This is my first time to Europe. It's a 15-day, overview trip because I plan to return. The travel arrangements can be daunting. What's the best way to get from Rome to Madrid to Paris? From Paris my niece and I will go to London, but I suspect the Eurostar may be the best bet for that trip. I fly out of Gatwick.
Posted by
Whittington
984 posts
What do want you want with 'best'? If money matters, then the clear answer is budget airlines - several web sites can direct, like - http://www.whichbudget.com/
Posted by
OP
Orlando, Florida, USA
51 posts
Sorry, I should have been more specific regarding "best". (It was my first post.) I am trying to decide whether to get a 3-country rail pass or fly between the cities. Thanks for the budget airlines website.
Posted by
Whittington
984 posts
There is a disappointment with this site not showing in an original post how many posts made, so I trust my frankness you did not consider blunt. There is little likelihood a rail pass will provide you with value based on ' Rome to Madrid to Paris to London'. Whether comparing this rail pass against budget flights or against point to point purchase of train tickets from the national operators, you are the only one who can do the maths.
Do you recognise each movement, by whatever transport, will cost you a half to a full day, door to door?And, as much as I like train travel, you surely do not want to be on a train journey of, not less than, 24 hours between Rome and Madrid, not less than 12 hours Madrid to Paris? I am glad you see this as an 'overview trip'.
Posted by
OP
Orlando, Florida, USA
51 posts
Thank you so much for the train travel time between Rome and Madrid and Paris. As much as I would like to travel by train, I didn't realize how much precious travel time it would eat up.
Posted by
washington
837 posts
Neil is correct. Not only will it take 26 to 30+ hours Rome to Madrid; it will entail 5 to 6 train changes.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5670 posts
Between London and Paris, the Eurostar is the best option in my opinion. The lowest prices are 120 days out and the prices increase as you get closer to your travel date. You can buy a ticket at eurostar.com. Between all of the other cities, flights are likely to be the cheapest (and shortest) options. Websites like kayak.com and whichbudget.com can help you find flights. If you choose one of the discount airlines (e.g. easyJet, ryanair, etc.), make sure that you understand all the rules and add in all the extra fees before you make the decision to buy. You said that you fly out of Gatwick. Does that mean that you have already purchased your ticket? If you have not, I'd suggest that you buy a ticket flying into London and returning from either Madrid or Rome so that you don't have to waste time travelling back to London.