I am traveling to Europe from US with 2 other adults in June. We are doing a whirlwind tour and will be taking several train rides. Zurich > Lucerne Lucerne > Venice Venice > Florence
Florence > Rome Should I try and purchase any of these tickets in advance? We are hoping to board a train to Lucerne shortly after our arrival in Zurich. Is it possible to buy a ticket as soon as we land in Zurich, then board the train 30 minutes - 1 hour later? We will be staying 1-3 nights in the rest of our locations so we should be able to purchase tickets 1-3 days in advance. I realize that these trains run frequently and we shouldn't have a problem getting from one place to the next. However, having only ridden a train once or twice previously, it still makes me a bit nervous to wait until the last minute to purchase unless I know I'm guaranteed a ticket. Thanks for any tips!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
We have ridden trains all over Europe for the past 18 years mostly in the summer train and never failed to a seat on a train. Other than night trains, trains rarely, if ever, fill up. Buying a day or two before should be no problem.
Posted by
OP
Winston Salem, NC, USA
6 posts
Thank you for your response Frank! I feel pretty confident that we shouldn't have problems buying tickets once we arrive!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33850 posts
Is it possible to buy a ticket as soon as we land in Zurich, then board the train 30 minutes - 1 hour later? You can use use it as fast as you can walk from the red ticket machine or ticket window onto the train, as soon as you can. I can count on a couple of hands all the Swiss trains which require reservations. No sweat. Trust me.