Europe.

“Off-the-beaten-path” destinations best discovered by rail

For American travelers looking for an “off-the-beaten path” destination that’s a good buy for the shrinking dollar, with plenty of culture, history and scenery as well as fewer tourists, the newly democratic countries of Central/Eastern Europe are the right choice: Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia & Montenegro, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

Rail is the easiest and most cost-effective way to tour the area. Low-cost rail passes from Rail Europe give travelers even more for their dollar, since a pass lets you ride as many trains as you can squeeze into each rail day. Not available in Europe, these passes must be purchased here before leaving for Europe. Rail Europe is the leading North American distributor of European rail products.

Two “big” passes for Eastern Europe and the Balkans

Two other railpasses available from Rail Europe provide the widest range of countries:

European East Pass - valid throughout the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Austria for $162 US/$ 213 CAD (2nd class), $230 US/$302 CAD (1st) for 5 days of rail travel within 1 month, and extra days may be purchased.
Balkan Flexipass - for 1st class travel throughout southeastern Europe: Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Greece and Turkey. Available for 5, 10 or 15 rail travel days within 1 month, starting at $189 US/$248 CAD. Discounted versions are available for seniors (60 and over) and youth (under 26.)

Three more new-for-2005 railpasses

In addition to the new Austria and Czech Republic Pass, Rail Europe offers three other new passes combining countries in Central/Eastern/Balkan Europe:

Eurail Austria ‘n Croatia-Slovenia Pass - 4 days of rail travel within 2 month period, starting at $200 US/$262 CAD per person when 2 or more travel together; additional days available.
Eurail Hungary ‘n Croatia-Slovenia Pass - 5 days of rail travel within 2 months, starting at $170 US/$ 223 CAD per person when 2 or more travel together; available for 6-10 days.
Eurail Hungary ‘n Romania Pass - 5 days of rail travel within 2 months, starting at $170 US/ $223 CAD per person when 2 or more travel together. Available for 6-10 days.

This year and last saw new options for the Balkans added to the Eurail Select Pass, which is a customizable pass, allowing purchasers to choose any 3, 4 or 5 connected countries. Originally offered for the 17 Eurail Global Pass countries, the Eurail Select Pass was expanded in 2004 to include Romania as an option. In 2005, Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro have been added (counted as one country), likewise Slovenia and Croatia (counted as one.) A 3-country Eurail Select Pass starts at $316 US/$ 414 CAD per person for 2 traveling together.

Inexpensive single-country railpasses for the “New Europe” - most under $100

Bulgarian Flexipass - 3 days within 1 month in 1st class for $70 US/$ 92 CAD;
Czech Flexipass - 3 days of rail travel within 15 days in 1st or 2nd class, starting at $52 US/$69 CAD. Additional days may be purchased;
Hungarian Flexipass - 5 days of 2nd class rail travel within a 15-day period for $52 US/$ 69 CAD (2nd class) or $79 US/$ 104 CAD (1st); additional days available;
Romanian Pass - 3 days of 1st class rail travel within 15 days for $99 US/$130 CAD, and additional days may be purchased.

For more information on rail products throughout Europe - both Old and New - contact a travel agent or call Rail Europe at 1-888-382-7245 in the U.S. or 1-800-361-7245 in Canada or log on to the company’s Web site, www.raileurope.com (U.S.) or www.raileurope.ca (Canada.)

Photos: members of the press may download high-res photos of Eurostar and other European trains at www.raileurope.com/presspix