[Anonymous]

20 July 2023 at 16:43:52 #830342

I asked this question nearly a year ago when I was originally hoping to go to Switzerland with my parents but thought it prudent to ask again and see what travellers’ recent experiences were of taking the Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris and on to Montreux / Zermatt. Last time I asked several people commented on issues with passport control and made various comments to do with ‘Brexit’ . So, how easy / difficult is it? Of course I appreciate that when it comes to transport in France you’re always in the lap of the gods so aside from industrial action were there are any issues if so how easy were they to overcome?

The question I have asked re the trains is part of the bigger picture when it comes to deciding whether to take the train and therefore get an Interail Global Pass as it seems to be the best /cheapest option (I’ve asked the question re exactly what’s covered by the IGP in another post) or whether to fly and get a Swiss Pass.

Thanks

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[User]

Reply 1 of 4 • 20 July 2023 at 19:20:02 #956667

Hello Rascal,

If time is not an issue for you, I’d take the train. Especially if you are running with the Interrail Global Pass, it would make sense to make full use. You’ve outlined exactly how I would anticipate reaching Zermatt from the UK too.

There’s always the risk of delays with passport control (not just in France but everywhere) and it’s all down to personal experience. Some may have had it all smooth sailing others may have had a horrendous time and it’s never again.

Another thought, you know your parents best, would such a long time on the train bother them or would it be easier to fly with them?

Kind regards,

Yolanda

[User]

Reply 2 of 4 • 21 July 2023 at 8:58:34 #956668

Hello Yolanda,

Thank you for your reply – I dot know how you manage to keep up with all these posts from various people and reply so quickly!

I have to say that, following your replies to the other posts, I was erring on the side of undertaking the trip using the Internal Global Pass. It did seem to me that everything we want to do is covered by the IGP. However, having now looked at the bookings system for IGP certain trains aren’t included whilst others you have today for a seat reservation e.g for a basic trip from KX St Pancras to Montreaux there are seat reservation charges of roughly €60 per person! Am I missing something or is the IGP a bit of a con? It says it covers all the railways we want to use and whilst I know there are reservation charges for Bernina & Glacier etc, even if you have a Swiss Pass, the fact that the Eurostar isn’t covered seems odd. Are there other seat reservation charges that you know of when using the IGP?

Thanks, as always, for you help.

Russell

[Anna]

Reply 3 of 4 • 21 July 2023 at 16:46:19 #956669

Hi Russell,

If you’re travelling with and Interrail Pass, do take note that for most for most high-speed trains and all night trains a reservation is mandatory. They are also often required in France, Italy and Spain. You can use the Interrail website to to find out which trains you can take, if you need to purchase a reservation, and how much they cost.

In Switzerland, reservation is mandatory only on panoramic trains such as the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express.

You can view the Interrail global Pass validity map here: http://www.myswissalps.com/interrailglobalpass/validity

Regards,

Anna

[Annika]

Reply 4 of 4 • 22 July 2023 at 7:41:38 #956670

Thanks for your kind words Russell. We’re indeed very lucky to have Yolanda and Anna as moderators :-)!