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🌍 Help Me, LP! How do I make the most of Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass?

Feb 9, 2023 • 7 min read

Use your Amtrak USA Rail Pass to take in the country’s staggering scenery from the comfort of an observation car © Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock

In this series, Lonely Planet’s team of writers and editors answers your travel problems and provides tips and hacks to help you plan a hassle-free trip. When an Amtrak question came across the transom, we turned to Lonely Planet contributor (and major train) fan Lauren Keith.

Question: My trip around Europe with the Eurail Pass was one of the best I’ve ever taken. Is there anything like this in the United States?

Lauren Keith: Hopping off and on trains, waking up to a new city in the morning, carrying your suitcase through elegant train stations, meeting new friends from across hostel bunk beds: taking an extended train trip in this fashion actually is possible in the United States .

Modeled on the Eurail Pass , which allows travel around 33 European countries, Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass might get you across only one international border. But the experience can be just as varied, intriguing and eye-opening as its European counterpart. 

The US might have the world’s largest road network, sure – but taking a car-free “road trip” across the country is a ticket to an unforgettable adventure, and may be the most European-style journey you can have on this side of the pond.

I’ve just bought my second USA Rail Pass, and I’m starting to pack my bags for my next Amtrak sojourn. In 2021, I took to the rails on a loop from Kansas City , going through St Louis , San Antonio , New Orleans , DC , Baltimore , Philadelphia , New York City and Boston . Here’s a quick dive into the nitty-gritty of the Amtrak pass and some of the questions I was most commonly asked about my trip.

What is Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass?

The USA Rail Pass allows riders to go on 10 Amtrak “segments” within a 30-day period for a set price. A segment isn’t always the same thing as a one-way journey – any time you get off the train is the end of a segment. A one-way journey between Seattle and Denver , for example, consists of two segments because you have to change trains.

Launched in 1976, the USA Rail Pass in its current form differs significantly from the Eurail Pass, and even from previous versions of itself. Instead of regional restrictions, the entire country is now fair game, and the pass is valid for a set 30 days, and only 30 days – travelers no longer have the option of choosing longer or shorter durations.

When can I use the Amtrak Rail Pass?

Once you purchase the pass, you have to use it within 120 days (about four months). After the first segment is traveled, the clock starts ticking, and you have 30 days to take the other nine segments.

How much does the USA Rail Pass cost?

Amtrak sells the USA Rail Pass for $499 at full price – but it’s been on sale for as low as $299 a couple times in the last few years. And at this promotional price, each segment costs less than $30, regardless of length.

What are the USA Rail Pass restrictions?

While the USA Rail Pass is pretty flexible, it’s important to know a few details before buying one.

With the pass, you must travel in coach class. Business class and sleeper cabins (which are soon to be upgraded ) are not an option, unless you want to pay for them outside of the pass at the going rate. While Amtrak’s reclining seats are far superior to those of any airline’s economy class (39 inches of legroom compared with 28 inches when flying), they can be a challenge to sleep in overnight.

Passengers using the USA Rail Pass cannot ride the Auto Train (between Virginia and Florida ), Acela trains (high-speed trains in the Northeast) or Canadian routes that Amtrak operates with VIA Rail Canada. However, these regions are still accessible to pass holders on other (slower) routes.

Riders can travel between the same two stations only twice (two round-trip journeys), so the pass is best for travelers looking to explore a larger region, or the entire country. If you’re looking to commute between cities or visit friends or family in the same place, opt for a Multi-Ride Pass instead, which doesn’t have this restriction.

Though the USA Rail Pass doesn’t have any blackout dates, only a limited number of seats are saved for pass holders on each service – which means advance reservations are highly advisable. It’s possible that some trains will be unavailable; unfortunately, the number of eligible seats isn’t shown when searching the schedules. You have to reserve seats in advance, and it’s best to book your journeys as soon as you know where you want to go, even if you haven’t nailed down all the details. If you change your mind, you can cancel and rebook any time before the scheduled departure of the train, a super-flexible option.

Where can I go on Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass?

The country is your oyster. Amtrak’s routes roll across the US from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Mexican border to stops in Canadian cities. More than 30 train lines crisscross the entire country on some 21,000 miles of tracks. Trains stop in 500 cities in 46 states, along with a handful of destinations in Canada .

How can I make the most of Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass?

That all depends on you and your travel goals. You could feel the West Coast sun along the coast in California before cozying up in a bookshop among the grays and greens of the Pacific Northwest . You could focus on the East Coast’s big-hitters, such as DC, Philadelphia, New York and Boston. The bold could even cross the country from every direction within 30 days: east from Los Angeles to New Orleans, north from Miami to Maine , west from Chicago to Seattle, and south from Vancouver to San Diego , where you can cross the border to Tijuana , Mexico , on foot. 

Although the observation car might sound like the best way to soak up all the extraordinary diversity of scenery on an epic journey like that, I wouldn’t personally recommend it – unless you’re sure you’ve packed plenty of snacks and your body can handle days without fully lying down to sleep. The California Zephyr , one of the longest train journeys in the world, takes 52 hours from California to Chicago, and that’s assuming there aren’t any delays – a rarity.

Start by looking at Amtrak’s route map and deciding which stops are a priority. Remember that you don’t necessarily need to start from your home city: if you want to pack more in, you could fly or take a train (without using your pass) to a hub like New York, Chicago or DC that has multiple options for long-distance routes.

Another important factor is timing. You have 30 days to use your pass, and outside the Northeast, most routes run just once a day – or even as little as three times a week, as is the case for the Sunset Limited (Los Angeles to New Orleans). The small number of services mean that strange departure times are inevitable. My first trips on Amtrak in 2008 left from a small-town station in Kansas with two daily departures: 2:45am going south and 2:59am going north.

Which Amtrak routes are the most scenic?

Amtrak’s long-distance trains are some of the most scenic journeys in the world. The Coast Starlight is absolutely worth a trip, hugging the coast so closely between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara that you seem to hover at the cliff edge, as if on a roller coaster. The California Zephyr takes in the widest variety of landscapes, from the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas to the salt flats of Nevada and Utah to endless bends around the Rocky Mountains . 

Even many of Amtrak’s stations are scenic. Los Angeles’ Union Station is an art-deco jewel with its own brewpub. Denver’s Union Station is home to an impressive food hall, and the coffered ceilings of Kansas City’s Union Station (do we see a naming trend here?) are just as gorgeous as those in Chicago and Washington, DC.

Ready to take a midnight train to anywhere? See you on board.

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Sustainable Travel

Sep 20, 2021 • 5 min read

If you have a long way to go, don’t just jump on a plane. Night trains are a more fun, eco-friendly way to travel.

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June 8, 2021

Amtrak customers can tour the country for one low fare with usa rail pass.

For a limited time, customers can purchase the new rail pass for $299 per traveler

WASHINGTON – With the relaunch of its USA Rail Pass , Amtrak is introducing a new and affordable way to take a multi-segment train journey across America. This new offering allows customers to take up to ten rides to see the country and explore sights at many of Amtrak’s 500 destinations. Now through June 22, the USA Rail Pass is available for $299, a savings of $200 off the regular $499 price. Customers taking advantage of this special introductory offer will pay less than $30 per ride for ten travel segments over 30 days.

To make the experience as seamless and touch-free as possible, customers can purchase the USA Rail Pass on Amtrak.com and start building their itinerary on the website or on the Amtrak app . By leveraging the app, customers can also access their ticket, check train status and get boarding information prior to departure.

“We want to offer customers a truly unique way to travel this summer,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer Roger Harris. “With the new electronic USA Rail Pass, customers can take advantage of a great value and newly streamlined web and mobile app interfaces to make managing personalized travel plans convenient and easy.”

USA Rail Pass allows up to 10 segments in a 30-day period beginning with the customer’s first trip and is valid for use within 120 days of pass purchase. After purchasing the pass, customers can book and modify their trip itinerary and will receive an electronic ticket for each segment to present to the conductor when boarding.

USA Rail Pass is available for travel in Coach class—featuring wide, reclining seats with a big picture window, ample legroom, and no middle seat. A travel segment occurs when a customer boards and disembarks one of Amtrak’s scheduled services. If the trip involves making a connection, customers will use two segments of the USA Rail Pass. Upgrades to Business Class and private room accommodations are not available at this time. Amtrak Guest Rewards members will earn two points per dollar spent on each USA Rail Pass following travel on the first segment. Additional restrictions, terms and conditions apply. Learn more at Amtrak.com/USARailPass .  

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For More Information

Olivia Irvin [email protected] PR Manager

Related Posts

• Statement from Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner on the Passing of Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. April 24, 2024
• Amtrak Completes Upgrades at Durham Station April 22, 2024
• Amtrak Publishes Guide for West Baltimore Community Investments Funded by the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program April 18, 2024

About Amtrak®

For 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and transformed transportation by modernizing train travel, and building for the future. Amtrak will continue to play an important role in the national transportation network for the next 50 years and beyond by operating a safe, environmentally efficient and fiscally responsible business by providing travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the  Amtrak app . Learn more at  Amtrak.com and connect with us on Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and LinkedIn .

