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Help! I had my itinerary figured out but the overnight train is full!

Posted by (Glendale, CA, United States) on

Ok so here was our initial itinerary:

Sept 27 arrive in Paris (spend 28th, 29th in Paris)

September 30 morning train from Paris to Interlaken (already have this booked)-we will be going to Gimmelwald and staying there on the 1st and 2nd (at least that was the plan)

October 2nd night train from Interlaken to Florence (I had booked this as well and just received an email from the site saying that the overnight train is already full, so they suggest an alternate intinerary that will take up an entire day and cost us twice as much)

October 3rd and 4th-Florence

October 5th-fly home (leaving out of Florence airport)

I would appreciate any advice on figuring out an alternate train to get from Interlaken to Florence. I am bummed because what I had booked was $140 in USD for 2 people and I can't find any alternatives that don't cost more than $300 :(

Posted by
9100 posts

A daytime journey is just over six hours with 2 or three changes and there are multiple departures from Interlaken West station. You can check schedules at the Swiss Rail site: rail.ch
Where are you getting the $300 fare from?

Posted by
10 posts

I had initially booked through Rail Europe (which I know generally charges more, but the rate I was booking was great...apparently too good to be true). The alternates they offered me are all over $300 USD. I just checked on sbb. The day trip looks like it will be about $250 USD (total for 2 people). That is still twice as much as what I had booked, but if that is the best deal I can get I may take it. Do you know if that train ride is scenic (from Interlaken to Florence)?

Posted by
4132 posts

This must be very aggravating! But I would not change your itinerary over it. Worst case, you spend $160 more dollars (ouch!) but you save your trip. (And learn a valuable lesson about Rail Europe!) A month later, you won't care so much about the money.

You might have better luck, however, buying direct from Swiss Rail, not just in terms of price but also seat selection. You have several night train options: 4-bed couchette, 6-bed couchette, private compartment, and sleeping in your seat (or trying to--I'd rather spend the $300). Chances are there are bunks available in one or more of those options.

Check out their web site or call them.

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