Guide to booking lowest fares

Here are our key tips for how to get the lowest fares and best value when travelling to ski resorts by train.

Tip 1: Rail-inclusive ski packages are very good value

Tour operator packages include rail travel at preferential rates, and transfers from stations to resorts (where necessary) too.  Some of the bigger tour operators like Inghams and Crystal have access to allocations of seats at fixed prices. For for late bookings these are particularly good value compared to independent booking.

Often, rail-inclusive options are offered as an alternative to the operator’s flight for no extra charge. Sometimes a supplement is charged, but usually this still represents good value overall.

Tip 2: Book as early as possible, especially for independent travel

As with air fares, most rail-travel is availability dependent, and the closer to the date of travel, the higher the cost. Tickets for most journeys in Europe only go on sale 90 days before your travel (return) date.

As a rule, train tickets are sold in price bands. The further in advance you book, the lower the price. If you book as soon as tickets go on sale, you can often get a great deal.

Tip 3: Use the web and the phone

Booking websites and rail company call centres have access to the same fares. However, there are occasions when a website - or somebody at a call centre - may fail to find the lowest available fare.

There are various reasons why this happens (e.g. see Tip 4), so don’t hesitate to use both the web and the phone to check fares before booking.

Tip 4: On the phone, state that you want help finding the lowest fares

If you are on the phone to a rail company’s call centre, state clearly at the start of the call that you want the lowest priced fares and need their help in finding them.

Remember that you can mix and match tickets, taking one route on the way out and another on the return leg. Often buying two singles costs no more than a return.

Tip 5: Check on discounts for children and group travel

Children under 4 can travel for free on Eurostar and European trains (but without an allotted seat) Fares for under-12s are lower too, by 10-20%, and in some cases (certain Swiss, Austrian and German trains) free if travelling with an adult family member.

Group discounts are available too, for example Eurostar, TGV and Corail with 10 people or more people, and the City Night Line with six people or more people.

Tip 6: Shop around

Depending on your destination, different rail companies have access to different fares, as well as specialist knowledge of their region’s trains.

On snowcarbon we’ll always put you in touch with the most appropriate rail company for your destination.

Tip 7: Consider transfer costs

Bus tickets from railway stations to resorts usually cost 10€ or less, and a full taxi little more person.  If the station is in the village, some hotels will pick you up free of charge.

Taxi and bus fares from station to resort are shown on snowcarbon journey pages - and they are a big saving over airport transfer costs.