At Amtrak, Earth Day isn’t just one day. 🌎 Throughout April, employees volunteered their time to take care of our planet. We hosted events across the country to plant trees, clean up, and preserve Amtrak-served communities. #AmtrakGivesBack

46% more energy efficient than driving. Just saying. #EarthDay 🌎

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London Underground Tickets & Travelcards

The Travelcard is a transport pass for London that gives you unlimited travel in London within certain zones . The prices vary according to the number of zones you need to travel through. Central London is in zone 1.

Travelcards are valid for 1 day, 7 days, 1 month or 1 year.

The passes are valid for travel on all types of transport in London including:

• the Underground (the tube)
• the local suburban trains within London
• the Elizabeth Line (not west of West Drayton)
• the Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
• the London Overground
• the buses all over London. A Travelcard for any zone allows you to use the buses in all zones (zones 1-6)

The 3 Day Travelcard, weekend Travelcard, Zone 1-2 & 2-6 One Day Travelcards are no longer available.

Visiting London for 1-7 days? See our guide to London’s transport tickets & passes . The Travelcard may not be the best ticket for your stay.

Single Underground Tickets

Single paper tickets on the London underground are expensive if you buy them from a tube station ticket machine:

• £6.70 for one journey in zone 1 (central London) and between zone 1 and zones 2 to 6
• See single ticket prices for all zones .

One Day Travelcards: 2024 prices

Using a Pay as you go Oyster card or a contactless card are the cheapest ways to pay for travel if you’re in London for 1-5 days. The daily cap is £8.50 per day for zones 1-2

If you really don’t want to use an Oyster card or don’t have a contactless card, the One Day Travelcard is the next best money-saving pass.

The paper Off peak One Day Travelcard for zone 1-6 is  £15.90. This is expensive, but still cheaper than paying the full cash fare for 3 underground trips in central London (3 x £6.70 = £20.10 ).

One Day Travelcard fares from 3 March 2024

Peak v anytime travelcards.

One Day Travelcard prices are different if you travel during peak or off-peak times:

Anytime Travelcard Valid for travel at anytime. Off-Peak Travelcard For travel after 9.30am Monday–Friday and all day Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

Top Tip: An Off-Peak One Day Travelcard for zones 1–6 costs  £10.40 with a Railcard .

Weekly Travelcards: 2024 prices

If you stay in London for 6–7 days and use the underground, trains, and buses every day, the weekly Travelcard is the most cost-effective travel pass.

The one-week pass including central London (zones 1-2) is  £42.70.

• It can start on any day of the week
• It’s valid for travel at anytime; there is no peak or off-peak rate.

Most places sell weekly Travelcards loaded onto a plastic Oyster card. There’s a £7 fee for the Oyster card.

Your fare on an Oyster card will automatically cap at the weekly Travelcard fare (this is already available on contactless cards). The cap starts on Monday and ends Sunday, so it mainly benefits Londoners or those working in London.

Weekly Travelcard fares from 3 March 2024

• See weekly Travelcards prices for all other zones (2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)

Monthly Travelcards: 2024 prices

For longer stays in London, monthly Travelcards are available. You won’t save much compared to buying 4 x weekly Travelcards – but you’ll save time renewing it. Like the weekly Travelcard, it can start on any day of the week and is valid for travel at any time. See monthly Travelcard prices for all other zones (2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)

Monthly Travelcards from 3 March 2024

Where to buy travelcards.

One day, weekly and monthly Travelcards are available from:

Underground stations

Travelcards are available from all underground station ticket machines (there are no longer any underground tickets offices). The busier stations in central London have staff to help you use the machines.

Local shops and newsagents

Travelcards are also available from Oyster ticket stops . These are newsagents and local shops licensed to sell London transport tickets and Oyster cards. One Day Travelcards are not available from Oyster ticket stops.

London train stations

One Day Travelcards are available from all London train station ticket offices and ticket macines. Paper weekly and monthly Travelcards are no longer available from train stations . They are available to buy, but they are loaded onto an Oyster card and may only be available from ticket machines, not ticket offices.

London Transport Visitor Centres

TfL Visitor Centres at Victoria train station, Kings Cross/St Pancras International station, Heathrow Terminal 2 & 3 tube staion, Liverpool St station & Piccadilly Circus tube station.

How to use a Travelcard

On the underground.

If you have a paper One Day Travelcard or single ticket from a ticket machine, insert the card into the slot on the front of the ticket barrier. The barrier opens when you take the ticket from behind the yellow reader, on the top.

If you have a paper One Day Travelcard, just show it to the driver when boarding the bus.

See How to use an Oyster card if you have a weekly Travelcard on an Oyster card.

Top Tip: Do you want a cheaper way to travel around central London? If you only travel by bus , it costs £5.25 per day or £24.70 per week.

Related pages

• Guide to London’s transport tickets
• Weekly and monthly Travelcards for zones 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6
• Oyster card
• How to use a contactless card to pay for transport
• Bus tickets & passes
• London Transport zones

Last updated: 22 February 2024

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Amsterdam: Public transport tickets & Passes Overview, current prices (2024)

Whether you are looking for a single ticket, a day pass or an Amsterdam Travel Card, here you will find all the information you need. In this guide we present the most important tickets for visitors. So you can easily find the right ticket for your stay in Amsterdam.

Important information about buying tickets:

• You cannot buy tickets on buses and trams from the driver.
• Many of the tickets are available online and can be purchased before your trip. You will find more information below.
• Almost all public transport in Amsterdam is organized under the tariff system of the municipal transport company GVB “Gemeente Vervoer Bedrijf”. This makes it much easier for passengers, as a day ticket is valid on the metro, trams and GVB buses.

#1 Single rides with the OV chip card / “e-purse” or OVpay

If you are staying in amsterdam for a longer period of time but do not want to use public transport very often.

A charger for the OV-chip card – credit card fees may apply (image: travelguide.amsterdam)

The OV card / e-purse system is not that simple, especially if you don’t visit the Netherlands often.

How does the OV card / e-purse work?

The OV card works like a prepaid cellphone card. You can load the card with a certain amount of money at a machine and then use it up.

For a single ride, you will pay a fixed base price plus a set amount per kilometer driven. Thus, you are paying for the distance traveled. The distance is measured exactly every 50 metres and charged accordingly. There is no such thing as a classic one-way ticket , which costs a certain amount regardless of the distance travelled (flat rate). The OV chip card / e-purse can be used in trams, buses, as well as the Metro.

• Every passenger over the age of 4 must have a chip card.
• The card must be topped up with at least €4 before each journey to ensure that there are sufficient funds to cover the fare.

E-purse – prices

A rechargeable and anonymous chip card, without personalisation with a passport-type photo, costs €7.50 (without adding credit). There is a €2.50 service charge for withdrawing any remaining balance.

Standard fare: base price: €1.08 per trip plus 19.6 cents per kilometer traveled

Children (4–11 years) get a discounted fare: base price: 71 cents per trip plus 12.9 cents per kilometer traveled

Another payment system was introduced in 2023: OVpay. You can pay for a single journey on local public transport directly with your credit or debit card. All you have to do is present your payment card to a scanner when boarding and alighting. The fare will be automatically debited from your account.

Paying with OVpay – important information:

• You must always check in and out with the sa me bank card. Otherwise, the billing system will not be able to determine the correct fare.
• For single journeys, you will need a separate payment card for each passenger.
• In addition to the fares, credit card or exchange rate fees may also apply.
• A journey with an age discount (e.g. children’s fare) is not yet possible with OVpay.
• Don’t forget to check out with your payment card when you get off the bus. The fare depends on the distance traveled. If you do not check out, you will be charged an incorrect, usually higher fare.
• There is no daily limit, as there is in London. This means that you can pay significantly more per day with OVpay than with a day ticket (see below).

#2 GVB single day ticket or multi-day-ticket: Easy & affordable – ideal for visitors & tourists – optional Airport Express bus

Cheap & easy: the single-day-ticket with a validity of 1 – 7 days. Buy online and save time and stress in Amsterdam.

GVB single and multi-day tickets are popular with visitors to Amsterdam. They are easy to use and affordable.

What does this ticket offer?

• This ticket gives you unlimited travel on all GVB trams, city buses and the metro (day and night) throughout Amsterdam and you don’t have to keep an eye on your balance like you do with the e-purse.
• It is flexible in terms of time. Tickets are available for a single day and for up to 7 days , from 24 to 168 hours. The clock starts ticking at the time of first use.
• There is a day ticket, especially for children aged 4 to 11. The kids’ ticket is only valid for a single day. You can purchase more than one child’s day ticket if required.
• You can buy the ticket online before your trip (no surcharge – click here) .
• This ticket is not valid for other regional bus companies, such as Connexxion or EBS, or in trains of the Dutch railway company NS

GVB Day Ticket + Airport Transfer Schiphol Airport ↔ City Centre

→ You can find more information about the Amsterdam Travel Ticket here

→ More information about the various options for airport transfers, including travel times and prices

Current prices for GVB day and multiple-day tickets

Prices are at the lower end for a European city. The longer the validity, the lower the price per day.

