Rail Europe

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 presents the new Eurostar’s interior designer, Pininfarina

Eurostar, the high-speed rail passenger service that links London to Paris and Brussels announced that they have awarded the design contract for the interior refurbishment of its fleet to the Italian design consultancy Pininfarina. Rail Europe, Eurostar's primary distributor on non-European markets, welcomes this news which will contribute to making travel by train even more comfortable and popular.
Eurostar is already the #1 transportation mode between London and Paris/Brussels. Their goal with this refurbishment is to anticipate the 21st century travelers' expectations and to offer the highest standards in comfort, style and innovation. Pininfarina's design will focus on a great travel experience, thus mixing their style and outstanding functionality with a clear vision of future train travel.
Pininfarina is a world-class design house that is best known for its work in the car industry (with prestige brands such as Ferrari and Maserati) but has also extensive experience in the rail industry, having designed the interiors and exteriors of Italy’s high-speed trains, rolling stock for Swiss, Danish and Norwegian Railways, automated light rail cars in Lille (France) and trams for cities in Italy, Greece, Sweden and Turkey
The first renovated Eurostar trains (out of the 28 in the fleet) are due in service in 2012. This refurbishment follows that of numerous high speed trains in Europe: TGVs in France in 2007 (new design by French designer Christian Lacroix), Italian high speed trains in 2008 (by Pininfarina) as well as Thalys, between France, Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany, in 2009 (new interiors by Ethoven Associates Design Consultants & Première Design Graphique).
"We're thrilled about this great news, says Laurent Bijaoui, Marketing Director for Rail Europe. As the worldwide leading distributors of European rail products, we are happy have the European railways for partners -and Eurostar in particular - as such initiatives clearly illustrate their sincere and entire commitment to making our customers journeys a safe, comfortable and memorable European experience".

For more information about Eurostar, to purchase your Rail Pass or ticket, please consult your Rail Europe travel agent. Contact details to be found on www.raileurope.fr.

One week to go until launch of Eurostar services from St Pancras International

MORE THAN ONE MILLION PASSENGERS BOOK TO TRAVEL ON HIGH SPEED 1 AS HM THE QUEEN OPENS ST PANCRAS INTERNATIONAL

ONE WEEK TO GO UNTIL LAUNCH OF EUROSTAR SERVICES
Tuesday 13 November – last trains from Waterloo International
Wednesday 14 November - first trains from St Pancras International

Rail Europe is glad to announce that Eurostar, the high-speed train operator linking the UK and the Continent, (Tuesday 6 November) has today taken more than 1 million bookings for travel on High Speed 1, the UK’s first 186mph line.
The milestone was passed with just one week to go before the launch of Eurostar services from St Pancras International, and represents an 11% increase in the number of bookings at the same time last year. It is further evidence that the prospect of making international rail journeys through the superbly restored station is proving highly popular with travellers between the UK and the Continent.
To! night’s royal opening of St Pancras International by HM Queen Elizabeth II signals the final seven days of preparation to move Eurostar’s entire London operations overnight from Waterloo, and to begin commercial services from Eurostar’s new central London home on the morning of Wednesday 14 November.
London & Continental Railways has completed the £5.8 billion engineering project on time and within budget.  While St Pancras International will next week become Eurostar’s new London terminal, High Speed 1 will provide Eurostar with a dedicated, 68-mile (109 km) high-speed line between central London and the Channel Tunnel. 
The new line will enable Eurostar trains to operate at 186mph (300 km/h) across Kent - 50% faster than any other UK rail service - cutting journey times between London and the Continent by at least 20 minutes.

To purchase Eurostar tickets, consult your Rail Europe travel agent www.raileurope.fr/wheretobuy.

Eurostar sets a new record for the journey between Brussels and London

Rail Europe is delighted to announce that last Thursday, 20th of September, Eurostar, the high-speed train operator that links the UK with the European Continent, achieved the fastest journey time ever between Brussels and London, setting a new record for the journey between the Belgian and British capitals.

