Considering a Eur-Rail, InterRrail, BritRail, KORail, or Japan Rail Pass pass?
These rail passes are still great deals, but seat reservation costs are often mandatory, and the travel offerings are competitive.
In Europe:
France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, and Switzerland have high reservation costs, especially for first-class cars. Investigate and compare budget airfare, like EasyJet and RyanAir, and ground transportation options like Flexibus.
In the United Kingdom:
Rail service is expensive, and so is the BritRail pass. Compare options like EasyJet and RyanAir, and ground transportation options like Flexibus.
In South Korea:
Train tickets are cheap at the point of sale. They typically beat restricting you and your travel partners to the terms and conditions of a pass. Read more here.
In Japan:
The Shinkansen pass is a perfect deal for people on the move. Between Tokyo and Osaka, a seat reservation often costs ¥4,500 – ¥5,000 in a regular train car and ¥8,500 – ¥9,000 in a Green Car (First Class). Read more here. Note that Japanese Railways also have cheaper regional passes. Overnight buses are a legitimate alternative for people who will be gradually on the move and taking their time to explore one area at a time. Plan ahead for reduced luggage allowances when flying between cities like Tokyo and Sapporo.
