Would like to know what the best options are for traveling from Paris to Annecy, by rail or bus in July 2015. Length of time and if anyone has a general cost. I have been browsing multiple forums, and finding it difficult to pin down. Also would like to continue on to Brussels after Annecy. I know it is early days, but I like to get my travel options down before I start looking for accommodations.
Thanks, any and all help or advice would be appreciated!
T
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Direct TGV trains take under 4 hours and cost abut $100 per person to buy 2nd-class tickets on the spot. There are a variety of advance-purchase discounts available, which go on sale 3 - 4 months ahead of the travel date, so that's when you can get a much better price. Meanwhile, How to Look Up Train Schedules Online gives you the DB train schedule link and tips for using it as you start your planning.
Posted by
Tucson
4151 posts
I just gotta ask. With Brussels and Paris so much closer to each other than either is to Annecy, what is the reason for going from Paris to Annecy and then to Brussels?
Using the DB Bahn search (http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en) I found these numbers:
Brussels to Paris with 1 train change -- 1.5 hours
Paris to Annecy via TGV with 0 change -- 3.75 hours.
Annecy to Brussels with 2-3 changes including TGV -- 6.5 - 7 hours. All the schedules I checked routed back through Paris and then to Brussels.
You have to get the tickets from the country's train service, but the DB Bahn site will certainly help you with your planning. Be sure to click on the map to see the route(s) you would be traveling for any schedule you choose to look at in detail.
With planning so early, you should be able to snag a good price from SCNF (http://en.voyages-sncf.com/en/) at least if you buy when the seats are first available. At the SCNF website, you can sign up using the box that says "Sign Up and Stay Up to Date" with your email. You will get emails of special deals.
I did this a few years ago and still get them. I've never gotten off their list because it's a little reminder of what a great time we've had on our trips in France. We have been to Annecy and loved it.