It took just 1 hour and 43 minutes to cover the 373 km (232 mile) distance, travelling at 300km/h (186mph) on the UK’s new high-speed line, High Speed 1. It was also the first run from Brussels to arrive at St.Pancras International, Eurostar's new terminal in the heart of London, , which will open on 14th November 2007.

On board the inaugural run were 12 journalists from Australia, Japan, India, South Korea, Hong-Kong, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina & Malaysia, invited by Rail Europe and Eurostar to discover high-speed Europe. This journey closed the week long 2007 Rail Europe Press Trip, which this year focused on the high ! speed trains members of the rail alliance, RailTeam, of which Eurostar is a founder member.

On the 5th of September, Eurostar also broke the record between Paris and London, with a run of just 2 hours and 3 minutes and 39 seconds!) for the 492 km distance, running at speeds of up to 320km/h (200 mph) on the French and British High Speed Lines.

From 14 November, the scheduled non-stop time between St Pancras International and Brussels will be 1 hour and 51 minutes, cutting at least 20 minutes off the current journey time from Waterloo. The time savings between Paris and London will also be at least 20 minutes, and the scheduled non-stop time will be 2 hours 15 minutes. Richard Brown, Chief Executive of Eurostar, said: "Today’s journey puts London and Brussels firmly within the ‘two hour club". Eurostar is quite simply the fastest, most convenient way to travel – avoiding wasted time and money in getting to out-of-town airports, lengthy! check-in times, and baggage reclaim delays.

From 14 November, E urostar will also move to its new London terminal overnight, with services at Waterloo ending the previous evening.

Eurostar tickets are available through Rail Europe’s accredited sales agents in your country.
Just log on to www.raileurope.fr/wheretobuy to find their contact details.

Eurostar is moving. 14th November 2007

Rail Europe is glad to announce that from 24th July, travellers can book their Eurostar tickets to/from Saint Pancras International for their journeys between 14th to 19th November through Rail Europe's accredited sales agents. The sales to/from the other new station, Ebbsfleet International, are also open.

Wednesday, 14th November 2007 will be a big day for Eurostar. It's the day they launch services from / to Saint Pancras International in central London and the day Eurostar starts running on High Speed 1, the UK's first high speed line.

HS1 (High Speed 1)

High Speed 1 is the biggest engineering project in the UK for over 100 years. With 109 km of high speed track (a quarter of it underground), HS1 will allow Eurostar to travel at its full speed of 300 kmh (186 mph) all the way from the centre of London to the Channel tunnel. Thanks to this new high speed line, journey times will be reduced by at least 20 minutes to offer more seamless journeys and trains will be even more punctual.
Journey times from/to Saint Pancras International will be as follows:
Paris: 2h15
Brussels: 1h51
Lille: 1h20

Saint Pancras International

On 14th November, Eurostar moves from Waterloo International Station and launches services from Saint Pancras International in central London. As of this date, all journeys will depart from/arrive to Saint Pancras International and no longer from Waterloo International.

Saint Pancras is a beautiful Victorian station, with red rubber bricks and streaky bacon stone. It is being transformed, setting new standards for a railway station in the XXIst century. Taking inspiration from New York’s Grand Central Terminal, Saint Pancras International will be “Europe’s destination station”.
The modern Saint Pancras has been designed with the customer at its heart, with a world class brasserie, arcade shopping and a daily farmers’ market selling the very best, fresh, British and Continental products. And last but not least, overlooking the platforms will be the longest Champagne Bar of Europe!

To top it off, Saint Pancras International has also the best connectivity of all the central London stations. It has 6 underground lines and is close to 7 mainline operators at Saint Pancras International, King’s Cross and Euston. Travellers can easily reach the north of England, discover the rolling countryside of the Lake District and the jewels of Scotland.

