Jenny

Since I lost my message, I have to post again. <BR><BR>I am going to Venice from Paris via night train in late Apr. Do I have to make reservation for sleeper/couchette now in states, or I can do it in Paris couple days b4 the trip? Also, anybody had the experience on this train? Is there big diff between sleeper and couchette?<BR><BR>I also want to know if anybody purchsed railpasses from Rick Steves. He gave his books for free with pass purchases.<BR><BR>Thank you all!

jahoulih

In late April I think you can wait until you get to Paris. I haven't taken that particular train; in general, I find that couchettes are acceptable, but other people have different views. If you're 26 or over, you'll have a first-class pass, which means you'll get a first-class couchette (four bunks in the compartment rather than six).<BR><BR>I bought a BritRail pass from Rick Steves with no problem; as you've probably noticed, everyone charges the same for the passes, but different companies give out different "free" bonuses. I also bought a Eurail pass from this website, which I thought had better freebies than Rick Steves:<BR><BR>http://www.europebytrain.com/merchant/sale.html

RJD

Yes, there is a big difference between a private sleeper and a couchette. Unless you like sleeping in the same small compartment with strangers, get a private sleeper. Reserve in advance using a service like Rail Europe and travel with peace of mind.

jahoulih

As I said, other people have different views. But reserving a private sleeper from RailEurope will cost $216 (plus $15 shipping) if you have a first-class pass, or $266 (plus $15 shipping) if you have a second-class pass. Reserving a couchette in Europe will cost you about $15 for 2d class or $28 for 1st class.

L

A sleeper cost that much, even with a eurail pass?

Jenny

I talked to an agent, and she told me that with my Euro Select Saver pass, a couchette reservation in the states cost about $40 per person, sleeper without a tiny wash/bathroom $75, and sleeper with bathroom $130.

jahoulih

Depends whether you mean a private (one-person) sleeper or one that you share with someone else.

Jenny

2 people - Saver pass.

L

I will be sharing with one person, and we have a saver eurail pass