Train vs Plane
 

I will be visiting three countries on my trip to Europe. Is there a really cheap airline that I can check instead of taking a train?

Hi candipeters,

You can check for discount airlines between destinations at this site:

www.whichbudget.com

But make sure you check the airline's luggage policy before you book, as many have very strict restrictions for both carry-on and checked baggage. You could end up paying $100-$200 in overage charges.

Also, be aware that taking the trains can be just as fast as a flight. Consider:

getting from town to the airport, 30-45 mins
getting to the airport 1-2 hours early,
flying, 1-2 hours
waiting for your luggage, 20 mins
getting from the airport into town, 30-45 mins

For me, a train ride has to be more than eight hours long before I'd consider taking a flight.

Also consider that a train is a LOT more comfortable than a plane, and the food you can munch enroute (buy at a grocery store) is going to be a LOT better than any food you get onboard or at the airport.

Good luck!

s

which countries?

I am in s2000 camp. My benchmark is 6 hrs. One additional point, Generally train schedules are more frequent and will allow a more flexible departure and arrival times.

If looking for cheap air fares, I also found this site useful:

http://www.flylc.com/directall-en.asp

bilboburgler,
I will be traveling from France to Switzerland then Switzerland to Italy.

Swandav2000,
Thank you for the advice. I am just having a terrible time looking up prices for the trains. I don't know if I'd be better off choosing a pass or a single ticket and when I type in the cities it has come back saying they can't provide a ticket between the two. It's very confusing for a first time European traveler.

How far in advance are you looking for train fares? Many sites won't allow purchase (and therefore price comparisons) too far into the future. Just look for the same routes in April or May 2008.

Hi C,

>France to Switzerland then Switzerland to Italy.

Train info including fares is at www.voyages-sncf.com, www.sbb.ch/en/index.htm
www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html

((I))