Train ticket distributor Rail Europe has launched its first mobile e-commerce website.
The new website features the company’s complete portfolio and will allow users to view timetables and book a range of products from their mobile devices.
Charles Daumas, the e-commerce director of Rail Europe, said: 'Rail Europe’s traffic and sales were growing steadily for two years, especially in Asian markets. We wanted to offer our current and new customers the chance to enjoy a dedicated interface for mobile devices. With the mobile website our customers can easily and conveniently book their train tickets for Europe'.
The rail market in Europe is significantly more developed than its Asian counterparts. In fact, many European airports, such as Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Charles de Gaulle Airport, are directly linked to train stations.
Rail travel can be particularly attractive for travellers planning to visit the UK and then other European countries before flying home, due to the Air Passenger Duty (APD) tax that is applicable to any flights departing from the country.
For instance, by choosing to taking the Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris and then flying home from a European location, customers would not need to pay the APD, which currently stands at a maximum of £194 (US$324) – more than double the price of the average rail fare.
The duration of this rail service is just over two hours.
The mobile website is designed to work on smartphones, iPads and small tablets. It will offer the timetables for trains in Europe, and offer the best prices for Eurostar, Frecciarossa, TGV, Thalys, TGV Lyria, Renfe, Italo and Swiss trains. All Eurail Passes, the France Rail Pass, the German Rail Pass and the Swiss Pass can also be booked online.
Travellers should be aware, however, that the Eurail pass cannot be used on domestic UK trains (there is a seperate Britrail pass). It is also important to note that Eurail passes are only sold to residents of non-European countries.
For more information, visit www.raileurope-world.com
Clement Huang
