GoNOMAD MINI GUIDE
Take the Train: Railpasses Around the World

By Marie Javins, GoNOMAD TRANSPORTS GUIDE

You've earned or wangled several weeks off work, and you've picked out a dream trip --sightseeing an entire region up close. An unlimited mileage railpass is usually the best way to accomplish this, whether that region is Europe, the US, Japan, or India. A railpass doesn't lock you into a set itinerary and is usually cheaper than point-to-point separate tickets.

Not all countries have railroads, so with a few exceptions, you will be limited to the developed world. It takes a lot of money to build infrastructure and the countries with the most comprehensive railway systems are usually wealthy, developed countries or countries with a colonial history. Of the countries with railroads, only the most touristed offer railpasses. Most railpasses must be purchased in your home country, prior to travel.

Types of Railpasses
The variety of railpasses is complex -- some are country-specific, while others cover an entire region. Some are good for multiple consecutive days, while others are for a specific number of flexible days within a set period. Passes in Europe and North America can even combine rail travel with car rental or flying.

Costs
Discounts are available for students and seniors. Sleeper trains require advance reservations and supplementary fees, but it is cheaper than paying for a night in a hotel, and by traveling at night you have more time to see the sights.

• How Railpasses Work
  Every country has its own system for pricing and selling passes (follow the links below), but all railpasses work essentially the same way. You buy it at home and carry it with you or pick it up at your destination. Reserve a seat at the train station, but if you don't have time, board a marked "Unreserved" car. Write the date on your pass, if necessary, take a seat, and wait for the conductor. If you are in the wrong place, he'll straighten you right out, not to worry.

• Important!
  Don't lose your railpass! Keep it with your money and passport, or buy insurance for it, if that is available from the seller. And if you're traveling in the first half of the year, buy your pass by December 31. Prices go up on January 1.

The Americas

USA: amtrak.com There are three passes avalible for travelers all are good for the entire United States (continental) They come in 15, 30 and 45 day segments. Travel must be completed within 180 days of purchase.

Canada: viarail.com There are currently two options for international travelers. The System Pass and the Corridor Pass. The first will get you access to coast to coat trains he second only southern Ontario and Southern Quebec. They both are valid for 7 one-way trips within 10 days.

Mexico, Central and South America Mexico has railways, but no railpasses, as buses are much more popular with tourists. South America has relatively few railways, and rumors of railpasses are sketchy and unsubstantiated.

Asia

Japan: japanrail.com Japan offers passes in either Ordinary or Green (superior class), neither can be used on the “Nozomi” or “Mizuho” trains. They can be purchased for 7,14 or 21 day periods.

Malaysia: ktmb.com Good for either 10 or 30 days of travel within Malaysia. Not available to Malaysians or Singapore citizens, but can be purchased within Malaysia or at the Singapore train station.

India: indianrail.gov.in Although Indiarail does have a railpass book and buy your tickets like everyone else at the station. The timetables on the website are a loose interpretation of the actual trains arrival and departure times.
If you do happen to be in Delhi and are desperate to make reservations for a train please be advised that the Foreign Booking Office is on the second floor of the station. Enter through the front, not the side, though that is the way traffic moves. Be wary of touts and remember the office you are looking for is absolutely not in any place other than the station and it is not closed.

Pacific

Australia: railaustralia.com.au Five different options ranging from one to all lines. The Ausrail pass will get you on any line and the Backtracker pass will only get you on the Country link. The other three options cater to special travel itineraries. Check the details, some passes only allow travel in one direction while others are good both ways.

New Zealand: tranzscenic.co.nz New Zealand has three train routes, the TranzAlpine, the Overlander and the TranzCoastal. By buying a scenic rail pass you can ride all three zones at your own pace. There are 2 and 7 day options, some include one ferry ride.Europe: eurail.com The most famous and versatile railpass is actually several different passes. All must be purchased outside

Europe

E.U.:eurail.com Global Pass allows you to travel in 22 countries between 15day and 3 months depended on how much you pay.
Select Pass is good in 3,4, or 5 countries for 5-15days again the more you pay the more you ride.
Regional Pass gives you access to a region (defined as two countries) for between 4 and 10 days.
One Country Pass is self-explanatory and is valid for between 3 and 10 days.
Country passes Most European countries feature their own railpasses, some with rail/drive options, good for a set number of days within a specific time period (usually a month). Passes must be purchased in your home country and are not available to citizens of the respective countries.

Inter-Rail EU citizen's version of the Eurail pass. Prices are per zone (Europe is eight zones), and passes are good for one month.

Read more about rail travel on GoNOMAD