We are looking at a 15 day trip arriving in Amsterdam, heading to Paris and flying out of Zurich. Trying to use frequent flier miles and travel the weeks we want to travel (mid July to early August), thus the departure from Zurich. I have been looking at train options for travel but I am unable to gauge the cost. There will be two adults and two children ages 12 and 13. We will spend about 3 days in Amsterdam, 3 days in Paris, 3-4 days in Normandy (rent a car from Caen) and then head to Zurich, maybe stopping in Basel along the way. We'd like to do a day hike or two in Switzerland. Any advice in terms of travel between the major cities? I looked at the Eurail four country pass and the price would be about $1600 for all of us. This seems like a lot but maybe it's the best option?
Thanks for your help!
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Meg,
No way you can buy tickets (or get prices) that far in advance. Most railway companies sell tickets up to 3 months in advance.
Like airlines, for long distance trains the cheaper tickets are sold first and then the prices go up the nearer you get to the departure date. But, once you buy a ticket, that fixes which train you travel on (the ticket has date, time, train and seat numbers on it). Changing your mind costs €€€€!
To get an idea of the prices, go to the websites of the companies running the trains, and look at prices 2-3 months in advance
For Amsterdam to Paris the company is Thalys. https://www.thalys.com/ Sample price for 15th January 2016, prices start at €35 per person 2nd class one-way.
For Paris to Basel and Zürich, the company is TGV Lyria. www.tgv-lyria.com/ Sample price for 15th January 2016, prices start at €39 per person 2nd class one-way.
Booking nearer to the date will cost a lot more. And, as you can see a pass at US$ 1600 is a total rip-off.
In Switzerland I would recommend not spending your time in Zürich, but somewhere else, Luzern or further into the Alps.
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
Have you tried http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers, the site of the French national railways?
You can't make reservations for July yet. In general it's possible from three months before the travelling day, but if you try an earlier date it will show you the available trains and the cost. I took a date in January and a ticket for the four of you from Amsterdam to Paris can be got for EUR 140 at the superfast Thalys train. Caen - Zurich would come at some EUR 200, and Paris - Caen would be a cheap EUR 50, also for the four of you.
Timetables and prices might change somewhat, but these are good indications. Make sure you make advance reservations for the international trains in time - some two months ahead - for possibly considerable discounts on the normal prices.
Posted by
Minneapolis
1258 posts
Hi Meg. Good advice from others on the train tix. An idea to consider is renting a car in Switzerland and spend a couple of days in mountain area near Interlaken. Rental cars in Switzerland are easy and reasonable, and if you hit good weather, the hiking / scenery is spectacular. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Split your time in Switzerland between Luzern and the Berner Oberland - Lauterbrunnen, Murren, Wengen, Grindelwald. The Swiss capital, Bern, with its UNESCO listed old town makes a nicer stopover than Basel.
Best routing is ... Paris >> Basel (to change trains) >> Bern >> Interlaken >> Luzern >> Zurich (to fly home)
Some mountain railway sites ...
http://www.jungfrau.ch/en/tourism/
http://www.pilatus.ch/
http://schilthorn.ch/en/Welcome
http://www.rigi.ch/Home-en
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
A pass would be a waste of money for you. Here's a full explanation of passes and why they're not usually the deal people think they are, from The Man In Seat 61: http://tinyurl.com/bkw4u6c
His site is also a great source of other train information - spend some time looking around it, and you'll be an expert.
You've already been given the websites to look at for the best priced tickets on the trains you will be taking. If you want to know the top possible price, look at tickets for tomorrow.
For domestic trains in Switzerland, there is no discount for advance purchase, so you can buy these when you get there. However, a Swiss Pass or Half-Fare card may make sense, depending on how many trains you will be taking. Once you figure out your itinerary, post it here so you can get help on this (it can be fiendishly complicated to figure out the best deals for Switzerland).
Yes, flying out of Zurich is fine, but focus your time in Switzerland on the Berner Oberland. And don't stay near this area in Interlaken; stay in it, in Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, Gimmelwald or Mürren (Mürren is my choice, but each has their fans). There are approximately a gazillion walks and hikes you can do here, from easy to strenuous and from a half hour to a whole day.
Posted by
OP
9 posts
Thanks, all, for the helpful information and suggestions in Switzerland. Just what I was looking for. More later as I get down to the nitty gritty of planning!