Paris - The Hague - Amsterdam - Berlin - Vienna - Rome

Flo
Traveller
10724 comments

Hej Tom,

just a few lines since it is quite late already. ;)

Your route is quite simple, nothing really to worry about. Just to things where you have to take care a bit:

Paris - Bruxelles: The direct connections are run by Thalys, which require a really expensive extra reservation. Better use a TGV to Lille and then make your way to Bruxelles by regular IC trains either via Kortrijk - Gent or Tournai.
But since you are planning to go to mainland Europe with Eurostar, I would recommend to directly go to Bruxelles and stay in Paris only at the end of your trip.

Rome - Zürich: The direct route is via Milano, then the Gotthard route. This would require two (10€+11€) reservations. If you want to go this way, I'd recommend to use a regional train from Milano to Chiasso (Swiss border) and board the train to Zürich there - that way, you dont have to pay the reservation fee (only required for international travel). The Gotthard route is quite nice, but if you want to invest a bit extra time (and money, if you want to stay an extra night there), I'd strongly recommend to go via the Bernina route: :arr: [u]https://rail.cc/en/train/tirano-to-st-moritz[/u] There is also a recent blog entry about the Bernina railway in winter on railcc. ;)

Apart from that, it looks like a nice and easy first-timer InterRail route. :)

Regarding reservations. You will need a 4€ reservation for Bruxelles - The Hague (but you can get round that by using regional trains instead), 10€ for Venice - Roma by HST, 3€ by slower IC and no reservation by sloooow regional trains, 9€ for TGV Lyria Zürich - Paris. Also, the above mentioned 10€ for Roma - Milano.
In principle you can get these at all (staffed) train stations, usually also in foreign countries.
On most day trains it is sufficient to turn up on the day and get your reservation, although it is recommended to get the important reservations (ie if you _have_ to get a certain connection) some time in advance.

As night trains only have limited accomodation, it is advisable to get your reservation a few days in advance, especially in summer.
In your case, I would recommend to go Berlin - Budapest instead of Berlin - Wien if you want to sleep a bit longer. The next day you could visit Budapest and go back to Wien in the evening.


Flo 8)

PS: You can get your InterRail ticket in our online shop - shipping to the UK is free, you pay the official price and we get a comission to keep the servers running. Thank you. :)

hawki1989
Traveller
39 comments

Thanks for all the advice Flow!

Do you recommend anything re: some of the cities I have chosen? Things to see, perhaps - or not to see?

Also - I forgot to put it - but hostels? How in advance should I make those reservations?

You've mentioned regional trains a few times - how are the different? Do I use my rail pass with those?

I have seen your photos for that route - they look stunning! I'll definitely take that then! Anything else you might suggest would be wonderful because I never would have saw this otherwise!

Finally, given the route and your changes... where would you suggest I take night trains?

Thanks for all your help!

Peter
Traveller
9333 comments

Hi.

Here the post of Flow in the railcc blog about the Bernina route with a lot of photos:
[u]https://rail.cc/blog/zurich-milano-albula-bernina/[/u]

[b]Hostels[/b]: book them during your trip. You can easily do it online. If you have fixed dates (for example you know where you will spent the first or last nights your Interrail pass is valid), book them two weeks in advance to get good hostels to good prices. Travelling alone is easy, you will always find a bed - and sleeping in a dorm is good to meet other travellers. Use booking sites like [ux]https://rail.shop/hostelworld[/ux]

[b]Regional/Local trains[/b]: they are trains like all other trains as well. Just with more stops, a bit slower... and they are usually free of extra reservation fees. Just enter and sit down.
The different types of trains: [u]https://rail.cc/en/how-to-interrail[/u]

[b]Recommendations[/b]: everyone is different. Every city is different. The room mates you have in the hostels are different. A lot of factors which make a city nice or boring. On your route my preferred city is definitely Berlin and if you have the time, then add Budapest - really worth to visit!!! :)

[b]Night trains[/b]: [u]https://rail.cc/en/interrail-night-train[/u]
Possible on different routes...
Amsterdam-Berlin: but here you have as well free day trains and the night train arrives early in Berlin.
[u]https://rail.cc/en/night-train/amsterdam-prague-cnl-457/15[/u]
Berlin - Budapest: [u]https://rail.cc/en/night-train/berlin-budapest-en-477/53[/u]
Vienna - Venice: [u]https://rail.cc/en/night-train/vienna-venice-en-237/96[/u]

Peter :)

hawki1989
Traveller
39 comments

Thanks for all your help guys!

