High Speed Rail, Europe’s Engine for Growth

They are the most sophisticated forms of rail transport in the world – Eurostar, French TGV, TGV Lyria, ICE, Thalys – redefining the European rail travel experience with their cutting edge style, comfort, speed and design. These trains are fundamental in connecting Australians with Europe’s must see destinations throughout the UK, France, Italy and beyond.

“What better way to travel between countries and cities than in the comfort zone of  the Eurostar or French TGV as the ever-changing European landscape flits passed your window; it is an incredible experience in itself and a memorable part of anyone’s journey,” Rail Europe Australasian Manager Rich Leonard said.

 High speed rail, Leonard said, is the most obvious choice for travel in Europe. For journeys within 4 hours length, European trains have the market share of over 70%.

“You can sit back in style with a glass of wine and enticing meal and enjoy the scenery as you head to some of Europe’s most exciting destinations – from the French to the Italian Riviera, Venice, Switzerland, UK as well as other exciting destinations through central, eastern and Northern Europe.

 â€œThese trains are streamlined, extremely comfortable, safe and fast – they can get you across all corners of Europe in style and at incredible speeds,” Leonard said.

 WiFi technology is fast becoming standard across Europe’s High Speed Rail Network – so it is definitely transport designed for 21st century travel; you can key into your lap top, answer emails, send messages – “you are never out of touch,” he said.

And Australians are taking to the sophisticated, high speed trains of Europe with a vengeance. Rail Europe has chalked up $40 million in sales from this market in 2007 alone – 22 per cent of its total annual worldwide turnover.

“Rail has always been popular and seen as good value for money for Australians but in recent years we have seen phenomenal year on year growth, especially travellers who seek travel solutions that are safe, efficient, comfortable and increasingly carbon neutral,” Leonard said.

High Speed Rail (HSR) has grown at a lightening pace in recent years and shows no signs of stopping. 2007 was a ground-breaking year with Eurostar launching HSR all the way from London to Paris, TGV launching 300km of new HSR tracks linking up longest land tunnel the ‘Lotschberg Tunnel’ drastically reducing travel times between Italy and Switzerland.

In 2008 high speed rail between Madrid and Barcelona opened in March – with a lot more high speed rail developments expected later this year and into 2009. 

The choice of rail passes available is also extensive and growing every year. Apart from the popular Eurail Global Pass which can encompass up to 18 different countries, there are the Britrail passes, France Rail Pass, Swiss Pass, Austria Czech Republic Pass, Greece-Italy Pass, Austria-Croatia/Slovenia Pass, European East Pass and Balkan Flexipass – a choice of over 40 regional, national and multi-national passes in all.

“With our sleek trains and huge choice of passes, all of Europe is at an Australian traveller’s fingertips.” 

To meet the strong on-going Australian demand, Rail Europe opened the Sydney office to oversee growth. Its local sales agents include Rail Plus, Stella Travel Services including Rail Tickets and Gullivers Pacific Ltd, CIT Holidays and Infinity.

For more information please contact Rail Europe on (02) 8251 0075

www.raileurope.com.au or email: or email [email protected] 

A report by Michael Osborne