We are going to paris and Switzerland along with our 2 young children in this summer. Can someone advise me which best means of transport is?
Option 1: taking a Euro select pass for 5 days – 2 countries which cost me USD 1100/-
Option 2 : take a Euro ticket from Paris to Interlaken ( USD 360/-) and rent a car in Paris and Zurich. I feel having a car is better than depending on train timings.
Which option is convenient and economical? I also curious to know petrol price in France & Switzerland.
Thanks and regards
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
What are the ages of your children? Children 3 and under ride free. From 4-6, they ride free with genuine Swiss passes or cards. Or, if any age up to through 15, you can get a Swiss family card where they can ride free with ANY valid ticket as long as they are traveling with a parent. You really do not need a car for the travels you describe.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8058 posts
I would think for the limited travel, train from Paris to Interlaken on a point to point ticket would be best as opposed to a pass. As for Paris, no need to rent a car, public transport is easy and plentiful. Around Zurich, maybe a car for four is best if you are travelling outside of town, but again, no need to have a car in town.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Your post: "rent a car in Paris"No one on this forum recommends renting a car in Paris.Re fuel prices, the graphs on this page Europe fuel priceswill give you that info in US dollars per gallon (you may want to convert to another currency and unit of measure).
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Do not rent a car in Paris. Even besides the higher petrol costs, parking is very expensive and difficult to find, traffic is horrendous and navigating the streets can be quite stressful. Public transportation will get you anywhere you want to go quicker and easier than a private car.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10601 posts
Do not, I repeat, do not rent a car in Paris. If you want to rent a car, rent it out of town. Driving in Paris was one of the most stressful things I have ever done. I have been driving in large cities since I was 16 years old (a very long time ago) and I have a stressful job in a law enforcement related field. For me to say driving in Paris is stressful, well just is! Especially if you don't know your way around.