Train Travel One Solution to Airport Security Woes

Current airport security hassles on US and UK flights too much for you? Riding the rails instead works -- comfy, easy, and makes for wonderful world watching.

Amtrak, which reported that rail travel bookings were up 26% Thursday (Detroit Free Press), rocks as a travel method. Check out a trick Amtrak trip map to see if Amtrak's going where you are -- routes get skimpy west of the Mississippi -- and remember that student travelers get 15% off with an ISIC card; if you're traveling to your prospective campus with a companion, Amtrak's got a free ticket for him or her.

European trains will take you to the European destination to which you may have been planning to fly from London's Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted airports -- take the London tube to Waterloo station and hop the Eurostar under-chunnel train to Paris or Brussels, where you can make train connections. You'll get a Eurostar discount with your student-discounted Eurail pass.

And the bus is always rolling in the US of A -- student travelers get 15% off on Greyhound.

Learn about Eurail passes
• Buy single trip Eurail tickets
• Buy Eurostar tickets
• Current Paris train sale
• Learn about the London tube
• 15% student discounts on Amtrak
  • Check out Amtrak's trip map
  • Amtrak free ticket promotion
  • How to get an ISIC card
• Get 15% student discounts on Greyhound

(Edited 8/15: please see updates on UK carry on rules.)

Related: TSA Locks and Checked Baggage | How to Avoid Lost Luggage | London Terrorist Threat Affecting Airport Security | Airport Security Rules | Backpacking Europe Tips | UK Ferries and Buses | Busabout - Europe Bus | Current TSA List of Airport Prohibited Items

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