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Taking the Train to Greece

Greek trains get cheaper, easier

By deTraci Regula, About.com

Friendship train from Istanbul to Thessaloniki

One of the cars on the Istanbul-Thessaloniki FriendshipTrain

deTraci Regula
Rail passes can be a great way to help you combine travel to Greece with visits to other countries in Europe. But there are some things you should know before you go... or before you order your pass.

Tips on Greek Rail Passes

Many travelers hear the word "pass" and think that it offers unlimited travel. This is not the case; each pass has certain benefits and restrictions, and they actually reward the more organized traveler rather than the completely free spirit.

Greek Rail Pass "Bonuses"

In Greece, there are several bonuses offered which include free or discounted travel on ferries or a day cruise. But be careful. The "Free" options require that the bearer use a "travel day". Each rail pass offers a limited number of "travel days" so be careful - depending on your individual plans, taking advantage of that freebie may not be the best use of your pass or your travel money. You may want to pay outright for the "bonus" and keep that precious transit day in your pocket. But note: the "travel day" is not counted if the offered bonus is merely a discount; it just kicks in if you are getting a benefit entirely for free.

Eurail Youth Flexipass

Young and on the road in Europe? The Flexipass covers Greece.

Eurail Youth Flexipass

Eurail Flexipass This is a standard Flexipass open to everyone, regardless of age. Buy Direct: Eurail Flexipass Multiple Country Passes

This includes train travel in or through Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Brand New: special passes combining Greece and Italy.

Multiple Country Passes

Greek Rail'N Fly

Possibly the best of both worlds, this pass combines flights with train travel. If you really want to visit all of Greece, from Thessaloniki to Crete and Rhodes, the flight portion can be very useful and a great deal.

Greek Rail 'n Fly

Individual Train Tickets

You can also buy some Greek train tickets ahead of time: Train Tickets to Buy Direct

Still not sure the train is for you?Planning your trip to Greece? Find and compare hotel rates at many locations in Greece:
Hotels in Greece

Compare airfares to Greece here: Find Greek Airfares

You can also pre-book tours in and around Athens: Athens Tours you can Book Direct

Explore Greece Travel

More from About.com

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  4. Plan Your Travel to Greece
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  7. Trains to Greece - European Rail Passes for Greece - Greek Train Passes

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