Trains and choices!

Artemis

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Camino Frances 2006, Camino Portuguese 2009

• Jun 1, 2009

• #1

I am getting ready to buy my plane ticket and I found two good flights.
The first one is from Tampa to Zurich for $638. The problem is that I have to change airports in London. There is plenty of time to do it but it will cost about $30. The train fare will probably be more from Zurich and I can't find a price so I can't add that to the equation.
The second flight is from Tampa to Bordeaux for $791. It costs more but there is no change in London and I think the train fare to Saint Jean is a little over $30.
Any help on finding the fare from Zurich to Saint Jean so I can figure out which one to take? I am leaving Tampa on August 24th arrive either Zurich or Bordeaux on Aug 25.

Thanks,
Melinda

 

WolverineDG

Veteran Member

Donating Member

• Jun 1, 2009

• #2

Don't forget to add the additional time as a cost factor. Yes, it might cost more $ to go through Bordeaux, but you won't have the time & hassle factor of switching airports in London & the additional cost of a train from Zurich to SJP. I'd fly to Bordeaux & take the train.

Kelly

 

Artemis

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Camino Frances 2006, Camino Portuguese 2009

• Jun 1, 2009

• #3

Thanks for the reply Kelly,

That is the one I am leaning towards because I spent time in Bordeaux last time I did the camino and I really love it there. I am thinking before my return flight I could spend a little more time in Bordeaux. But I still would like to find the cost of the train from Zurich. It is frustrating me. Also I went to boarding school in Switzerland and the thought of having the time on the train to see Switzerland again appeals to me. AARGH!!! Why am I being so indecisive?
I think I remember you saying you are starting from SJPP the end of August? I will be volunteering at L"Esprit du Chemin from Aug 26 til Sept 6 so I will be able to meet you then.

Melinda

 

WolverineDG

Veteran Member

Donating Member

• Jun 1, 2009

• #4

Sounds like you have quite the decision to make. Don't envy you that. Can't wait to get to the camino myself so see you at L'Espirit!

Kelly

 

Artemis

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Camino Frances 2006, Camino Portuguese 2009

• Jun 1, 2009

• #5

Just to throw something else into the mix! I found a flight to Geneva with no airport change in London for $671 including travel insurance. My boarding school was in Versoix right outside Geneva.
Look forward to meeting you. What day are you starting?

 

J

jeff001

Active Member

• Jun 1, 2009

• #6

According to the SBB (Swiss Rail) website the train from Zurich to Bayonne takes about 11.5-12 hours with several changes. The best current fare for your date is 213 CF or about $200. The flight to Bordeaux sounds like the better choice. Have you looked into flying into London and taking Ryan or EasyJet to Biarritz?

 

WolverineDG

Veteran Member

Donating Member

• Jun 1, 2009

• #7

Melinda, if all goes according to plan, I leave home on Aug 29 & get to SJP on Aug 31. I start walking the next day.

Kelly

 

C

crackmrmac

Veteran Member

• Jun 1, 2009

• #8

Hi Melinda, From reading your post I think you should take the Bordeaux option, unless you actually want to spend some time in Switzerland to reminisce etc; as you know Geneva is practically on the French border.

 

Artemis

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Camino Frances 2006, Camino Portuguese 2009

• Jun 5, 2009

• #9

Thanks for all your replys. I finally bought my ticket! Hope to see some of you there.