Hi all,
My friend and I are leaving for Europe in two weeks, and we just now are trying to figure out our transportation. We are confused as to what websites to use, as there are several, and whether to get a rail pass or not. I know we could figure this out with some research, and we will, but thought I'd ask experienced travellers for their advice too.
Our train travel stops are: Rome, La Spezia, Zurich, Munich, Innsbrook, Prague, and Bari to Rome (with Croatia in between). Should we get a pass, and what kind? If it is better to p2p tickets, is it the case that they must be delivered to your house if you book them online? (With exorbitant shipping prices). My friend says the trains for summer are booking up fast so she wants to get it done asap.
Thanks for the advice!!!
The best detailed train timetable site for nearly all of Europe is www.bahn.de. Click on "Internat. Guests" to view the site in English. The site will also show point-to-point fares for journeys either starting or ending in Germany. For point-to-point fares for trains within Italy or for Italy-Switzerland, go to the Trenitalia site. Click on "National" for routes wholly within Italy and on "International" for Italy-Switzerland.
If you were only traveling in Italy, a pass would not be a good choice because p-to-p fares are relatively inexpensive. If you forego a pass that includes Italy, just buy your Rome-La Spezia tickets when you get to Rome (a day or two ahead of your travel date, if possible). You could buy your Bari-Rome tickets at the same time. Whether or not ANY multi-country flexipass will be your best choice requires more cost comparisons with p-to-p fares for all your routes.
For good advice on passes, read the railpass sections at www.seat61.com and www.ricksteves.com.
Footnote: With a pass you will still have to pay reservation fees for trains that require them and supplements for sleeping accomodations on night trains. While standard reservations are only a few euros, EuroStar Italia reservations (Bari-Rome, for example) are around 15 EUR.
One more suggestion: For expert, free, and friendly advice over the phone (wth no obligation to buy anythng), call the people at BETS
Zurich to Munich is approximately 65 - 68 Euros.
Munich to Innsbruck is 30 - 34 Euros. No need for a Rail Pass.
Czech Republic rail fare are very inexpensive so no need for a Rail Pass there either.
Die Bahn
IDOS Czech Rail
rick steves has a good map that tells hours and prices of point to point tickets so you can compare.
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