I see that Rick Steves sells the pass I need for exactly the same price as RailEurope. Are there any hidden costs anywhere there? I remember reading before to stay away from RailEurope as they are more expensive. Where do you all buy your passes?
Posted by
Scotland
505 posts
Actually, most railpasses must be bought before you enter Switzerland because the rates are for tourists. Just buy them from Rick Steves before you leave.
Kate
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
the only cost difference is shipping. some travel sites will also throw in some "freebies" if you order from them (like Rick Steves).
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9100 posts
All rail passes purchased outside Europe, are issued by Rail Europe. Rick Steves and any other merchant you get your rail pass from, are agents of Rail Europe. As Tim said, the prices are the same. I believe Rick's travel store has some sort of free shipping promotion in effect for passes. In addition RS provides a free travel skills DVD, on how to effectively us the train system in Europe.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16260 posts
Rick also provides a 20% discount on anything you purchase from the travel store (luggage, etc.) if you buy your railpass there. And there is no "hidden cost" other than the shipping/handling charge. You can compare his prices for Swiss Passes to the prices on the SBB website---they are the same in dollars.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
You can also buy them at the ticket counter in Switzerland...in Swiss Francs