Overnight train Frankfurt - Paris
Apr 23rd, 2004 | 07:32 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Apr 2004
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Overnight train Frankfurt - Paris
My wife and I would like to take an overnight train from Frankfurt to Paris in May. Looking at web sites for Eurail Pass, it looks like you can purchase the overnight train for an additional charge. Is this the most practical way to purchase this ticket? We plan to purchase the 3-country pass. Also, we are unfamiliar with the rail classes. We don't care much for luxury, but want a comfortable journey. Any advice would be appreciated!
Apr 23rd, 2004 | 07:52 PM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
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Do you need to take an overnight train? It's not *that* long a journey--for example, you could take an ICE up to Koln and then catch the Thalys to Paris.
Unless you really need to go on an overnight train, this is one route that I think it's better to do as a day train.
Unless you really need to go on an overnight train, this is one route that I think it's better to do as a day train.
Apr 25th, 2004 | 02:38 AM
#3
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Posts: n/a
If you are still debating this the n consider the following:
If you go by direct (no changes) during the day it will take 6 hrs 22 minutes by Eurocity train and that is fully covered by passes (any seat reservations would cost extra)
If you take the train to Cologne and change to high-speed Thalys service, the Thalys portion requires a supplement even with passes. During the day this route would take 5 hrs 39 minutes (including the time for train change)
If you go at night it takes 9 hours and 56 minutes (no changes) and any sleeping accommodations (both 1st and 2nd class are offered on this route) will cost extra.
If you go by direct (no changes) during the day it will take 6 hrs 22 minutes by Eurocity train and that is fully covered by passes (any seat reservations would cost extra)
If you take the train to Cologne and change to high-speed Thalys service, the Thalys portion requires a supplement even with passes. During the day this route would take 5 hrs 39 minutes (including the time for train change)
If you go at night it takes 9 hours and 56 minutes (no changes) and any sleeping accommodations (both 1st and 2nd class are offered on this route) will cost extra.
Apr 25th, 2004 | 05:35 AM
#5
Joined: Jan 2003
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I'm a big fan of rail through Europe. I like the comfort, the scenery and letting someone else drive. I like the price performance especially when I travel alone.
However I'm NOT a fan of overnight trains. I did it one time from Edinburgh to London. Rocking car, screeching rails, speeding up and slowing down all contributed to me having a very uncomfortable night. To top if off there's no shower in the morning and it make me even crankier.
I travel light with little luggage so second class has always worked for me. Second class has 2 seats on either side of the aisle. If you have lots of luggage you'll be less crowded in 1st class where it is 1 seat aisle then 2 seats.
By the way, plug your itinerary into www.railsaver.com and see if the rail pass is really a good bargain for you compared to point-to-point tickets.
However I'm NOT a fan of overnight trains. I did it one time from Edinburgh to London. Rocking car, screeching rails, speeding up and slowing down all contributed to me having a very uncomfortable night. To top if off there's no shower in the morning and it make me even crankier.
I travel light with little luggage so second class has always worked for me. Second class has 2 seats on either side of the aisle. If you have lots of luggage you'll be less crowded in 1st class where it is 1 seat aisle then 2 seats.
By the way, plug your itinerary into www.railsaver.com and see if the rail pass is really a good bargain for you compared to point-to-point tickets.
