I'm finding it strangely difficult to nail down the best price and how (or if) to make reservations for the train from Zurich to Milan using the various rail websites. Although most efficient route is via Cisalpino, there seems to be different discount rates depending from the Italian and Swiss partners for this rail line--neither of which allow me to book the discount (or know if they are still available). Are overseas calls the only way to untangle these questions? My family of four was planning to save $ by flying into Zurich for our Northern Italian vacation next week but the expensive overnight in Zurich plus the cost of the train to Milano seem to make this a mistake. Any tips greatly appreciated!
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9100 posts
I just went to the Swiss Rail website (www.rail.ch) and entered an arbitrary date of Aug 2nd, and it showed a discount fare of 32 Swiss francs (tickets to be picked up at any Swiss rail station). I selected the fare and it took me all the way to the page where you enter your credit card info. If you're traveling next week it's possible the discount fare has sold-out.
Posted by
OP
Portland, Oregon, US
8 posts
Thanks for the help but the whole issue of whether "reservations" are required (vs buying day of travel). I've read both that reservations are not needed and that they are required if traveling between Switzerland and Italy. I can't tell what I need to do to get the best prices/discounts as part of advance purchase. If I can't get a better fair through advance purchase and there is no requirement for reservations, I’d prefer to talk to someone at the station on the day of travel (but of course, not if it means not being able to catch the train!) I can get only so far in the system then it seems to either want to send me an e-mail with prices or comes up with a discount price but then says reservations are not available for the "seats" I selected (I'm not indicating a seating preference).
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Jack, the answer is really simple. I don't think that Cisalpinio will not sell you a train ticket directly from their website. They are not in the ticket business. Second, you can't buy a ticket online from Trenitalia as they don't accept American credit cards. That leaves the Swiss train website at www.sbb.ch/en/index.htm. You can buy from them. Or, as a last resort and higher prices, you can buy from the ticket brokers www.raileurope.com or www.italiarail.com
Posted by
OP
Portland, Oregon, US
8 posts
Larry-- THAT makes sense! It's not me it's just the idiosyncrasies of the European websites--not as focused on selling something as I'm used to. Thank you.