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BETS--Putting People on the Right Track Since 1978! 800-441-9413; 800-441-2387;
in KS & MO, 877-441-2103
This pass provides
3 to 9 days of unlimited rail travel to be used anytime over 1 month
on the French national railway system. French trains are among the best in Europe, with service being frequent, punctual
and fast. And none are faster than the TGVs that travel up to 200 mph on routes out of Paris to many places, such as
Nice, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Geneva, Brussels, Amsterdam and London. If you're focusing only on France,
the France Flexipass is a true bargain when compared to point-to-point tickets; but a direct comparison is difficult because
France uses a market-based pricing system for point-to-point rail tickets, where there is a range of fares for any particular
route with peak-time trains costing more (sometimes considerably more) than off-peak ones. Further complicating
the calculation, many of the cheapest French rail tickets have advance purchase requirements (usually 14 to 30 days).
But unless just doing a day trip out of Paris or a few short trips, the France Flexipass will usually be cheaper than
any tickets whether bought here or in France. In fact, even if you are taking as few as two long train rides, the
France Flexipass may save you money. A striking example is the 5.5 hour train ride from Paris to Nice on the French Riviera;
the 3-day 1st-class France Flexipass is actually cheaper than nearly all 2nd-class round-trip rail
tickets. And if you can use the third rail day, the deal is even better! Certainly,
if you are planning on taking two long-distance train rides or more, or three 2-hour rides or more, buy the France Flexipass.
Even if point-to-point tickets are somewhat cheaper than the railpass, the pass allows flexibility, with changes to schedules
and routes possible, something that is not possible at all on any of the cheaper French rail tickets.
Inexpensive Splurge As there is on average only about a $15 per day
price difference between 1st-class and 2nd-class France Flexipasses, treat yourself to 1st class -- if traveling as a couple,
you can reserve two plush seats facing each other across a small table, where each of you will have an aisle and a large picture
window to view the scenery. In addition, as you have much more personal space, it is easier to store luggage right
at your seat. If traveling in a party of four, you can reserve Club 4 seating, where your seats are also arranged
around a table with a large picture window. Seat Reservations Seat
reservations are required on all high-speed TGV trains, on many regular intercity trains and most international
trains. On regional and local trains, reservations are not needed. Reservations can be made up to 90 days before the train
departure date at a small extra fee for railpass holders. The reservations can be done in Europe right up to the departure
time, but should be done as early as possible for popular routes or times as the number of seats for railpass holders is limited
and can sell out. If you need to be on a particular train or don't want to waste valuable vacation time standing around
French train stations, we recommend making them before you leave for Europe. (Call BETS for seat reservations: for all
travelers buying their railpass or point-to-point tickets from us, we do all of the work, getting you the best seats available--all
you have to do is show up before the train departs.)
Questions About Rail Travel in France ?
Talk to a Real Person !
Before buying your France Flexipass, talk to one of our rail experts
about your French itinerary to make sure you make the most of your precious vacation time and get the right pass for
your trip. Our rail consultants have traveled extensively in France.
For Info or To Order Your France Flexipass
Just call BETS!
Call 800-441-9413 or 800-441-2387
(in KS & MO, call 877-441-2103)
9am-5pm Mon-Fri (Eastern Time)
France
Flexipass
This flexipass
offers 3 up to 9 rail days within 1 month on the French national rail network.
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Adult1 Single
Traveler 1st Class
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Adult1 Single Traveler 2nd Class
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Saver2 2 Adults 1st Class
(Price/Adult)
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Saver2 2 Adults 2nd Class (Price/Adult)
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Senior Ages 60+ 1st Class Only |
Youth3 Ages 16-25 2nd Class
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3 days
4 days
5 days
6 days
7 days
8 days
9 days |
$296 $340 $383 $425 $465 $506 $547 |
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$180
$208 $237 $261 $290 $316 $342 |
Children under 12: half single
adult fare -- under 4: free. Price
is per person based on two or more people traveling together; children 4-11: half Saverpass fare. Youthpass is also available in 1st class at approx. 25% off corresponding 1st-class single adult traveler rate.
Pass
must be validated within 6 months of purchase. Prices are in U.S. dollars, and are subject to change due to fluctuations in
the dollar to euro exchange rate. |
- To order this pass online, click on the text
link to the right.
- Or call Budget Europe to order your pass directly from one of our rail experts, who will make sure
this pass is the best deal for you and will also happily answer any questions you have about rail travel at the same time.
- 1-800-441-2387 or 1-800-441-9413.
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For More Info,
To View a Rail Map
or
To Order Online,
Click the Link
Below
France Flexipass
Map of France
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Eurostar — The Fastest Way Between London and Paris High-speed Eurostar "Chunnel" trains have made this an easy trip;
you simply board right in the center of London and get off 2 hours and 15 minutes later in the heart of Paris.
You have none of the airport hassles; you save time; and with nearly hourly departures, you can conveniently leave when you
want. And about every 2 hours, there is a Eurostar train running between London and Brussels, taking just 2
hours. Brussels has hourly connecting trains to Amsterdam or to Germany.
