Eurail pass? huh? Whats the point?
Jul 13th, 2010, 08:03 PM
#41
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Thanks KyBourbon, I didn't realise that the discounts didn't apply to combination trips, and I hadn't read the fine print on the Leonardo Express. I will relook at both point to points and using the pass via Tiburtina.
Jul 13th, 2010, 08:30 PM
#42
I have several different credit cards from my credit union (Visa and Mastercard) that do not charge 3%, but there are also other cards that don't (most people use Capitol One, USAA, Schwab). You can also just get cash from the ATM to pay for the tickets and avoid fees.
>>>And with a 2nd class pass they could take the local train from the airport to Rome's Tiburtina station- it may be a 2nd class only train and transfer there to high-speed Eurostar type trains there- a much smaller and more manageable station in which to change than Rome Termini, with zillions of different tracks - and could be quicker over all, depending on schedules.<<<
Not possible. The high speed trains don't stop at Tiburtina. You would have to train to Tiburtina (45 minutes)and change trains to Termini.
>>>And with a 2nd class pass they could take the local train from the airport to Rome's Tiburtina station- it may be a 2nd class only train and transfer there to high-speed Eurostar type trains there- a much smaller and more manageable station in which to change than Rome Termini, with zillions of different tracks - and could be quicker over all, depending on schedules.<<<
Not possible. The high speed trains don't stop at Tiburtina. You would have to train to Tiburtina (45 minutes)and change trains to Termini.
Jul 13th, 2010, 08:43 PM
#43
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Just a note on credit card fees in Australia. All the cards issued by the majors charge 3% for foreign transactions. However the Wizard Clear Advantage Mastercard doesn't charge any fees (either FX or annual) and the cross rate is more favourable. Now the question is - does it works with Trenitalia?
Jul 13th, 2010, 11:25 PM
#45
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We just received our 2 for 3 pass. Our trip starts end of July 2010. There's 7 of us, so we got an additional 3 for 4 pass as well. We averaged $250 for each. If there is only 3 of you, it will cost an average of $230 per person. We ordered it through RailEurope: http://www.raileurope.com/rail-ticke...d-pricing.html
Although, this is about the only best deal you can get from them. If you have to make a reservation through them, the prices get ridiculous, and you almost do not have a choice because other agencies will not let you book through them if you bought the passes somewhere else.
There is another popular place where sells booking, but I don't know how others can trust this: Euro Railways. They will let you book through them and take your payments. But they do not confirm your order until after a few days. I tried with them because they advertise reasonable price, but they are just "teaser prices". When they confirm your booking, they'll say that price is no longer available and will give you a price the same as RailEurope. It was good that they allowed to cancel my order without charging my account. I'll be watching my credit card though because I saw in another blog that some of these agencies will wait a few days/weeks and charge you anyway. It will then take a while before you can get refunded. So, buyer beware!
Buying/Booking high speed train (EuroStar) from London to Paris is another story. So many websites will sell them at very high, ridiculous prices up to $1,000++. It took me a few days of research and finally decided to call EuroStar directly in London and ordered it. No hassle with that. Got the tickets and reserved seating for 50 Pounds each. Now, that is a real deal! It was worth the $3 long distance.
What I have not found is how to do the same with Artesia/TGV overnight train from Paris to Firenze or Rome (arriving August 1, morning). If anyone knows a way, please let me know. I tried calling direct but I can't seem to connect. Also, even if I get connected, I doubt if I will get an English speaking person. Since we are getting closer to the day, I'm afraid we might be running out of time. It seems that July-August is the peak season and it might be hard to book. But our schedule is fixed. We are attending specific events in our schedules. Anyone who can provide a way to book this trip, please advise. I've been trying to get our iteniraries and it had been slow. I'm glad to find this site though. I've learned a lot from people who posted information. Thank you all!
Although, this is about the only best deal you can get from them. If you have to make a reservation through them, the prices get ridiculous, and you almost do not have a choice because other agencies will not let you book through them if you bought the passes somewhere else.
There is another popular place where sells booking, but I don't know how others can trust this: Euro Railways. They will let you book through them and take your payments. But they do not confirm your order until after a few days. I tried with them because they advertise reasonable price, but they are just "teaser prices". When they confirm your booking, they'll say that price is no longer available and will give you a price the same as RailEurope. It was good that they allowed to cancel my order without charging my account. I'll be watching my credit card though because I saw in another blog that some of these agencies will wait a few days/weeks and charge you anyway. It will then take a while before you can get refunded. So, buyer beware!
Buying/Booking high speed train (EuroStar) from London to Paris is another story. So many websites will sell them at very high, ridiculous prices up to $1,000++. It took me a few days of research and finally decided to call EuroStar directly in London and ordered it. No hassle with that. Got the tickets and reserved seating for 50 Pounds each. Now, that is a real deal! It was worth the $3 long distance.
