Train or plane? Paris to Zurich

Duplicate post.

TGV tickets go one sale 3 - 4 months in advance, which is when you'll find the cheapest rates. The SNCF site only sells this ticket with US credit cards if you have an extra level of security set up, called Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode. Rail Europe is the main US ticket agent, and https://www.capitainetrain.com/search/ is a new site that may be slightly cheaper. If you're using a Eurail Pass, note the direct Paris-Switzerland TGV Lyria trains have a higher seat reservation fee (about $35 in 2nd class or $85 in 1st). To compare flight prices, see www.skyscanner.com.

angeli,

The most time and cost efficient way from Paris to Zürich would be via TGV high speed trains (which travel at up to 300 kmH), using pre-booked tickets as Laura mentioned. If you use one of the direct trains (no changes) such as the 07:19 departure, travel time from Paris Gare de Lyon to Zürich Hbf will be 4H:07M. Use the bahn.de website to research rail travel details. Travel by air on that route will take longer, when all is considered (travel to & from airports, check-in, security, waiting times, etc.). It will also be much more of a stressful experience in comparison to a relaxing journey on the train, watching the scenery zip by the window.

The Capitaine Train website mentioned earlier has been getting good reviews, so you might want to have a look at it. One important point to note however is that if you buy tickets on the TGV, they will be for a specific train, date and departure time and can ONLY be used on that particular train.

When is this trip taking place?

Thank you everyone for all your tips. @ken I will be traveling in 2 weeks.

angeli,

Thanks for the additional info. At this late date, it may be too late to get the maximum discounts on pre-booked rail tickets. However, it wouldn't hurt to try. I haven't used Capitaine Train yet, but you can check to see what kind of prices they have.

If there are no discounted tickets available, it's just as easy to buy them while in Paris. You can purchase tickets at larger rail stations or at SNCF Boutiques which have branches all over Paris. The staff at your hotel will be able to tell you where the nearest one is.

Note that Paris has about six rail stations, so you'll have to plan for getting from the area of your hotel to Gare de Lyon. Which part of Paris will you be staying?