We are landing in Frankfort, and will stay in Bacharach for 3 nights, Colmar 2 nights, and Paris 3 nights. Could you tell me which is the most efficient train pass to get and most efficient routes? We have driven in several countries but never traveled by train. We have also considered renting a car at the airport, driving to Bacharach and Colmar, and dropping the car off in Colmar or Strasbourg. We would then take a train to Paris. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Green Bay
20084 posts
The train (with one connection) from the airport to Bacharach is 11.20 euro each. Frequent departures and takes 1 to 1 1/2 hours. You can buy at the airport train station from a vending machine or the ticket counter for a small fee.
The trains from Bacharach to Colmar are on the pricey end because its international and there are lots of connections. The cheapest way with an advance purchase nonrefundable ticket to Breisach, Germany (2 train changes) for 49 euro total for 2. Then you need to take a local bus over the Rhine River to Colmar. Not much money, but time to buy the bus ticket is the problem. Other routes, budget 150 euro total for now.
Colmar to Paris can be done with a direct TGV train. Check the price at www.capitainetrain.com
Edit- The Colmar-Paris can be done for as low as 35 euro per person if bought far enough in advance for a nonrefundable advance purchase Prems fare.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
There is a Eurail France-Germany pass starting at $390 per person for 4 days of 2nd-class travel (seat reservations extra), but that would not save money for the distances you're planning. If you rent a car, check the price to drop it on the German side of the border (such as Karlsruhe) versus the French side; a second country could double the price of that short rental.