Rail Europe

Immerse into European culture with Rail Europe and Zuza!

Rail Europe, the world leader in European Rail distribution, partnered with Zuza, a culture, lifestyle and fashion Israeli magazine, for a one-of-a-kind-project: discovering Europe and Europeans through train travel. The result is a fascinating photo exhibition, showcased on www.zuza.co.il.

“The idea of this project” explains Yuri Digilov editor of Zuza magazine, “is to show train travel not only as the most comfortable way of transportation within Europe but also as a way of interpersonal communication. Photographers have worked on expressing some of the emotions experienced while travelling by train, either for personal or business reasons”.

The journey started in June and lasted 2 weeks. During these 2 weeks, Zuza correspondents travelled by train between 15 cities, from London to Madrid passing through Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Praha, Wien and Milan to name but a few. They took photos of people they met in and around trains, thus expressing their perception of train travel through their non European eyes.

Their work is now accessible on a dedicated website, www.zuza.co.il, available in English, Hebrew and Russian. The photo exhibition starts with London on the 1st of August, photos of other cities being revealed every two days until the 29th of August, with Madrid pictures. An amateur photo contest will even be proposed at the end of this unusual tour, with a train trip around Europe for 2 for the winner!

This project was a great opportunity for Rail Europe to complement their trade initiatives in a beautiful, artistic way. “Train being one of the favourite means of transportation in Europe, there is no better place than train stations to dress a picture of the European society" said Xavier Theret, Sales Director for Rail Europe, "and we are very glad that a magazine such as Zuza decided to take train travel as the subject of their work."

Zuza benefited from Rail Europe expertise and professionalism for train travel arrangements, like all Rail Europe travellers. Present in more than 45 countries through both General Sales Agents and direct websites, Rail Europe is committed to help non European travellers to get the best out of their train trip in Europe.

To learn more about Rail Europe, its products and distribution network, or to purchase a rail pass/ticket, contact your Rail Europe travel agent or log on to your local Rail Europe website. Contacts to be found on http://www.raileurope.fr/wheretobuy

Travelling with a France Rail Pass has never been so easy…

Rail Europe is delighted to announce the launch of a new product, specifically tailored for non-European travelers, which will make travel in France even easier: the France Rail Pass "Easy Access" Passholder fare. This new kind of reservation is available as of today for France Rail Pass Holders.
As a reminder, the France Rail Pass is the best rail pass to travel in France. Holders of this pass can enjoy unlimited travel on the 31 000 km of the French Rail network aboard some of the most modern and comfortable trains in the world, including the famous TGV (the French high speed train, running at up to 320 km/h) as well as scenic and regional trains.

France Rail Pass offers great value for money and comes in different validities, to match everyone's need. As reservation is compulsory in France on most trains, travelers just need to purchase in complement to their pass, the reservation corresponding to the train they want to board, as much in advance as possible in order to ensure availability.

That’s where the “Easy Access” Passholder fare is so interesting: not only because it only costs 12€, but above all, unlike a regular Passholder Fare, it is not subject to availability… In other words, France Rail Pass holders always have the possibility to book a reservation on a train, even 1 hour before train departure (provided there are still seats available on the train!).  This fare is a France Rail Pass exclusive only offer.

This new benefit adds to the impressive list of special prices and bonuses already offered by premium partners, and makes the France Rail Pass the best companion to discover France. Visit the France Rail Pass official website www.francerailpass.com to build your perfect itinerary thanks to relevant tips and original suggestions.

The France Rail Pass Easy Access Passholder fare is only sold by Rail Europe accredited agents and direct websites, and in France by SNCF ticket desks.
Rail Europe is the world's largest distribution network of European Railways' products and the official distributor of the France Rail Pass. Through its distribution network and websites, Rail Europe allows travellers from all over the world to easily, smoothly and securely book all their rail journeys in Europe
For more information about the France Rail Pass, to purchase your Pass and book your seat on French trains, please contact your Rail Europe travel agent. Contact details to be found on www.raileurope.fr/wheretobuy

Rail Europe introduces “Rail Racer”, an addictive worldwide interactive game

Rail Europe, the leader of European rail passes and tickets distribution worldwide celebrates its web expansion with a unique online game. Rail Racer aims at making European Rail travel more visible for overseas travelers, and to incite them to play and compete with other web surfers from many countries such as Australia, Japan, Brazil to quote but a few. Winners can win up to 1 month of free travel in Europe (transport by rail + hotel)!

Very recreational and interactive, this game has been launched on the 5th May. As easy as 1-2-3, players just have to direct a train through picturesque landscapes and avoid funny obstacles to reach its destination. The more smoothly you drive, the more points you collect and the more chances you get to win the 1st prize. On the 31st of December 2009, a lucky draw will designate, amongst the best drivers, the happy winner of one month of unlimited travel in Europe for 2 people. The first prize includes unlimited train travel in 1st class as well as accommodations in 3-star Accor hotels.