On your first time interrailing - and every other time - how did you keep an eye on which trains had big prices attached to them; short of planning the whole thing maticulously?

As it's my first time doing it, I would like to have it quite planned beforehand as I don't really know what to expect when I'm there - and I'd much rather come home with more money, have more security there and pick up things I missed another time, than to wing it? That sound quite common?

Is there a knack to Eurostar train journey's? I have reconsidered the London to Paris now in favour of one to Brussels, however, I'm not sure that if I wait to book it the price might fall or rise? I know with UK trains that advance tickets become cheaper when you reach 12 weeks before departure...

Ok! I have had a re-jig of things a little to incorporate some of your suggestions...

London - Brussels - The Hague - Amsterdam - Copenahgen (ON Train) - Berlin (ON Train) - Budapest (ON Train) - Munich - Rome (ON Train) - Zurich - Paris

How could I incorporate the Bernina route into this?

Peter
Traveller
9333 comments

Hi.

You can always ask the staff at railway stations how much the reservation fee is - if needed.
Also check the routes here on railcc. Every hostel has Internet acces, so easy to do: [u]https://rail.cc/en/search-interrail-route[/u]
Here the types of train: [u]https://rail.cc/en/how-to-interrail[/u]

Information about the night trains you use: [u]https://rail.cc/en/interrail-night-train[/u]

Bernina route: Rome to Milan. Then Milan to Zurich this way: [u]https://rail.cc/en/train/milan-to-zurich[/u]

Eurostar: book early, then you get special prices. Don't use Interrail during the period your Interrail pass is valid - it isn't worth, as the reservation fee for Interrailers is EUR 75 one-way! :((
There are cheaper special fares available.

Peter :)

Flo
Traveller
10724 comments

Hej,

well on my first time IR in 2006 I basically knew nothing and we just travelled...worked out fine also - didnt get lost. ;)

I would have a look at the reservation lists of the countries you are going to visit :arr: [u]https://rail.cc/en/interrail-train-reservation[/u]
In fact there are very few things to keep in mind:
- Dont use the Thalys train on the Paris - Bruxelles - Antwerpen - Rotterdam - Amsterdam route: Whopping reservation fees
- If possible, avoid Fyra trains on the Bruxelles - Amsterdam route: 4€ reservation; if you want to go Bruxelles - The Hague, use one of these connections instead: :arr: [u]https://rail.cc/en/train/-to-[/u] :arr: [u]https://rail.cc/en/train/-to-[/u]
- In Italy, all Frecce (Frecciabianca, Frecciargento, Frecciarossa) require a 10€ reservation. You will probably need one of these on the way from Roma to Milano (on the way to Zürich).
- Zürich to Paris is best done by direct TGV Lyria services which require a 9€ reservation fee.

About Eurostar. On their website you should find the minimum fare for each destination and price group (eg London - Bruxelles Youth). Prices wont be cheaper than that minimum fare (Paris - London was 48€ or so in summer I believe). If you see a price in that range, buy the ticket! I dont know whether there is a certain period where tickets are cheap or not...

