General lowdown
There are a number of different types of European rail passes depending on the length of time you want to travel and your itinerary. The two major types available to Australians are the Europass which covers a minimum of 5 countries plus 2 other areas but excludes some regions, such as Scandinavia; and the Eurail pass which covers 17 countries and a range of extras. You can get passes that either offer unlimited consecutive travel during a set time period (say 1 month), or a certain number of days of travel within a time period (for instance 15 days’ travel over 2 months).
It’s important to note that Eurail/Europasses are not available for sale to citizens of the European Union, CIS, Turkey, Morocco, Algeria or Tunisia (see if you are eligible for an InterRail pass instead). You will need to show your Australian passport each time you use the pass. You can also only purchase the pass outside Europe before you set off travelling, not when you get there.
Next Step
Think you know where you want to go? Then it’s time to get the advice of your nearest branch of YHA Travel. Remember that YHA members get a special discount on these passes when you buy at YHA Travel.
On the Road
When in the UK get more information on Eurostar, SNCF and general European train information, by calling Rail Europe on 0990 848 848. Thomas Cook produce some useful books such as the Thomas Cook European Timetable which has details of over 50,000 services all over Europe. It is updated monthly. They also produce the ‘New Rail Map of Europe’. The Eurail website address is http://www.eurail.com/
The Bottom Line
Paul’s 83 hours of journeys, over 5000km, added up to approximately AU$1400 worth (2nd class), so the equivalent Europass ‘7 days in 2 months’ pass at AU$848 (1998 prices) which would have covered his itinerary, is an economical way of seeing Europe.
Don’t forget that you may also be able to use your Eurail pass on local trains in some big cities and so may not need to shell out for the metros so much. Of course you still need to budget for paying extra for couchettes (those bookshelves) or more luxurious overnighting available on some routes.
Also seat reservation fees and/or supplements may apply for certain highspeed trains or on some routes, so don’t be surprised to be asked to cough up some extra money when you make a reservation or before you board the train.
There are many different companies, prices and supplements covered by these passes and even the staff are often unsure. Australians on Eurail passes have been frogmarched at gunpoint from Spanish trains for refusing to pay supplements despite the pass specifying that they may apply. One final word of warning: these passes are not refundable under any circumstance once validated, even if stolen. It’s also unlikely that your insurance company will pay out for any loss as well – so keep them safe!
Accommodation
YHA has thousands of hostels all over Europe. You will need the latest edition of the Hostelling International Guide to Europe ($15.25 from your nearest YHA Membership Centre) to help you find out where they all are – don’t rely on other guidebooks as they don’t include all the hostels. The HI Guide also indicates which hostels can be booked from Australia via the IBN booking system – essential for the busy capital city hostels.
Amsterdam
Vondelpark Hostel is spanking new, very clean, cheery staff, secure, no curfew and right near museums, night-life and a nice park. What more could one want? There are 475 beds, a few single rooms. All rooms have toilet and shower. Must make reservation in advance. Price includes bed linen and breakfast. Internet access available. Get on tram 12 outside Central Station, buy a ticket on board and get off at Leidseplein. From there it’s a few minutes’ walk to Vondelpark.
Phone: 6831744.
http://www.njhc.org/
Paris
The most central hostel is at 4, Bd Jules Ferry. The nearest metro is Republique or Goncourt. The hostel has 100 beds in 4/6-bed rooms. The old Le Marais district and many of the sights are all within walking distance. Breakfast and bedding are provided. Internet access available.
Phone: 01 43 57 55 60
Fax: 01 40 21 79 92
E-mail: auberge@micronet.fr
http://www.fuaj.org/
Heidelberg
To get to the YHA (simply called Jugendherberge) take bus 33 from outside the train station and ask for stop Jugendherberge. There are 440 beds with a mixture of single, double and small dorms. Reservations are accepted in advance. There is an 11.30pm curfew, but Heidelberg’s not famed for its night-life, so you should be okay.
Phone: 06221 412066
http://www.djh.de/
Madrid
The main hostel, that is open all year (there are others which close in the autumn), is Hostal Richard Schirrmann in Casa de Campo. There are 130 beds, double rooms and dorms. To get there, take the metro to Lago, from where it’s about a 1km walk or they will come and fetch you if you call.
Phone: 91 46 35 699
Fax: 91 46 44 685
Toledo
Toledo hostel Castillo San Servando is a 10-minute walk from the train station. It is in an old castle with good views across to the town. There are 46 beds, no single or double rooms. Enquire in advance as groups sometimes fully book the place.
Phone: 925 224 554
Barcelona
The most central HI member is Hostal de Joves near Arc de Triomfe. There are also many non-HI hostels in Barcelona and other cities, some which even use spoof HI logos to appear more respectable. Beware! Hostal de Joves doesn’t take bookings in the summer. There are 68 beds. It is closed 10-3 for cleaning and there is a midnight curfew, but as Barcelona is a night-time city, they have 5-minute openings at 1am and 2am to let revellers in. Nearest metro/RENFE station is Arc de Triomfe. (If you arrive in Barcelona at Sants, just take RENFE train from platform 2.)
Phone: 93 3003104
Fax: 93 3003104