Fares (2024) :

Children’s ticket (4–11 years) for 1 day / 24h: €4.50 – multiple tickets can be purchased for longer stays.

Standard fare:

1 day / 24h: €9 2 days / 48h: €15 3 days / 72h: €21 4 days / 96h: €26.50 5 days / 120h: €33 6 days / 144h: €37.50 7 days / 168h: €41 (€5.85 per day)

Our tip: buy online to save time and stress You can buy your ticket online before your trip via the English-language website of the authorised GVB ticket seller without having to pay a surcharge (click here) . This will save you stress later, as you won’t have to deal with the fare system and ticket machines after your flight. If you are travelling via Schiphol Airport, you can also buy the Amsterdam Travel Ticket online (day ticket for local transport + airport transfer by express bus or train).

GVB Ticket Child

Children aged 0-3 travel free on Amsterdam’s public transport. For children between 4 and 11 years of age, the GVB children’s day ticket is available at a reduced price.

Children aged 0–3 years can use public transport in Amsterdam free of charge. There is a reduced day ticket for children between the ages of 4 and 11. It currently (2024) costs €4.50. There is no multi-day pass for children.

If you need a children’s ticket for several days, the easiest way is to buy several one-day children’s tickets. You can buy GVB children’s day tickets online together with adult tickets.

Where is the GVB day ticket valid?

The GVB day ticket is valid on the entire GVB tram, underground and bus network.

→ Map / city map Amsterdam: GVB day ticket coverage

If your destination or accommodation is outside the validity area, you might be interested in the Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket (see below). This ticket is valid for the entire region around Amsterdam.

# 3 Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket: Trips around Amsterdam + airport transfer included

The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket entitles you to:

• Unlimited use of all GVB streetcars, city buses, metro (day and night) and ferries . This allows you to travel within the city of Amsterdam in the same way as the GVB Day Ticket (see above).
• In addition, you can also use the buses of the Connexxion and EBS companies . These bus companies serve destinations outside the Amsterdam city area. The GVB day ticket (see above) is not valid on these buses. This also includes the Airport Express Bus 397 (shuttle bus to the airport) .
• Trains  in the Amsterdam region with the national railroad company NS are included.

You can buy this ticket before your trip via the GVB authorized ticket portal (click here) . This will save you time and stress during your stay in Amsterdam.

Current prices for the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (2024)

With the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket you can travel in a much larger area than with a GVB day pass. Therefore the price is higher.

Current prices for the “Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket” Valid for 1 day: €21 Valid for 2 days: €31.50 Valid for 3 days: €40.50

The validity period is different from the GVB day ticket. The “Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket” is valid from the first check-in until 04.00 a.m. after the last valid day (depending on whether you have the 1, 2 or 3 day version). The day starts at midnight.

For example: If you use a 2-day ticket for the first time from midnight on Wednesday, then your ticket will be valid until 04:00 on Friday morning.

Where is the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket valid?

Here is a map showing the area covered by the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket.

→ Map / Plan: Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket

#4 Amsterdam Travel Ticket (ATT)

Day ticket + transfer by train or bus to schiphol airport.

The “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” – day ticket for public transport + airport transfer – online booking saves time and avoids stress

The Amsterdam Travel Ticket (ATT) is an extension of the GVB single day or multi-day-ticket described above. It can be considered an extension because with this ticket you also have the option of using the following unlimited times for your transfer to and from Schiphol airport :

• Unlimited 2nd class rail travel between train station “Schiphol Amsterdam” Airport and any train station in Amsterdam (Amstel, Bijlmer Arena, Amsterdam Centraal Station , Holendrecht, Lelylaan, Muiderpoort, RAI, Sciencepark, Sloterdijk, Zuid and Duivendrecht)
• The Amsterdam Airport Express (bus 397) operated by Connexxion and the Niteliner (bus N97).

This ticket also entitles you to unlimited travel on all GVB trams, (night) buses, metro and ferries in the whole of Amsterdam. However, its validity is regulated differently. The “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” is valid from the first check-in until 4 AM following the last valid day (depending on whether you have booked the 1, 2 or 3 day option). The day starts at midnight. For example: if you start using a 2-day ticket at midnight on Wednesday, then it will be valid until 4 AM on Friday.

Please note: This ticket is not valid on buses that are operated by other transport companies such as EBS and Arriva or on any bus other than the Amsterdam Express (bus 397) and the Niteliner (bus N97) operated by Connexxion.

Our tip: buy online and save time and stress abroad

You can buy the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” via this English-language website This will save you stress on arrival. You won’t have to deal with ticket machines after your flight.

Current pricing for the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket”

Prices are higher than a simple day ticket as it includes your airport transfer. A return trip from the airport to the city centre on the Airport Express Bus 397 currently costs €11.75. Taking this into account, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket is affordable.

 Current fares for the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket”

Validity 1 day:   18 Euro Validity 2 days: 24 Euro Validity 3 days: 30 Euro

Tickets with longer validity are not currently available.

→   Overview: Transfer Schiphol Airport ↔ Amsterdam city centre – all transport options (bus, train, taxi,…) incl. journey times and current prices.

#5 “I Amsterdam” card: Day ticket + discount card for sightseeing

Day ticket for public transport + free / reduced entry to attractions.

The I Amsterdam card is the official sightseeing pass for the city of Amsterdam. It is designed to help visitors navigate the maze of public transport fares and entrance tickets. The name is derived from the play on words “I am Amsterdam”. If you are also planning to visit the attractions and famous sights of the city, then the ‘I Amsterdam’ card may be of interest to you. It is a combination of day passes for public transport and discounted admission to tourist attractions.

The “I Amsterdam” card is a combination ticket and offers the following benefits:

“I Amsterdam” – just one ticket for public transport + free admission to attractions

Tip: Buy the ‘I Amsterdam’ card, GVB day ticket or entrance ticket online without paying a surcharge.

Insider tip: you can purchase the “I Amsterdam” card via this English-language website before your trip. This will save you the hassle and possibly even the credit card fees that you might incur if you pay on arrival.

Pricing for the “I Amsterdam” card (as of 2024)

1 day – 24 hours: €60 2 days – 48 hours: €85 (€42.50 per day) 3 days – 72 hours: €100 (€33.33 per day) 4 days – 96 hours: €115 (€28.75 per day) 5 days – 120 hours: €125 (€25 per day)

#6 Overview: Day tickets in Amsterdam

#7 group tickets for travel groups or school trips.

In addition, these tickets can be purchased online at no extra cost via this English language website .  There is no need to handle a large sum of money at a local ticket machine while your group waits impatiently. You will receive a receipt for your online purchase, which makes accounting for a group much easier.

#8 GVB 1 hour ticket

With the GVB 1 hour ticket, you can use all GVB lines within one hour. The ticket is unfortunately not available online. Current price 2024: €3.40 for adults

#9 FAQ 2024

Local transport Amsterdam: How much does a day ticket cost 2024?

The prices for the day ticket are very reasonable for a European metropolis. With a longer period of validity, the price per day decreases significantly.

Regular fare 2024: 1 day / 24 hours: 9 € 2 days / 48 hours: 15 € 3 days / 72 hours: 21 € 4 days / 96 hours: 26,50 € 5 days / 120 hours: 33 € 6 days / 144 hours: 37,50 € 7 days / 168 hours: 41 € (5,85 € per day)

More information about other tickets, online tickets, tickets for children … in our travel guide

Which public transport ticket is best for Amsterdam tourists?

The day or multi-day ticket of the city’s public transport company GVB is very popular with visitors to Amsterdam. With this ticket, you can easily use local transport (metro, bus, tram) in the Amsterdam city area . It is very cheap compared to other European metropolises. More information about other tickets, online tickets, tickets for children … in our travel guide

How much does a single ticket cost for public transport in Amsterdam?

There is no classic single ticket for Amsterdam public transport. Single journeys can be paid for with the “OV / E- Purse card”. It works in a similar way to a prepaid mobile phone card. You can load an amount of money onto this card at a machine. You can then use this credit to pay for local transport. A reloadable, anonymous e-purse card (without passport photo) costs 7.50 euros (without credit).  It is easier to use local transport with a day or multi-day ticket.

Where can I buy local transport tickets in Amsterdam?

You can buy local transport tickets in Amsterdam at vending machines or sales points of the local transport company GVB. You can also buy many tickets online. This saves time and stress in Amsterdam. You can find more information and our tips on buying tickets in our Amsterdam travel guide.

Is the GVB Day Ticket Amsterdam valid on the Schiphol Airport Express Bus 397?

The regular GVB day pass does not include the airport transfer by express bus or train. However, you can buy a combined ticket consisting of a day ticket for public transport + airport transfer (express bus or train). This combined ticket is called the “ Amsterdam Travel Ticket ”.

