Farewell to the Eurail pass; hello Interrail

Imagine building a globally recognised travel brand with 60 years of history.

And then deciding to change the name of that brand.

It is either incredibly brave, or very foolhardy.

Generations of travellers from around the world grew up using the Eurail Pass, first introduced in 1959. It has been known over the years as Europass or Eurorail. It is a pass sold to non Europeans, which allows travel on nearly all rail tracks in 33 European countries.

As of now, however, the brand will be known as Interrail, bringing European and international travellers under one brand.

While the Eurail name will disappear, the core product remains unchanged, with travellers continuing to access flexible rail travel across multiple European countries using a single pass that can be used for a set number of days within a defined time period.

The company told media that the unified Interrail identity better reflects its vision for the future of European rail travel and recognises that the experience of exploring the continent by train is universal, regardless of where travellers come from.

Interrail chief brand and commercial officer Ozlem Birkalan said the change was about more than adopting a new name.

"This is much more than a new name. Interrail represents a renewed vision for European travel that reflects how people increasingly want to explore today - more thoughtfully, more flexibly, and with greater curiosity,” Birkalan said.

Travel agents in Australia can purchase Interrail Passes through Rail Europe, International Rail, Klook and other Interrail distributors.

See https://www.interrail.com/

German stations clamp down on alcohol consumption

A cold lager and a takeaway currywurst on the platform while waiting for your train is almost de rigueur at German railway stations. 

No more. 

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is introducing a nationwide ban on alcohol consumption at all of its railway stations as part of a major safety initiative designed to protect passengers and frontline staff, news hub Travel Mole reports.

The measure will be rolled out across Germany’s 5,400 train stations in phases and will be fully implemented by October 15. 

DB said the decision follows a series of violent incidents, including what it described as a “brutal and senseless” attack on July 17 on a train driver. 

The rail operator said the incident reinforced concerns about the connection between excessive alcohol consumption and violent behaviour at stations.

“We are taking decisive action by removing alcohol consumption from our stations,” said DB CEO Evelyn Palla. 

“Too often we have seen that where large amounts of alcohol are consumed, violence also increases. The recent attack has shown once again why this step is necessary. We are serious about improving safety for our employees and our passengers.“

The alcohol ban will be introduced under Deutsche Bahn’s station regulations. Local station rules will be updated over the coming weeks in cooperation with municipalities, public authorities and local administrations before the policy takes effect nationwide.

Several major German stations already prohibit alcohol consumption. Around 30 stations, have operated under these restrictions, including Berlin Zoologischer Garten and Berlin Ostbahnhof, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Essen, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Mannheim and Munich.

DB says the results have been positive. 

“The experience has been clear,” Palla said. “Alcohol-free stations mean less violence and less litter.“

The next phase of the rollout begins on September 1, when Berlin Central Station, Berlin Gesundbrunnen, Kiel and Braunschweig stations will become alcohol-free. The remaining stations across the country will follow in stages through mid-October.

The ban applies only to alcohol consumption in station areas. Restaurants, cafés and other licensed food and beverage outlets located inside stations are exempt and may continue serving alcoholic drinks under existing regulations. 

Passengers will also still be allowed to carry unopened alcoholic beverages in their luggage or shopping bags while travelling.

Anyone caught violating the new rules will initially be ordered to leave the station. Repeat offenders may face a permanent ban from stations. 

Passenger trains to link Finland with Sweden after four decades

Getting around Scandinavia is about to become a lot easier with the resumption of cross-border passenger trains between Finland and Sweden after a period of almost four decades. 

The return of regular cross-border rail services will mark a major milestone for regional connectivity across the Nordic region, Arctic Observer reported.

Finnish state railway operator VR has announced that passenger services between Oulu and Haparanda will begin on August 10, marking the first regular passenger rail connection between the two countries since 1988. 

The new route is expected to improve mobility, strengthen economic ties, and provide travellers with a sustainable alternative to air and road transport, local media reported.

The reopening reconnects Finland's railway network with Sweden's, allowing passengers to travel seamlessly from northern Finland into Sweden, with onward connections to Luleå, Boden, Stockholm, and the wider European rail network.

