High-speed trains offer the convenience of a quick, quiet ride
in modern train cars. They get you from place to place with a maximum of efficiency
and comfort in a minimum of time. You can relax and enjoy conversation and the
scenery while traveling great distances. High-speed trains run on special tracks
that keep them quiet, or have special suspension to keep them running smoothly
on regular tracks. These trains travel at upwards of 150 miles per hour. They
usually run direct routes to major European cities and choice locations. Rail
passes cover most high-speed trains. In the cases where high-speed travel is not
covered, rail passes allow discounts on fares. A supplement or a reservation fee
is required for travel on most high-speed trains.
The following are a list and description of the major High-Speed rail
lines:
Eurostar England-France-Belgium:
This is the most well-known of the high-speed trains. The Eurostar
travels at speeds of up to 300kmh (186 mph) on high-speed lines. You
can cover the distance between London and France in 3 hours. In addition,
the Eurostar travels to Brussels, Calais and special ski locations.
Eurail passes are not valid on these trains. However, Eurail Pass holders
do pay a reduced fare of 75% of full price in 1st class, or 65% in 2nd
class.
Eurostar Italia Italy:
This is an exciting new line of trains that runs within Italy, connecting
main Italian cities and towns with faster more comfortable service.
Eurail Pass and Eurailticket holders are accepted and pay a supplement
of $8-15, including the reservation which are necessary. Supplements
are non-refundable.
Thalys:
The most common train between Paris and Amsterdam. Eurailticket
and Eurail Pass holders are welcomed with small supplement. Passes must
cover the entire sector of travel.
ICE Austria-Germany-Switzerland:
At a top speed of 280kmh (174mph) the ICE trains connect major German
cities on 7 lines at hourly intervals, including some that go to Switzerland.
ICE trains have in-seat video screens, integral audio system, plugs
for laptop notebooks and telecommunication zone areas for clear cell-phone
reception as well as public payphones. Panoramic lounges are available.
Eurailticket and Eurail Pass holders are welcomed with no extra charge.
Reservations are not required, but encouraged for groups and during
peak periods.
TGV Belgium-France-Switzerland:
This train is the fastest of the high-speed lines with record times
of 515kmh (320mph). A new extension has been added to the TGV lines
for June 2001. TGV Mediterranee, will reduce travel time from Paris
to Marseill, Avignion, and Montpellier. Eurail Pass and Eurailticket
holders are welcome and pay only the reservation fee.
X2000 Sweden-Denmark:
X2000 is a high-speed train that travels on existing tracks. It
takes you from city center to city center at speeds up to 200kmh (124mph).
Eurailticket holders are accepted with reservation fee. First class
economy passengers receive free coffee, tea, Swedish newspapers, and
radio and music channels. Eurail Pass holders are welcome in 1st and
Economy with a reservation fee.
Artesia de Jour France-Italy:
Eurail Pass and ticket holders welcomed. Reservation is necessary.
AVE Spain:
Eurailtickets are not valid on these trains. Eurail Pass holders
accepted but must pay supplement of $40(Club), $23(Preferent), or $10(Tourist)
NB. Holders of a Youth Pass are accepted in “tourist” class
only. A reservation is necessary.
Cisalpino Switzerland-Italy-Germany:
Cisalpino is a high-speed train that travels on existing tracks.
Tilting technology keeps trains running smoothly and efficiently. Eurail
Pass and Eurailticket holders are welcome and pay a small supplement
(about US $8).
Euromed Spain:
Eurail Pass holders are accepted and pay the following supplements:
Barcelona- Valencia: $15 for 1st class, $8 for 2nd class. Barcelona-Alicante:
$23 for 1st class, $12 for 2nd class.
Talgo Triana Spain:
Eurail Pass and Eurailticket holders accepted and pay a supplement
of $23 for 1st class, $14 for 2nd class.
Signatur Norway:
Eurailticket and Europass Holders are accepted in 2nd class. 1st class
travel requires a supplement of $30 in addition to a 1st class Eurailpass.
Reservations are necessary.
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