Is an airport transfer included with the Amsterdam Travel Ticket?

With the “Amsterdam Travel Ticket” you can use the following unlimited transfer options to and from Schiphol Airport :

• Train travel in 2nd class on NS trains between Schiphol Amsterdam station and any station in Amsterdam (Amstel, Bijlmer Arena, Amsterdam Centraal Central Station, Holendrecht, Lelylaan, Muiderpoort, RAI, Science Park, Sloterdijk, Zuid and Duivendrech)
• Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397) and Niteliner (Bus N97)

I was a tourist in Amsterdam and lived in the DAM square area from 28th September 2019 to 1st October 2019. I request you to please issue a 12 hour ticket for 4.0 Euro. The 24 hour ticket which I bought for 8 Euro becomes a bit redundant since trams are not there in the late hours up to early morning. We usually party till about 2 am and then the walk back from Bull Dog Palace at Leidseplein Square to Dam Square becomes arduous and dangerous since we are not in our senses. I used line 2, 14, 24 and 26 extensively during our stay there.

good information

Liebes Amsterdam Travel Guide Team,

erstmal Kompliment! Sehr gute Seite mit hilfreichen und übersichtlichen Informationen.

Wo finde ich eine Liste aller Teilnehmer wie Geschäfte, Kultureinrichtungen und Restaurants usw. die den 25% Rabatt durch die I Amsterdam Karte geben? Gibt es eventuell eine App oder ähnliches um auch die Standorte auf einer Karte zu sehen und eine gute Reise Route finden zu können? Falls nicht, wie kann ich Teilnehmer herausfinden? Oder muss ich in jedem Laden vor Ort einzeln nachfragen?

Vielen Dank im voraus! 🌷

Hallo Egga, vielen Dank für Dein Kompliment. Das ist eine tolle Motivation, weiter an unserem Reiseführer zu arbeiten.

Es gibt eine App “I amsterdam city card” für Apple und Android Geräte. Diese kann man nach dem Kauf herunterladen und sieht dann alle teilnehmenden Geschäfte / Restaurants.

Viel Spaß in Amsterdam!

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Quick Guide to Tokyo One-Day Passes

There are a range of Tokyo one-day passes for train, subway and bus, available to travelers and residents alike. In this guide, we share which of them will cheapen your travels around the city — some won’t!

The first thing to know is that unless you’re going to be zipping all over the city, one-day Tokyo passes might not save you much money. It’s sometimes better to just get a Suica or Pasmo IC card for travel around Tokyo (and the rest of Japan). Before dashing out and buying anything, work out your travel routes and check the ticket prices . When you compare them to the passes below, you might find that single tickets are a better bet.

Overview of Tokyo transport passes

The tokyo metro 24-hour ticket.

We’ve found the Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket to be the most useful discount Tokyo travel pass. It costs just ¥ 600 and gives you unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro lines (Ginza, Marunouchi, Hibiya, Tozai, Chiyoda, Yurakuchō, Hanzōmon, Namboku, and Fukutoshin). There are other lines run by Toei, which you can’t ride for free using this pass, but it’s usually easy enough to work out a journey that only uses Tokyo Metro lines.

A word of caution: Some Tokyo Metro lines continue on private commuter line tracks after a certain point, and you’ll have to pay extra to use them. It’s also worth noting that you can hold advance tickets for up to six months before activating them, but you must activate same-day tickets on the day of purchase.

What to do with it

The Tokyo Metro 24-hour pass covers most of the major bases in Tokyo central. A sample day out on it might look something like this:

• Start out in Shinjuku — say hi to Godzilla and do a spot of shopping.
• Then hop onto the Fukutoshin Line from Shinjuku-sanchome Station and head over to Meiji-jingumae to have a mosey around Meiji Jingu Shrine , Yoyogi Park and Harajuku.
• Wander down to Omotesando for lunch, then board the Ginza Line to experience the glitz and glamour of the  Ginza  neighborhood.
• After a bit of  ginbura (windowshopping in Ginza), you could get on the train again to see the sights of Asakusa (near Skytree).
• Ikebukuro , Roppongi (of Tokyo Tower fame), Shibuya and Tokyo Station (near the Imperial Palace) are all also accessible using the pass.

Where to get it

You can grab one from just about any Tokyo Metro ticket machine.

Toei and Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket

Called different variations of the above in English, but the ichinichi josha ken in Japanese, The Toei and Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket allows unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines. It costs ¥ 800 and you can get it online, or at a ticket machine or station office. There are also versions of the pass available for two or three days costing ¥ 1,200 and ¥ 1,500 respectively.

The Toei and Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket opens up all of the places that the Tokyo Metro 24-hour Pass does, with the added benefit of access to the Toei Line, which is useful if you plan to visit Oshiage (think Tokyo Skytree), Mita , the booksville that is Jimbocho , Suidobashi or Nerima  (among other areas).

You can also ride on the only streetcar left in Tokyo, the Toden Arakawa Line , which can take you from East Ikebukuro to Zoshigaya (home to Kishimojindo Temple ), Waseda and a few other random destinations. Unless your accommodation is on a Toei Line though, you’ll likely get better value out of a pure Metro pass.

If you’re not going to be using the metro, it’s better to go for the ¥ 700 Toei One-Day Economy Pass ( toei marugoto  kip pu ), which gives you full use of Toei subways, Toei buses, the Toei Streetcar (Toden) Arakawa Line, and the Nippori-Toneri Liner.

The advance ones are sold on Headout and Klook , as well as at Tokyo Metro Commuter Pass Offices, and on-the-day passes can be bought at ticket machines in Metro or Toei Line stations.

Tokunai Pass: 24 hours of JR trains

One of the better-value day passes, the Tokunai Pass costs ¥ 760 and gives you unlimited access to local and rapid JR trains within the 23 wards of Tokyo. This cover five lines: The Yamanote, the JR Yokohama Line, the Keihin-Tohoku Line, Chuo-Sobu Lines and the Rapid Chuo (up to a certain point).

While some lines extend to exciting destinations like Yokohama , you have to remain within the 23 wards, but that’s not exactly limiting. To make the most of the Yamanote, you can practically use the trainline as a sightseeing schedule, visiting spots like Shibuya , Shinjuku , Harajuku , Ueno , Akihabara , Ikebukuro , Shinagawa and Tokyo Station .

The other four lines offer spots like Ryogoku (home of sumo ) and Koenji (home of hipsters ), along with plenty of smaller local-feeling stations.

Pick one up at the reserved-seat ticket machines at stations, JR ticket offices ( midori-no-madoguchi in Japanese) or JR’s travel service centers.

Tokyo Free Kippu 24-hour Ticket

Also known as the Tokyo Combination Ticket or Tokyo Tour Ticket, this is almost NEVER the best deal. The one-day pass costs ¥ 1,600 and gives you access to the Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, Toei Streetcar (Toden), most Toei buses, the Nippori-Toneri Liner, and all JR lines within the Tokyo metropolitan area. Seems great at first glance, but it’s unlikely that you’ll be doing that much traveling in a single day. Our advice? Opt for one of the other Tokyo travel passes.

With this pass, you can go pretty much anywhere and everywhere in Tokyo, but you’d have to be doing exactly that to get the best deal. Keep it in mind if you have to do multiple transfers between lines and services though — or if the reduced hassle of ticket buying is worth it for you (travel expenses, anyone?)

Buy the pass from machines at almost all Tokyo Metro Stations (except Kita-senju, Naka-meguro, Nakano, Yoyogi-Uehara, Wakoshi, Meguro and Shibuya’s Hanzomon and Fukutoshin Lines).

Toei Bus One-day Pass

For ¥ 500 , you can get a Toei Bus One-Day Pass — which is great if you’re planning on taking the bus up and down Tokyo, but not all that useful otherwise. Considering that a single trip on the bus usually costs ¥ 210 , and a return ¥ 420 , you need to be making more than one round-trip for this pass to be worthwhile.

Most tourists tend to rely on trains more than buses, as they’re easier to navigate. That said, Google Maps is getting better for this, so branch out if you fancy seeing some sights on your journey from A to B.

Cool things about the Toei Bus One-day Pass: You can use it for unlimited travel within Tokyo’s 23 wards (you can get off at every stop if you feel like it). And it has a great slogan: “Feel the life of Japanese on the bus!” Who could say no to that?

The Tokyo bus system is extensive, so you can use the pass to go anywhere in Tokyo. It may not be quicker, but it’s a bit better for getting yourself oriented in the city.

The ticket can be purchased on the bus or at Toei bus commuter pass offices (probably easier to stick to the bus though). You can get a paper option or have it added to your Pasmo card. Try to be early for the first bus, so as not to hold up the queue.

Seibu One-day Pass

A pass that promises the joy of the four seasons, the Seibu Pass is great if you’re planning on visiting the old-town world of Kawagoe or the day-trip destination of Chichibu. Both are great options for a day outdoors, with Hon-Kawagoe an hour from Seibu-Shinjuku Station and Chichibu an hour from Ikebukuro.