VR says the new cross-border service will operate every day, offering two departures in each direction daily: a total of 28 passenger services per week

VR has not yet announced official ticket prices for the new service.

Official pricing will be published once reservations open.

For Finnish travellers, the restored link also creates a practical all-rail route into Sweden and mainland Europe, reducing reliance on domestic flights for international travel.

Japan working on the world's fastest train

Japanese engineers are working on would be the world’s fastest train.

Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) is testing the L0 Series, a Japanese Maglev train, Euronews reports.

It says there is the potential for speeds of up to 603kmh, way ahead of the current record breaker: China’s Shanghai Maglev at 465kmh.

The new service would be on the Tokyo to Nagoya route, a route currently served by Shinkansen bullet trains but the L0 Series trains would half the current travel time.

The L0 Series Chuo-Shinkansen line is currently under construction to enable these speeds. It may also be extended to serve Osaka in the future.

The maglev technology uses magnetic levitation that lifts the train above the tracks, enabling much higher speeds.

The bad news: the project is still about eight years away from completion.

Usually, a train from Tokyo to Nagoya can take anywhere between one hour and 26 minutes to two and a half hours or more, depending on whether travellers take the faster bullet train (Shinkansen) services, or the slower Kodama or Hikari ones.

The L0 Series’ Chuo-Shinkansen is expected to cut this travel time down to only 40 minutes.

Once deemed commercially operational, the L0 Series train will be able to travel from Tokyo to Osaka in one hour, a journey which currently takes anywhere from 2hr 30 mins to four hours.

Are rail plans in the north of England finally on the right track?

Public transport in the UK can sometimes leave a bit to be desired but the government has just unveiled major rail plans aimed at unlocking billions of pounds in economic growth across the north-west England.

The plans include a brand-new rail line linking Liverpool and Manchester via Manchester Airport.

The proposals, part of the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) program outline a new high-capacity route between Liverpool and Manchester, new stations at Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly and Warrington Bank Quay Low Level, and faster, more reliable rail connections across northern England.

Great news for football fans and rugby league aficionados.

Officials say the investment is central to a broader strategy to raise productivity and living standards in the north, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Bringing the productivity of the region’s five largest cities up to the national average could add as much as £40 billion ($80 billion) a year to the UK economy, government estimates say.

But don't get too excited.

The Liverpool–Manchester line will form the backbone of NPR’s second phase, with construction expected to begin in the 2030s.

Earlier phases focus on upgrades between Leeds, Bradford, York and Sheffield, while a third phase will target faster connections between Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford.

Alongside the new line, the government is considering improvements at Liverpool Lime Street and Liverpool Central stations, as well as options for a major city-center regeneration project in partnership with the Liverpool City Region.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the plans mark a turning point after decades of underinvestment.

“For too long, the north has been held back by delay and indecision,” Alexander said. 

“This new era of investment will reignite growth across Liverpool and Manchester, strengthen Manchester Airport as the gateway to the north, and create new jobs and homes that will make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Image: Manchester Airport railway station

Patience will be a virtue at Western Sydney's new international airport

Are you planning to fly into the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) at Luddenham when it opens later this year? 

If your final destination is downtown Sydney, or beyond, you may need to be very, very patient. 

Ongoing delays with the Metro station that is supposed to serve the 24-hour airport mean you'll need to wait for up to 30 minutes after you land and clear customs and immigration, then catch a shuttle bus, and then switch to a suburban train. 

Transport for NSW this week proudly announced that it will offer a free bus service connecting WSI to St Marys railway station/bus interchange as delays continue on the new Metro rail line.

The buses will operate on a half-hourly basis between 4.30am and midnight Sunday to Thursday, and 4.30am until 1am on Friday and Saturday. The ride will take around 30 minutes. 

Then you will wait for a local train. 

A train trip from St Marys to Sydney CBD (Central Station) typically takes around 60-75 minutes on the T1 Western Line, often requiring a change at Strathfield or Lidcombe for faster routes. 

That sounds fun if you are dragging luggage with you. 

But Transport for NSW is proclaiming proudly that "free public transport will connect Western Sydney International Airport when it opens its doors later in the year". 

