European train tickets to rise by an average of 5% – buy before Dec. 31 to save

▲European train ticket prices are rising, but buying before the year-end can still save you money. The photo shows the GoldenPass train. (Photo provided by Feida Travel)

Reported by Tourism Center / Taipei

As European train ticket prices are confirmed to rise in 2014 by an average of 5%, travelers planning to go to Europe in the first half of 2014 can save by booking their tickets before Dec. 31. The tickets will be valid for six months after purchase.

Good news for those planning to visit Switzerland!The Swiss Travel System'sindividual pass is the only one that is not increasing in price—in fact, it’s getting cheaper—and it also comes with extra benefits. These include riding various scenic trains such as the Golden Pass without purchasing additional tickets—just pay the reservation fee. It also allows free entry to 400 museums, as well as discounts on hotels and city tours.

Travelers planning to explore France and visit multiple countries at once can opt for theEurail Global Pass covering 24 European countries, or choose atwo-country passlike France + Germany, Switzerland, or Italy, all of which have an average price increase of under 3%. In 2014, Slovakia will be added to the Eurail Select Pass, which lets you choose three, four, or five neighboring countries from a total of 25, making it even more affordable to explore the region’s beautiful sights.

%As of July 2014, there are still various deals available on European train tickets (source: Feida Travel)