Pay 20-45% Less for Rail Travel in France; New Range of French Ticket Prices Announced by Rail Europe

White Plains, NY, October 13, 2005 -- While high fuel costs are making it more expensive to fly and drive, traveling by train in France now costs less for North Americans buying their tickets here from Rail Europe, thanks to a new range of fares on most French trains.

Savings for advance purchase, youth and senior travel

Previously there was only one set price in 1st class and one in 2nd for point-to-point tickets purchased in North America. Rail Europe’s new wider range of fares can save 20-45% over those previous prices. Similar to the different price levels for air tickets, these new fares change frequently and depend on the day and time of travel, with higher prices for peak travel times and the steepest discounts for advance purchase. In addition to two categories of “book early” fares, there are also low fares for youth (under 26) and senior (60 and over.) Full fare tickets, which are 100% refundable/exchangeable, are also offered.

Examples of 20-45% savings

A ticket Paris-Nice costs from $75 US/$99 CAD (2nd class) or from $94 US/$124 CAD (1st class) vs the set prices of $129 US/$169 CAD (2nd) or $166 US/$218 CAD (1st.) These lower prices are for nonrefundable/nonexchangeable “book early” fares, which must be purchased at least 14 days before the travel date.

Another new development is that French tickets may now be purchased from Rail Europe as far in advance as 90 days, compared to 60 days previously.

“If you wait to buy tickets in France, all the advance purchase tickets may be gone, and you will have to pay more,” notes Fabrice Morel, President and CEO of Rail Europe Group. “Now it really pays to check our website often and book rail tickets in advance before leaving North America.”

To book French rail tickets or other European tickets and railpasses, contact a travel agent, log on to www.raileurope.com (U.S.) or www.raileurope.ca (Canada), or call Rail Europe at 1-888-382-7245 (U.S.) or 1-800-361-7245 (Canada.)

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