European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - April 18, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                In trains combined with ships and buses can get you just about anywhere in Europe including this part of Rural England. Riding the rails Europe strains Are dependable economical by Norm Zeigler travel outdoor writer like Many americans i first travelled in Europe with a Backpack and a eur Alpass. For a Cape cod boy who had never been East of bar Harbor Maine or West of Springfield mass., the old world and the Call of the open rails held unlimited possibilities for adventure. Unlike the . Passenger rail system which has been allowed to deteriorate to a few heavily travelled routes european trains present a viable alternative to Auto travel. New High Speed models now being put into service France s Tiv Germany s ice even Promise to make train travel competitive with air travel on some routes. Together with buses and ships trains in Europe constitute an integrated Public transportation network. Unlike the old joke if you Are going somewhere in Europe in most cases you can get there from Here even without a car. Many of the National railroads have discounts that make train travel attractive for families. Very Young children under 4 or 5 generally ride free and older children usually pay half of the regular fare. An excellent guide to train travel in Europe is eur ail guide. It is available at stars and stripes bookstores for $9.95 list Price is $12.95 so this is a bargain. For Many people who have several weeks free to travel eur Alpass is the Ideal Way to go. It provides Freedom to travel when and where you want. No matter where you Are the next adventure starts at the departure Board in the nearest train station. The eur Alpass is not Only valid on More than 100,000 Miles of railways in 17 countries but is also Good for free passage or discounts on Many ships ferries and buses. These include the Adriatic i navigation a and hellenic Mediterranean lines ferries Between Brindisi Italy and Patras Greece and the Kiln Dii Sheldorfer Rhine River cruise ships. Eura impasses Are available at Sato and itt offices on military bases As Well As from local travel agents. Countries for which they Are valid Are Austria Belgium Denmark West Germany Finland France Greece Hungary Italy Luxembourg the Netherlands Norway Portugal Ireland Spain Sweden and Switzerland. There Are several classes of eur Alpass a the regular eur Alpass is Good for unlimited first class travel for up to three months. Prices Are 15 Days $340 21 Days $440 one month $550 two months $750 three months $930. A the eur ail youth pass is Good for unlimited second class travel. Prices Are one month $380 two months $500. A the eur ail Saver pass provides discounts on first class travel for two or More people travelling together. After sept. 30, a minimum of three people is required. The Cost is 15 Days $240 per person. A the eur ail flex pass offers a limited number of travel Days within a set time period. The prices for the first class flex pass Are five Days out of 15, $ 198 nine Days out of 21, $360 14 Days out of a month $450. Some of the National railroads offer special passes of their own. Here Are a few. Prices Are listed in local currencies. Check your daily stars and stripes for conversion rates. Deutsche Bun Desbah a the West German Federal Railroad offers a family pass that is Good for 50 percent discounts on first or second class travel. It is valid for one year in West Germany East Germany and France. Cost is 130 Marks. The do companion fares provide discounts of up to 50 percent for travelling companions of an adult. Good for groups of up to five adults and one child. The tourist card entitles the Holder to unlimited travel within West Germany on trains Many buses and some ships. Prices vary according to length of time it is valid four Days 199 Marks second class and 299 Marks first class nine Days 299 Marks second class and 449 Marks first class 16 Days 399 Marks second class and 599 Marks first class. The Junior tourist card is issued to people up to 26 years old. It is Good on All do trains some buses and ships. Rates vary according to time limit nine Days 186 Marks 16 Days 235 Marks. Young people Between 12 and 17 Are eligible for the pocket Money pass. It is Good for one year and allows 50 percent discount on the regular Cost of a ticket either first or second class. Cost is 40 Marks. Young adults from 18 to 22 and students up to 26 can buy the Junior pass. It also is valid for one year and provides a 50 percent discount. Cost is 110 Marks. The Tramper one month ticket entitles Young people 12 to 22 to Many european railways offer reduced rates for family travel. 14 stars and stripes travel Europe april 18, 1990