Hello fellow travelers,
My husband and I will be flying into Paris for one week in early September. We would like to take the train to Zermatt, Switzerland after our stay in Paris.
Can anyone advise me on which train to take for the best scenery and lowest price?
Also, which website to purchase from.
Thank you so much.
Kim B
Posted by
Not otherwise specified
135 posts
Try SNCF.COM for schedules and purchasing tickets. Service from Paris to Zermatt is provided by the National Railway networks of France and Switzerland. There is not a kaleidoscope of routes or scenery selections. The SNCF website is reasonable to navigate and gives one ALL available routings.
If you’re uncomfortable with traveling by Rail both the RS page and a popular page called “the man in seat 61 “ provide detailed information on European rail travel.
Posted by
Green Bay
20152 posts
For the best scenery, fewest changes, and fastest travel time, take one of the TGV's that go from Paris Gare de Lyon at 18 past the even hours (6:18, 8:18, etc) that go either to Geneva or Lausanne. There connect to a train to Visp, and then to a train to Zermatt. Just under 7 hours and avoids any long base tunnels.
Posted by
Sweden
6419 posts
Even better: Use www.sbb.ch and buy the entire trip on a single ticket.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you all so much.
I will book the tix on the SBB website.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Hello again,
I attempted to purchase my tix on sbb site and credit card error. I called my bank and they connected me to the fraud department who says there is no hold on my card.
Tried numerous times with the same rejection.
Anyone know what's going on with that?
Thanks.
Kim B
Posted by
Green Bay
20152 posts
SBB is using what is known as "3D verification", which you probably do not have on your card. Basically, your bank sends you code which you have to enter during the purchase process.
If you have an American Express card, that should work, as it is considered a travel card and not a bank card.
Lastly, for a very small fee, you can buy the ticket from https://www.thetrainline.com/en-us
Posted by
California
304 posts
Maybe they have an option to use apple pay or google pay? I had to do this for a train reservation (with a different train company) earlier this year as none of my cards were working (neither cc nor debit). Luckily someone here on the forum mentioned that as a possible solution and I was able to successfully complete the transaction.
Posted by
Wengen
1699 posts
Trainline is probably the best option here, as they will try to match a cheap TGV fare with a SBB Supersaver ticket, which may end up cheaper than getting this from SBB, and you should have less CC issues as well.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
I was able to purchase tix through Trainline using my PayPal account, then Visa.
Thanks for all of your help!