"The interim service will provide the connection to the wider Sydney public transport network that will be delivered by the new Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport when it opens next year," it says.

The free airport buses will apparently "complement a comprehensive bus plan for Western Sydney, which is set to provide new services every 30 minutes linking the airport to Penrith, Leppington, Liverpool, Campbelltown and Mount Druitt".

The new 23-kilometre Metro line, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Government, will have capacity to move up to 7,740 passengers every hour in each direction. When it opens. Maybe next year. 

The six-stop line will connect Western Sydney International Airport to St Marys in just 15 minutes. 

Track laying on the line is now 70% complete, while the toll-free M12 motorway that will link the airport to the Sydney motorway network is due to open "in coming months". 

Vilnius aiming to entice a new breed of tourist

With some of the world’s major tourism drawcards suffering from overcrowding and sky-high prices, many travellers are looking for small, chic destinations as an alternative to the likes of Venice, Barcelona, and London.

That means Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, matches all the travel trends for 2026.

The European Travel Commission reported recently that tourists in Europe are prioritising lower stress travel to off-the-beaten-track locations.

At a time when surveys show 55% of travellers seeking niche destinations and 93% wanting to make more sustainable choices, Vilnius is aiming to lift its visitation numbers.

it is a less-crowded European city with strong sustainability credentials, and a compact walkable centre that offers easy access to nature.

"Overcrowding, noise, pollution, and heat are making many destinations in Europe less enjoyable for tourists,” Eglė Girdzijauskaitė, head of communication at Go Vilnius.

“Vilnius offers an off-the-beaten-track alternative with fewer crowds but plenty of authenticity.

“It also represents a genuinely sustainable travel option for tourists, whether that means reaching the city by the rapidly expanding network of sustainable rail connections, making the most of its walkability and cyclability, or getting out to the forests and lakes that surround the city.”

For lovers of rail travel, Vilnius boasts improving train connections to Poland, with an affordable daily service from Warsaw. Once in the city, travelling sustainably is easy. Vilnius has over 140km of cycle paths, and public transport use in the first half of 2025 was up by 10%.

Vilnius' compact UNESCO-listed Old Town is also ideal for exploring on foot and the city boasts four Michelin-starred restaurants.

* Vilnius has around 1.2 million annual visitors as compared to the over 20 million for major European cities like Paris and London. It is accessible by direct flight from Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Helsinki, and other major cities across Europe, and serves as a perfect base for exploring the region. It has convenient transport links to Riga, Tallinn, and to Poland.

See Go Vilnius, the website of the official tourism and business development agency.

Americans take to the rails in increasing numbers

Americans tend to drive, or fly to their destinations, but railway journeys are growing in popularity, Travel Weekly reported.

Amtrak enjoyed recorded record-high ride numbers and revenue during the 2025 fiscal year, particularly on its long-distance routes, which are attractive to holidaymakers.

The 2025 numbers showed bottom-line improvement and record capital expenditures, indicating that the quasi-public rail line has thus far transitioned smoothly from the Biden administration, which strongly supported passenger rail, to the Trump administration, which was expected to be less enthusiastic.

For the fiscal year that ended in September, Amtrak reported 34.5 million customer trips, up 5.1% from the previous year. Operating revenue was $3.9 billion, up 9.1%.

Both figures were record highs. Amtrak still had an operating loss of $598.4 million, but that was an improvement from a $705.2 million loss in 2024.

On long-distance lines, which Amtrak defines as its 14 services that cover more than 750 miles, ridership was up 4.2% year over year and ticket revenue was up 9.7%.

Solid gains came on the Chicago-San Francisco line, on which ridership increased 14.8%, while numbers increased 18.9% on the Los Angeles-New Orleans line, 14.3% on the Chicago-San Antonio route and 12.6% on the Chicago-Los Angeles route. Added capacity was a major reason for those gains.

The company also made significant network changes on routes that are attractive to vacationers.

In August, Amtrak re-introduced a service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama.

Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said revenue on long-distance routes could be higher, if not for fleet-size limitations. New long-distance cars are not expected before the end of the decade.

