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Different route results/suggestions Interrail VS The train line VS Happy rail. Which one do I 'trust'?


  • Right on track
  • 3 replies

Hi all :)

 

I’m confused with the different route results/suggestions coming from searches on Interrail VS The train line VS Happy rail.

As an example I find on intterrail the option to go on APR 17 from Geneva 7.15 to Rotterdam 18.10 (4 changes.

On thetrainline.com this option does not exist. Neither on happyrail.com. I’ve used these websites a lot and always put a lot of faith in them. Looking forward to hearing how you deal with this, do most people exclusively use the search on interrail?

 

Best answer by AnnaB

Check with the national railways, DB, SBB are the best.

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  • Railly clever
  • 5941 replies
  • Answer
  • April 1, 2023

Check with the national railways, DB, SBB are the best.


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  • Railmaster
  • 10502 replies
  • April 1, 2023
renke wrote:

I’m confused with the different route results/suggestions coming from searches on Interrail VS The train line VS Happy rail.

You should generally only trust the operators' own timetables. The rail planner app in particular cannot be trusted.

renke wrote:

As an example I find on intterrail the option to go on APR 17 from Geneva 7.15 to Rotterdam 18.10 (4 changes.

I don't see this option anywhere. Could you please give details of this journey?


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  • Full steam ahead
  • 4882 replies
  • April 1, 2023

Indeed always use the national railways websites or apps. It is the most reliable place for sure.

Trainline and Happyrail don't show your connection because it takes a bit longer than going to Paris all the way with high-speed trains.

I'd recommend the 07:15 - 18:10 route as it only has optional reservations (4,50€ all the way) while you'd pay 70€ in mandatory reservations via Paris (which could be sold out) + RER between Paris stations

Or are you looking to buy normal tickets ?


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  • Full steam ahead
  • 4882 replies
  • April 1, 2023

@rvdborgt I can see it, at least on the SBB App. Changes in Biel/Bienne, Basel SBB, Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and Utrecht Centraal


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  • Railmaster
  • 10502 replies
  • April 1, 2023
thibcabe wrote:

@rvdborgt I can see it, at least on the SBB App. Changes in Biel/Bienne, Basel SBB, Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and Utrecht Centraal

Right, this is also how I would travel. But then, I know to force "via KÖLN” to get the desired results. Not many ordinary people know this and not all planners allow this so I don't assume too much.


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  • Full steam ahead
  • 4882 replies
  • April 1, 2023

Yep true, I guess they searched for reservation-free itineraries on interrail.eu. I don't really know how it would show otherwise.

I'm doing this route soon but in the reverse direction from Utrecht to Switzerland and I plan to change in Köln as it could be tight in Frankfurt with the usual delays...


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  • Right on track
  • 3 replies
  • April 2, 2023

Thank you all for your quick responses!

But if I know which train I want to take from the specific national railway operator but it does not show up in the interrail planner then how do I book a seat when reservation is required?


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  • Full steam ahead
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  • April 2, 2023

On your route reservations are all optional.

The whole journey Basel - Frankfurt - Utrecht costs 4,50€ through bahn.de or DB App.

Usually you can buy them on the companies websites but there are exceptions as usual…

See this thread for advice :

https://community.eurail.com/train-connections-reservations-47/how-to-get-reservations-105

or this very helpful website

https://www.seat61.com/interrail-and-eurail-reservations.htm