European rail passes were an exceptional value for many years. Not only were they economical, but they permitted hop-on, hop-off travel without stopping to buy tickets. But these advantages no longer apply in France, where virtually every train connecting major cities requires an advance reservation with hefty reservation fees of $11-$87. Not to mention the exorbitant surcharges for the high-speed trains. So, now, in addition to the cost of the rail pass, I have to stand in line to make a reservation (or make it in advance on the internet, with an ADDITIONAL cost of doing so), and the price of every train trip is increased by the reservation fees and surcharges. Does a train pass in France still make sense?
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
IMO, a France rail pass does not make sense. SNCF limits the number of seats it allocates to pass holders on trains that require reservations. If you wait until you get to France to buy seat reservations, they may be gone for your train of choice even though the train is not sold out. If you book ASAP (up to three months allowed) on tgv-europe.com, you can get cheap discount fares on TGVs and Intercites trains.
Posted by
Sedro Wooley
1 posts
This really is unfortunate. The railroad operators have virtually undermined all of the value of the rail pass with these changes. I wonder if the same is true of other countries, such as Germany and Italy? I know that I used a train pass in Italy several years ago and never needed a reservation. What is interesting is that the folks hawking the rail passes do not explain these complications on their web pages. It must come as quite a surprise when their customers arrive in France and discover that they must stand in line and pay extra money every time they want to board a train!! Anyway, even with gas at $9 per gallon, it's still much cheaper to rent a car (assuming that you let your credit card cover the collision/theft insurance).
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
In Germany for daytime trains only ICE Sprinters require reservations (€11.50 for 2nd class and €16.50 for 1st class). They are optional on all other daytime trains that offer them, including regular high-speed ICEs. They are required on night trains. In Italy reservations are required on Frecce (high-speed) trains and on InterCity trains. They cost €10 and €3 respectively. There is no limit on reservations for pass holders. So long as the train is not sold out, a person can buy reservations until right before departure. They also are required on night trains.