Amtrak was a major beneficiary of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act under President Joe Biden, which included $22 billion in guaranteed funding.

Founded in 1971, Amtrak currently operates intercity rail services in every contiguous US state except for Wyoming and South Dakota, as well as in three Canadian provinces.

Fast train to link Riyadh and Doha

The Middle East, already home to several of the world's top airlines, is now moving into the fast train sector. 

Saudi Arabia and Qatar are moving ahead with an ambitious plan that will slash travel time between their capitals to about two hours, a statement carried by official Saudi media and reported by Travel Mole reveals. 

The project, billed as a major step toward deeper regional cooperation and sustainable development, will create a new 785-kilometre rail corridor linking Riyadh and Doha, passing through major Saudi cities including Al-Hofuf and Dammam.

Along the line, trains would also connect Doha's Hamad International Airport with the planned King Salman International Airport, forming what officials describes “a new backbone for fast, low-carbon mobility across the Gulf“.

Designed for trains to exceed speeds of 300kmh, the service will offer a competitive alternative to air travel. Flights between Riyadh and Doha take roughly 90 minutes. The journey takes over six hours by road. 

Once operational, the rail line is expected to handle more than 10 million passengers annually, bolstering business and leisure travel and giving riders easy access to major attractions in both countries. 

Officials say the project will generate more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs. 

The line will be built over six years to international safety and quality standards, using advanced rail and smart-engineering technologies aimed at cutting emissions and supporting the region’s transition toward cleaner transport.

The agreement was signed in Riyadh by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. 

China to add new high-speed rail route

 

China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has given the go ahead for a major new high-speed rail link between Shanghai and Hangzhou.

The new route is part of a broader push to expand the country’s already vast rail network, news hub Travel Mole reports.

The 222.8km line will connect Shanghai East - a new station under construction near Pudong Airport - to Hangzhou in just 40 minutes.

Both cities are already linked by a high-speed train but the new line will cut nearly a third off the current fastest journey.

The $US9.35 billion project will serve nine stations. It includes new stops at Fengxian, Shanghai Jinshan, Pinghu City, and Linping.

Existing stations at Situan, Jiaxing South, Tongxiang, and Hangzhou West will be upgraded to handle the expected surge in traffic.

For Shanghai East, the project marks a significant milestone. The station is set to become a key transportation hub, linking Pudong Airport with high-speed rail for the first time.

The project will boost the airport’s competitiveness with its rivals in China, including Hong Kong.

The new line is expected to drive economic integration between Shanghai and Zhejiang province, supporting growth in the Yangtze River Delta, one of China’s most dynamic economic regions.

The NDRC also approved construction of a 234.5 km line in Tibet on the Sichuan-Tibet Railway. The $US3.1 billion project will initially open with five stations. It will improve access in a region where rail development can be logistically challenging.

Meanwhile, construction will begin next month on the Yining–Aksu line in Xinjiang, a region bordering Central Asia.

The 794km single-track electrified line will require six years to build and carry a price tag of $US5.3 billion. Designed for speeds up to 160 kmh, it will feature 24 stations, half of them equipped with passing loops to support mixed passenger and freight traffic.

In Australia, meanwhile, the interstate rail network remains prehistoric.

Discover an eight-day rail journey created for gourmets

If you enjoy long-distance rail travel then this one might be for you.

Golden Eagle Luxury Trains will soon welcome guests on their inaugural Paris to Istanbul voyage with four departure dates for 2025 in each direction.

The eight-day odyssey traverses seven countries on the Danube Express train.

With a focus on food and wine, the tour will be hosted by James Masterson, the product development manager and the grandson of Golden Eagle founder, Tim Littler.

Off-train excursions for this new voyage include:

# In the Champagne region, visiting the renowned J.Lassalle Champagne house for a private tour and tasting
# An exclusive private concert of classical masterpieces by the Vienna Supreme Orchestra (whoever they are).
# A private visit to Slovenia's Postojna Caves and an underground train featuring a unique musical performance inside the hallowed Crypt of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia
# A dessert masterclass
# An eight-course gala dinner onboard the train.

"I grew up in the world of luxury private trains, travelling on our flagship train since I was 13 and working as a waiter onboard from the age of 16.," says Masterson.

