Hello all- I am trying to plan a family trip to Europe and I am so confused on the which would be the best train passes to get. My family has 2 adults, 1 child and a youth(19 yrs old). Our itinerary that we would like would go: DAy 1 arrive in London 8:30pm. Would like to take a train to Paris that evening or day 2 if not possible. Day 2 Paris, Day 3 Paris to Zurich, Day 5 Zurich to Munich, DAy 5 overnight Munich to Amsterdam. Day 6 Amsterdam to Brussels. I figured I could get a 4 country 6 days Select Saver passes. The total is about $1256.00 not including Eurostart roundtrips from London to Paris. Is this the best way to go? Also this price doesnt include the two overnights that I was planning. Any help I would appreciate it. This is our first trip to Europe.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19118 posts
"This is our first trip to Europe". Really, I would never have guessed.
The rail passes will get you on the night trains, but not accommodations. You will have to pay more (supplements = reservations) for sleeping accommodations, even just a reclining seat.
You are not spending any time anywhere. All you are doing is traveling. Why? Just so you can tell you friends, "Yes, I was in Munich". But you didn't see anything. Are you just going there for the night train? There is another one from Zürich to Amsterdam, you know.
Anyway, slow down and smell the roses. Think quality, not quantity.
Posted by
OP
Pennington, NJ, US
3 posts
Yes. You are probably right on this one. As I was just mapping it out it is a bit much. I still need to know which pass would give me the best bang for my buck? I would at least like to visit Paris, Brussels and Sitzerland in 10 days if that is not to much.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19118 posts
Well, a three country five day saver pass would cost a minumum of $802 for the two adults. You could ride in first class, but then your Youth would need a 1st class Saver pass at $400, also, or he could get a $300 youth pass, and you would have to pay for first and ride in 2nd.
If your only travel is Paris-Switzerland, and Switzerland to Brussels (and maybe Brussels to Paris), you really should look into P2P tickets for this. Take your time and figure it out right.
Posted by
OP
Pennington, NJ, US
3 posts
Ok. Thanks a lot
Posted by
Redding, CA, USA
1568 posts
Sorry to damper your plans but it sounds like you will spend the majority of your time on the trains. Normally a travel day is a lost day. 1 day in one city is not enough time to see anything.
Posted by
Davidson, NC, USA
82 posts
Janet,
SLOW DOWN!! We have a similar family unit - 2 adt, 1 17yr old & 1 11yr old. Pick the two cities that are 1)most important to you and 2)most logical as far as transportation goes. If you seriously only have one week to spend in Europe, you will enjoy it SO MUCH MORE if you take your time and do it right. Your kids will thank you also! Maybe London and Paris? Maybe Paris and Brussels? Do some research and think about it! It will also greatly reduce your transportation costs! Maybe fly open jaw into London, book one way Eurostar train to Paris, fly out of Paris, for example. No need for a train pass!
Enjoy, Lisa