Hello, I'm traveling to Europe for the first time this summer and I've already got almost everything done, including hotel rooms. For some of the destinations, there is only one train a day that require reservations, so I can't miss it. My question is, when should I start reserving tickets? I'm traveling with friends that live far away, but we should be able to get together and reserve them at flightcentre a month before departure. Is that early enough? Thanks!
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
Usually yes, depending on the country special deals will be over by the time you reserve them.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Where are you traveling? It is very unusual to have only one train a day between cities. And where are you looking at those schedules. One person can make all the reservations.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32355 posts
Shirl, My questions are the same as Frank mentioned. Where are you travelling. I haven't seen a location yet that has only one train per day. Where are you getting this information???
Posted by
Portland, OR, USA
805 posts
Have you thought about flying? Several cheap airlines fly that route and the extra cost (if any) is offset by the time savings.
Posted by
OP
Canada
2 posts
Sorry for the late reply! I train in question is from Paris to Milan, where there is only one train at 7:26 am I believe. There is another that is a night train, but I already have hotels booked.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Direct Paris-Milan TGVs depart at 07:42 and 15:24. If you book ASAP (up to three months allowed) at tgv-europe.com, you can get a Prem's fare as low as €30. Trains with one connection (Basel, Geneva, or Zurich) depart at 06:24, 08:09, 08:24, 09:09, 10:24, 13:09, and 15:04. Advance purchase discount fares are available, but they are higher than for the direct trains and the trip is longer. Ryanair has cheap flights, but uses outlying airports for both Paris (Beauvais) and Milan (Bergamo). You'll have extra time and expense getting to and from those airports. EasyJet flies CDG-Malpensa and Orly-Linate.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33867 posts
Shirl Be sure to use the national railway websites like the Bahn for complete schedules. You can find information in the sticky above.