Want to see more? Just log on to raileurope-worldgame.com to enjoy the thrill of this unique train driver experience!

Available in 4 languages -English, Japanese, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese- Rail Europe's Rail Racer is a world premiere. Not only because people all across the globe will be able to play the same game, at the same time and in different countries and languages, but also because of its conception: numerous preferred partners have indeed been associated to make Rail Europe's Rail Racer a reality, such as TGV, the French world famous high speed train, the Burgundy Region and Accor Hospitality, the world class hotel group.

Rail Europe wanted to work with another leading company to build its game and chose 1000mercis, a France-based agency, renowned as a pioneer in interactive advertising and marketing, with an unmatched expertise in recruiting and increasing the customers’ loyalty. Yseulys Costes, CEO and cofounder of 1000mercis Group said: “For 1000mercis, this campaign represents a new challenge: to create and launch an effective worldwide game. The game enabled us to apply our models of interactive advertising and marketing to other cultures and different populations, in order to understand and analyze the differences and eventually increase our operations performances”.

“This worldwide operation will be instrumental in further developing Rail Europe's already strong presence on the web. It is the opportunity to create buzz around our company, our products and our partners and represents a major stake in the implementation of our CRM strategy” said Pierre-Stéphane Austi, Rail Europe's CEO.

So don't wait anymore, and go to www.raileurope-worldgame.com to get a chance to win one month of unlimited travel in Europe for 2 people, with Rail Europe's Rail Racer.

To learn more about Rail Europe, its products and its distribution network, click on www.raileurope.fr

Rail Europe is the worldwide leader in European rail distribution, and the primary distributor of TGV. Through its distribution network and websites, Rail Europe allows travellers from all over the world to easily, smoothly and securely book all their rail journeys in Europe.

Rail Europe announces a premiere in youth travel: Book a Eurail Select Pass 8 days and get 2 extra days for free with the ISIC Card!!!

Eurail and ISIC have engaged a strategic partnership where special offers on Eurail Passes will be offered to ISIC card holders. ISIC stands for International Student Identity Card, and is one of the most popular student cards in the world. These passes will be available through Rail Europe, the worldwide leader in European Rail passes and tickets and a main distributor of Eurail.
The special offer consists in 2 free days of travel on the Eurail Select Pass Youth -which already offers great value for money- when buying a "8 days within 2 months" pass. It is only offered to ISIC card holders and for sale between 1st June and 31st July. In other words, people under 26 can travel in 2nd class for 10 days during a 2-months period in any 3 bordering European countries for as low as 275*€!
The promotion is part of a complete animation program planned around Eurail's 50th anniversary, celebrating 50 years of successful European Rail Travel. Who would have thought that in 1959, when the European Railways combined their forces for the first time ever and introduced the Eurail Pass, that it would become such a success? It became “ritual of passage” for generations of international travelers, keen to explore the European continent with maximum freedom and flexibility.
50 years after its creation, the Eurail pass range has greatly expanded to offer a pass suited to any need. From the Eurail Global Pass, offering unlimited travel in 21 countries to the Select, Regional and National passes, covering between 1 and 5 countries, all passes offer ultimate liberty and great value for money!
All Eurail passes are sold by Rail Europe websites and travel agents' network, where customers will also find all necessary advice and complementary products to plan their trip to Europe, such as "city-to-city tickets", other rail passes and reservations (for panoramic trains in Switzerland or onboard the famous European high speed and night trains such as TGV, Eurostar, Lyria, Thalys, City Night Line, Elipsos, and many others).
In a nutshell… there is no better timing than this summer to discover the marvellous Europe by rail with a Eurail Select Pass from Rail Europe. Enjoy, Europe is your oyster!

Rail Europe is the World leader in European rail distribution. For more information about Eurail passes, travel in Europe, or to purchase your Eurail Select Pass, consult your Rail Europe travel agent. List to be found on www.raileurope.fr/wheretobuy.

Travel like it’s meant to be between London, Paris and Brussels

In such an economic environment, it is nice to know that Rail Europe and Eurostar are committed to always make train travel between UK and the continent more affordable… Indeed, following the success of the Eurostar Promotion in the beginning of the year, Rail Europe and Eurostar launch a new promotion this summer, the "Eurostar Summer Promotion".
Travel in style between the 3 most vibrant European capitals, and save money at the same time! Between the 3rd of June and the 27th of July, for travel between June 10th and August 31st, the "Leisure Select promotion" costs only 83€ for a one-way trip or 128€ for a return (subject to availability).
Leisure Select is the name of the 1st class accommodation for leisure travelers, offering style, quality and value, with a seat service designed to maximize the enjoyment of the journey: Champagne welcome drink, choice of meal, power plugs, large, reclinable seat, and more. On-board imagery even feature pictures of cultural hotspots - particularly cafes, bars and restaurants - in London, Paris and Brussels that have been selected as offering great value for money!
Whether it is to enjoy the thrill of a 20 minutes ride under the Channel, to make the most of the British pound at its lowest (ie get great deals in hotels and restaurants as well as opportunity to snap up bargains in the shops), or to treat yourself with the high level of comfort of the Eurostar's Leisure Select class at a great price, there are plenty of reasons to benefit from this promotion from Eurostar and Rail Europe!

