My wife and I will be traveling in Europe in late March. Here is what our trip looks like and I am wondering if anyone has suggestions on the most economical way to piece together train tickets, including websites to find tickets, etc? I have been told a rail pass might not be the way to go with this trip. Keep in mind I would rather plan before arriving unless others think it is safe to do so.
From Zurich day trip to Bern to Brig. (#2) Next day Brig to Venice. #3 Venice to Perugia. #4 Perugia to Florence. #5 Florence to Cinque Terre. #6 Cinque Terre to Milan
Thanks
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8058 posts
The only ticket I would even consider getting ahead of time would be the Brig to Venice leg. Even that, unless you want something special (night train or express) would be best to wait until you get there. The legs in Italy are relatively short and have frequent connections; and you are travelling at a time of year that the lines will not be packed with tourists. If you are leary about waiting until you arrive at a train station, then purchase tickets to leave when you arrive at a town. You do get a discount buying a pair of tickets a few days ahead.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Although I have not used them, I have been told that the Steves' people are very good at determining if a rail pass is cheaper. Rail passes are not the bargain they were many years ago. And the only good way to compare is to add up the point to point tickets. Be careful of Rail Europe, it is basically a train travel agency with substantial mark ups and does not show all trains. Try the Italian RR site and/or bahn.de. In all of our travels we have never bought tickets more than a day or two in advance. With the exception of night trains we have never encountered a need for advance reservations even during the summer.
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
I have had to make that decision many times on trips to Europe. Best thing is to research the prices of point to point RR tickets and add them.
Then determine which RR passes you can use and add the cost of them. Compare that cost to the total cost of your p2p tickets.
I have nearly always found the p2p tickets cheaper and easier to buy and to use.