Kent stations

Ebbsfleet International
On 19th November will open a new Kent station, Ebbsfleet International.
Between Ashford and London, conveniently located close to major highways including M25, M20, M2, A2, the Dartford Crossing and Bluewater shopping centre, Ebbsfleet will offer an easy “park and ride” option to many travellers.
High speed domestic services from Ebbsfleet International will begin in 2009, taking travellers to Saint Pancras International in 17 minutes flat at speeds up to 225 kmh / 140 mph. It will become both an international and domestic rail hub with easy access by rail to all of Kent.

Ashford
Eurostar will still run services from Ashford International and its services will complement those offered at Ebbsfleet International.
Services stopping at Ashford International will be timed to suit both Leisure and Business travellers. There will be 3 trains a day to Paris along with the daily direct Eurostar to Disneyland and the weekly Avignon trains during the summer.

For more information about these services or to purchase an Eurostar ticket, please consult your Rail Europe travel agent. List to be found on www.raileurope.fr/wheretobuy

EUROPEAN HIGH SPEED RAIL OPERATORS LAUNCH RAILTEAM

Railteam makes international travel on high-speed trains
to and from Europe easy for travellers

Real alternative to air alliances and to travel by car

By 2010, 25 million international travellers on European
high-speed rail network

Rail Europe, the leading distributor of European Rail Products overseas is glad to advertise that on 2 July 2007, seven European high speed train operators announced the start of Railteam. SNCF (France), SBB (Switzerland), Eurostar (UK, France and Belgium), Deutsche Bahn (Germany), SNCB (Belgium), NS Hispeed (The Netherlands), ÖBB (Austria), and subsidiaries Thalys, Lyria and Alleo offer then to give travellers seamless high-speed train travel across international borders in Western Europe.

The already wide range of products of Rail Europe, with a Western European high speed rail network that links over 45 major urban destinations in Europe via over 4,700km of track, will keep on growing as the network will stretch to 6,000 km by 2010 and will triple in size by 2020. However, despite the size and continuing growth of the high speed rail network, many international travellers remain unaware of the benefits of taking high speed rail.

Easy, faster and seamless journeys.

From today, if for any reason, a traveller misses their connection because of a late running service, Railteam will ensure they can hop on the next train, irrespective of the ticket type they have.

Rail Europe’s offer will gain in quality with the diffusion of multi-lingual information onboard trains and in stations that will ensure international travellers know where, when and how to connect onto other services.

Railteam information points will be installed in the five main hubs (Brussels, Cologne, Lille, Frankfurt and Stuttgart), and in the coming months, at other major stations such as London, Strasbourg, Amsterdam and in the main high-speed train stations in Paris.

To reduce transit times for travellers, Railteam partners will also better coordinate connecting departure and arrival times.

Railteam members are investing 30 million euro in a new distribution system that will allow international travellers to find an attractive combination of prices, make a reservation, pay, and receive their ticket from Rail Europe in one transaction.  The new system will go live in 2009.

Railteam also will seek to introduce new innovations as technologies develop over forthcoming years such as text messaging about timetables and service disruptions.

A greener and mart choice: the choice of the future!

Rail Europe expects that with travel on high-speed trains becoming even easier and smoother, increasing numbers of travellers will opt for environmentally friendly high speed train travel within Europe. It is common knowledge that high speed rail journeys release significantly less carbon dioxide than flying to the same destinations.

Extensive research has also shown that business travellers are willing to travel up to four hours on rail because of the increased productivity versus the airlines, whilst leisure travellers are prepared to enjoy longer journeys of around 6 hours.

By 2010, the Railteam members expect 25 million international travellers to be using their European high-speed rail network.

Guillaume Pepy, Chief Executive Officer of SNCF said: “It is achievable when you consider that Rail is served by city centre terminals. Factor in the transport time,travelling to airports, grinding traffic jams, security delays ans so on, and it’s pretty clear that on travel times alone high-speed rail is, at the very least, a realistic alternative on any journey across the Railteam member states”

“High-speed rail represents the future of sustainable, comfortable travel across Europe.”

Discover the gems of Eastern Europe!

