We are planning a trip to visit Switzerland in September, probably in the Interlaken area, and then are planning on going to the French Riviera next, most likely Nice. How would anyone recommend this? The flights that I have found (from nearby big cities) are extremely expensive, and the rail system seems like it is impractical and long. What is the best way? Renting a car? Any advice would be extremely helpful. Thanks!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Train from Interlaken to Nice takes about 8.5 to 9 hours.Driving a rental car will take about the same amount of time, 7.5 to 8 hours (6.5 hrs plus 2 or 3 pit stops = 7.5 to 8 hours). There is usually a hefty drop-off fee charged by rental car companies for picking up in one country and dropping off in another country. A car will be an expensive headache while in Nice; and overnight parking there is not cheap.Go here to see train schedules http://bahn.hafas.de/bin/query.exe/enOr here to plan your driving trip http://www.viamichelin.com/viamichelin/gbr/tpl/hme/MaHomePage.htm
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
easyJet is a budget airline that flies to Nice from Geneva and Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg. If you book far enough in advance, you can get very cheap fares. However, as with any European budget airline, pay close attention to the luggage size and weight limits and especially the check-in deadline. If you miss the deadline, your ticket will be worthless and you'll have to buy a new one for a later flight at full price.
According to the train timetables on the site Kent gave you, your fastest route (8 1/2 hours) is Interlaken Ost-Spiez-Milano Centrale-Nice Ville. Not all that bad. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
My wife and I sometimes rent a car in Frankfurt and drive through the area you mention. It is usually more expensive but I like the convenience of having a car.
We have also ridden the train in some parts of Europe. Your choice will depend on your preference and a consideration of the comparative costs.
Research the cost of each method before you decide. Remember that driving will involve highway tolls, expensive petrol, lack of parking, expensive cost of parking, the auto rental fee, plus the possibility of a drop charge if you leave the car in another country.
Auto rental is no longer a simple act of renting the car. There are many additional costs involved.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA
15 posts
Thank you so much for the help! I didn't even know to check that particular airline for cheap flights.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
You're welcome, Casey. For future reference, make note of these search engines for European budget airlines:
For the record, I prefer trains to planes. When you factor in the time and expense of getting to and from airports and meeting check-in deadlines, taking the train can be as fast as flying--and a lot more comfortable.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA
15 posts
I was looking over this website that you guys suggested, and I can't seem to find any prices for the train from Interlaken (Ost) to Nice. What do you think roughly the price would be per person taking the train? Thanks!
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
for train Interlaken ost to Nice you will need to breakdown the segments. lots of train changes and time. hopefully you have time or other options to choose from.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
No need to break down in segments, according to the Swiss Rail web site (www.sbb.ch/en)the second class fare from Interlaken Ost to Nice is 115.57 Euros. This is for the two connection 10:31am TGV journey via Geneva. Total travel time 9.5 hours.