Europe by Train (cost, rental, hotels, Paris)

[DannyBanany]

Has anyone taken a European tour by train? If so, what was it like and what were the costs? Any advice? Is it really the cheapest way to travel in Europe? Where did you go?

I want to fly into Amsterdam, take a train to London, then to Paris, then finally to Nice and the French Riviera. Of course I'd stay in each city a few days. I have been to Amsterdam, Paris and Nice before so I know the customs pretty well. I just really want to go back! I'd probably go around the end of summer.

[delusianne]

Eurail may be what you're thinking of - Eurail Passes | Official EuRail Website - Travel by Train Across Europe

also, once you get to Europe, Ryanair offers shockingly low fares - like 5-10 pounds to anywhere it seems.
Ryanair.com - Book your cheap flight, hotels, car rental with ryanair.com

disclaimer! I've never used either one.

[k374]

i've taken the Eurostar between London and Paris, it was very comfortable but expensive, around $110+ if I recall. Travelled also a lot by rail in Italy and loved it. Europe generally is setup for rail travel so it should be a snap. Get a Eurail pass.

Ryanair or Easyjet may be another option. I've used Easyjet in the past and they are super. However expect to spend more time because they usually fly to small airports like Luton/Stansted in London or Orly in Paris, Ciampino in Rome. Since most of these smaller airports are connected by metro to the city center it shoudn't be difficult but it may take an hour longer.

[BlueWillowPlate]

I've done Eurail pass, regular train, plane, and car.
It really depends on where you are going, whether you are okay with driving, and how far you want to plan ahead.
If you want to use Ryanair, book before you go, and be sure to check out their charges for checked baggage. But if you travel light they are indeed a bargain.
Some people prefer Easyjet, though. And in Italy, it is nice to have a car.
The last Europe trip we took, once we were over there, trained it in Germany (the agent recommended a family deal, and we took him up on it), then we flew from Hanover (Germany) to Dubrovnik, then from Split to Strasbourg (France)where we trained it, and then we trained it to Frankfurt to fly home. But we figured out all this plane stuff before we ever went over there.

[DannyBanany]

Originally Posted by delusianne

also, once you get to Europe, Ryanair offers shockingly low fares - like 5-10 pounds to anywhere it seems.
Ryanair.com - Book your cheap flight, hotels, car rental with ryanair.com

disclaimer! I've never used either one.

Is this real!?!?! I just looked up a one-way flight from Paris to Marseille and it only costs 3 Euros!!! What's the catch? Am I flying in CARGO?!?!

[findinghope]

i think it's what skybus was trying to emulate. its a no frills airline. no food, blankie, nuts or drinks.

[DannyBanany]

Originally Posted by findinghope

its a no frills airline. no food, blankie, nuts or drinks.

No problem!!! You can't even finish a drink on an hour long flight anyway.
But seriously, 3 Euros!?!?!
How is this possible? This saves me TONS of spending money.

[k374]

I don't know how they can offer a flight this cheap, I really can't see the economics behind it considering astronomical fuel costs, airport fees, staff, maintainence, aircraft leasing expenses etc. but hey if they can make it work somehow then it's GOOD for us

[BlueWillowPlate]

Originally Posted by k374

I don't know how they can offer a flight this cheap, I really can't see the economics behind it considering astronomical fuel costs, airport fees, staff, maintainence, aircraft leasing expenses etc.

Ryanair has been around for years now.
The more far ahead you book, the cheaper it is.

My kid has flown with them and everything was fine: they tend to connect at smaller airports (London Stansted rather than Heathrow, with very few flights out of London Gatwick), but that's not always the case.
Just look out for hidden charges. It really helps to travel light.

There are entire websites devoted to complaints about Ryanair.
Customer service complaints often occur with these no frills airlines, but it seems that Ryanair gets the most.
Perhaps this comes hand in hand with being one of the most successful discount airlines.

[daytripper]

I traveled much of Germany by train. Always had a good time!!!! Trains were
punctual and easy to plan itineraries. I thought they were not that expensive
if you consider the cost of maybe a car rental and gas. It was a party for me and my friends