Of course you can plan most of your trip (I often do the same and have been travelling several times with IR), but you do not have to fix every trip of your journey now.
What I would recommend is to book your tickets to/from mainland Europe as soon as you want (in order to get cheap fares), plus maybe book the first hostel. But you can do the rest during your trip. Like I said above, you wont need reservations on most of your trips (except night trains) and you are travelling on main lines with plenty of connections each day. If you miss a train, or a night train is fully booked you always have alternatives which wont turn your trip upside down. :)

Regarding your planned night train trips:

Amsterdam - Copenhagen: Yeah, you should book this one early. It is possible online, however there are some troubles, read here: :arr: [u]https://rail.cc/en/train/amsterdam-to-copenhagen[/u]
Copenhagen - Berlin: If possible, take the night train from Malmö (it is cheaper)
Berlin - Budapest: If you want, you could travel to Dresden or Praha first, spend the day there and then take the night train to Budapest. If you enter in Prague, you do not need a reservation.
Munich - Rome: The seats are quite uncomfortable, if you want to spend the money I would recommend a couchette on that route.

Roma - Zürich via Bernina Pass: First you have to go to Milano (best done by high speed train Frecciarossa, 10€ reservation). From there, local trains run to Tirano every two hours. In Tirano you can board the trains of Rhätische Bahn, which will take you over Bernina Pass to St Moritz. In Pontresina is a youth hostel which is affordable (for Swiss standards), as well as on top of the line at Ospizio Bernina.
Anyway, it would be also possible to travel the whole route within a day, departure in Roma around 0800, arrival in Zürich around 2200.


Flo 8)

hawki1989
Traveller
39 comments

Thanks guys!

Peter - your version of the Bernina route (with 5 change overs), is that the same one as what Flow is suggesting? Your way is free... haha :D

Do all routes show up on this site? I can't seem to find the suggested TGV from Zurich to Paris

Flo
Traveller
10724 comments

Yup, we are talking about the same connection and route. ;)

Roma - Milano: :arr: [u]https://rail.cc/en/train/rome-to-milan[/u]
Milano - Zürich: :arr: [u]https://rail.cc/en/train/milan-to-zurich[/u]

Zürich - Paris: :arr: [u]https://rail.cc/en/train/zurich-to-paris[/u]


Flo 8)

hawki1989
Traveller
39 comments

The Copenhagen - Berlin night train can only be taken on a Friday, which is fine as I'll be leaving Copehagen on a Friday but I read that the stop at Malmo then on to Berlin can also only be taken on a Friday but by that point it'll be Saturday - does that matter? Does it go via ferry to Sweden and does that cost extra?

In fact, on that note - from a) to b) are all train changes included as one pass day? Because I suppose I can get from anywhere to anywhere with the right train change?

hawki1989
Traveller
39 comments

Also, do overnight trains count if there are before 7:00 but still overnight?

Berlin to Budapest is leaving at 18:10 (on a Sunday) and getting to Budapest at 08:35 (on Monday)... is that Monday's ride still?

Flo
Traveller
10724 comments

Hej,

the direct Copenhagen - Berlin (- Prague) CNL runs daily. What do you mean by can be taken only on a Friday?

A cheaper alternative would be Copenhagen - Malmö - Berlin, but the Malmö - Berlin night train runs on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays only.

Both trains (Copenhagen - Berlin CNL and Malmö - Berlin night train) require an additional reservation, the latter train also is conveyed by Trelleborg - Sassnitz ferry but this is included in the IR pass and reservation (as is the price for the Rodby - Puttgarden ferry for direct day connections Copenhagen - Hamburg).

All connections on this route: [u]https://rail.cc/en/train/copenhagen-to-berlin[/u]

One pass day includes as many changes and trains on a single day from 0000 - 2359. If you make use of the 1900-rule this extends to 1900 (previous day) - 2359.

If a night train leaves before 1900, you will need two travel days. :|
There have been special rules for two night trains (Paris - Rome and Copenhagen - Amsterdam/Basel/Munich) which left just a few minutes before 1900 but where the 1900-rule could be applied by special agreement. Both these exceptions are not longer valid.


Flo 8)

hawki1989
Traveller
39 comments

Thanks Flow!

I saw getting a bit confused and confused you in the process haha!