Rail Europe is glad to announce the launch on April, 1st of two new Eurail Regional passes, the Eurail Czech Republic-Germany Pass and the Eurail Germany-Poland Pass. Make the most of your time in Europe and visit Germany's admirable neighbours…

The Czech lands have been the crossroads of European cultures for centuries… With 12 Unesco World Heritage sites, you'll have much to enjoy!  Culture, vibrant cities, charming villages, Romantic Praha, Spa towns… you could see it all!

Not yet as famous as the Czech Republic, Poland is becoming a popular holiday destination, thanks to its fascinating mixture of old and new, from medieval castles and festivals to modern art galleries. You could also enjoy a great variety of stunning sights, with superb landscapes, mountains as well as the beautiful Baltic coast.

Both the Eurail Czech Republic-Germany Pass and the Eurail Germany-Poland Pass are available through Euronet, Rail Europe's online distribution system. They provide rail travel flexibility in the corresponding countries, in 1st and 2nd class, and are available for 5/6/8 or 10 days within two months. Cherry on the cake, Pass holders will also benefit from bonuses in Germany, as free sailings on boats operated by the “KD German Rhine Line” making regular runs on the river Rhine between Köln and Mainz and on the river Mosel between Koblenz and Cochem.

If choosing between Czech Republic and Poland is a too cruel dilemma, Rail Europe offers you other travel alternatives with the European East Pass for instance, which will enable you unlimited travel on the national rail networks of Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria and Hungary.

Passes, Point to Point tickets and reservations can be puchased through Rail Europe's General Sales Agents' network. For a complete list of Rail Europe’s representatives, just log on to: www.Raileurope.fr/wheretobuy.

Christmas markets

Should you find yourself wondering what to do with your last few weeks in December BEFORE Christmas, Rail Europe has some excellent suggestions to bring interesting alternatives to the traditional approach to Christmas. Come explore some of continental Europe’s Christmas markets. Yes, they will bring back all the magic of Christmas, with their log cabins, hand-craft gifts, delicious smells of mulled wine and regional savouries, you’ll give yourself a welcome break from the usual Christmas stress and no doubt find some beautiful, original gifts. It provides memorable sights, sounds and smells for all the family. 

Christmas markets date back to the 16th century, when religious holidays were also social events with fairs and entertainment. This tradition continues in France, Germany, Belgium, Italy and the Scandinavian countries. What better way to take the pain and commercialisation out of Christmas shopping than to visit some of the best-known Christmas markets by train.       

                                       

Rail Europe has selected some of the top Christmas markets in Europe for short week-end breaks, easily accessible by train:

• Strasbourg Christmas Market (Christkindelsmarik): Place Broglie through to rue de la Comédie are a wonderland for children and adults. Renowned for its traditional gifts, wines and foods, the Strasbourg Christmas market attracts tourists looking for new ideas for Christmas... since the 16th century! The market opens 26th November to 23rd December.

• Lille’s Christmas market on Place Rihour entertains and delights tourists and locals alike every year with stalls selling gifts, arts and crafts and northern delicacies. Don’t miss the music and entertainment each Saturday with a big concert held on the last Saturday before Christmas.

• Go south for Provençal Christmas markets! Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Arles, numerous cities and towns in the south of France hold their Christmas markets with the well-known provençale “santons” or figurines dressed in their traditional costumes and work garbs of gone-by days. Wines and local gastromic delights are for sale as well as music and street theatre for children... not forgetting Santa’s hut!

• German Christmas markets – from Bremen in the north, to Berlin, Cologne, Koblenz and Freiburg, German Christmas markets are set against the back-drop of beautiful historic squares and City Halls (“Rathaus”), with music, stalls, tempting dishes and wines and beers for this special season.

         

• Try an Alpine Italian Christmas markets – high in the Dolomites, or in the surrounding Alpine cities, experience the beauty of the snow-covered mountains, the Italian hand-craft gifts and wondeful food to enjoy an atmospheric experience.

