I checked raileurope.com for the overnight train from Venice to Paris. If I do NOT buy a rail pass, the overnight train for 2 people on a 2-berth cabin is $614.00. If I buy a pass, the price goes down to $264.00.

I checked alleuroperail.com the price for the same train without a rail pass is $470. If I buy a rail pass the price is $346.00.

What gives? Does anyone have an idea at the price difference? I'm I doing something wrong with my search? Thanks!

Raileurope is the North American marketing arm of, and wholly owned by, the combination of SNCF and CBB (the French and Swiss national RR companies).

Very often RE will mark up the price of rail tickets (as compared to buying them in Europe, for example).

If you can get it cheaper from another agency, go for it.

If you are going to be IN Europe anywhere for a few days before your trip and feel confident waiting you may be able to get the best price by waiting to buy your tickets at just about any rail station (or even through a local travel agent).

Sorry, that should have been SBB, not CBB.

Anyway, there are many who feel RE is a rip-off operation but they, and I, continune to ride its owners trains!

Hi Kealoha - If you book through agencies such as Raileurope you will pay a premium for their service.

To find the actual price, go to:

www.trenitalia.com


Alternatively have you considered flying? The budget airline MyAir has fares from € 45 for some dates.

www.myair.com

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Hi K,

You can buy 2 tickets in a 1 cl T2 cabin on the 20:04 from Venezia san lucia to Paris Bercy for 350E ($450) at www.trenitalia.com.

If the alleurope charge includes S&H, it's worth it.

Thanks for the responses. I thought I was missing something with the price difference.

Steve, I personally want to fly BUT I am outvoted by DH and our little boy re taking an overnight train--we're doing it for the experience. Thanks!