While there are limited-express train options for both these routes, they’re not covered under this pass, which is a little frustrating. You’ll still save on a return ticket though. The Seibu Pass has both one and two-day options: the one-day pass is ¥ 1,000 , while the 2-day pass is (predictably) ¥ 2,000 . The pass includes all lines, except for the Tamagawa Line. There’s also an option for a Nagatoro addition, if you’d like to cavort close to a river at any point.

Head out to Kawagoe for a day filled with temple-hopping and old-school sweets, or go to Chichibu for a temple pilgrimage or the spring shiba-zakura festival . If you’re looking for more Tokyo day trips, check out our top options .

The Seibu One-day Pass can be purchased at Seibu Limited Express ticket offices on the first and basement floors of Ikebukuro Station, the Seibu Tourist Information Center in Ikebukuro or in Seibu-Shinjuku Station. The one-day ticket can also be purchased in advance online through Klook .

Bonus Tokyo travel passes

While the discount tickets above are great for days of sightseeing, there are plenty of others for more specific needs, like airport travel or local lines.

Airport combination tickets

• Haneda Airport: A ¥ 1,400 pass that gets you from Haneda Airport into the city on the Keikyu Line and throws in a Toei and Tokyo Metro One-day Economy Pass too. You can buy it on arrival at Haneda. Read more about the “Hanetoku Pass” .
• Narita Airport: The Keisei Skyliner and Tokyo Subway 24-hour ticket for those coming in from Narita, for ¥ 2,890 . If you don’t book online, you can also buy it at the airport after arrival.

While you’re at it, you might want to explore other cheap ways to get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo and Narita Airport to Tokyo .

Local line tickets

Local line tickets are great if you’re staying in a particular area or have a few stops to make in a day. Some of the best options include:

• The Rinkai Line 1-Day Ticket is perfect if you’re using the Seikyu Line to explore Odaiba.
• The Yurikamome One-Day Pass is great for those skipping between Shimbashi, Toyosu and Odaiba.
• The Setagaya Line Explorer Ticket gets you to the famed cat temple in Gotokuji on a very cute cat tram.
• The Tokyu Line Minatomirai Ticket gives you a return ticket from Tokyo and unlimited use on the Minatomirai subway line which is a great deal. Prices differ depending on the starting station.

Look for these and other discount passes when buying tickets at station vending machines.

Extended tickets

There are also longer-use passes, like the three-day Tokyo Wide Pass , the various Japan Rail Passes , and the seasonal Seishun 18 ticket . These are recommended for travel outside of Tokyo.

And if you want to get outside for the day, here’s a map of the Tokyo subway by walking times — no pass required, just a sturdy pair of shoes.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in October 2016. Last updated in December 2023.

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The Maya Train Will Get You to All of Yucatán’s Best Spots. But Not Yet.

In December, the train began running on its first route through Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. On a five-day journey a few months later, the author encountered enthusiasm, and scheduling hiccups.

By Elisabeth Malkin

Elisabeth Malkin has been visiting the Yucatán Peninsula for three decades.

I stepped off the platform at the gleaming new Maxcanú train station, eager to see the magnificent Maya archaeological site of Uxmal. All I needed was a taxi to take me there, a trip of about 30 miles away.

There are no taxis, said the stationmaster, as we stood on the polished limestone floors of the high-ceilinged station, which was cool and breezy despite the brilliant late-morning sun outside. And I was the third person in two weeks to get off at Maxcanú expecting to reach Uxmal, he said.

I was midway through a five-day trip to explore the brand-new Maya Train and several of its destinations in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico . Designed to run 965 miles (1,554 kilometers) around a loop of 34 stations when completed, the train will whisk passengers in cool comfort through colonial cities, archaeological sites, splashy resorts and tropical forests.

Now I was stunned. Wrangling a taxi has never been a problem in Mexico. But the drivers gathered in the main square of Maxcanú offered only beat-up vans that hopscotch through small towns, where I might or might not find a taxi to Uxmal. The next van was leaving in 45 minutes.

Yucatán’s layers of history have long held me spellbound. During earlier car trips, I have clambered up deserted Maya temples and palaces, stepped into the cool naves of massive 16th-century churches and visited restored haciendas, testaments of the ostentation — and hardship — of the peninsula’s 19th-century plantation economy. Traveling by train, I thought, would allow me to steep myself in more of that history.

But as I found in Maxcanú, a train won’t necessarily get you to where you want to go.

During my February trip, I traveled on the only route then available, an east-west leg that opened in December and runs from Cancún to Mérida, and then south through the port city of Campeche to the Maya site of Palenque (a short route between Cancún and Playa del Carmen opened last month, with three trains a day). I encountered scheduling confusion, unfinished stations and a dearth of trains — just two operating daily each way between Cancún and Campeche, and only one to Palenque. Overnight sleepers and special dining trains seem years away.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador considers the Maya Train his showcase development project, and wants to inaugurate the rest of the train before he leaves office on October 1. Based on my experience, that goal seems elusive.

A $29-billion route through the jungle

I started my journey in Cancún, where in the pre-dawn gloom the station hovered like a glowing spaceship. An attendant scanned the ticket I had bought online and a half-dozen more pointed me toward my tourist-class car, which was about a quarter full. I planned to go to Campeche, about 300 miles away, stopping once each day. At 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) an hour, the train covers the route in about six hours, the same as a car. (When construction is complete, the train’s speed should increase to 160 kilometers an hour.)

The car’s wide windows looked out at a wall of low jungle. The blue-green seats were comfortable and there was ample space between the rows. I bought a very good cappuccino at the snack bar, but declined the plastic-wrapped sandwiches. The rest of the merchandise was fruit cups, milk boxes and junk food.

The train will ultimately cost much more than the $29 billion budgeted so far, and it’s not the first time ambitious planners have alighted on the region. Cancún was once a tiny fishing village, selected half a century ago as a tourist hub. Last year 10 million international tourists flew into its airport, more than the airports of Mexico City, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta combined.

But uncontrolled growth has stressed the Caribbean coast’s fragile environment. The Maya Train, scientists warn , will push those problems south, threatening the area’s water supply, its unique system of underground limestone caves and its vast nature reserves.

Mr. López Obrador has charged ahead, handing the train over to the military , and arguing that it will spread Cancún’s wealth and attract new visitors. Mexico received more than 42 million overseas tourists last year and they spent almost $31 billion .

Local governments see an opportunity. “The train will allow people to disperse throughout the peninsula,” said Michelle Fridman, the tourism secretary for Yucatán state, which promotes dozens of attractions far beyond highlights like Mérida and Chichén Itzá .

Now that the train is operating, transport companies will begin to connect stations with lesser-known sites nearby, she said.

It’s fair to ask whether the train is the most effective way to develop the peninsula’s tourism. Tour companies already run trips to many sites from major cities, which are well served by buses. Driving a rental car through most of the area is considered safe , according to U.S. State Department travel guidance .

Route of Mexico’s Maya Train

Canceled trip.

It took two hours (and one time-zone change) to reach Valladolid, a colonial city of handsome streets and ancient churches, where I bought the rest of my tickets at the station. A tourist-class ticket from Cancún to Valladolid costs 472 pesos (around $28) for foreigners and 355 pesos (around $21) for Mexicans. First class, with wider seats, costs 755.50 pesos and 566.50 pesos, and discounts are available for older travelers and residents of the five states along the train’s route. (A first-class bus from downtown Cancún to Valladolid costs between 222 and 344 pesos, depending on the time of day, and takes half an hour longer.)

It was impossible to run the new Maya Train tracks into dense city centers and the Valladolid station, like the rest, was outside the urban core. A waiting bus took disembarking passengers downtown, a 15-minute ride for 35 pesos.

That day I toured Ek Balam , the site of a ninth-century Maya kingdom that is dominated by a 100-foot palace distinguished by a facade of carvings depicting winged warriors, stylized animal features and geometric patterns bordered by giant fangs. Admission to the site includes entry to the X-Canché cenote, one of thousands of limestone sinkholes that were sacred to the Maya.

Later that afternoon, I was wandering through the Museum of Ethnic Clothing, a private collection of traditional dress, embroidery and hats, when a WhatsApp message from the ticket office blinked on my phone. My train scheduled for the following day was canceled.

I decided to deal with the problem in the morning and enjoy the city. As I wandered past the antique shops and boutique hotels of the elegant Calzada de los Frailes, it was clear that Valladolid’s tourism, and the infrastructure to handle it, was well established. The Maya Train is simply an alternative way to reach a city that tourists discovered years ago.

‘We’re on the Tren Maya!’

In the morning, I found that my train had not been canceled, but the station for which I had a ticket, Tixkokob, was closed. I got off instead one stop earlier at Izamal, known for its ocher streets and the giant Franciscan convent of San Antonio de Padua, built atop the ruins of a pyramid.