What I meant was that I am in Copenhagen on a Friday and was hoping to take the overnight train to Berlin via Malmo, however, when looking both parts (Berlin - Malmo, Malmo - Berlin) as you say it only allows you to travel on three days (one being Friday). Although looking now, I must have been very tired because I believe that my question doesn't really apply because I'll be on the both trains after 7pm and before midnight - making it Friday and doable on that day - did that make sense :D sorry for the confusion. I'm not sure what I read that worried me - chalk it up to first time jitters :D

I checked to see how it is the other way (Berlin to Copenhagen leaving at 22:31, getting to Malmo at 08:10, then Copehagen at 09:08) and it has a scenic symbol - do you know why? That is still one day, no? That says Only Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - is that the Berlin to Malmo, Malmo to Copenhagen or the whole trip?

I have had to shorten my trip a little (to 18 days) because people want holiday from me so how much do you recommend visiting during this time? I have Brussels, The Hague, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Berlin, Budapest, Munich, Rome, Milan, Zurich and Paris? I think I'm messing around with the route because I feel like I'm missing something from it... *first time jitters* :D

hawki1989
Traveller
39 comments

Do you think the travel passes - Roma, Paris etc are worth it?

Peter
Traveller
9333 comments

Hi.
For the one day concerning night trains please read the rule of 1900-h: [u]https://rail.cc/en/interrail-night-train[/u]
Berlin to Copenhagen with the night train via Malmö is ONE travel day, as leaving after 1900h in the evening. And the full next day is included, like for example the trip from Malmö then to Denmark.
And the scenic symbol is there, because it is a scenic interesting route, as the train goes on a ferry an you can go on deck, have a beer and enjoy the trip on the sea. :)
Only Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday is for the night train Berlin-Malmö. Malmö to Copenhagen is very very frequent, every 30 minutes at least.
For a calculation, what is cheaper, you have to do it by your own. Don't be lazy. Just compare the price of the rail pass you want including the reservation fees (if required) to the point to point tickets of the national railway companies.
I don't know the exact route you want to travel now, but I think an Interrail pass will be cheaper.

[b]Support the railcc project:[/b]
- buy your rail passes and tickets here on the recommended website: [ux]https://rail.shop/interrail[/ux]
- add locations of your hometown (bars, nice places, ...)
Thank you. :)

Peter :)

hawki1989
Traveller
39 comments

Hey again guys!

Can the Bernina route be taken from Paris to Milan? (Or from Paris to Rome? Say getting off at Chiasso) I have had a look at the Paris to Milan and there is a scenice route symbol next to some of them? I don't really have any NEED to stop in Switz (it's expensive too) nor Milan, other than to see the Bernina! I'd like to use the shortest amount of time from Paris to Rome via the Bernina pass really?

I'm not really sure from where and to the Bernina pass is on the Paris to Milan route to be honest?

Flo
Traveller
10724 comments

Hej,

the direct way from Paris to Rome would be via the Mont Cenis route but unfortunately the direct TGV services Paris - Milano (where you could change to Rome) currently require a whopping 55€ reservation fee and the direct night train Paris - Rome is operated by Thello which do not accept InterRail/Eurail (yet).

The Bernina route is from St Moritz to Tirano, with connections from Zurich and to Milan. Have a look at the possible connections Zurich - Milan via Bernina here: :arr: [u]https://rail.cc/en/train/zurich-to-milan[/u]

If you look at the Paris - Zurich :arr: [u]https://rail.cc/en/train/paris-to-zurich[/u] and Milan - Rome :arr: [u]https://rail.cc/en/train/milan-to-rome[/u]
connections you can see that it would be even possible to do this as a daytrip, albeit a rather long one (only Mo - Fr!):

Paris 0615 - 1026 Zurich :arr: Lyria, 9€ reservation
Zurich 1037 - 1940 Milan :arr: [u]https://rail.cc/en/train/zurich-to-milan[/u]
Milan 2010 - 2330 Roma :arr: Frecciarossa, 10€ reservation

Have a look at the map here: :arr: [u]http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/map.php?file=maps/switzerland/switzerland.gif[/u]


Flo 8)

hawki1989
Traveller
39 comments

And that would only class as one travel day right?... albeit one LONG travel day!

Some of those change-overs are very close - are they really doable? What do you suggest for close change-over times? What happens in the case of lateness?

Thank you very much Flo - you have been so helpful!

