Peter Greenberg: Milan to Prague by Train
By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2008-09-17
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I want to take a train from Milan, Italy, to Prague, Czech Republic. I have looked on the Internet, but its very confusing, for me and many other American travelers (with no understanding of the European train system). What is the quickest way to accomplish this? I want to travel first class and not waste time. Can you help me?
-Larry, Flagler Beach, Fla.
For your purposes, purchasing a Eurail pass (www.eurail.com) is not the way to go. This is the most common way Americans buy rail PASSES for multiple trips, not individual tickets.
Instead, for single tickets, go to www.raileurope.com/ to book your train ticket. You'll see that it's quite similar to booking a flight. In your case, just make sure to select the first-class option.
You will have to make one connection (in Basel, Switzerland) because there are no direct trains from Milan to Prague, but this will automatically be included in your itinerary. Just so you're aware, this trip will take about 20 hours (about 5 1/2 to Basel, and about 14 to Prague), and may cost more than $600.
Just be aware that you might prefer to fly. Flights from Milan to Prague take about an hour and half and are available nonstop from Bergamo/Orio al Serio airport, Milan's third airport. It is about 45 km from the city center; from here, flights to Prague can be had for as little as $46. Flights from Milan's other airports—Linate and Malpensa—tend to be nonstop or more expensive. Still, even these flights are likely to be less expensive and time-consuming than your train option.
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