This is my first time using this forum. I used the Rick Steves website to search for trains from Basel to Paris on Saturday, April 25, but no results were returned. I tried several different times but nothing happened. Meanwhile, Google displays around 30 trains every day. I'm not sure where to ask this question but what am I doing wrong with Rick Steves train ticket website? Thanks for any advice.
Posted by
WI
402 posts
I would recommend using a service like trainline.com to identify available options, and then either book through that site or go directly to the particular service provider to book your desired route.
Posted by
Freedonia
18479 posts
Most of us believe in buying our tickets directly from the operator of the train rather than a third party.
For your tickets it's going to be SNCF.
You could also donwload their app.
Rick's site I believe uses Eurail for tickets. It's probably one of the worst sites for individual tickets. It's good if you want to buy a railpass but not for tickets.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
3196 posts
Seat 61 is a well reqarded site for all things train
This page may help
https://www.seat61.com/international-trains/trains-from-Switzerland.htm#Switzerland-Paris
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
36317 posts
Welcome aboard the Forums!
There is frequent very fast French TGV service from Basel to Paris gare de l'Est via Strasbourg and only 1 or two other stops. There is also the possibility of the regional slow train to Strasbourg and a slow train from there, but the vast majority of travellers will take the fast train.
If I remember correctly the Rick Steves website takes you to Rail Europe. I'd prefer to use the SNCF website (the French national railways, who actually run the trains) but I have heard that some North Americans have trouble buying tickets there, or the Trainline which is a trusted third party ticket seller where folks have had an easier time buying tickets.
When I look on the SNCF Connect website I see many trains, starting just after 6am and continuing all day, one or two an hour.
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
651 posts
I just this weekend booked early summer France/Switzerland tickets on thetrainline app. Could not have been easier. I got "senior" fares. I used thetrainline app in December for France/Belgium/Netherland/Germany tickets. Was easy to book and then also easy to use to board trains too. We are a couple and I just kept both tickets on my phone in the app.
Posted by
Paris
7731 posts
If you check the SNCF Connect website (or, if and only if it doesn't work, Trainline or Rail Europe), you will find two options: direct 'Lyria' trains from Basel to Gare de Lyon, and trains from Basel to Strasbourg where you transfer to a TGV to Gare de l'Est.
Travel time is roughly the same, but unless your Paris destination is adjacent to Gare de l'Est, I suggest the direct Lyria trains.