"I have always harboured a vision to elevate the rail travel experience to even greater heights. This vision now becomes reality with the launch of the Paris to Istanbul/Istanbul to Paris route from May.

"This meticulously curated journey represents the culmination of years of dedication to exceeding guest expectations. I invite guests to join us for a truly memorable experience, seeing Europe in a different way from our hotel-on-wheels."

Golden Eagle packages are fully inclusive with private en suite rail accommodation, all meals and drinks, personal cabin attendant service, fully guided off-train excursions, all gratuities and transfers, plus premium hotels pre and post rail tour and a UK medical doctor on board.

Visit https://www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com/

On the right track: doing the Silk Road in style

From budget travel to luxe experiences, Wendy Wu Tours, a leading China tour specialist, has introduced a new luxury offering to its line up in 2025, unveiling a15-day itinerary of the Silk Road that includes a tip on board the Silk Road Express.

The new Legends of the Silk Road tour blends five-star and boutique hotel stays with a sense of adventure (so I am reliably informed).

Wendy Wu Tours Australia managing director Simon Bell said the new tour addition marks a step into the luxury travel market for the company, while staying true to Wendy Wu Tours’ commitment to immersive, all-inclusive adventures.

“We are proud to launch our new 15-day Silk Road itinerary this year, which incorporates a three-night stay aboard the opulent new Silk Road Express, and taps into the growing demand for nostalgic, refined, and one-of-a-kind travel experiences in China,” he said.

“This highly-anticipated route offers a unique opportunity for train enthusiasts and travellers alike to explore the rich cultural and natural wonders of China in exquisite comfort and style - an irresistible blend of luxury and adventure.”

Simon has the hype down pat, doesn't he?

Bell said that as rail journeys continue to rise in popularity, travellers are seeking new ways to explore must-see destinations in comfort and style.

“It is an exciting new chapter as the company continues to expand its itineraries and offerings to meet the evolving needs and interests of its clientele and adds to its growing collection of international rail holidays.

"This particular tour is a great example that reflects Wendy Wu Tours’ commitment to responding to market trends while delivering a fresh premium experience for our guests.”

The Silk Road Express is an international tourist train that made its inaugural journey in December.

The train offers a luxurious way to explore China, from the modern cities of Beijing and Shanghai to ancient treasures like the Terracotta Army and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mogao Grottoes.

This tour includes three nights in Gold Class cabins, featuring en-suite accommodation with private bathrooms, smart toilets, power showers, and deluxe amenities like Dyson hairdryers, a minibar, and complimentary tea, coffee, and mineral water.

The train offers a choice between Chinese and western cuisines. 

Tour highlights include a tasting of Chinese wines, a visit to a night market and meetings with local artists. The tour will be for a maximum of 20 passengers.

With standard prices from $27,880 per person, a launch price of $25,880 per person, is available for those who reserve their booking before February 28.

For full details see www.wendywutours.com.au/china/tours/legends-of-the-silk-road.htm

New direct rail route to link Bangkok with Penang

Here's a new rail journey that sounds exciting.

Thailand’s State Railway (SRT) and KTMB, which operates trains in Malaysia, will shortly launch a direct train service connecting Bangkok, Thailand, to Penang, Malaysia.

Previously, travellers had to switch trains at the border. The SRT cancelled its previous daily express service between Bangkok and Butterworth in 2016.

The Bangkok-Penang train route will begin with a six-month trial period to assess the viability of the service.

Key benefits for tourists will include seamless connectivity with the service from Bangkok’s Bang Sue Grand Terminal (above) to Penang, with stops at Padang Besar and Butterworth.

The route provides an opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes of Thailand and Malaysia, from bustling cities to serene countryside, and connects two rich cultural hubs.

Bang Sue Grand Station (officially known as Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal) is the new central railway station of Bangkok. The station will be the terminus for all current long-distance rail services and future high-speed railways, and through-trains for the SRT commuter lines and 3-airport HSR line. It is also connected to the mass transit system in Bangkok via the MRT Blue Line.

The railway companies of Malaysia and Thailand have also extended the route of the MySawasdee tourist train further north to Surat Thani.

