Between the ultra-modern banking center of Zurich to the historic and famously aquatic "floating" city of Venice, there's an amazing array of striking landscapes and picturesque towns waiting to be explored. Follow these steps to book a memorable train ride to take it all in.
Speak with a travel agent in Zurich for advice on possible side trips along the way. A trip to the very well-preserved 13th-century castles of Bellinzona is well worth the effort. Plus, it's right along the route you'll already be taking. Since 2000, these castles have been on the UNESCO World Heritage site list. They're quite popular among history buffs.
Look into package trips through the Swiss Railways travel agency. You may find some great deals on hotel and rail packages that will save you some money while taking a bit of the stress out of planning your trip. Many of these packages include guided tours led by knowledgeable and helpful tour leaders.
Book hotel reservations in Venice before you leave on your trip if you'll be getting in late. Some trains don't arrive in Venice until nearly midnight. Finding a hotel at that hour without a reservation may be a hassle.
Access the Europe Rail Web site (see Resources below) for the latest timetables and pricing information for the trip between Zurich and Venice. Train service varies depending on the season. Direct trains are only available in the spring and summer. During the winter, you'll have to change trains in Milan.
Click on the "Train tickets and schedules" button in the left toolbar of the Web site to navigate to the portion of the Web site for booking tickets. You'll find a form to fill in the pertinent information for your trip.
Select the trip that best fits your schedule and budget requirements. Notice the shadowing that denotes each individual trip. Each segment is listed separately; but the full price is listed at the top of each section.
Order the ticket at least 7 days in advance to ensure timely delivery. If you wait until the last minute, you may be forced to pay an added fee for expedited delivery.
Buy the ticket at the Zurich train station if you weren't able to purchase the ticket before you left for Europe. There are ticket machines available that will make the process easy.
Call 877-257-2887 to book train tickets from Zurich to Venice if you'd prefer to use the phone.
