Cheapest way from Paris to Switzerland
Apr 9th, 2012, 12:04 AM
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Cheapest way from Paris to Switzerland
Hi guys...I'm trying to work out the cheapest way to travel from Paris to Switzerland...seems like it's pretty expensive (more than i had anticipated)...whichever way i go 
So just wondering if any of you fellow travellers have any tips??? Thanks in advance
So just wondering if any of you fellow travellers have any tips??? Thanks in advance
Apr 9th, 2012, 01:38 AM
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Hi traceb
The cheapest way is to get your train ticket 90 days in advance, when the discounted fares first go on sale. The cheapest ones sell out quickly, leaving more and more expensive fares as the time gets shorter.
You can get your tickets at these places:
www.rail.ch (Swiss rail site, in English)
www.tgv-europe.com (do NOT select the USA as your pickup country -- just use "Antarctica" and then print the tix on your computer)
www.voyages-sncf.fr (if you can manage in French).
The gateways to Paris from Switzerland are Basel, Geneva, and Lausanne --
Have fun as you plan!
s
The cheapest way is to get your train ticket 90 days in advance, when the discounted fares first go on sale. The cheapest ones sell out quickly, leaving more and more expensive fares as the time gets shorter.
You can get your tickets at these places:
www.rail.ch (Swiss rail site, in English)
www.tgv-europe.com (do NOT select the USA as your pickup country -- just use "Antarctica" and then print the tix on your computer)
www.voyages-sncf.fr (if you can manage in French).
The gateways to Paris from Switzerland are Basel, Geneva, and Lausanne --
Have fun as you plan!
s
Apr 9th, 2012, 01:51 AM
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Headed there from Paris in 1 week go a lot seat61.com best info. Just hop regional trains like a local pretty cheap www.beaune.com makes a nice stop but direct Dijon Nuchatel you are there 20-30 euros for me last. myswitzerland.com onto Geneva Berne etc. from there though gstaad.ch and zermatt.ch my favs.
Happy Trails
Happy Trails
Apr 9th, 2012, 02:17 AM
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Hey tb,
>...the cheapest way to travel from Paris to Switzerland.....
Hitch hike.
>.....it's pretty expensive (more than i had anticipated)...whichever way i go....
What modes of transport have you considered and where did you get the prices?
>...the cheapest way to travel from Paris to Switzerland.....
Hitch hike.
>.....it's pretty expensive (more than i had anticipated)...whichever way i go....
What modes of transport have you considered and where did you get the prices?
Apr 9th, 2012, 06:55 PM
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Thanks so much guys! I guess i should have been a little clearer in regards to destination etc. The truth is, i DON'T have one at this stage...I am travelling to Switzerland simply to catch the Bernina Express to Italy, so I'm looking at the most inexpensive and most feasible/practical (and easiest) way to do this. I have been advised to do an overnighter in Switzerland so it's not such a long day. I tend to agree with this as I want to be able to fully enjoy the Bernina experience. So, i guess this puts a whole new twist on the original post and ANY feedback in regards to where to arrive into/stay overnight etc. (on top &/or inclusive of my original question)would be most welcome and very much appreciated. Thanks AGAIN, (in advance too 
and ANY feedback in regards to where to arrive into/stay overnight etc. (on top &/or inclusive of my original question)would be most welcome and very much appreciated. Thanks AGAIN, (in advance too
Apr 9th, 2012, 09:16 PM
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Hi again,
I'd recommend Luzern as your base; it has mountains, lakes, history, and an interesting old town. Luzern has a bit of everything that Switzerland offers, so staying there gives you a peek at the whole country.
Luzern is also just about an hour from Basel, so it's convenient for your trip.
Where will you catch the Bernina Express? Chur? St. Moritz?
s
I'd recommend Luzern as your base; it has mountains, lakes, history, and an interesting old town. Luzern has a bit of everything that Switzerland offers, so staying there gives you a peek at the whole country.
Luzern is also just about an hour from Basel, so it's convenient for your trip.
Where will you catch the Bernina Express? Chur? St. Moritz?
s
Apr 10th, 2012, 08:25 AM
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I'm doing exactly what you have planned on April 26. I arrive at Zurich and I am picking up my ticket for the Bernina Exoress at the train station there at the airport. I already made reservations by phone. I am staying at Comfort Hotel Post in Chur.
Apr 10th, 2012, 09:34 AM
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Hi again,
Based on that, yes, Luzern is the best base for you.
Paris-Luzern 4h32
Luzern-Chur 4h32
That way, you won't spend all your time in transportation and may have a few hours on arrival day and departure day to see some scenery (scenery imo is best seen in person and not through a tv-sized window . . . but that's another issue!).
Have fun as you plan!
s
Based on that, yes, Luzern is the best base for you.
Paris-Luzern 4h32
Luzern-Chur 4h32
That way, you won't spend all your time in transportation and may have a few hours on arrival day and departure day to see some scenery (scenery imo is best seen in person and not through a tv-sized window . . . but that's another issue!).
Have fun as you plan!
s
