Scoring cheap flights isn’t the only way to save money in our travels.
When it comes to Europe, budget airlines like Ryan Air and Wizz Air jet off to some really cool spots, but there’s just something magical about exploring Europe by train.
Not every country is worth it, however. Sometimes taking that cheap flight is justified with the sky-high prices of train tickets.
At least 3 popular countries are doing it right by offering unlimited rail passes to tourists to this spring.
France
Let’s get the trickiest deal out of the way. France is one of the most visited destinations on the planet with endless cities and storybook towns to explore.
While flights are plentiful from all over the world, seeing this mega popular country by rail is the adventure of a lifetime.
But let’s not sugarcoat France’s train travel deals; there are a lot of caveats in what they’re currently offering.
Rumors have been swirling for months of a one-size-fits-all approach, but right now it’s a oui bit complicated.
In their defense, France definitely encourages train travel by both locals and visitors as they have banned domestic flights over 2 and a half hours long.
With no official word on the next steps for an unlimited pass, here is what is official this spring:
Occitanie Rail Tour – a $24 to $60 unlimited pass up to six days operated by liO Train with weekend discounts as low as $1 per ticket. (Excludes July and August)
This deal will allow travelers to see some of the shining stars of France away from the shadow of Paris, with phenomenal cities like Toulouse, Montpellier and Mediterranean beach resorts.
Beyond the Occitanie Rail Tour, there are special deals for the Brittany, Hauts de France, and Nouvelle Aquitaine regions of France, but not quite “unlimited” per se.
Although, Brittany will have hefty discounts up to 75% via TER BreizhGo this summer.
Portugal
Portugal has been one of the trendiest destinations In Europe as of late for many reasons. This incredible country caters to all types of travelers with affordable stays, delightful cities and otherworldly islands, which is a bummer you can’t hop across the ocean by rail.
Nevertheless, Portugal’s mainland is still a stunner and perfect for train travel, especially with the latest offering.
The roughly $50 National Rail Pass was such a hit that the concept has been extended and now offers even more stops included with the pass.
Formerly, intercity and urban routes weren’t covered but that has now changed with the new and improved unlimited pass.
The one caveat is you have to provide a passport photo and fork over an extra $6 to activate your pass, but that’s worth a Starbucks drink back home, right?
As much as digital nomads love Portugal, there may be no better way to see all the sites on the cheap.
Germany
Germany is one of the most historical countries in all of Europe, yet the talk of the town is the monumental shift in public transportation.
The approximately $50 Deutschlandticket (or D-ticket for short) was the original concept of unlimited rail travel in Europe, at least at this crazy low price point.
Travelers can go anywhere in the country for less than $2 per day with the exception of taking what’s classified as long-distance trains.
But, local and regional public transport including trams and buses are all fair game. As an example, a single ride between Berlin and Hamburg will cost about $80, so there’s no question becoming a passholder is the right move.
It’s not confirmed if the pass will be offered next year, so there’s no better time to take advantage as the government has only committed to funding this venture through 2024.
Germany may not gain worldwide attention like France, but this country is easy to reach with many direct flights from the U.S.
Once here, travelers can hit the ground running by train to make their way to bustling cities like Berlin and fairytale towns like Dinkelsbühl.
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