There is a complicated tiered-fare structure
for Eurostar, and no railpass covers this train; however, railpasses valid in Britain, France or Belgium do allow
you to buy a passholder fare, which is the cheapest one-way fare available for adults 26 and older. For people 25 and younger,
under 12, or 60 and over, there are youth, child and senior tickets available. For first-class passengers,
a very good meal served with champagne or other beverages is included in the Eurostar ticket price.
Tickets can be purchased up to nine months in advance;
if you want a chance at the cheapest tickets, try to reserve as early as possible, especially for peak-time trains. You'll
have a better chance of snagging a lower-cost fare if you can be flexible about travel times and avoid weekend and holiday travel.
Call BETS to book or for more information. |
For More Info
About Eurostar,
or
To Order Online,
Click the Link Below
Eurostar Booking Center
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For many "France" is only Paris. But Europe's largest country is a lot more than just the sights of
Paris -- its real beauty lies in the bucolic countryside punctuated by crumbling orange-roofed villages lost in time. France,
the country, like Paris, is not to be missed. Unfortunately, most tourists are able to go to France for only a week or two,
and yet there are a year's worth of places to visit. With this in mind, this two-week circular trip, will
give you an introduction -- but just an introduction -- to regional France. This itinerary is designed to take
you, with short and easy train rides, to French cities and villages that still retain much of the look of your
imagination -- historic old towns of twisting narrow streets inside medieval walls. From Paris, modern, comfortable
TGV trains, traveling at nearly 190 mph, take you to the walled city of Avignon with its famous 14th-century Palace of
the Popes; to Carcassonne, often called the world's most impressive fortified medieval town, with its double defensive
walls and 52 towers dating from the 13th century; to Toulouse, a city of unique regional architecture, which
serves as a base to visit Albi or Lourdes; to Tours, a university town in the Loire Valley that makes a good base
to explore the many nearby chateaux before returning to Paris.
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Sightseeing Day trip to Arles Day trip to Nimes (add 1 day)
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Train to Toulouse*
* If wishing to go the French Riviera, Nice makes a good base to explore the surrounding Mediterranean villages
and beaches, including Monaco and Cannes (both 30 min from Nice). A local rail service (valid with railpass) runs frequently
to all towns along the coast. Add in 2-3 days.
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Day trip to Carcassonne Day trip to Albi or Lourdes (if doing both, add 1 day)
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Day trip to Chateau de Chenonceau Or you can train to Blois (40 min), rent a bike and enjoy a leisurely 10-mile cycle ride through
the Forest of Chambord to the Chateau de Chambord, which along with Chenonceau is the consensus most spectacular
chateau.
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Below
is a complete list of all railpasses that are available for travel in France. |
Point-to-Point Rail Tickets
Compare the
Cost of a Pass Versus Tickets
Check Schedules
Get Your Tickets
Before You Go
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Have questions? Just call BETS! Our rail experts will gladly help you find the perfect railpass for
your itinerary.
Call 800-441-9413 or 800-441-2387
(in KS & MO, call 877-441-2103)
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For Your Information Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is connected
to the Gare du Nord rail station in central Paris by Line B of the RER (Rapid Area Transport
System; 35 mins; 4 trains/hr). Due to often congested road conditions, this is usually the quickest way to cover
the 15-mile distance from the airport into Paris. From the Gare du Nord, located in the north part of Paris, it is only
a short cab or Metro ride (usually no more than 2 miles) to most Paris hotels. Cost of this RER rail ticket is about
$12; railpasses are valid on this line to the Gare du Nord rail station. There is a RER station in Terminal 2 (Air France
terminal); but from Terminal 1, you must take the free CDGVAL shuttle, an automatic light rail line, to
the RER station. Connections from Charles de Gaulle Airport
to other parts of France: There is a TGV rail station at the airport (in Terminal 2; need to take the
automated shuttle from Terminal 1), from which you can take direct high-speed TGV trains to Lyon (2 hrs); Avignon (3
hrs); Aix-en-Provence (3.5 hrs); Marseille (4 hrs); and Nice (5 hrs). There are also direct trains to St. Pierre-des-Corp,
near Tours and the Loire Valley (2 hrs); Bordeaux (4.25 hrs); Nantes (3 hrs); Rennes (3 hrs); Strasbourg (2.5 hrs);
and Lille (50 mins). There are also direct trains to Brussels (1.5 hrs). Paris to Italy: Many travelers ask us about rail service from Paris to
Italy. There are two daily night trains from Paris: the first departs Paris at 7pm and arrives in Florence at 7:16am the next
day and terminates in Rome at 9:50am; the second departs Paris at 8:28pm and arrives in Milan at 5:38am the next day
and terminates in Venice at 9:28am. Sleeper compartments consist of singles, doubles, triples and 4- or 6-person couchettes.