What I have not found is how to do the same with Artesia/TGV overnight train from Paris to Firenze or Rome (arriving August 1, morning). If anyone knows a way, please let me know. I tried calling direct but I can't seem to connect. Also, even if I get connected, I doubt if I will get an English speaking person. Since we are getting closer to the day, I'm afraid we might be running out of time. It seems that July-August is the peak season and it might be hard to book. But our schedule is fixed. We are attending specific events in our schedules. Anyone who can provide a way to book this trip, please advise. I've been trying to get our iteniraries and it had been slow. I'm glad to find this site though. I've learned a lot from people who posted information. Thank you all!
Jul 14th, 2010, 05:37 AM
#46
roma1616 - Are you sure you want an overnight train? Easy Jet flies Paris Orly to Pisa (108€ on 8/1 or 86€ on 8/2) or Orly/Rome for about 145€ (116€ on 8/2).
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...003f16f90aRCRD
Here's some info about discounts on Artesia, but might not be available since you are traveling high season.
http://www.artesia.eu/english/train-...eservation.php
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...003f16f90aRCRD
Sarvowinner - You have to register on Trenitalia first. Good luck with your credit card attempt. If you can book far enough in advance you should be able to get 30% off. You will have to book your tickets as Rome/Naples, Naples/Florence, Florence/Milan. Leave off the Lucca portion or you won't get the discount options. Fiumicino/Rome and Florence/Lucca/Florence can easily be bought when you arrive at the airport. Naples/Sorrento must be bought in the Naples station as they are not part of Trenitalia. There are windows selling tickets for Circumvesuviana only (follow the signs).
I can't say for sure about using a pass for the train to Tiburtina, but I do know that none of the transport passes available for Rome or Lazio allow them to be used on these two trains (Leonardo or FM1). The RailEurope website only mentions being able to use the 1st class pass on the Leonardo Express. There's also the bus option from Fiumicino to Termini for 8€. http://www.sitbusshuttle.it/
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...003f16f90aRCRD
Here's some info about discounts on Artesia, but might not be available since you are traveling high season.
http://www.artesia.eu/english/train-...eservation.php
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...003f16f90aRCRD
Sarvowinner - You have to register on Trenitalia first. Good luck with your credit card attempt. If you can book far enough in advance you should be able to get 30% off. You will have to book your tickets as Rome/Naples, Naples/Florence, Florence/Milan. Leave off the Lucca portion or you won't get the discount options. Fiumicino/Rome and Florence/Lucca/Florence can easily be bought when you arrive at the airport. Naples/Sorrento must be bought in the Naples station as they are not part of Trenitalia. There are windows selling tickets for Circumvesuviana only (follow the signs).
I can't say for sure about using a pass for the train to Tiburtina, but I do know that none of the transport passes available for Rome or Lazio allow them to be used on these two trains (Leonardo or FM1). The RailEurope website only mentions being able to use the 1st class pass on the Leonardo Express. There's also the bus option from Fiumicino to Termini for 8€. http://www.sitbusshuttle.it/
Jul 14th, 2010, 06:32 AM
#47
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Thanks kybourbon
We did take the bus in May into Rome, and the Leonardo out. It does take a lot longer on the bus.
>>>>* Free transfer is available on the Leonardo Express between Fiumicino Airport and Roma Termini train station for 1st class passholders only. This transfer requires use of one day of travel on the pass.<<<<
I'm a bit confused by what "use of one day of travel" means?
If I bought a 1st class pass, and used it on the Leonardo Express then paid my 10 euro for a seat reservation on the fast train to Naples on the same day, would that be counted as one or two days? Seems very punitive if it was two days.
We did take the bus in May into Rome, and the Leonardo out. It does take a lot longer on the bus.
>>>>* Free transfer is available on the Leonardo Express between Fiumicino Airport and Roma Termini train station for 1st class passholders only. This transfer requires use of one day of travel on the pass.<<<<
I'm a bit confused by what "use of one day of travel" means?
If I bought a 1st class pass, and used it on the Leonardo Express then paid my 10 euro for a seat reservation on the fast train to Naples on the same day, would that be counted as one or two days? Seems very punitive if it was two days.
Jul 14th, 2010, 09:58 AM
#48
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but I do know that none of the transport passes available for Rome or Lazio allow them to be used on these two trains (Leonardo or FM1).>
I have used my Eurailpasses on the regional train to Rome's Airport several times - i guarantee that railpasses are indeed valid on those trains as they are just local trains that terminate at the airport but go beyond Rome the other way - like perhaps to Orvieto and of course like any Trenitalia regular train railpasses are valid. If going into Rome Tiburtina is just as convenient as hectic Termini - on a metro line and getting a cab may be less a hassle as well. And if no pass the local train to Tiburtina is just about 6 euros i think - much cheaper than Leonardo train.
I have used my Eurailpasses on the regional train to Rome's Airport several times - i guarantee that railpasses are indeed valid on those trains as they are just local trains that terminate at the airport but go beyond Rome the other way - like perhaps to Orvieto and of course like any Trenitalia regular train railpasses are valid. If going into Rome Tiburtina is just as convenient as hectic Termini - on a metro line and getting a cab may be less a hassle as well. And if no pass the local train to Tiburtina is just about 6 euros i think - much cheaper than Leonardo train.
