In the United States, Amtrak has special offers on fares and frequent traveler programs. Amtrak magazine and its companion Web site post routes, packages, hotels, tours and special deals. There are many opportunities to combine car, air, bus and even cruise travel with train travel. Foreign rail passes save you money over individual fares if you are traveling to several destinations over a short period of time. Passes do you little good if you need a single round-trip ticket.
Passes usually cover just a daytime seat.
But travel is unlimited during the pass dates. Some passes specify unlimited travel on certain days of the week, giving you sightseeing time in between. As with Amtrak, foreign trains offer promotions that include companion passes for two and group passes for three or more. Some passes have only full-time options. You can travel on any day on which the pass is valid.