Tickets from €1: the best railways in Europe offering unlimited travel
Traveling by plane, while much faster and sometimes cheaper, is just as harmful to the environment. Trains, on the other hand, offer an excellent balance between quality and environmental protection.
iNews reported that last year, Germany's main railroad operator Deutsche Bahn launched the Deutschlandticket, a €49 ticket that allowed unlimited rail travel on regional routes across the German network for a whole month. Such an initiative has gained popularity in other EU countries, so here are the European rail destinations that have adopted the experience and introduced discounts this year.
Germany
The Deutschlandticket, priced at €49, was introduced to alleviate the cost of living crisis. These long-distance tickets allow tourists to travel anywhere in the country by public transport for €1.60 per day without restrictions.
Portugal
These tickets also cost 49 euros, but they come with certain restrictions. The ticket price does not cover travel by buses, the public transportation system, or long-distance transportation. To purchase such tickets, you need to have a CP card, which costs 6 euros.
France
German-style travel cards may appear in France this summer, during the Olympic Games. The government stated that such a pass will not be applicable to high-speed trains but will include intercity routes. The International Council for Clean Transportation mentioned that such an initiative would be a symbolic step and would affect a small number of flights. Details regarding the cost and availability of such a ticket are currently unknown.
Occitania
While there is no information about a national travel card in France, in the Occitanie region, where Mediterranean resorts are located, you can benefit from an unlimited number of trips with the Occitanie Rail Tour. Ticket prices start from 20 euros for 2 days and go up to 60 euros for 6 days. Additionally, on the first Saturday and Sunday of every month, you can purchase tickets for only 1 euro. However, this offer is not valid in July and August.
Upper France
TER offers various promotions, including a €1 discount for children aged 4 to 12. To qualify for the discount for up to three children, they must travel with at least one adult.
Brittany
Here you can utilize a season ticket from TER BreizhGo, which provides a discount of up to 75% on the regional rail network. This route is ideal for Brits arriving in Saint-Malo by ferry.
New Aquitaine
Billet Petit Prix offers a limited number of tickets that can be exclusively purchased online from 3 to 60 days before the departure date. The price of such tickets ranges from 5 euros to 20 euros depending on the distance.
Belgium
Young people under 26 years old can enjoy unlimited train travel for just 35 euros per month. The Youth Holidays pass is valid for travel on the national railway operator SNCB.