In trip planning, I discovered the site <i>rome2rio.com</i>. Anyone have experience with it? It shows all the options for traveling from one spot to another; train, car, bus, etc.

I haven't, but have seen it mentioned/recommended on several threads.

I find it unreliable and not always up to date. And sometimes it's just dead wrong. It seems to have improved recently, though.

I use www.viamichelin.com, which is IMO totally reliable and gives you pretty much the same options. For bus travel, which I rarely do, I just go to the website of whatever town interests me and click on Transport. That usually brings up all the possibilities, too.

I've used it just to get an idea of logistics. I liked that it had so many options on one site. Can't say it is right or wrong because it's never been my final deciding factor.
You have France in your sites? We just got back from Paris -- fabulous.

I just tested it, not for France but for Germany.

For a train connection between my home town and my second home in the Black Forest it suggested a connection of 9:03 which ended not where it should end but in another town.

In fact, the direct point-to-point rail connection takes just 5:44 as shown on www.bahn.de (which is usable Europe-wide).

Conclusion: This site is crap. Period.

A more reliable alternative is Google Maps or, as said, viamichelin.

I've used Google Maps in various European cities to find out how to get from A to B using all types of public transportation. In the places I know well, it sometimes suggests a route I disagree with, but I've never found it disastrously wrong.

In the UK, the Traveline apps (or websites) are excellent.

Thanks for the feedback. It was the bus info that interested me in particular, StCirq. It is so localized usually. I loved the idea of all options in one place.

PS, yestravel, I just bought a ticket for $1028 non-stop from BWI.

Good for you, Tdude! When & where? We just returned from 19 days in Paris -- fabulous. I did a little write up on a couple free sites and some restaurants, not really a TR - check it out. http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...s-to-enjoy.cfm

I found google wasnt helpful in Paris for local buses. For some reason their public option only returned metro routes. Haven't noticed if that happens all the time or just in Paris.

I like it for distance and basic info.

www.ratp.fr is the site to use for métro and bus in Paris. For other places, it's always best to go to the town/village website and look for or search for Transport. It always brings up local bus service, if there is any.

I use it but I don't trust it fully

1) There are far too many towns in the USA with the same name as ones in Europe
2) Not every public transport element is in the system
3) but it does give you a shape to a potential journey and a rough idea of time which is useful

"For other places, it's always best to go to the town/village website and look for or search for Transport." I know, StCirq, and that's why that site appeals (and disappoints that it isn't correct)--everything in one place.

Trust but verify remains my travel philosophy!