I have been researching train tickets for my upcoming trip to Eastern Europe. Can someone explain to me why there is a price difference between Rick Steves' PTP fares and fares posted on Rail Europe site? For example, Prague to Krakow per RS $50, while Rail Europe is above $100 depending on which train you choose. Krakow to Budpest RS $60 and Rail Europe above $100. Am I missing something here? Please advise, your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Milind
Search for previous posts on Rail Europe. Bottom line with them: they charge extremely high prices for people so they can have the comfort of having tickets in hand before they travel. They do not give all possible train routes or times, though.
The prices quoted in the RS books/website assume you are purchasing 2nd class tickets at the station. You can also purchase some tickets on the train company's website (DB, TGV, etc).
Unless your are so concerned with having your train tickets in hand, you can buy any ticket at any train station (I bought a ticket from Krakow to Budapest when I was in Frankfurt and had time to kill at the train station).
Erik,
Thanks for your reply. I am still in early stages of plannining. I have decided to buy my tickets when I am there. Again, thanks for the reply.
