Are you thinking about vacationing in Europe and wondering if you should travel throughout Europe using a rail pass or just get tickets for the towns and cities you want to visit? Here are the questions you should ask yourself to help make the decision.
- What countries and cities do you want to visit on your trip?
- How long do you plan to travel in Europe?
- Do you want to travel every day, or do you plan to stay a few days in each city?
- Will you be traveling alone? If not, how many in your party will be traveling together?
- What are the ages of those in your party?
- What is your budget?
- What level of accommodations would you prefer; first class, second class, etc…?
- Do you generally travel with a lot of luggage?
- Do you have any particular hobbies or interests that will dictate which cities you may want to visit?
Generally, if you are travelling to several cities and will be spending at least 3 or more days using the train, you will want to look at the cost of a rail pass. With a rail pass you can take several train trips over the course of several days all for one simple fee. I would suggest that you check out https://www.raileurope.com to get an idea of your various options. Make sure to check with me before you make any purchases as I may be able to find you a special rate or promotion that can save you some money. Click here for a handy questionnaire that you can fill out before we meet. -> European Train Travel Questionnaire
Keep in mind that for some trips/trains, all you need is an open ticket. On other trains, you need a ticket and a reservation. The reservations are always required on the High Speed Trains and on Sleeper/Overnight trains.
| If you are planning a river cruise in France, and want to connect to the local train service, here is the information that you need to make those connections. Hopefully you already have your Eurail Pass in hand and you are ready to go. Contact me if you need to book your Eurail Pass in addition to your River Cruise. | ||
| PORT CITY | DISTANCE | TO TRAIN STATION |
| Calais | 3.4 miles | Shuttle bus operates from the Gare Ville to the port and returns, taking only about 11 minutes each way |
| Cherbourg | 2.4 miles | To reach the rail station, it is about a 40-minute walk from the ferry terminal. Clients should take a taxi. |
| Dieppe | 1.2 miles | Station is located on Blvd. Clemenceau, about 5 minutes by taxi or a 24-minute walk |
| Granville | 0.9 mile | Taxi about 8 minutes or an 18-minute walk |
| Le Havre | 1 mile | Le Havre’s train station is about a mile from the port although, in most cases, passengers will have to take the shuttle from the ship to the center of Le Havre and then a taxi to the station (or take a taxi directly from the port to the station). |
| Marseille | 0.9 mile | There are several harbors cruise lines can depart from, or arrive at, so it is best for clients to check with their cruise company. Most will have recommendations on transfers to the rail station. |
| Nice | 2.3 miles | Harbor is 2.3 miles from the Nice Ville station. There is a bus that operates every 30 minutes, for a 15 minute trip. |
| Ouistreham | 9.3 miles | The ferry terminal is 9.3 miles from Caen with a daytime shuttle bus service for foot passengers: about 23 minutes |
| Paris | 0.6 mile | Dinner cruise landing across the street from the foot of the Eiffel Tower, walk 12 minutes from Bir Hakeim Metro |
| Roscoff | 0.6 mile | It is approximately a 20 minute walk from the harbor to the train station. |
| St Malo | 1.3 miles | Clients should take a taxi to the rail station, approximately a 20 minute walk |
| Sète | 0.9 mile | Taxi about 10 minutes or a 18 minute walk |
| Toulon | 1.4 miles | Taxi about 7 minutes or a 25 minute walk |
Check out the videos below for some great information about trains and subways in Europe.
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Train Videos
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Click below for tours and excursions!
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