How to Book Train Travel From Zurich To Paris

Travel between 2 great cities filled with history and beauty via the efficiency, affordability and comfort of train travel. There is no better way to make the trek from Zurich to Paris than by the European rail system.

Instructions

Book Your Tickets From Zurich to Paris

1

Budget for the trip between Zurich and Paris. Tickets cost anywhere from $120 to $250 for second-class travel and between $170 and $350 for first-class travel. First-class seats are larger and more comfortable and first-class travel includes meals and other amenities.

2

Consider traveling through Basel on your way to Paris, instead of through Lausanne. Tickets through Basel are much cheaper, though the second leg of the trip is about twice as long.

3

Book a Eurail France-Switzerland Pass, as it almost always saves you money and gives you greater flexibility for travel. A Eurail France-Switzerland Pass is typically a few hundred dollars, while a child Eurail France-Switzerland Pass is about 50 percent cheaper. This pass is for first-class travel and gives you access unlimited travel on France's national rail line.

4

Look for discounts on the Rail Europe website. If you are under 26 you can book a Eurail France-Switzerland Youth Pass, which will save you significant money off the standard adult tickets and passes. There are also specials available for seniors, children and groups.

5

Consider a 'Flexi' ticket, which affords you much more flexibility in travel and late adjustments in your travel plans. The Flexi tickets cost more, but are worth it if you are uncertain about your travel times.

Prepare for Your Journey From Zurich to Paris

6

Allow for train travel between Zurich and Paris to take about 6 hours, excluding stopovers in Lausanne or Basel. Stopovers on Rail Europe lines are brief, almost always less than an hour and sometimes only 10 minutes.

7

Arrive 30 minutes early at the Zurich train station if you are checking luggage. You can show up later if you are carrying your bags on, but it cannot be stressed enough European trains are very punctual. It wouldn't reflect well on the reliability of Swiss watches if they weren't!