Eurostar is the high-speed rail link between UK and the continent. This state-of-the-art train joins London and Paris in only 2h15 and London and Brussels in 1h50.
Rail Europe is the worldwide leader in European rail distribution, and a major distributor of Eurostar. Through its distribution network and websites, Rail Europe allows travellers from all over the world to easily, smoothly and securely book all their rail journeys in Europe.
For more information or to purchase your Eurostar ticket, please consult your Rail Europe travel agent. Contact details can be found on www.raileurope.fr

Rail Europe, a company at the forefront of online rail distribution

Rail Europe is the worldwide leader in European Rail distribution. Thanks to its vast and rich network of General Sales Agents and Travel Agents, its representative offices all over the world and Euronet, its proprietary distribution system, Rail Europe already offers an unmatched international presence and professionalism in the "brick and mortar" world.

In December 2006, with the launch of its first consumer website (B2C) in Australia, Rail Europe branched into the on-line world and, for the past 2 years, Rail Europe has been rapidly growing its on-line presence. “Being active on the web is a very logical step in Rail Europe’s development. This powerful distribution channel becomes a must and its potential seems endless. Our first sites are already a big success, with increasing visitors and sales every month. In Australia, Internet already represents 12% of the distribution mix!” says Pierre-Stephane Austi, CEO of Rail Europe. 

After Rail Europe’s Australian public website, other public sites, launched under the same concept, have quickly followed in Japan, South Africa, India and 9 South American countries. Since summer 2008, 3 additional consumer sites were launched in Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel.  Today, Rail Europe proudly announces its latest site in Brazil: www.raileurope.com.br

Rail Europe continues to expand its public websites, but is also committed to serving more travel trade professionals with travel trade sites (B2B) such as its site in India. Other B2B websites are being planned for fall 2008 and, by the end of 2009, no fewer than 40 websites, both B2C and B2B, will be up and running!

Rail Europe’s websites offer all intuitive navigation, rich content, the largest range of products with real time availability, and a simple booking process. In addition, with all transactions managed locally (local language, local currency, local service), Rail Europe guarantees the web shopper a hassle-free booking experience. Ticket delivery is assured in the next 24 working hours and local support is available – both examples of Rail Europe’s added value in the online world.

In a nutshell, these web sites offer all travellers, wherever they are, whatever they need, to enjoy planning, booking and travelling by train in Europe with Rail Europe!

For the complete list of Rail Europe’s public websites, please consult www.raileurope.fr

Looking for a glamourous-exciting-cultural-beautiful holiday destination? Enjoy Europe with Rail Europe… at great prices!

Europe has so much to offer… Wherever you go, you'll always find new, exciting things to discover and cultures to get to know.
And this fall, with the special promotions put together by Rail Europe, Europe will be your Oyster!

Travel in total freedom and comfort in the UK, when you want and where you want, with BritRail's Low Season promotion. The promotion is available right now for travel as of November 1st, 2008 and entitles you to a 20% discount off the regular price of the BritRail pass. Prices start from 207 USD.

You can also discover Europe in depth thanks to the legendary Eurail Global Pass. This railpass, one of the most famous ones in the world, offers unlimited rail travel in not less than 20 European countries, from France to Italy, Switzerland, Spain or Germany! And if you book between the 1st of October and the 30th of November 2008, your one month pass will be at the price of the 21 days!!! You could also go for the 21days pass, for the price of the 15 days. Prices start at 503€.

During the same period, Rail Europe proposes also a special price on another Eurail pass: the Eurail Select Pass. Select the 3 countries you'd like to travel in, choose your comfort… and get 2 free days of travel (on the top of your 6 and 8 days Select Pass). It is as easy as that! Prices start at 352€.

So, don't miss out these golden opportunities to make the most of your next holidays… Buy your passes at great prices with Rail Europe and just relax, travel in style, comfortably ensconced in your seat, and make the most of your travel time!

Don't hesitate to ask more details about these special promotions or about Rail Europe's rail passes and tickets to your local travel agent. Contact details are available on www.raileurope.fr

Two more amazing promotions with Rail Europe!

