Train Travel around Europe. What to Book Well in Advance?

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  danield on 28/04/2015 - 15:52

  I can't help specifically with any of those trips, but from my experience the earlier the better for most if not all intercity rail travel in Europe. Everything will slightly increase day by day leading up to the day of travel.

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  akastyl13 on 28/04/2015 - 16:14

  +1

  Hi, if you are between 18-26 yo (or even up to 30 not too sure anymore) you might be able to be eligible for the "Young Card" and travel for cheaper in France at least and maybe in Europe.

  Have you checked this website - http://uk.voyages-sncf.com/en/ (watch out for the currency)
  and that one - http://www.raileurope.com.au/ there are some very good prices and I would only use this website.
  Here you can add all countries you would like to travel to and have a "Eurail Pass" - http://www.raileurope.com.au/train-tickets/rail-passes/

  Good Luck !

  EDIT - Buy everything in advance for sure ! ! ! But you can take a Pass which is flexible in date as far as you stick to the departure/destination cities !

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  OutOfComplaintForms on 28/04/2015 - 18:09

  I would book as soon as the fares are availiable. 4 weeks isn't even that early considering Eurostar loads their fares 2-3 months ahead. Also consider getting a rail pass as it could work out cheaper than booking everything separately.

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  mrhugo on 28/04/2015 - 18:44

  +1

  Here you go:

  London - Paris - Book ASAP, but don'e expect a discount. Discount are 3 months before like others have mentioned (tickets "generally" appear 3 months before departure as bookable in Europe)
  Monaco - Milan - When you arrive in Monaco you can get your train ticket a few days earlier (at the latest). This is a common route, but pre book if you're worried
  Milan - Venice - Buy in Milan a few days earlier, the second class tickets get about 30% off if you book early. The train station have self service machines where you can choose your time and class and duration (all affecting cost). This is a very common route.
  Venice - Florence - Same as above
  Florence - Rome - Same as 2 above….Train travel is Italy is very good, and cheap.

  Now Greece:

  Bari - Corfu - Do you have a car, if not, a few days before should be OK. Don't expect discounts if booking now. This is a international, so get before hand if worried.
  Note: How will you get from Kerkyra (Corfu) to Lefkada? I hope you have worked this out. This is not easy via public transport.
  Lefkada- Zakynthos - For this leg, just buy when you arrive in Lefkada. Be aware of the schedule this time of year.
  Zakynthos - Athens - This will be a bus/ferry combo ticket. From Zakynthos to mainland, then bus the rest of the way to Athens. Unless you want to go via plane, ZTH to ATH. Try: www.airtickets.com, Ferry, buy a few days before.

  For ferry schedules (subject to change) www.gtp.gr

  The Ionian Islands will be really quiet this time of year. If you have ever been in the summer you will not even recognise the Islands. And pack warm, it will be cold and possibly raining.

  Have fun!

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  Geordiejohn110 on 28/04/2015 - 22:57

  Visit http://www.seat61.com/

  This site gives you really good info on train travel &how to save money. Some gr8 advice here.

  We head off to Europe mid June to mid July & are he a ding from Paris >> Italy >> Greece. Sites given us heaps of tips