During the 90-minute ride, I heard widespread enthusiasm among fellow travelers who expressed a willingness to give the train time to work out the kinks. “We’re an experiment,” said Oliva Escobedo Ochoa, 64, who was vacationing from her home in central Mexico.

Leticia Iliassich, 57, who is Mexican, was traveling with her Croatian husband along with relatives from Mexico and Croatia. They had initially been scheduled on an earlier train to Mérida that had been canceled. “We knew that it was a new project,” she said. “We don’t mind.”

The group had already sent a video to friends declaring, “We’re on the Tren Maya!”

At the Izamal station I hitched a 15-minute ride into the town center with a man who had asked me to take his photo alongside the train and his father. From there I negotiated a taxi to Hacienda San Lorenzo Aké, a working hacienda that still turns the fiber from an agave plant called henequén into coarse rope. Global demand for henequén, known as Yucatán’s “green gold,” brought fantastic wealth to the region in the mid-19th century, speckling the peninsula with more than 1,000 haciendas. ( Many are now sumptuous hotels.)

Where geometry, nature and the divine merge

It was during my third day that I found myself stuck in Maxcanú, after a 90-minute train ride from Izamal. The stationmaster, an army captain, offered me a ride to Uxmal, just as he had to the stranded tourists before me.

Eying Uxmal’s 4 p.m. final ticket sale, I accepted.

My situation made it clear just how distant the Maya Train’s promises are for tourists seeking to explore more of Yucatán. In time, that will change, said Ms. Fridman, the tourism secretary. “The idea is to have more hotels along the train line,” she said. “That will happen little by little.”

But Uxmal , among the most stunning of the Maya sites, made up for the inconvenience. Uxmal’s grand buildings are faced with intricate decorative masks as well as friezes in which geometry, nature and the divine merge. New plaques at each structure offer detailed information in English and Spanish, part of the government’s investment in improving displays at Maya sites for the train project.

Most tourists either take day trips by car or bus to Uxmal from Mérida or stay at one of three nearby hotels. As I finished dinner at my hotel, the dining room began to fill up: 47 Polish tourists had arrived.

Panama hats and a cramped van

My plan for the day was to go by taxi to Bécal, a town where Panama hats are woven in limestone caves to keep the fibers soft, and then pick up the afternoon train in nearby Calkiní for the port city of Campeche.

But I spent so much time watching the hat-making demonstration and then fitting my new hat and buying gifts that we set off with little time to reach the station. To my chagrin, I missed the train, the last one of the day.

On Calkiní’s central square, I found a van that was leaving for Campeche. Cost: 65 pesos. Time: about 1 hour and 20 minutes, similar to what I would have spent on the train. Of course, I was trapped in a cramped seat and had to listen to the driver’s choice of sentimental ballads, but I was dropped off in downtown Campeche, close to my hotel.

The next day, I toured the Museum of Maya Archaeology , an expertly curated collection that included haunting jade funeral masks, glyphs and delicate ceramic figures.

José Madrigal, 45, an engineer from Fremont, Calif., was trying to make Maya pottery interesting for his twin sons. The boys had just turned 5 and their birthday present had been a ride on the Maya Train. “They love trains,” Mr. Madrigal said. Then the family moved on, keeping up a brisk clip through the museum. They had another train to catch.

Should you take the train?

Yes, if you are traveling between larger stations. The train also offers a way to get to Palenque, which is harder to reach and has roads with security concerns. Travelers can stow bicycles on board.

To see train times, check the destinations on the website . You cannot buy tickets online more than a week in advance. But when you finally board, the ride is smooth — and the coffee is excellent.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

Traveling to Europe? Book one of these new train trips.

Europe is in the midst of a great rail revival. An increased awareness of environmental issues , the many hassles of air travel and the mental effort required to drive long distances are all reasons for people to get back onto trains. European passenger numbers are on the rise again, if not quite at pre-pandemic levels .

In response, operators across the continent are investing in new services, tracks and special offers. And it’s only going to get better: Dozens of projects are in motion from the Baltic states to Portugal, with the European Union aiming to double high-speed rail traffic by 2030 and supporting “10 pilot projects to establish new rail services or improve existing ones” right now .

My family’s summer will involve a train journey from Paris to Barcelona, down the Rhône valley and along the Mediterranean coast, but you don’t have to travel at 200 miles an hour to get the best out of Europe’s rail network.

From slow trains to high-speed bargains, there are plenty of options if you’re traveling in Europe in the next few months.

1. New sleepers from Belgium and Sweden

The sleeper train revival is picking up speed. They seemed to be on the way out in 2016, when the government of France, their last stronghold, decided to cut funding for a number of services. Happily, many of those have since been restored, and other countries around Europe — most notably Austria, under the brand name Nightjet — are investing heavily in night trains.

This summer sees the debut of a service between Brussels and Berlin, two key political centers, run by a new company called European Sleeper . Customers can leave Brussels at 7:22 p.m. (or Amsterdam at 10:34 p.m.) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and arrive in Berlin at 6:48 a.m. Return trips depart on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. There are three types of tickets, starting at $85: a seat, a bed in a six-berth compartment or a bed in a three-bed compartment.

Other night trains have also recently been introduced, such as Stockholm to Hamburg , which started in the fall, or Paris to Vienna , which began in 2021.

I’ve traveled on night trains from Paris to the south of France on a number of occasions. The experience is not luxurious, but it’s generally cheaper than the cost of a flight and a room — and the beds, while slim, are surprisingly comfortable. Be warned, though: The romance of trundling across Europe in the dead of night can make it hard to sleep.

2. German rail pass for $50 a month

Last summer Germany’s national rail company, Deutsche Bahn, offered monthly passes for the country’s huge network for under $10, a response to cost-of-living problems caused by a sharp rise in costs for electricity, food, heating and mobility. The success of that project has led to the introduction of the Deutschland-Ticket , which will cost around $50 a month and allow unlimited travel on all trains, buses and city subway services, with the exception of the most direct and speedy intercity services.

The possibilities are enticing. Beer lovers, for example, could travel from Düsseldorf to Cologne to Bamberg and onward to Munich, hopping off for distinctive local brews along the way. Those in search of scenery, meanwhile, might prefer the West Rhine Railway, stretching down the Rhine from Cologne in the north to Mainz.

One thing to remember: The Deutschland-Ticket is only available as a rolling, app-based subscription. British train expert Mark Smith, better known online as the Man in Seat 61, recommends canceling by the 10th of the month to avoid being charged for more than a month.

3. The first 100-mph locomotive, in the U.K.

Given locomotives are a British invention, the rail network in the United Kingdom can be a disappointment. Yes, it’ll get you where you need to go, eventually, but services are often late, and there’s only one high-speed line, used by Eurostar and domestic services, from London into the Kentish countryside. The current national debate over ongoing construction of HS2 (High Speed 2) offers a reason: NIMBY -ish attitudes tend to triumph over the greater good.

No wonder Britons are wont to retreat into the past for comfort. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the world’s first fully authenticated 100-mph passenger locomotive, the Flying Scotsman; as a result, a number of special excursions are planned. For those who can afford it, the Centenary Weekender looks like the most appealing trip, from London to York and then Edinburgh, followed by a jaunt up Scotland’s beautiful East Coast.

The Flying Scotsman may be unique, but Europe is full of historical interest. There’s another anniversary, too: The Wuppertal Schwebebahn , a remarkable suspension railway that continues to operate, was completed in 1903 . And then there’s the Beaux-Arts Canfranc Station, opened as the crossing point from Spain to France in 1928, which was revived as a hotel this year .

4. A $7 high-speed train in Spain

Budget services are increasingly common in Europe, but no one is moving so fast as Spain’s Avlo , which runs high-speed, low-cost trains between Madrid and Barcelona, with tickets starting around $7. The network is expanding: From the start of June , there’s a new route from the Spanish capital to Andalusia, taking in Cordoba, Seville and Malaga.

In France, there’s Ouigo , which provides high-speed and standard services from Paris to cities all around the country, including Bordeaux, Marseille and Strasbourg. The advantage of the standard service — which offers tickets starting around $11 — is that prices don’t change, so you can get a last-minute bargain. The U.K., too, has a low-cost service , from London to Edinburgh via Newcastle, although tickets are not always such good value.

5. New subway lines in Turkey and England

Few cities have seen such huge investment and rapid improvement in subway provision as Istanbul. Earlier this year, a line connecting Istanbul Airport to the city opened, while other new lines and extensions are entering service all the time. It’s a remarkable turnaround for a city that had virtually no underground transport until 1989.

It’s not the only capital to be investing in underground trains, though. The experience of visiting Copenhagen has been transformed by the 2019 opening of the City Circle Line . Since last summer, visitors arriving at London Heathrow can reach the city center, and much besides , far quicker courtesy of 2022’s Elizabeth Line.

Paris, meanwhile, is in the foothills of a significant expansion program, Grand Paris Express , which will provide new connections in the city’s long-neglected suburbs. You can expect to see those services start to come online next year, when Paris hosts the Olympics and when Metro Line 14 will be extended to Orly, Paris’s second-largest airport.