Flo
Traveller
10724 comments

Yes, this would be only one travel day.

Some change-overs are close indeed...I would not worry much about those on the way from Zurich to Milan however, these are short but guaranteed under normal circumstances - I have travelled on this route myself several times. ;)
The biggest issue probably already is the connection in Zurich because it would mess up the whole trip if you'd miss it... :os Again, under normal circumstances absolutely no problem...if the train was late and you miss the connection - bad luck! :os
The IC Zurich - Chur might wait a few minutes but not for ages. If you have an extra travel day available you might think about this option:

Depending on your travel days available, you could also think of taking the Milan - Rome night train instead of going with the last day train. :arr: [u]https://rail.cc/en/night-train/turin-salerno-icn-797/194[/u]
Then you would need two travel days, but you could make use of the second one by spending the day in Naples and returning to Rome in the evening.

What did you mean with travel passes a few answers above? Tourist travel cards for cities like Paris, Rome etc...? Personally, I dont use them and think they are not good value usually.


Flo 8)

PS: You're welcome, if you now would like to support us, just buy your ticket at our partner - thank you. ;)

hawki1989
Traveller
39 comments

Thanks Flo!
Yes I did mean tourist carda but yes, I guess they aren't great value for shorter trips!

The Bernina Zurich to Milan at 10:37 (where you change at Chur)... what am I changing to? I mean I get to Chur at 11:52 and change to... a train leaving at 11:58?

How reliable would you say the times on railcc are?

Peter
Traveller
9333 comments

Hi.

1) You change to a local train (click the link of the train name for details). It is in direction of St.Moritz. But it is easy, these are not big stations there. :)
If you are unsure, you can always ask the staff there. :)
[u]https://rail.cc/en/train/zurich-to-milan[/u]

2) We spent a lot (!!!) of time to create all these schedules (which you often won't find with electronic schedule planers) to show you scenic and interesting routes or just to save your money.
These schedules are reliable - of course there can be a train in delay or due to rail track works the departure time is one or two minutes earlier or later. But you still get the trains. Especially on such routes you mentioned. :)

I just answered a post here with the same question: [u]https://rail.cc/en/railcc-travel-routes-how-accurate-are-these-routes/f9148[/u]
But if travelers prefer to trust a stupid electronic schedule planer, of course they can do it - everyone is free and can travel the way like he wants. :)

To give you an idea of what I daily read in emails I get (often impolite ones):
Travellers are writing me: Oooh, Interrail is rip of, so expensive, ... :(( ... why is it so? You are responsible! Bla bla bla ...
Then I answer: 1 - railcc is not the company inventing all these reservation fees. We are the one who try to help and explain how to avoid them. Interrail is usually not expensive if you know how to use it. 2 - Where did you bought your Interrail pass?
The reply of them: I bought it at company XY.
Me: ... and they did not explained you, which trains to avoid, where to save your money, how to find the scenic routes ? So please complain at this company and not here at railcc, where you find all the information, where we help. We are not one of these anonymous rail ticket outlets only selling a rail pass, getting a commission for it and leave the customer alone.

Sorry to write all this, but it is often frustrating to spent so much time for helping and daily getting mails from persons which do not want to support railcc, but only want to complain - and send their complains to the wrong place.
For all who are reading this: please send your complains to the company where you bought your rail pass, which earned the money from you, and which did not helped you to find the correct information and free travel routes. :)

Peter :)

hawki1989
Traveller
39 comments

I apologise if I have offended you Peter!

Peter
Traveller
9333 comments

No you did not at all !!! :)
Have a sunny day. :)

Flo
Traveller
10724 comments

Regarding changing trains:

We only include changes of trains in our proposed schedules that are possible under normal cicrumstances. In some countries these connections can be very short (just a few minutes, sometimes even 2 minutes or so). In these cases, this are usually cross platform interchanges which are done all day long every day of the year - they are realiable and put to the test.
Of course, if there is an unexpected delay you might miss the connection since the ongoing train wont wait too long. But it that case the next train often does not run in 2 hours but more like 30 minutes. :)