These trains are often sold out, especially around holidays and in the summer months, and should be booked as early as possible
(up to 90 days in advance). People with railpasses only pay the sleeper supplement.
Call BETS to book or for more information. Also there are three daily trains
from Paris to Milan departing at 8:04am, 2:14pm and 3:50pm, and arriving at 2:50pm, 9:20pm and 10:50pm respectively. Seat
reservations are required. Despite the overall time of this trip, this is an enjoyable ride as it takes you through
much scenic French countryside and via the French Alps into Italy to Turin and on to Milan. At Milan
there is hourly train service to Venice (3 hrs), Florence (3 hrs), Lake Como (40 mins), Cinque Terre (3 hrs; change
in Genoa) and Rome (4.5 hrs).
Paris Day Trip to Versailles: There
are three rail/RER stations in Versailles. The Rive Gauche Station is the closest to the chateau (less than one-half mile)
and is served by RER Line C5 from central Paris about every 15 minutes. The other two stations are just under a mile from
the chateau: Chantiers Station is served frequently by both RER (Line C8) and national rail (from Montparnasse
Station in Paris); and Rive Droite Station is connected to St. Lazare Station in Paris by national rail about every
15 minutes. Railpasses are valid on all services, but the ticket costs only about $5 each way. RER Line C runs through
central Paris along the Left Bank of the Seine (south side of the river) and can be boarded at any Left Bank RER station.
As RER Line C has several branches, you need to pay attention to which RER C you are getting on: Branches C5 and C8 both go
to Versailles, but C5 takes you closer to the chateau entrance. Paris Day Trip to Giverny & Monet's Gardens: Train 1 hr to Vernon (from St. Lazare
Station in Paris), from where you can take a bus (meets most trains) or taxi the 4 miles to the gardens that were the
inspiration for many of Monet's impressionistic works including his famous Water Lily series. Paris Day Trip to Chartres: Only one hour from
Paris (Montparnasse Station), Chartres is in its own right a charming French village, but is most famous for its magnificent
12th-century Gothic cathedral and its sublime "Chartres blue" stained-glass windows considered to be the most
extraordinary medieval windows ever crafted. Paris Day Trip to Reims and/or Épernay: Both are easily reached from Paris Est Station (Reims,
45 mins by high-speed train; Épernay, 1 hr 20 mins by local train). Reims is noted for its cathedral, the traditional
coronation site of the French kings, and its champagne tours. Most of the famous champagne houses offer guided visits through
the chalk caves to see how the precious bubbly is made. Nearby Épernay is home to several of the most prestigious houses,
such as Moët & Chandon. As frequent local trains connect Reims and Épernay (25mins), ambitious people can
combine both cities in a single day trip.
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Thalys Trains: Paris to
Brussels, Amsterdam or Cologne
Thalys high-speed
186-mile-per-hour service operates on two routes: Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam and Paris-Brussels-Cologne. Between Paris
and Brussels, there is about one train per hour, taking just 1 hour and 22 minutes to go from city center to city center.
Depending on the day, five or six of these trains continue on to Amsterdam, with the total rail time between
Paris and Amsterdam being only 4 hours and 11 minutes; another six trains continue on to Cologne, with the total rail time
between Paris and Cologne taking 3 hours and 50 minutes. Cologne is a main rail hub with excellent connections to
anywhere in Germany.
Getting to Brugge from Paris: Take any Thalys train to Brussels
and change to a local train to Brugge (two local trains per hour, taking 55 to 62 minutes). On Saturdays only, there is one
direct Thalys train running round trip between Paris and Brugge, making for a convenient day trip (departs Paris
about 8am, arrives Brugge about 10:30am; departs Brugge about 6pm, arrives Paris about 8:30pm).
Thalys
trains and railpasses: Passes are accepted, but a passholder supplement must be paid. In first class, the
supplement for railpasses covering the whole route costs between $56-87 (depending on the city pairs) and
includes, besides a seat reservation, a meal (appropriate to the time of day and served at your seat) and free
Wi-Fi; in second class, the supplement costs between $35-54 and does not include a meal or Wi-Fi. When traveling
between Amsterdam and Brussels, you can easily avoid this surcharge on railpasses by taking the local intercity trains,
which take only a few minutes longer (trains are hourly and no seat reservation is required). When going between Paris and
Brussels or Paris and Amsterdam, there is not a simple way to avoid the Thalys supplement. The only way is
to take a domestic French train (seat reservation required, but inexpensive) to Lille, France and then change to a local
Belgian train. Unfortunately, the connection time in Lille is often only about five minutes; and unless you're in
sprinting shape, you'll probably have to wait an hour for the next local train. Also besides the change in Lille,
you'll often have to change trains one more time before getting to Brugge or Brussels. Call
BETS to book or for more information. |
For More Info
About Thalys Trains,
or
To Order Online,
Click the Link Below
Thalys Booking Center
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BETS- The European Rail Experts
800-441-9413 or 800-441-2387
in KS & MO, 877-441-2103
V140313
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