Low-cost Eurail pass alternative
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Travelers wanting to see 17 European countries in 15 days should stick with the old Eurail pass, which allows 15 consecutive days of travel for $554.
But finally, there is a cheaper, less ambitious alternative.
Eurail Select passes, which went on sale last month, will allow first-class travel to three bordering countries. The passes, good for five, six, eight or 10 days of travel over a two-month period, cost $328 to $476.
Savings depend on your itinerary. For example, regular train fare from Paris to Lyon to Zurich to Frankfurt involves just three travel days and costs $405. Check with a travel agent or Rail Europe (the company behind Eurailpass): www.raileurope.com, 888-382-7245.
There are many other types of Eurail passes, and the company has a 44-page catalog that can help you sort them out. Eurail is not the only type of rail pass available, of course - countries have their own passes - and a good source for deciding which is best for you is the free Guide to European Railpasses published by Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door Inc. The 2001 guide is available by calling 425-771-8303, at www.ricksteves.com/rail or by mail from Box 2009, Edmonds, WA 98020.