Jul 14th, 2010, 11:51 AM
#49
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kybourbon: We prefer to experience the overnight train. Since we are passholders, the train is practically free, except for reservation on overnight trains. This also saves from hotel accommodations. We will only take this once, so it should be good, if I can make the reservation. Thank you for the links. I have been to Artesia website, but I'll check the once you provided. Hopefully it works. I'll update if anyone is still interested.
Jul 14th, 2010, 09:18 PM
#50
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>>>>* Free transfer is available on the Leonardo Express between Fiumicino Airport and Roma Termini train station for 1st class passholders only. This transfer requires use of one day of travel on the pass.<<<<
Just received an answer from Rail Plus in Australia:
<<<it would just count as 1 day on the pass. It means it would require to use a day of travel on your pass, but you can still travel on other trains that day also. >>>
Just received an answer from Rail Plus in Australia:
<<<it would just count as 1 day on the pass. It means it would require to use a day of travel on your pass, but you can still travel on other trains that day also. >>>
Feb 20th, 2012, 02:16 AM
#53
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Dear all ,PLSSS HELP ME....
I am planning to go to Paris.The trip is as below
Paris - Grenoble
Grenoble - Geneva back to grenoble
Genoble to Rome
Rome to Venice
Venice to Grenoble
Grenoble tp Lyon back to grenoble
Grenoble to Monacco back to grenoble
grenbole to Paris
Pls help me the eurorail and their ticket is driving me nuts.Do i need to take point to point or shall Ijst go ahead and 2 country pass for eurorail.Which will save me money.Also where can I book it .Plssssss help me
I am planning to go to Paris.The trip is as below
Paris - Grenoble
Grenoble - Geneva back to grenoble
Genoble to Rome
Rome to Venice
Venice to Grenoble
Grenoble tp Lyon back to grenoble
Grenoble to Monacco back to grenoble
grenbole to Paris
Pls help me the eurorail and their ticket is driving me nuts.Do i need to take point to point or shall Ijst go ahead and 2 country pass for eurorail.Which will save me money.Also where can I book it .Plssssss help me
Feb 20th, 2012, 02:42 AM
#54
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I'm not a rail expert and I'm sure one will come along to help you but if you know your travel dates then you need to compare the cost of point to point tickets with the cost of a rail pass and keep in mind that with a rail pass on some trains you're going to have to pay an additional supplement to reserve a seat. Also, in terms of point to point tickets on many of the longer distance trains you get a cheaper rate if you book far in advance, usually up to 90 days. You also really need to post your specific travel dates to get the best answers.
Lastly, go to the website www.seat61.com which is one of the best resources to learn about train travel in Europe.
Lastly, go to the website www.seat61.com which is one of the best resources to learn about train travel in Europe.
Feb 20th, 2012, 06:50 AM
#55
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Well with all those trips I would be the France-Italy Eurailpass would be your best bet - even compared to online discounts and those are train-specific and either impossible to change or hard to do so - the pass can be used on any train anytime (except the new Thello Paris to Italy train - discount only I think) but all others decide as you go. For pass prices and a wealth of info on trains in France and Italy check out these fab IMO sites - http://www.budgeteuropetravel.com/id39.html; www.seat61.com (this site's commercial link to RailEurope gives current pass prices) and www.ricksteves.com.
Feb 20th, 2012, 11:27 AM
#58
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I assume the France-Italy pass wouldn't cover all the way to Geneva.>
Good question - if you were coming into the Geneva Eaux-vives station I think it would as this is I believed considered a SNCf or French railways station for ticket/pass purposes - but Geneva Cornavin I am not sure - you may have to pay a few extra euros to cover the Swiss portion unless it is like Basel where a pass can be used to Basel SBB main station as it is considered a French station for that purposes and indeed has a SNCF station in it. If you want a definitive answer to your question call Byron at www.budgeteuropetravel.com - I have bought passes from him for years and he is an expert and will get a definitive answer.
Good question - if you were coming into the Geneva Eaux-vives station I think it would as this is I believed considered a SNCf or French railways station for ticket/pass purposes - but Geneva Cornavin I am not sure - you may have to pay a few extra euros to cover the Swiss portion unless it is like Basel where a pass can be used to Basel SBB main station as it is considered a French station for that purposes and indeed has a SNCF station in it. If you want a definitive answer to your question call Byron at www.budgeteuropetravel.com - I have bought passes from him for years and he is an expert and will get a definitive answer.
Feb 21st, 2012, 07:28 AM
#59
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the cost of point to point tickets with the cost of a rail pass and keep in mind that with a rail pass on some trains you're going to have to pay an additional supplement to reserve a seat.>
Yes in France it is 3 euros a seat for TGV trains though many non-TGV trains do not require reservations.
In Italy you will pay between 5 and 10 euros for the mandatory seat reservation - pass pays for the basic train fare but not seat reservation fees.
Yes in France it is 3 euros a seat for TGV trains though many non-TGV trains do not require reservations.
In Italy you will pay between 5 and 10 euros for the mandatory seat reservation - pass pays for the basic train fare but not seat reservation fees.
