Comments on: How to Plan for European Train Travel: Rail Passes Versus Point-to-Point Tickets

By: Ali

Ali — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:13:06 +0000

Does anyone have any idea whether it is possible to travel from Geneva airport to Moutiers (France) via train on a Friday evening around 9pm? I know the snow train has not yet started running and have been assured that there are trains but can not find the detials online!!! thanks in advance!

By: Travelwriter

Travelwriter — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 08:55:31 +0000

Thanks for sharing this. While travelling through Europe I always used to take passes so I was able to change destinations and trains quickly

By: Ant

Ant — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:57:15 +0000

Another tip if you're looking for point-to-point in the UK is to book in advance. It is definitely not the case in the UK that, "Purchasing a ticket at the train station can often result in big savings" Here's the link for advanced tickets that will save you heaps with a bit of planning. Also, this article — although very good — is purely based on non-European travellers, Europeans have the better value option InterRail pass. I covered the pros and cons in this recent article

By: Chris Cook

Chris Cook — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:14:14 +0000

Glad I could help Nathan. Emily, I’ve done the rail pass thing a couple times but am also starting to lean towards point-to-point tickets. There’s just so much more flexibility…a bit more hassel but unless it’s your first time in Europe it’s no big deal.

By: Emily @ Maiden Voyage

Emily @ Maiden Voyage — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:45:03 +0000

I have always preferred point-by-point rail tickets instead of a rail pass. I found the Eurail pass too restrictive because the countries had to be bordering, and sometimes you had to buy a pass buy zones, and I was often going to countries in two separate zones. Haven’t looked into the global pass, though. I just find it easier to buy point by point when I travel for 2-3 weeks at a time. Sometimes I do the cheap flights instead. The rail passes are pretty expensive, so I only want to get one if I know that I can really put it to use and save money with it.

By: Nathan

Nathan — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 08:12:28 +0000

WOW – this is an awesome detailed post! I am in Europe right now and was thinking about using the trains – thanks for sharing!

By: Chris Cook

Chris Cook — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:00:44 +0000

Thanks for the tweets and nice comments everyone. Christy, the prices are in USD. Hope you all find the info helpful on your next trip overseas.

By: Adrian

Adrian — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:59:58 +0000

Wow! This is such great info! Thanks for taking the time to write such a useful guide, Christopher!

My wife (who’s not very fond of flying… mmm… actually hates it!) will appreciate this a lot!

Instant bookmark!

By: Twitter Trackbacks for How to Plan for European Train Travel: Rail Passes Versus Point-to-Point Tickets [vagabondish.com] on Topsy.com

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 07:10:36 +0000

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By: christy

christy — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:58:41 +0000

Are the prices on the map in Euros or Dollars?