Hi All - looking for advice on the best way to get from Interlaken (Switzerland) to the Cinque Terre. Train seems a bit complicated with multiple transfers, so leaning towards renting a car for the ~6 hour drive. Does anyone know if picking up a car in Interlaken and dropping off in Vernazza is an option? Could also drop off in Milan, see some sights, then take the train the rest of the way. Thanks!
Oh - trip will likely be in early October, so before the snow starts falling.
Generally, the cost of driving a rental car from one European country to another involves a hefty drop fee.
The train journey is not very complicated. You can depart Interlaken Ost at 8 am and arrive in Monterosso 7 hours later, with changes at Spiez, Brig, and Milan. You could break the journey with a few hours in Milan if you wish.
Huge drop off fee for dropping car off in a different country. Train to Milan and pick a car up there if you want. We left our car parked in Monterosso for three nights but it was easier getting there and leaving to continue our trip by car.
I think what I'm hearing is that the cross-border drop off fee isn't worth the hassle of a few train connections?
I'd add that train connections are pretty easy to make.
What you're hearing is that a few train connection isn't a hassle. Millions of Europeans do it every day (I have 2 train connections later today), and it's not difficult to do as a visitor either. Rick Steves has made some guides on the topic, which I can recommend if you feel anxious about it.
In that case: for a two-week trip that starts in Switzerland and connects Berner Oberland > Cinque Terre > French Riviera > and Provence, get a Rail Pass?
No rail pass. Get point-to-point tickets. Buy them 3 months in advance to get the lowest price on the inter-city fast trains.
But how long will you be in Interlaken, and how are you getting there? Depending on your plans for Switzerland, a Swiss Pass or Half-Fare Card might be useful.
Regional passes exist, but in the following I'm talking about Eurail passes whenever I say railpass.
Eurail passes offer good value for certain types of travellers: Those who are spontaneous and want flexibility, or those who book a long journey with short notice. Note that on some trains (especially long-distance trains in Italy and France) paid reservations are mandatory, which will add to the cost of the journey.
Since you are talking about a trip in October, you don't sound like this type of traveller.
Many railways offer discounted tickets to those who book early and are willing to commit to a specific departure. These tickets will often be cheaper than a Eurail pass. Book directly with the operator for the best fares and peace of mind in case something goes south when you travel.
Tickets are usually released 3 months ahead, but it depends on the country. To get an idea of the price level, search for tickets about 3 months from now.
@Lola - rough plan at this point is to stay in Berner Oberland for three nights (probably Gimmelwald). From there, 2-3 night stays in Cinque Terre, French Riviera (Nice most likely), and Provence (Avignon).
Matt,
I've travelled that route several times and it's easily done by train. However it will be a full travel day.
The best option is the one that Lola mentioned above. While the 08:00 departure from Interlaken Ost has four changes, it's the shortest trip at 7H:23M and will get you to the Cinque Terre by 15:23, just in time for a brief walkabout and a glass of Prosecco in the small harbour, and then a fine meal.
Using a car on that route is not a good idea. In addition to the hefty drop fee, there's no way you'd be able to drop the car in Vernazza as it doesn't have a rental agency. You'd probably have to go to La Spezia and then backtrack to Vernazza. The would be a darn nuisance! You'd also need an IDP for driving in Italy and would have to be vigilant to avoid ZTL (limited traffic) areas in any towns you pass through in Italy (again, hefty fines).
If you use the 08:00 departure as mentioned above, the train from Milano Centrale to Levanto is an Intercity, so there will be compulsory seat reservations, which are specific to train, date and departure time. Reservations will be provided with your ticket. If you were planning to buy advance tickets, I'm not sure you'll get any discounts on the Swiss rail trips, so you could easily buy your tickets for departure when you arrive in Lauterbrunnen. You could save money with advance tickets for the trip on the Intercity from Milano Centrale to Levanto. The trip from Levanto to Vernazza is via Regionale, so there will be no discounts.
