Solved

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

R

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?

 

icon

Best answer by AnnaB 1 April 2023, 16:56

View original

8 replies

A
Rank
Userlevel 7
Badge +9

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

Please note that I don't work for Interrail/Eurail and that I don't reply to personal messages.
R
Rank
Userlevel 7
Badge +9

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.

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?

Please ask questions in the community and not via a private message. That's the quickest way to get a response. I don't work for Eurail/Interrail.
T
Rank
Userlevel 7
Badge +5

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 ?

T
Rank
Userlevel 7
Badge +5

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

R
Rank
Userlevel 7
Badge +9

@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.

Please ask questions in the community and not via a private message. That's the quickest way to get a response. I don't work for Eurail/Interrail.
T
Rank
Userlevel 7
Badge +5

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...

R

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?

T
Rank
Userlevel 7
Badge +5

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

 

Reply


Terms and Conditions & Privacy PolicyCookie settings