MySawasdee operates only during holiday periods, taking travellers from Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai. 

The extended route to Surat Thani is expected to boost seasonal tourism to Thailand’s resort islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Pha Ngan.

On the right track: Vietnam plots a railway revolution

Clunking through rural Vietnam on a slow-moving long distance train may soon be a thing of the past - although probably not soon enough.

I recently spent a whole lot of hours each way on a vey slow train from Hanoi to Hue, and then from Danang back to Hanoi.

I was in a four-berth sleeper cabin and it was an adventure, but not one I'd repeat in a hurry.

While the cabins have been tarted up, they are claustrophobic and the rolling stock rattles and clunks its way up and down the country. How fun your journey is might well depend on who your travelling companions are. Pot luck.

The various classes of travel on Vietnamese trains are soft sleepers, hard sleepers, soft seats, and hard seats, with soft sleepers as the most expensive.

Most tourists opt to journey in a soft sleeper because each berth has a pillow, sheet, a soft quilt, and a personal reading lamp. There are power points - and even wifi most of the time. Snacks are provided and you can buy food from vendors who roam up and down the carriages,

You need to stay on the lower berths in the daytime - and need the agility of a gymnast to scale an upper berth. Make sure to book a lower berth!

But now two sections of Vietnam's north-south high-speed railway - to connect Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City - are slated to begin construction in late 2027, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Vietnam's parliament this week approved a resolution supporting the $67 billion high-speed rail project.

The railway, Vietnam's most ambitious infrastructure project, will eventually run all the way from the capital Hanoi to the southern business hub of Ho Chi Minh City. The 1,541-km (958-mile) project is expected to be completed in 2035.

The Hanoi-Vinh and Nha Trang-HCMC sections will break ground in late 2027, and construction of the Vinh-Nha Trang segment is scheduled to start between 2028 and 2029.

The proposed railway is designed to support trains travelling at 350kph.

Ticket prices will be offered in three tiers, depending on the service class.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has suggested extending the line beyond its current endpoints to include the northern province of Quang Ninh, home to UNESCO heritage site Ha Long Bay, and to the southernmost province of Ca Mau.

It can't come a moment too soon.

The chaos and order of the world's busiest station

There are railways stations, and there are railway stations.

Trying to navigate your way around Tokyo's Shinjuku Station and its satellites is like traversing a small underground city.

Shinjuku is the world's busiest train station with over 3.6 million passengers daily and 36 platforms on several levels.

I'll admit that we got well and truly lost trying to find a hotel that was just metres from one of the station's many exits.

Shinjuku holds a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most passengers a day - understandable given rail is the main mode of transportation in Tokyo.

The Japanese capital boasts what is widely regarded as the best urban railway network in the world.

Shinjuku, opened in 1885, now has over 200 exits to help ease congestion, along with several shopping malls.

It is served by no fewer than five different railway systems: JR East, Keio Corporation, Odakyu, Electric Railway, Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro.

Throw in restaurants, those shopping centres and department stores, a tourist information centre, lost and found offices, currency exchanges, ATMs, police boxes and luggage storage and you have a destination on its own merits.

Beware: at rush hour it can be chaotic. But most of the time it is a model of public transport efficiency. If you can find the right exit. 

Fast tracking your way around Japan

Forget driving. Catching the bus? No chance. 

If you have to travel long distances in Japan then there is only one way to go: on a bullet train, also known as Shinkansen. 

The fast train network covers most of Japan - and we used rail passes to travel from Tokyo to visit the regional town of Kanazawa and surrounds. 

There are range of Japan rail passes to choose from and you only need to make one or two journeys to cover your costs. 

We used a Hokuriku Arch Pass, which cost around $300 for eight days of travel, including in the Metro Tokyo area. 

The trains are clean, fast and comfortable. And reliable. There is plenty of free luggage storage space, announcements in English and free wifi on board.  

The Hokuriku Shinkansen connecting Tokyo with Tsuruga in the Hokuriku region. 

It is a joint venture between JR East and JR West. 

Stops include Nagano, the host city for the 1998 Winter Olympics and Japan's dinosaur capital of Fukui.

