Photography: Rail Europe
If you've ever visited Europe, you'd know how expensive taxis and private charters are, and how convenient public transport is.
Take Switzerland for example. "There is a train from the moment you arrive at the airport, a bus on which to continue your journey, a boat on which to glide across the lake, or a little red train to carry you up the mountains. The whole system runs as smoothly as a Swiss watch!" says Juliana Gan, area representative for Rail Europe in South-east Asia. Here, she explains how easy it is to book your train tickets with Rail Europe.
Tell us about how Rail Europe works.
Rail Europe is the No.1 distributor of train tickets and rail passes in the world, selling through appointed travel agents and directly online. It consolidates all the rail products from Europe into one system so you can efficiently plan a complete European holiday at one go.
Do I need insurance?
Travelling by train is generally safe, but we recommend buying travel insurance to cover the trip. Rail Europe offers an exclusive Rail Protection Plan that provides compensation in the case of loss or theft in Europe. The nominal fee is a small price to pay for some peace of mind.
What's the best ticket to buy during a stay in Switzerland for example?
If you are travelling all over Switzerland for up to one month, the Swiss Pass is the most value-for-money as it allows unlimited travel on trains, buses and boats across 75 cities, plus free entry to over 470 museums. In addition, you get 50 per cent discount for alpine excursions. I recommend buying first-class tickets to enjoy the extra legroom and quieter cabins.
Do I need to purchase train tickets in advance?
If you have already planned a detailed travel programme, it is advisable to purchase train tickets early. By doing this, you avoid long queues at the train stations, currency fluctuations and language barriers. We also recommend that you purchase tickets early and make seat reservations as trains could be fully booked.
Can we check-in our luggage at train stations?
Most rail services in Europe do not have check-in services for luggage. However the Swiss Federal Railways' (SBB) lets you to check-in your luggage at your departing station and collect it at the arrival station the following day. If it's your last day in Switzerland, you can check in your baggage and get your boarding pass at any train station as early as the night before (only if you're flying SWISS or Lufthansa). Charges are 22 Swiss francs (S$30.60) per suitcase.