The Complete Guide to the Kintetsu Rail Pass

Learn all about the different types of Kintetsu Rail Pass to save money on travel during your trip through central Japan. (Main image: PIXTA)

Kintetsu Rail Pass Types & Prices

Why choose the kintetsu rail pass, the main sights to see with the kintetsu rail pass, practical information about the kintetsu railway pass, alternatives to the kintetsu rail pass, conclusion - discover more of kansai with the kintetsu rail pass.

The Kintetsu Rail Pass offers unlimited travel on Kintetsu train lines and specific bus routes to some of the most popular destinations in Japan, including Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara . Available in four different formats, the Kintetsu Rail Pass allows you to travel to major cities as well as more remote and lesser-traveled corners of many of Japan’s most beautiful prefectures. Alongside world-famous landmarks and breathtaking scenery, the Kintetsu Rail Pass also allows you to enjoy a taste of ancient Japanese culture and wonderful cuisine.

There are four types of Kintetsu Rail Pass, a 1-Day Pass, a 2-Day Pass, a 5-Day Pass and the 5-Day Pass Plus. Here is a breakdown of the areas and the methods of transport that each pass covers.

The Kintetsu Rail 1-Day Pass

The 1-Day Kintetsu Rail Pass Travel allows unlimited travel on five train lines, one cable car and several bus routes in Japan’s Kansai region. Here are the main benefits of the Kintetsu 1-Day Rail Pass.

• Unlimited travel for one day between Kyoto, Osaka and Nara on Kintetsu train lines
• Unlimited travel on several local bus services in Nara City
• Small discounts on entry to a selection of sights around Kyoto, Nara and Osaka

The 1-Day Kintetsu Rail Pass can be used on the following train lines: the Kashihara Line, the Keihanna Line, the Kyoto Line, the Namba Line, and the Nara Line. The 1-Day Kintetsu Rail Pass can also be used on the Ikoma Cable Car to reach Hozanji Temple and the Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park . It also allows travel on several local Nara Kotsu bus services in Nara , most notably around Nara Park . A full map of all of the services covered by the 1-Day Kintetsu Rail Pass can be found on the official website (PDF) .

The Kintetsu 2-Day Rail Pass

The 2-Day Pass (valid for two consecutive days) includes travel on all of the same train lines and buses as the 1-Day Pass, as well as offering travel on an additional number of smaller, regional lines. Here are the main benefits of the Kintetsu 2-Day Rail Pass.

• Includes unlimited travel on all of the same train lines, buses and cable car as the 1-Day Kintetsu Rail Pass
• Also includes unlimited travel on an additional 10 mostly regional train lines
• Also covers direct trains to Yoshino, one of Japan’s most spectacular cherry blossom areas

The full list of train lines which can be used with the Kintetsu 2-Day Rail Pass is: the Domyoji Line, Gose Line, Ikoma Line, Kashihara Line, Keihanna Line, Kyoto Line, Minami Osaka Line, Nagano Line, Namba Line, Nara Line, Osaka Line, Shiga Line, Tawaramoto Line, Tenri Line, and Yoshino Line. A full map of all of the services covered by the 2-Day Kintetsu Rail Pass can be found on the official website (PDF) .

The Kintetsu 5-Day Rail Pass

The Kintetsu 5-Day Rail Pass covers a wider area than the 1-Day and 2-Day Passes. The main benefits of the Kintetsu 5-Day Rail Pass are:

• Includes unlimited travel on all of the same train lines as the 1 and 2 day Kintetsu Rail Passes
• Also allows travel to Nagoya
• Includes train travel to several destinations in Mie Prefecture, including Ise, Toba, Yunoyama Onsen and the Shima Peninsula
• Allows travel to Iga on the Iga Tetsudo Line

The Kintetsu 5-Day Rail Pass offers the chance to explore a wider area of Japan’s Kansai region, including a large area of Mie Prefecture . However, this pass does not include the option to travel by any bus services . The additional lines that you can travel on with the Kintetsu 5-Day Rail Pass are the Kintetsu-Nagoya Line, the Kintetsu- Shima Line, the Kintetsu- Toba Line, the Kintetsu-Yunoyama Line, and the Kintetsu Yamada Line. A full map of all of the services covered by the 5-Day Kintetsu Rail Pass can be found on the official website (PDF) .

The Kintetsu 5-Day Rail Pass Plus

The Kintetsu 5-Day Rail Pass Plus covers the exact same train lines as the regular 5-Day pass, but also includes travel on several bus routes in the region, namely the Mie Kotsu bus, Nara Kotsu, and Toba City Kamome bus service. A full map of all of the services covered by the Kintetsu 5-Day Rail Pass Plus can be found on the official website (PDF) .

Comparing the Costs of the Two Types of Kansai Railway Pass

• Cost for Adults: 1,800 yen
• Cost for Children: 900 yen
• Cost for Adults: 3,000 yen
• Cost for Children: 1,500 yen
• Cost for Adults: 4,500 yen
• Cost for Children: 2,250 yen
• Cost for Adults: 5,700 yen
• Cost for Children: 2,850 yen

Who Might Benefit the Most from the Kansai Railway Pass?

Thanks to the various formats of the Kansai Railway Pass, this travel pass should be of interest to anybody spending any amount of time in the Kansai region. The 2-Day Pass in particular gives visitors the chance to spend a good amount of time in Kyoto or Osaka with a day trip to Nara or the cherry blossoms in Yoshino, for example. The Kintetsu 5-Day Rail Pass will also be of interest to anyone looking to explore some of the lesser-visited corners of Japan as this pass makes it easy to visit a wider area of Japan’s Kansai region. As well as the city of Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture, with the 5-Day pass you can also discover much of the beautiful and often overlooked prefecture of Mie.

Where to buy the Kintetsu Rail Pass

The Kansai Railway Pass can be bought online from Kintetsu or through travel agents such as Klook.

Save Money on Travel in and Around Kansai

The Kintetsu Rail Pass is a great way to save money on transport and traveling in the Kansai region. This is particularly true of the 2-Day and 5-Day versions of the pass, which can be used to travel to a variety of destinations in Kansai. As they cover the widest area, the two 5-Day Kintetsu Rail Passes in particular are both very good value for money. The cost of either of the 5-Day passes are easily a lot lower than the price you would pay for individual journeys between the destinations that they cover.

Save Time During Your Trip

As well as saving money, with the Kintetsu Rail Pass you can also save a fair amount of valuable holiday time. By buying a rail pass you won’t need to queue up to buy individual tickets for every trip that you need to take.

Save Money with Discounts on Entrance Fees and Shopping in Certain Stores

As well as saving money on train travel, the Kintetsu Rail Passes also offers discounts on entry to a number of attractions throughout the region. The passes can also be used to receive discounts when shopping in certain stores, including major chains like Don Quijote and BicCamera.

Drawbacks of the Kintetsu Rail Pass

You’ll Need to Pay Extra For Limited Express Trains The Kintetsu Rail Pass does not include travel by Limited Express trains on the Kintetsu rail network. Limited Express trains are faster, usually direct and are much more comfortable trains with reserved seating. If you’d prefer to travel by a Limited Express service you will need to pay an additional fee to use them. Local Transport Options in the Major Cities are Not covered While the Kintetsu Rail Passes are a good way to get to Kyoto, Osaka and Nagoya, they can’t be used on any local train or bus services in any of these cities. If you do travel to any of these destinations, you will also need to buy additional tickets to use local rail, subway or bus services to get around. You Might Need to Do a Lot of Traveling to Justify the 1-Day Pass To get the most value for money from the 1-Day Pass you would have to do a lot of traveling in a single day. For example, the cost of the 1-Day Pass is fractionally more expensive than a return ticket to Nara from Kyoto. You would get your money’s worth if you then used the pass to travel on local buses in Nara , or by adding an evening out in Osaka before returning to Kyoto, but some travelers might not want to cram so much into one day. Passes Can’t Be Used on Any Japan Railways Services As this pass only covers services operated by Kintetsu it cannot be used on any trains run by Japan Railways (JR). JR is the largest train company in Japan and runs dozens of lines and services in the area covered by the Kintetsu Rail Pass. If you need to take any JR’s trains or Shinkansen, you will need to pay extra to use them.

Each of the 1-Day, 2-Day and 5-Day Kintetsu Rail Passes covers an expanding area of Kansai. Here is a list of the main destinations that can be visited with the Kansai Railway Pass, starting with the 1-Day Pass.

Kyoto - The historic capital is one of the most popular tourist destinations for visitors to Japan. The city is famed for its historic temples , including the torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine and the stunning views from Kiyomizu-dera. Also amongst the city’s most popular sites are the geisha district of Gion , Hōkan-ji Temple ’s pagoda as seen from Sannenzaka and the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Osaka - The third largest city in Japan, Osaka is full of famous landmarks and attractions, including Osaka Castle , Shitennoji Temple and the symbol of the city, the Tsutenkaku Tower. One of the best places to eat in Japan, Osaka comes alive at night, particularly in the vibrant areas of Shinsekai and Dotonbori , home to another of the city’s most famous sights, the Glico Running Man.