The pass can be used from Kansai Airport, Narita Airport, and Haneda Airport, and also includes the Limited Express Thunderbird between Osaka and Kanazawa.

It is also possible to use the Narita Express between Narita Airport and Tokyo, as well as the Limited Express Haruka between Kansai Airport and Shin-Osaka, and between Kansai Airport and Kyoto.

Tokyo to Kanazawa takes under 2 1/2 hours on the fast train - covering a distance of 450km. It would take over six hours - and a whole lot of stress - to drive between the two destinations, and you will have to pay toll fees for at least five different expressways.

But the system can be a complex one. Do your homework before you get to the station. Be aware that the majority of trains require a (free) seat reservation. And be prepared for massive crowds in stations if you travel at peak times.   

The route of the final Hokuriku section to Shin-Osaka was expected to be completed by the late 2020s - but then financial issues struck, Nikkei Asia reported. 

Concerns are emerging that the project may fail to pass a cost-benefit test that is one condition for starting construction.

Extending the line to Osaka is now expected to cost as much as 5.3 trillion yen ($36 billion), the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism recently told lawmakers - more than double the initial estimate.

Pass holders can actually use their passes between Tsuruga and Osaka - but on slower regional trains.

The sharp increase owes to higher labour and materials costs. The ministry also said construction could now take up to 28 years, up from its previous estimate of 15, owing partly to labour reforms.

The ministry plans to provide information as early as 2025 on whether the project still meets the necessary conditions to go ahead, including on its benefit-to-cost ratio and funding.

Authorities are weighing three options to extend the line from Tsuruga to Shin-Osaka station, with plans to begin construction by the end of fiscal 2025.

All three options under consideration involve building an underground section through Kyoto.

Depending on your destination, a rail pass might be worth considering if you plan to travel in Japan. https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/pass/hokurikuarch.html 

# The writer paid his own way

Polar opposites. Travel from the inside looking out

Enjoy travelling vicariously with some quirky companions?  

How about a journey from New Zealand to Spain undertaken almost entirely by train? 

Meet amusingly eccentric French horn player Gregory Hill and his German violinist wife Anne. 

Gregory somehow came up with the idea of travelling from one point on the globe - his home in Wellington - to its exact upside, or antipodes, which turns out to be somewhere between near Salamanca in Spain. 

He remembers doing a similar exercise with an old school atlas. Now he decides to try it real life, which turns into a 38,000 kilometre trip in 78 days, with 31,000 of those kilometres covered by rail. 

On the right tracks, so to speak. The trip from Saigon to Spain was conducted entirely on steel tracks. 

So 33 trains, 19 countries and a whole lot of interesting, sometimes amusing, encounters, fortunately completed before Covid made a trip of this nature impossible.

The trip takes us from New Zealand’s Northern Explorer to the Eurostar and a wide range of trains with stops Xi'an and a hilarious experience with Chinese bureaucracy, and possible drug dealers in Siberia.

Well illustrated with maps and photos, this is a fun armchair journey with Gregory and Anne with musical interludes including the Bolshoi Ballet and the Paris Opera. 

The Antipodean Express is published today in Australia by Exisle Publishing. $44.99. 
https://exislepublishing.com/product/the-antipodean-express/ 

Afternoon high tea on the right side of the tracks

It's certainly not the 5.10pm to Blacktown.

For those who like the train trips to be stylish and fun, The Vietage by Anantara has announced the introduction of a second railway carriage to operate a daily return journey between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon from May 15.

Building on the resounding success of the existing carriage running every day between Da Nang and Quy Nhon, the new custom-designed addition will offer "a timeless luxury travel experience through south-Ccntral Vietnam".

The five-hour journeys meander through the scenic Vietnamese countryside.

With 12 reservation-only seats in private booths of two, the carriages have big picture windows to reveal the stunning views.

A sit-up bar gives guests the chance to watch mixology masters in action as the on-board hosts create rail-inspired cocktails and mocktails.

There is also a dedicated spa area for 15-minute head-and-shoulder treatments.

An sumptuous afternoon tea experience features taste tempters like poached Bai Dai lobster and Dalat caviar along with finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes and traditional scones with all the trimmings.