• Belgian Christmas markets – The Brussels annual Christmas market takes place in Place St. Catherine with its wonderful bright lights from the beginning to the end of December. For the first time this year, young children can ice-skate on the nearby ice-rink to bring a real atmosphere of Christmas. Find all kinds of gifts and ideas in these magical surroundings. Nearby on the coast, Ostend also holds its annual market with stalls, boutiques, all cheefully lit up for the occasion.

• Swiss Christmas markets – Basel is one of Switzerland’s most popular Christmas markets, when the city is alight with lights and stands selling all types of gifts.

Rail Europe, the World’s largest distributor of European rail travel offers travellers a number of easy solutions to visit Christmas markets in several countries or to visit several Christmas markets within a specific country:

• Eurail Select Pass – With this 1st class pass, travellers can visit 3,4 or 5 adjoining countries connected by train. It would be possible, for example, to visit the Brussels, Cologne, Paris and Strasbourg Christmas markets. It would also be possible to visit, Freiburg, Berlin, Prague and Vienna.

• Eurail Regional and National passes – There are many combinations for regional and national passes. All enable travellers to use the train in countries where are held Christmas markets. The passes offer you unlimited travel by train in the country / region covered. They are valid for 2 months, available in 1st or 2nd class, with great flexibility (“continuous” or “flexi” formulas).

• City to city tickets – Enjoy selected destinations at high speed! Rail Europe indeed sells a unique range of high speed trains, to quote but a few: Eurostar (London-Paris/Brussels), Thalys (Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam/Cologne), TGV (France), ICE (Germany), Artesia (France-Italy), Lyria (France-Switzerland) and Italian fast trains, allowing you to visit and experience many different traditions and atmospheres even during a short stay in Europe

For more information on passes and tickets, please contact your Rail Europe agent: www.raileurope.fr/wheretobuy.

SANTA CLAUS IN FINLAND

Rail Europe, the leading services supplier of European rail passes and tickets, brings you to the heart of Christmas action in Finland. Discover Santa Claus’ Village way up beyond the Artic Circle in Rovaniemi, Lapland.

Everyone knows that good old Santa heads off to deliver gifts to children all over the world on Christmas Eve and millions of children awaken on Christmas morning to the excitement and trepidation of sleepily slipping over to the Christmas tree to discover their gifts. But did you know it is possible to visit the Santa Claus village? Children and grown-ups can journey through the Santa’s home town, where both the elves and Santa work away throughout the year to prepare for this magical night. Discover the secrets, the day to day activities, Santa’s house, all tucked away in this amazing village.

Within a short distance of the northern town of Rovaniemi, visitors to Finland’s Christmas paradise can also visit the reindeer Park and the Santa Park. Children and adults will enjoy the Christmas House, where they can admire the Finnish Christmas traditions, learn about other traditions around the world and see the Elves Factory. An unforgettable trip in the snow covered landscape of Finland.

Looking for more? Your trip to Finland can also be the opportunity to visit other Scandinavian countries. What with the natural wonders (Fjords, Aurora Borealis, …), warm and welcoming traditions, and charming people… There’s definitely a lot to discover and enjoy in Northern Europe!

For your travels in Finland and Scandinavia, Rail Europe’s passes will make your life easier:

• The Eurail Finland Pass  is valid in 1st and 2nd class and entitles you to unlimited travel for 3, 5 or 10 days within a one month period. With this pass, you can take any of the Finnish Railways’ trains, be it fast trains, InterCity trains, Express trains or Night trains. If you travel with children, the night train is the best option for Lapland – children will enjoy the excitement of the night train, sleeping in the cabins and wakening up to the magic of Lapland and Santa Claus’ Village.

• With the ScanRail Pass you’ll have the possibility to visit Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. The pass includes ferry boat lines between Denmark and Germany and exists in different validities (flexi or consecutive days) in 2nd class to better suit your travel needs.

For more information on the Rail Europe passes, please contact your Rail Europe agent www.raileurope.fr/wheretobuy.