Nara - Another of Japan’s former capital cities, Nara is perhaps most famous for the cute, head-nodding deer that freely roam through Nara Park . Nara Park also features several ancient temples and shrines , including Todaiji, home to a 15m tall statue of Buddha, and Kasugataisha Shrine , reached by a lantern-lined path in the heart of the park .

Hozanji and Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park - The Ikoma Cable Car climbs Mount Ikoma , stopping at Hozanji Temple , which dates from the 7th century, and the Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park , a retro theme park with magnificent views across Nara Prefecture . The kitsch and colorful cable cars alone are worth making the trip to see, shaped in the style of cats, dogs and even cakes .

2-Day Kintetsu Rail Pass

Yoshino - The main draw of the 2-day pass is the ability to travel to Yoshino from Osaka’s Abenobashi Station. In spring , Yoshino is one of the most stunning cherry blossom spots in Japan. Around 30,000 sakura trees cover the slopes of Mount Yoshino which typically come into full bloom in the first few weeks of April.

Kashihara - The historic town of Kashihara was also once the capital of Japan, if only for a very brief period in the 7th century. Today Kashihara’s most famous site is Kashihara-jingu Shrine , built in 1890 to honor Emperor Jimmu, the very first Emperor of Japan. Amongst the shrine ’s huge grounds are the Mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu and the picturesque Fukuda Pond. Kashihara’s Imaicho district features streets lined with around 500 beautiful historic buildings dating from Japan’s Edo Period.

5-Day Kintetsu Rail Pass

Nagoya - The capital of Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya’s most famous landmark is Nagoya Castle , which was reconstructed following the Second World War. A great place to visit with children, Nagoya features several attractions that are great for young and old alike, including the Nagoya City Science Museum , the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park rail museum , LEGOLAND® Japan and Ghibli Park , inspired by locations and settings seen in the films of Studio Ghibli.

Ise - The city of Ise in Mie Prefecture is home to the Ise Grand Shrine , the most sacred Shinto shrine in Japan. Ise Grand Shrine has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries and still attracts millions of tourists each year. The main buildings of both shrines are dismantled and completely rebuilt every twenty years.

Toba and the Shima Peninsula - Located just to the southeast of Ise , Toba is a city with a fascinating range of attractions. In between Ise and Toba is Futamiokitama Shrine , which is most famous for the Meoto Iwa, two seabound sacred rocks that represent man and woman that are joined by a straw rope called a shimenawa. Also in Toba is Toba Aquarium , home to over 1000 species of animals, while at the Pearl Museum on Mikimoto Pearl Island you can discover how pearls were first cultivated. You can watch a display of women divers called ama diving for pearls in the waters just next to the museum . Pearls are still cultivated in Ago Bay, a beautiful area of tree-covered islands at the southern tip of the Shima Peninsula. Also located here is Shima Spain Village , a unique Spanish-themed amusement park with numerous roller coasters and rides.

Yunoyama Onsen - If you’re looking to soak in the region’s restorative hot spring waters, be sure to visit Yunoyama Onsen , one of the oldest onsen resorts in Japan. There are several ryokans and hot spring resorts located throughout this small town that sits at the foot of Mount Gozaisho. Bathing in Yunoyama Onsen ’s hot spring waters is said to help give your skin a youthful appearance.

Iga Ueno - During Japan’s feudal era the small city of Iga Ueno was home to several ninja schools. Today, you can learn all about the fascinating lives and times of feudal ninja warriors at the Iga Ninja Museum . The museum also displays a range of original ninja weapons and there are demonstrations of authentic fighting techniques. Next to the museum is Iga Ueno Castle , a reconstruction of the original that was rebuilt using wood in the 1930s after the original was destroyed by a storm.

5-Day Rail Pass Plus

Nabana No Sato - The main benefit of the 5-Day Pass Plus is that it allows you to reach Nabano No Sato directly by bus. Nabana No Sato is a giant flower park next to the Nagashima Resort on the edge of Mie Prefecture and close to Nagoya. Though worth visiting in any season , Nabano no Sato is particularly special from around mid-October to early May thanks to the garden ’s spectacular winter illuminations display, one of the biggest in Japan.

Who is eligible to buy a Kintetsu Rail Pass?

Only visitors to Japan on a short-term temporary visitor visa can buy the Kintetsu Rail Pass. You will need to show your passport that proves that you are in Japan on a temporary visitor visa when you buy the Kintetsu Rail Pass.

How do I activate the Kintetsu Rail Pass?

When ordering the Kintetsu Rail Pass you will be sent a QR code by email. You will need to show this QR code at a Kintetsu ticket office to exchange it for the physical rail pass at one of the following stations - Osaka Namba Station, Osaka Uehommachi Station, Osaka Abenobashi Station, Kintetsu Nara Station, Kyoto Station , Tsu Station or Kintetsu Nagoya Station. The pass is a physical ticket that you will need to pass through ticket barriers to enter and exit train stations. At stations without barriers or if traveling by bus simply show your ticket to station staff or the bus driver.

Does the Kintetsu Rail Pass have to be used on consecutive days?

Yes - the 2-Day Pass and both types of the 5-Day pass have to be used on consecutive days.

How long is the Kintetsu Rail Pass valid for?

The pass is available to buy all year round and is valid for six months from the date of purchase. Once activated, the pass is then valid from the date of first use until the pass expires.

Here are a few alternatives to the Kintetsu Rail Pass that you might want to consider.

• Kansai Railway Pass - Available as a two or three day pass, the Kansai Rail Pass allows unlimited travel on twenty private train lines to many major destinations across the region, though it cannot be used on any Japan Railways (JR) lines.
• JR West Kansai Area Pass - Available as a 1, 2, 3 or 4 day pass, this pass offers unlimited travel on local JR trains and buses in Kansai. The pass also allows you to travel on the Kyoto City Subway, the Keihan Railway and Hankyu Railway lines, but it does not include travel on bullet trains.
• JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass - Similar to the JR West Kansai Area Pass, this 5 day pass offers unlimited train travel on JR trains across a larger area of Kansai, including some Shinkansen and Limited Express routes. As well as the Kansai region this pass can also be used on some services to other nearby areas, including Tottori, Okayama and Takamatsu.

The Kintetsu Rail Pass can be a great way to save money on traveling by train and bus across the Kansai Region. The 2-Day and 5-Day options are particularly good value for money, as they allow enough time to travel further distances and take advantage of the savings that the Kintetsu Rail Pass offers. For Kintetsu Rail Pass pass details, see the official website (https://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/ticket/)

Written by:

James Davies

Originally from Cardiff in the UK, James has been working as a freelance writer since moving to Japan in 2020. Having first visited Japan in 2013, James has been to each of the country’s 47 prefectures. A lover of sushi, sumo and sake, when not writing, he is either exploring Tokyo or planning a trip to a new corner of Japan. On Instagram: @_jamesdavies

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• How To: Transportation

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Secret walled-off staircase is all that remains of long-lost Toronto train station

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Thousands pass below a busy Toronto underpass every day without paying much attention to an unassuming archway walled off with bricks — the sole remnant of a long-lost train station once used by daily commuters, and even by royalty at one point.

The 1898-built underpass at Queen and Dufferin, known as the Queen Street Subway, is home to the last vestige of the former Parkdale railway station (later known as North Parkdale).

Fareen Karim

You'd be forgiven for not knowing of the long-vacated train station at this site, as the last train serving the former stop on the Grand Trunk/Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railways departed a half-century ago in 1974.

A small wooden station was first built along the east side of the rail line at this site in 1856, later expanded, and then growing again with the addition of a new building west of the tracks in 1879.

The station in 1900. Public domain.

In its early years, the station was crossed at street-level by Queen Street. This changed when the current underpass opened in 1898, allowing Queen Street traffic and streetcars to pass below converging rail lines and the multi-building station.

The station in 1898. Public domain.

It was during the construction of the underpass that a staircase was built, providing pedestrians access from the sunken underpass to the rail platform above.

The station would fall out of relevance in the decades that followed, though the stop did see a high point in its final decades of operation, when it was visited by Princess Margaret during a 1958 royal tour, travelling from Parkdale to Stratford, Ontario.

The station met its ultimate demise after GO Transit started operating a new competing route, stopping nearby at a new station near the Line 2 subway along Bloor.

The building itself was destined for preservation and relocated to Queen and Roncesvalles in 1977, but it was sadly destroyed by fire later that year before any reuse plans could be implemented.

None of the buildings remain today. The original station's footprint is now occupied by a northerly extension of Sudbury Street to Queen, while a former CPR yard on the western lands was redeveloped with condos.

While the train station and associated structures are long since gone from this site, the walled-off staircase entrance dating to 1898 serves as a reminder of the area's largely forgotten rail history.

There are actually several such forgotten staircases in Toronto, detailed in an informative blog post by local geographer Sean Marshall.

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