We are spending 14 days in Europe--plan to divide the time btwn Paris, then Amsterdam, then Normandy, then fly home. What is the cheapest option--taking a high speed train from Paris, renting a car or riding the bus?
Posted by
Nottingham, UK
658 posts
Walk in Paris
Take the Train to Amsterdam
Walk or hire a bicycle in Amsterdam
Take the train into a city in Normandy ( Bayeaux is a great place to start ).
Hire a car to see Normandy
Only use French busses if your spoken French is very good.
Posted by
OP
Charlotte, NC, USA
8 posts
I didn't even think about speaking the language for the buses. This is a great help! Thank you!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
The standard 2nd class return (roundtrip) fare on the Thalys high-speed train for Paris-Amsterdam-Paris is €152. The Smilys return fare is €69. Smilys tickets can only be booked online (either at sncf.com or thalys.com) and up to 90 days in advance. To have any change of getting one, book as soon as the 90-day window opens.
If you absolutely want economy over speed and comfort, take a Eurolines bus. Day routes are available, but you can do it overnight both ways and save the cost of two nights in a hotel. Booking a return ticket is only a few euros more than a single ticket. You can book at eurolines.com, but the site will switch to French part way through the booking process.
A car will be an expensive burden in either Paris or Amsterdam but a good choice for Normandy. Take the train from Paris to either Caen or Bayeux and pick up a car there.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Some good advice above! But if it not too late, consider changing the order of things, e.g.:
Fly to Paris
Train to Normandy
Explore Normandy with a car
Take a train to Amsterdam (bypassing Paris)
Fly home from Amsterdam.
Why? One less day in transit and one more for you and yours.