The Scanrail Pass Or... How To Explore Scandinavia By Train

Thanks to the Scanrail pass you can see large parts of Sweden comfortably and just as fast as you like. This special rail pass allows you to explore Scandinavia by train for a set price.

It is ideal for those who want to see more of Sweden (or Scandinavia) than ‘just’ Stockholm.

Scanrail passes are valid on state railways and most privately owned railway lines in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. It opens up a whole new world for you.

Travel from the north of Lapland to Gothenburg at the west coast? No problem, you can do it in one night and half a day, in a luxurious train with a panorama roof.

Staying in Stockholm, but you want to see the Norwegian fjords? Take your Scanrail pass and travel to Norway for a few days.

Always dreamt to see Rovaniemi, the Finnish home of Santa Claus? Again, Scanrail makes it possible.

Or make a city trip. Visit Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki. Recommended!

O.K., you could hire a car (or drive your own) and you’ll get there as well. But if you travel long distance, Scanrail is cheaper than car hire, plus you don’t have to concentrate on the road. Instead, you can just sit back and enjoy the view.

Don’t worry about the quality of local trains: Scandinavian long distance trains are clean, comfortable and fast.

The Scanrail pass entitles you to discounts on several buses, ferries and ships.

You can even get room rate discounts in hotels of certain hotel chains. But be warned: this discount may not be valid off-season, so read the conditions before you book.

In 2004 adults paid 230 euro for five days traveling within two months, 308 euro for ten days, or 358 days for a consecutive pass. There are discounts for youth, seniors and children.

Oops, 230 euro!

No, that’s not as much as it sounds. Because you can travel thousands of kilometers/miles for that money. And you don’t even have to drive yourself.

With Scanrail you can travel on most trains in Sweden, but please note that it is not valid on the Inland Railway, the old line that takes you to the Nordic wilderness.

Also:

Know that Scanrail is best purchased before you go to Sweden (or Scandinavia).

If purchased inside Scandinavia, terms are less favorable.

You also like to see other European countries outside Scandinavia? Then choose a Eurail pass.

Scanrail is sold by train travel agents all over Europe. Customers from Australia should contact www.bentours.com.

People in the US and Canada can purchase their Scanrail pass from Rail Europe. This company also has a special offer for North American customers: Scanrail’n Drive, they call it. It is a Scanrail pass plus two days car rental with unlimited mileage. That way you can reach every spot in Sweden.

US travelers that want to see other European countries outside Scandinavia, may want to consider Eurail instead of a Scanrail pass.

Value for Money!

When I used Scanrail the first time I had booked a room in a Stockholm hotel without knowing about the restrictions of the room rate discount. So when I wanted to leave and the receptionist came up with the bill, I was ... well, not amused.

I told her about the discount. She said it was not valid anymore, but because she felt I had simply overlooked the conditions, she eventually decided to still allow me the discount. It saved me over $100!

Swedish customer service can be astonishing!

Which only underlines that ... Scanrail passes are value for money.