We are planning to spend 10 days in Paris and different cities in Italy in August. We are family of two adults and two kids. Wondering if it is a good idea to take any rail pass for the trip? Or should we just book individual tickets for train from Paris to Rome, Florence etc.?
Appreciate any suggestion on this.
Posted by
Green Bay
21143 posts
From your other post, you are looking at an apartment in Paris, so you will be there for at least 4 days n'est pas? I doubt if any kind of French rail pass will save anything, more likely waste money. In Italy, a rail pass almost never makes sense. If you have an itinerary mapped out, buy nonrefundable tickets now while you can still find some deals. www.capitainetrain.com is the best site for French tickets, and www.trenitalia.com for Italian tickets.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
It's hard for us or you to compare costs without a more specific list of cities. The France-Italy pass now does cover the direct daytime TGV from Paris to Milan with a seat reservation fee of $26 in 2nd class or $41 in 1st. Don't buy the pass unless you are able to secure that TGV seat reservation at the same time (as soon as possible). Paris-Rome by daytime train connection takes 11 hours. Paris-Italy night trains do not accept rail passes.
Also check flight prices from Paris to Italy at www.skyscanner.com.
Faster Italian trains also need a seat reservation for about $15 per leg, in addition to the pass. Compare regular, 2nd-class fares for the faster trains (which often include a seat reservation) using the map at http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/italy-rail-passes.