I will be on a group tour w/ Trafalgar that ends in Rome, then I am traveling alone to Bern to visit friends. I will be there for 6-10 days. Part of the time with them, then maybe a few days alone traveling to Zermatt, Lugano and Davos, then to Zurich for the return trip home. This is my first trip abroad although I have traveled alot in the States. Should I take the train? Flying is either very expensive, or time consuming. From what I saw on the Swiss national RR site a pass is around $320! Any info is greatly appreciated!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32216 posts
Karen, On that particular route, I'd travel by train. There appears to be a train departing Roma Termini at 08:00, arriving Bern at 14:23 (time 6H:23M, reservations compulsory, one change at Milano Centrale). The "layover" in Milan is only about 26 minutes, which isn't too bad. Will your tour be arriving in Rome a few days before you'll be making this trip? If so, I'd advise buying your ticket a few days in advance, so that you can take advantage of the discounted "Mini" fares. Check This website for further information and lots of tips on riding the trains in Italy. As this is your first trip abroad, you may find it helpful to read Europe Through The Back Door, especially the "Rail Skills" section. You may also want to download the PDF Railpass Guide to get some idea on whether one of the Swiss Railpasses will be cost effective for your rail trips there. Look in the lower right corner for the link. Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Youngstown
3 posts
Ken, Thanks for the tips. Looks like I'll be doing the tour (London, Paris, Lake Lucerne, Florence, Venice and Rome), then train to Bern and in Bern w/ friends for a few days. Probably off to Zurich for a few days then home to OH. Traveling middle of May, and it should be beautiful. So very excited. Confirming reservations this week. If you have any other ideas for websites, I'd be interested. Thanks again for your help!
Karen
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
To get the cheapest fares, you'll need to book separate tickets for each leg. To be sure of getting them, book ASAP (up to 90 days in advance) at trenitalia.com. If you wait until "a few days in advance," they'll be gone. The best Mini fare for Rome-Milan is €55. The best Smart fare for Milan-Bern is €19.
Posted by
OP
Youngstown
3 posts
Thanks Tim! I'll check this out.