Sorry, I am sure this information is out there but I am having a hard time getting to the right place to understand the cost of the France only rail pass. As well, on the SNCF site looking at ticket costs for that comparison but also getting variations on pricing depending on what link I use to get to my inquiry. I also have not been able to enter any Italian destinations into the SNCF site to cost train when leaving France. Overall, I suspect rail pass not a deal if only traveling Paris-Vernon RT and Paris-Arles on way then Arles to Milan. If anyone can help explain how I can be a better researcher I very much appreciate. Maybe just planning fatigue! Many thanks all!
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
795 posts
You can get a France-Italy rail pass that will cover every plan you are planning to go (includes SNCF as well). www.eurail.com/eurail-passes/regional-pass/france-italy You can go ahead and make your reservations when you buy the pass to guarantee your seats.
Posted by
Green Bay
20983 posts
Paris to Vernon and return is an inexpensive regional train. No point in a pass for that. Paris to Arles is best done with a Prems fare, which is nonrefundable, but they can be cheap depending on the day and time of travel. When you use the SNCF site, if they ask the ticket collection country, mark it France. Otherwise they will bounce you to Raileurope, (which they own), and you will see higher prices.
For Arles to Milan, take a local train to Marseilles and then go to Milan on the direct Thello train. This is not included on any railpass, but can be inexpensive with advance purchase nonrefundable.
www.thello.com
So your suspicion that railpasses are not a good deal is the same conclusion most of us came to a while ago.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
Rail passes can be convenient unless reservations are necessary. They lose their convenience and economy when it is necessary to make and pay for reservations.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Price of the pass depends on the number and age of travelers and number of different days boarding a train. A France Rail Pass starting about $150 for a youth under age 26 for 3 days of travel within a month or the 2-country Eurail Pass starts from $218 for a youth for 4 days within 2 months. In addition to our France rail page, where you can read about seat reservations and click through to test pass prices, you can also see approximate pass prices laid out in PDF format (but not updated as often) at http://www.ricksteves.com/publications/rail-guide-form. Pass prices change frequently with the exchange rate.
Italian train ticket prices are shown in those materials or at www.trenitalia.com. If you were chose the TGV from Lyon or Chambery to Milan, then the TGV seat reservation covers you all the way to Milan with just a France pass. This is not the case if you travel via Marseille or Nice. Regular ticket price from Nice or Ventimiglia to Milan is about $45.