Rail Europe, thanks to its great cooperation with Britrail and Thalys (the high speed train between France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany), offers this spring two more great promotions, to enable travelers to enjoy even more their stay in Europe.

Britrail “Free Day” promotion
Get a free day for the purchase of a Britrail Pass before June, 30th 2008 and benefit from this extra day to discover (or re-discover) Liverpool, the versatile 2008’s European Capital of Culture.
From the captivating Merseyside Maritime Museum, to the World famous Albert Dock, renovated in the 1980’s, and the largest cathedral of the UK, Liverpool as plenty to offer.

Thalys Summer promotion
Following last year’s success, Rail Europe and Thalys decided to offer this year again the Thalys Summer promotion on all Thalys international routes between France, Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany.
Book your ticket before September, 17th 2008, travel before September, 30th 2008 and get a 50% discount on the regular fares in 1st or 2nd class.
In the same day, you can visit the Aachen cathedral founded by Charlemagne, king of the Franks and in a certain way, founder of the modern Europe, and ride a bike among the windmills in Amsterdam surroundings. Or stroll in the charming city centre of Gent and discover the beautiful Art Deco buildings in Brussels… With Thalys, France, Benelux and Germany are your oyster… at high speed!

For more information about these products, to purchase your Britrail Pass or Thalys ticket, consult your Rail Europe travel agent. List to be found on www.raileurope.fr.

Discover the Mont Saint Michel, « Wonder of the western world », with Rail Europe

Rail Europe and SNCF (French National Railways) celebrate their way the 13th centenary anniversary of the Mont Saint Michel by offering easier booking and shorter journeys to this outstanding monument classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. The trip to the
Mont Saint Michel consists in a TGV trip between Paris and Rennes and a bus section between Rennes and the Mont Saint Michel. When booking with Rail Europe, travellers arrive at the feet of this impressive landmark after a fast, comfortable and scenic trip. And as of July, 5th, the journey time is reduced to 3h30 from Paris!

During its long history, the Mont Saint Michel has been renowned both for its spiritual and religious significance as well as its historical and architectural interest. With more than 3 million visitors each year, the Mont Saint Michel is one of the 3 most visited places in France. The abbey and its surroundings will be alive with cultural events to celebrate its foundation, including exhibitions, concerts and pilgrimages throughout 2008 and 2009. So don’t miss this commemoration while in Europe and jump at the chance of the Paris – Mont Saint Michel connection.

Be sure to get your ticket during this busy period by booking it now through the wide Rail Europe network. List of Rail Europe’s travel agents in your country is to be found on www.raileurope.fr/wheretobuy.

Rail Europe achieves record results in 2007

Rail Europe published their 2007 results, and it appeared to be another excellent year... Numbers speak for themselves: with sales of 120 millions € up by 14% vs 2006, Rail Europe realized its best year ever. In other terms, more than 1,4 million travellers experienced Rail Europe’s services and expertise!!!

“We are very proud of these excellent results which reinforce Rail Europe’s position as the leader of European Rail distribution worldwide” says Pierre-Stéphane Austi, CEO of Rail Europe. “2007 was a strategic year for us, we implemented a lot of new, technical innovations and the numerous improvements of the European Rail network as well as the emergence of rail as an eco-friendly option of travel created a lot of interest for our products. The commitment of our teams and partners worldwide was of course instrumental in transforming these elements into success”.

2007 was indeed an intense year for Rail Europe with, to quote but a few
• Web services implementation in Korea, Australia, Japan, India, Brazil, China, Taiwan and many other markets, enabling now more than 18 000 additional travel agents to access Euronet, Rail Europe’s unique online reservation system, with direct connection to the European rail carrier’s inventories
• Rail Europe's further geographic expansion, with the accreditation of 20 new General Sales Agents, on traditional as well as on new territories. Rail Europe is now present in 46 countries
• The launch on 2 new consumer web sites in Japan (www.raileurope.jp, in Japanese) and in South Africa (www.raileurope.co.za), which follow the successful launch of Rail Europe’s consumer website in Australia, www.raileurope.com.au, in 2006. These sites are a prelude to several new ones, planned in 2008, for India, South America, Israel and South East Asia.
• The opening of Rail Europe’s Australian representative office in Sydney, in December 2007. With this opening, Rail Europe has now its ownoffices in its 5 biggest markets (Japan, South Korea, India, South America and Australia), with industry professionals, able to both animate the market and the distribution network, with a local touch.

The launch of the French High Speed Line in the East of France ("TGV East") on 10th June, the Rugby World Cup in France, the opening of the first High Speed Line in the UK ("HS1") and Eurostar’s move from Waterloo International to the beautiful St Pancras International station were emblematic European happenings in 2007 reminding, if need be, that train travel is definitely the best way to travel in Europe!

To learn more about Rail Europe, its products and its distribution network, click on www.raileurope.fr