I have been looking for a train from Paris to Interlaken for the morning of Sept. 30th. The lowest price I found was $125 through TGV-Euro (although SBB was similar with $131). When I look on Rail Europe the cheapest option is over $200. However, in looking for our second trip from Interlaken to Florence on Oct. 2nd, I get the lowest price on Rail Europe at $136, while other sites list the price at $320 (SBB). I was just curious if this is normal or if I am possibly misunderstanding something here. Thanks!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Rail Europe is notorious for overpricing.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19099 posts
I agree with Nancy. Most of the European Rail websites sell tickets online for exactly what they charge at the window. There might be a small difference beween railroads, particularly across borders, because of how they price each others parts. Rail Europe is a for profit reseller; they mark up the price over what you would pay in Europe. If you are getting that big a difference, I think you are doing something wrong - comparing different classes of trains, different classes of travel, number of people, something.
In fact, the biggest difference you will find with RailEurope prices is when the national rail company has a heavily discounted advance purchase fare and RailEurope doesn't offer it.