and
trainscanada
The
United States of America is a vast country, with
a completely varied
territory, from the almost tropical Floridean everglades to the arid plains
and prairies of Dakota, to the snowy ski resorts of Colorado.
AMTRAK is the marketing organization for the various U.S. train operating companies - famous names like the Union Pacific, Southern Pacific, Santa Fe etc. - and rail travel in the States is a completely different experience, with sleek silver trains ready to transport you through the ever-changing scenery (like the "Coast Starlight" pictured right), and smart attendants to assist you. Re-live those old western movies, as evocative names like El Paso or Tucson pass by your window.
To travel any great distance in America, almost always involves one, two or maybe even three nights on the train and it is important to reserve as much in advance as possible in order to get the best possible deal and to avoid disappointment as the trains can get booked up early. You can now book railpasses on line - click the link - and soon it should also be possible for you to book your point-to-point rail journeys within the US, but for the present please email us or phone 0871 700 7722 or fax 01354 660444 for immediate price quotations.
AMTRAK
PASSES
Another popular way of travelling by train in the USA is to purchase
a rail pass, which gives you a little bit more freedom if your itinerary is
fairly open. There are several passes to choose from according to the area
you want to see, and prices vary according to the season and how long you
actually want to travel for. Child prices are approx. 50% of the adult price.
Note that prices and routes are subject to change without notice, and may vary due to fluctuations in exchange rates (although the current rate between the £ and the U.S. Dollar makes a trip around America very cheap for us Brits!). Some trains will still require a seat reservation and sleeping accommodation should be booked as early as possible.
National Rail Pass: 15 days £205 off-peak; £262 peak; 1 month £247 off-peak; £315 peak.
East Rail Pass: 15 days £171 off-peak; £192 peak;
30 days £187 off-peak; £239 peak
West Rail Pass: 15 days £171 off-peak; £192 peak;
30 days £192 off-peak; £239 peak
Peak and off-peak dates for 2008:
Off peak: to May 22, and from September 2 to December 11,
Peak: May 23 to September 1
Northeast
Rail Pass: 15 days: £156 year round.
The "California Zephyr" heading through Utah. Contact us for the complete AMTRAK brochure, with details of more classic American train journeys, plans of seating and sleeping cars, etc.
So in addition to AMTRAK and N. American rail passes, point-to-point rail tickets in the US, and cross-border services into Canada - instant prices available - and AMTRAK vacation packages with train and hotel etc. - for example:
 Hotel
Brunswick, Kingman, Arizona - on the route of AMTRAK's "South West
Chief" and also on the famous Route 66, this hotel claims to be the
last traditional western (as in "wild west") hotel in the U.S.
We can therefore suggest a combination of this, the train, and a visit
to the Grand Canyon. |
We also provide tickets for private railroads e.g. Alaska Railroad, White Pass and Yukon Railway; Grand Canyon Railway (with its associated hotel and tour packages); Greyhound Bus USA including services into and out of Canada and Mexico; and hotels in major towns and cities.
CANADA
Canada
is well worth exploring by train whether you fancy the east of the country
from Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal-Quebec (and of course Niagara Falls on the line
to New York), the central area of Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton across to
the west to Vancouver. Rail passes are available to discover all or part of
Canada as you wish. VIA Rail Canada runs more than 460 trains
per week over a 14,000-kilometre network linking more than 450 localities
in Canada - immediate price quotations for point-to-point rail journeys are
available.
TM - Trademark owned by VIA Rail Canada Inc.
CANRAIL PASSES 2008
Soon it will be possible for you to book and pay for passes on line, but for the moment please email us
12 Days Adult off-peak £273; Child/Senior/Youth 12-25 £218
Extra days (up to 3) Adult £23.50; Child/Senior/Youth 12-25 £22
12 days Adult peak £438; Child/Senior/Youth 12-25 £394
extra days (up to 3) £Adult £37; Child/Senior/Youth 12-25 £34
Off-peak is up to 31 May and from 16 October; Peak is 01 June - 15 October.
THE
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER
Created over a century ago, the Canadian Rockies route traverses some of the most rugged terrain in the world. This historic route is today considered to be one of the world’s classic and most spectacular rail journeys, and includes one overnight hotel stay.
Prices start at just £276.00* per person for a two day rail journey from either Vancouver to Banff or Jasper, or Banff or Jasper to Vancouver, or from Vancouver to Calgary or Calgary to Vancouver. Please email info@trainseurope.co.uk for further information.
* Red Leaf Service
GREYHOUND
BUSES
If your itinerary is fairly relaxed and open, a good way to get around the USA AND Canada, is by Greyhound Bus. Greyhound is the largest provider of intercity bus transportation, serving more than 2,500 destinations with 17,000 daily departures across the country. To book your ticket email us on info@trainseurope.co.uk
CAR HIRE and AIRPORT TRANSFER services in both countries; ferries, river boat and seaplane services, and hotels in major towns and cities.
MEXICO
Our partner agencies have access to the "Espresso Maya", in the Yucatan, a reasonably priced tourist train; and the Copper Canyon Railway. In addition we can provide connecting area ship cruises and hotels, internal airline tickets etc.
Price quotes and timetable information from 0871 700 7722 or fax 01354 660444 or email info@trainseurope.co.uk