Is it better to purchase EuroRail tickets here before one leaves for Europe or to do it there was you go along? Want to take train from Rome to Paris with stops along the way?
MEM
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23269 posts
Historically EuroRail tickets have been very pricey with extra fees. Not all trains are listed and no discounts are given. However, a couple of recent postings have indicated that the ER tickets are on par with pricing at national railroad sites. Check it for yourself. These things change constantly.
There is very limited advantage to purchasing tickets in advance. (The big exception is England where the advance purchase discounts are critical.) If you go to the national rail sites, there are advance purchase discounts but can come with penalties if you need to change the ticket. A lot of experience travelers prefer to purchase tickets as you go for the flexibility and others like to have every detail pinned down to the last second. It is your preference.
Final note, with the exception of overnight trains, I have never seen a full train where you could not get a ticket the same day. Train capacity is huge and frequent. Not like our airline system which has trained you to buy early.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
32 posts
Thanks....
MEM
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
32 posts
Is there more than one rail system between Rome and Paris....you remarked to "Check the National rail sites", what does that mean? Would rail traffic be exceptional over the Christmas holiday...tend to travel between Dec 24 and Dec 27 or so.
Mem