If I take a train from Milan to Paris using my rail pass do I have to purchase a ticket for the part of the trip that goes through Switzerland? If so, how do I do that? It is NOT a night train, which I now understand doesn't allow a rail pass anyway. Thanks.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Depends which countries are on your rail pass and which countries you are travelling through.
If you are travelling using a rail pass, it has to be valid in all countries and on all routes you intend to travel on. Otherwise you need to buy a ticket for the missing segment.
If your train is going directly from Italy to France without going via Switzerland, then you only need a pass for Italy and France. If the train is going via Switzerland, you need a pass valid for Italy, Switzerland and France, or a ticket.
You can buy tickets for Switzerland on the Swiss Federal Railways website: www.sbb.ch
Also, if you are travelling on a TGV (High Speed Train) in France and using a rail pass, you need to pay a supplement.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
The direct TGV that runs twice per day from Paris to Milan does not cross Switzerland. If your pass covers France and Italy, then you just need a seat reservation, and should book that well in advance, probably 1-3 months ahead, since the number of reservations for pass holders is limited. Booking it at the same time that you buy the rail pass makes sense. The overnight Thello-brand train on this route does not accept rail passes, but offers a 20% discount; if you want the overnight train, booking ahead will give you the better price; it also does not cross Switzerland.
If you choose a train route via Switzerland, then it will include connections at a Swiss station, and you will either have to buy separate tickets for the Swiss portion of the trip or include Switzerland on your rail pass.