Image Source: @amtrak on Instagram

As the summer approaches—otherwise known as high travel season—looking for inexpensive airfares may prove to be a difficult challenge.

But there are deals out there—if you can plan your trips by rail.

There’s the Swiss Rail Pass. For under $500, it offers unlimited travel by rail, road, and waterway, and free admission to nearly 500 museums for 15 days.

The pass also includes travel on public transportation in 75 cities and towns, a 50 percent discount off many mountain railways, and free access to most panorama routes.

Eurail has its traditional one- and two-week passes. But there’s also the Global Pass, which is good in 28 countries, and a 90-day pass is nearly $2000.

Think that seems expensive? It’s about the normal cost of three coach flights within Europe.

There are also train passes in Japan, Canada, and there’s even one in this country.

Amtrak offers the USA Rail Pass, which you can purchase for 15, 30, or 45 days.

The pass starts at $459 for adults, then goes up to $689 and $899, respectively.

It’s a great deal for travel within the U.S.

If you plan your trips smartly—and travel on night trains—you also get to save on hotels you don’t need along the way.

For more information about train travel, check out:

• 5 Family-Friendly Train Rides Around the Country
• Finding Affordable Short Haul Train Rides
• How You Can Take Scenic Train Rides Around the U.S.

Keep reading for more travel tips.