Can you tell me on your longer travel days (using your rail pass) when do you leave for your next destination morning, afternoon, or evening?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
There is no answer to that question other than, "It depends ...." on when we want to get to the next location, how long is the ride, when do the trains runs, etc. etc. The rail pass has no bearing on the question. We generally like to leave mid-morning and arrive mid-afternoon but sometimes have left late afternoon and arrived late evening. It all depends.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
I catch the earliest train I can. For Paris-Venice, to make the necessary connection the train from Paris leaves about 8 am. I arrive in Venice late afternoon-early evening. I like to arrive at my next destination while there is still daylight. It makes finding my hotel easier and feels safer.
Posted by
Redding, CA, USA
1568 posts
Depending on the travel time to our destination....we leave very early if the trip is long. For short trips 3-4 hours or under we leave around 9am or earlier.
That is why I print the timetable for our train travel day....in order to choose which train we want to take. I also print the "Details" indicating all the station stops in order for us to prepare for our destination.
We prefer to arrive at our destination, unpack and have plenty of daylight to familiarize ourselves with the area.
Posted by
Redding, CA, USA
1568 posts
I failed to mention that normally when we arrived at our destination and before we left the train station we purchased our "Seat Reservations" (if we felt it was necessary) for next destination. Some of the trains you must have a seat reservations.
Another suggestion. Carry snacks and drinks for your trips...and for long trip I would advise you to purchase deli sandwiches or something for lunch and dinner.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Wendy,
On longer travel days, it's usually the best idea to leave fairly early in the morning, so that you're arriving at your next destination in the afternoon. That avoids any issues with "late check-in" at your next Hotel.
What time to depart will depend on how long the trip is. The usual check-out time for most of the Hotels I've used is about 10:00. I like to take advantage of the free breakfast and then head for the station about 09:00.
I use "fast" trains as much as possible, even though these cost more. Note that your Railpass does NOT include the reservation fees that are compulsory on some trains (usually the fast trains), so you'll have to buy these separately.
I always research which rail trips I'll be taking, so that I have some idea on how many changes there will be, as well as departure and arrival times.
Happy travels!