The Balkan Flexipass

Is it right for your trip to Greece?

By deTraci Regula, About.com Guide

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Train schedule in Greece

Picture of train schedule in Greece copyright deTraci Regula; licsnsd to About.com

Note: As of February 13th 2011, Greece has suspended all international trains and has cut back on domestic routes as well. While some of these may eventually be restored, please be very sure that the trains you want to use within Greece are functioning prior to buying a pass. The cancellation is still in effect as of April 2012 and I have not heard any information that would indicate it will be restored in 2012 - or beyond. Many local lines are also not functioning within Greece; check locally at the time of your visit.

The Balkan Flexipass

One option is the Balkan Flexipass which is good for train travel in Greece and bordering countries, including Turkey. Since many travelers like to combine Greece and Turkey on one journey, this Flexipass from Rail Europe may be the way to go.

Not too many people expect to find Greece included as a "Balkan" nation, as Greece identifies itself as a western European nation, so this useful pass can be easily overlooked.

Countries Covered by the Balkan Flexipass

Bulgaria
Greece
FYROM, listed as "Macedonia" by Rail Europe
Montenegro
Romania
Serbia
Turkey
Though Albania is completely bordered by these countries, it is not included in the Balkan Flexipass.

Which Balkan Flexipass Package Should You Choose?

The Balkan Flexipass comes in three denominations - 5, 10, and 15 days of train travel permitted within a 30-day period. For most travelers to Greece, the 5-day option should be ideal. If you are also going to Turkey, and expect to travel extensively there, you might want to consider the 10 day but you might not get full value out of it. If you are planning on doing all the possible nations in depth, the 15-day option might be worthwhile, but examine your routes and stays carefully, as you probably will be buying more than you need.

What are the Advantages of Traveling Greece by Train?

Within Greece itself, the advantages are limited as the train network is not that extensive, largely because Greece is such a mountainous country. For example, Western Greece has no trains, though there is a "ring route" through the Peloponnese Peninsula. The long-distance bus service in Greece may be much cheaper and provide more flexibility for the average traveler. Also, most travelers to Greece intend to spend time on the Greek islands, which obviously are not served by trains.

But if you are combining your trip to Greece with Turkey, the Balkan Flexipass can save you on the train journey from Athens to Thessaloniki and from Thessaloniki on to Istanbul.

Buy Direct: Balkan Flexipass