Husband & I are traveling in Oct 2013 arriving Munich 10/13 and departing 11/6. We already have hotel reservations in Venice (1 wk) and Como (1 wk) and want to also see Salzburg (2-3 nites), Vienna (2-3 nites) and some of Switzerland either going down or coming up from Italy. We are 'young' seniors and plan to travel very light and by train. Have read everything on all the train passes, etc. but am still nervous. Am thinking Saver 1st Class pass - 8 travel days/4 countries/2 mo. for $592 pp but then see all the additional fees, etc. for reserved seats (which it looks like most trains are). If any of you have experience with this, we'd greatly appreciate some suggestions. We're thinking Munich 1 night, then Salzburg 2 nights, then Vienna 2 nights, then our week in Venice followed by week in Como, then somewhere up into Switzerland along scenic train route(suggestions?) back to Munich. Getting overwhelmed by all my research so am hoping for some good, solid experience. Thanks!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
The question, if there is one, is hard to answer since it is so confusing. First, you need to determine if the saver pass is cost effective. The only way YOU can do that is to determine your eight days of travel, then go to the various train sites and determine the pricing for that day and add it up. Easy but time consuming. Personally I don't think first class travel is worth the difference but that is your preference. You eight day pass will cost about $75/day and the reservation fee another 10 to 20 so for round number sake, say $90/day for train travel. Be sure to price first class ticket so you have an equal comparison. Only then can you decide if the pass is worth it. And you could consider 2nd class tickets. May of the train lines offer discount tickets if willing to purchase will in advance of your travel day. We have found that most of the routes in Switzerland are very scenic.
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
I found the folks who sell rail passes at the Rick Steves office were really helpful when I was trying to answer a similar question. Their number is on the cover page of this website. You might give them a call.