I'm trying to determine the details of Paris to Bern by train. Costs for family of four, schedule, how/where to buy tickets, etc. Any guidance appreciated. <BR>thanks, <BR>John

There are direct TGVs from Paris Gare de Lyon to Bern at 0741 arriving 1228 and at 1652 arriving 2122. All other trains, and there are many, involve 1 or 2 changes. <BR>Fares can often vary by day and time of travel - probably best to book soon after arrival in Paris, at any travel agency.

I have made this trip in the reverse direction, about 3 1/2 years ago. At that time, I think it was somewhere in the vacinity of $75 each (give or take 10 to 20 dollars) for the first TGV train out of Bern. I bought my ticket ahead of time through a travel agent. I guess you could just pick it up at one of the several train stations in Paris. I believe trains to Bern will run out of Gare Lyon.

It's correct that there are 2 direct trains From Paris to Bern. The afternoone train does not run on Saturdays. For these direct TGV hihj speed trains I recommend to book early, during high season, especially on weekends, they're sold out weeks before the departure. A one way ticket is FFr 447.-, children under 12 get a 50%, children under 16 a 25% discount. <BR>Other trains go to Basel where there are connections to Bern. For these train it's not necessary to book a lot in advance.

Thanks all for the information. <BR>Matthias--the raileurope website lists these tickets at $88/person. FFr447 translates to a much lower price. Do you know of a website or agent where one could book for these rates? <BR> <BR>

Last September I used the sncf website to book my ticket. I printed out the confirmation code here before I left and went to Gare Montparnasse the afternoon after I arrived to complete the purchase with a credit card. <BR>Rail Europe is considerably more expensive. <BR>