An artisanal cheese and charcuterie platter rounds off the occasion.

Refreshments include a tea selection from the Vietnamese tea brand Epicurean Sao, ethically-sourced local coffee from La Folliet, plus free-flowing wines, cocktails, beers, mocktails and soft drinks.

An à la carte menu also offers premium wines and champagnes for pre-order, while caviar fans can purchase extra portions on board.

Guests will be hoping to view a water buffalo, Vietnam’s national animal, as the train makes its way through the country.

Guests travelling from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon can enjoy combination accommodation experiences with Anantara Quy Nhon Villas for a luxury beachside break.

A number of packages are available but this excess does not come cheap.

A one-way ticket aboard The Vietage by Anantara between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon costs $US420 per person, including luxury afternoon tea, a 15-minute head and shoulder treatment, free-flowing wines, cocktails, beers, mocktails, soft drinks and a selection of local tea and coffee.

The Vietage by Anantara departs from Nha Trang every afternoon arriving at Dieu Tri station in Quy Nhon in the evening. It then continues up to Da Nang, arriving after midnight.

Running in the opposite direction, The Vietage by Anantara’s additional carriage departs from Da Nang every morning, arriving at Dieu Tri station in Quy Nhon in the early afternoon and then onto Nha Trang for a mid-evening arrival.

It sounds spectacularly good. For details see https://www.thevietagetrain.com/

Off the rails: French train travel impacted by strike

Planning to catch a train in France this weekend? Good luck.

Travellers are being warned major disruptions to French rail services will likely last until Monday morning.

Industrial action by SNCF train managers started on Thursday and is also affecting Eurostar services, Travel Mole reports.

“Due to a train manager strike in France, we’ll be running a revised timetable on our routes until Sunday,” Eurostar said.

The strike - which followers delayed negotiations over wages deals - will continue to affect national and regional services over the weekend with travellers being advised to check train operator’s advice before travelling. 

The French love a strike, of course, particularly at a busy time. 

The SNCF expected that only half of high-speed TGV services would run over the holiday weekend.

SNCF CEO Jean-Pierre Farandou criticised the strike action for "disrupting the lives of French people who want to go on holiday".

”We will try to run all the trains that head to the Alps and the Pyrénées for the winter holidays,” he said. Because nothing is more important than a ski break.

Jet2 warned travellers on half-term breaks to plan ahead for transport to and from airports.

“Allow extra time for your journey to the airport as we are operating all our flights as scheduled.” it said.

“If you have a Jet2holidays transfer, this will not be affected by this industrial action.”

SNCF has advised people not to travel.

“Passengers are urged to postpone travel if possible,” it said.

Here is the SNCFR advice: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/help/disruption-information

Take a trip back in time for one weekend only

Take a journey back in time when Sydney’s Central Station is briefly transformed to a bygone era. 

The return of the annual Transport Heritage Expo this October long weekend (September 30-October 2) will give visitors the chance to enjoy heritage train, bus and steam boat rides across the city. 

There will also be unique experiences at Central station, including tours of the clock tower and tea on board a 1960s dining carriage.

“The Transport Heritage Expo is a rare and exciting opportunity for people to journey back in time and immerse themselves in our state’s rich transport history,” said Transport Heritage NSW CEO, Andrew Moritz.

“This year, we’re fortunate to display some incredible pieces from the state collection, including three rarely seen passenger carriages, which were first introduced to the NSW Government Railways in the 1890s.”

Highlights of the Transport Heritage Expo will be a one-hour steam train ride to Hurstville and return, a trip on a vintage electric train and a ride on a timber-bodied railmotor on a tour of the Botany freight line.

Vintage bus rides will include "a 29-minute round trip of the Sydney CBD aboard a lovingly restored vintage double-decker bus from the Sydney Bus Museum". That's a pretty precise time frame given Sydney traffic! 

There will also be 45-minute harbour cruise on a choice of the Waratah or Lady Hopetoun – two 120-year-old veterans of Sydney Harbour.

Tickets are on sale now at www.transportheritageexpo.com or by calling 1300 115599.

Images: Steve Burrows