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Rail pass fees?

Posted by on

Does anyone know how to figure out "reservation fees" for rail passes? We're going to Paris, Bern, and then a few points in Spain. We're thinking about buying a Three-Country Select Rail Pass, but we're not sure if all the reservation fees add up, so maybe we should just rent a car or fly, or buy point-to-point train tickets. Eurail and RailEurope both suggest that for some trips we may be required to make reservations ahead of time and that there may be reservation fees. Are these five euros? Fifty euros? Two hundred? I have no idea.

Thanks.

Posted by
16894 posts

See the list of reservation fees in our printable Rail Guide and similar info on the France rail and Spain rail pages of this site. Most Swiss trains don't require reservations. You can also go ahead to test bookings and see prices. A TGV Lyria running directly between Swiss and French cities is the highest of the fees.

All of these comparisons will be easier to make the more you have your route planned out. Do you like the train schedules? Looking Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you the Deutsche Bahn train schedule link and tips for using it. This is a good resource for knowing which legs of any trip are "Subject to compulsory reservation."

Since you haven't mentioned any other French destinations, you would probably be better off to fly from Switzerland to Spain, reducing the amount of train travel needed; see www.skyscanner.com. In that case, you would probably look at advance-purchase discounts for a few, longer French and Spanish train rides and consider just a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card if you are traveling around that country by public transport.

Posted by
7209 posts

Buy point-to-point tickets and reservation fees are included.

Dump the Eurail pass!

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