ChristineSF

I know this is a TIRED subject, but i still have one more question. Everyone says buy point to point. When i look up P2P prices, they add up to more than purchasing a railpass. So, are the prices I see on Railsaver or Eurorail online more expensive than walking up to the counter and purchasing them when i'm in Europe?
Thanks, Christine

Ira

Hi Christine,
I think that the railsaver people are closer to costs in Europe than Eurorail.
There are also daily specials in Europe that could lower the cost more.

Rex

I also think that the prices on railsaver.com are pretty accurate. Does it tell you that a pass would be cheaper? That's what it's supposed to do.

And at the risk of sounding critical of your plans - - if you are traveling enough to justify a rail pass, you are moving around too much.

See where you are more, move around less.

Best wishes,

Rex

topping

ttt

Spawned

I'm currently in the same situation Christine. Here is my puzzle.

When I use their itinerary calculator (compare P2P vs railpass) at railsaver.com AND railpass.com They tell me a P2P ticket from Barcelona to Alicante is $24US.

When I ask specifically for a P2P price on railpass.com it says it's $51US.

RailEurope.com says it's $58US.

http://www.ricksteves.com/rail/howrailworks.htm says it should be approx. 14km/$ which would be $40US.

$24-$40-$52-$58 I can understand some differences, but how can railpass.com (and railsaver.com) use $24 in their calculator program to determine which is cheaper (P2P or railpass) when they
say the price is $51 when asking specifically for a P2P ticket for this route?? I will call them soon (1-877-Rail-Pass) if the number is available from Canada.

For reference, does anyone know what the "real" price would be?

Andre

Spawned,

The actual fare for Barcelona - Alicante as per the RENFE (rail company) web site varies between EUR 43.- and EUR 37.- depending on the train you choose. This is for a 1-way fare in second class at full price - there are discounts for children.

Check schedules and prices for all spanish rail travel on:
www.renfe.es

Hope this helps,
Andre

ira

Hi Christine,
I suggest that if railsaver says a pass would be cheaper, get it. I have checked their calculations against the Italian, French and German rail sites and they have come out pretty nearly the same.
It is possible to find special fares once you are in Europe, but they won't always be on the days you wish to go.

Patrick

I'm glad Rex thinks I'm traveling too much. I plan to spend 5 nights in Berlin, then 3 nights in Leipzig, followed by a week in Garmisch, 3 nights in Munich, 2 nights in Stuttgart, and then 2 nights in Basel. I really only want to travel first class and on the ICE trains where available. I've checked the fares and believe me my four night German rail pass (specially priced for two traveling together) used only for the trips from Leipzig to Garmisch, Munich to Stuttgart, Stuttgart to Basel, and a round trip day trip from Leipzig to Dresden will save me considerably. I will buy point to point for the shorter trips. Rail passes are not always bad investments!!

Betsy

Rex! There's an important variable missing in ChristineSF's post. She may be traveling for multiple weeks or even months. Methinks your critcism unwarranted.