Message: What is the most economical way to travel by rail between France, Italy and Austria -- is it better to purchase a rail pass or point to point ticketing? Itinerary in case you need to know is Paris to Lyon to Turin (Italy) to Florence to Venice to Vienna within a 7-day period. Also is it cheaper to buy in the US or once we arrive in Europe? Please respond ASAP because we are leaving next Wed! Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Kyle Clark

Check out the prices on the Rail europe site -- you can request point to point or the rail passes. <BR><BR>Paris to Lyon, 1st class TGV is about $80/person, give or take.

with that much train travel in such a short time, a pass is bound to be cheaper. Hope you like trains

Europass/Eurail, etc. can ONLY be bought outside of Europe, so you need to get on the stick if you want one of those passes.<BR>The Eurail Selectpass (Saver if there are two or more of you traveling together) is probably the most economical, as you choose the 3 adjoining countries for the pass (Italy adjoins France and Austria) and how many days. If you ride a train where reservations are mandatory, you will have to pay extra for the reservation (usually just a few dollars); if you take an overnight train, you will pay for the sleeping compartment.

Get a select-pass from raileurope.com<BR>if nothing else for the convenience.<BR>Get the 1st-class (less seats taken &amp;<BR>a little nicer). It is so much easier<BR>not having to wait in lines to buy your<BR>point-to-point tickets.