Originally Posted by
Askartus
I would also say: Take the Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Gare du Nord (takes about 2 1/2 hours) and continue by Thalys from Gare du Nord to Cologne Main Station / Köln Hbf. (takes about 3 1/2 hours) - both nonstop. If I am not staying right next to LHR or STN / CDG or ORY, I would not think twice about that.
Another more scenic (but longer) routing you might consider, depending where you are staying in Paris: From Paris Est to Karlsruhe (for example TGV InOui leaving 10:55), change in Karlsruhe to an IC/EC train (for example EC 8 leaving 14:12) going along the river Rhein and the UNESCO world heritage "MIttelrheintal". For the second part, you might read seat61:
https://www.seat61.com/places-of-int...-the-rhine.htm
I booked SFO to FRA via LHR. Return from FRA via North Carolina to SFO.
Now I am thinking of breaking at LHR and spending a few nights in London. At LHR, there is only 2hrs between AA and BA flights - unsure if terminal chang needed. More importantly we wanted to see London too.
Flying from London to CGN seems problematic due to bags. We also want to see Paris. So take Eurostar, break in Paris and then take Thalys.
Flight arrives at 8pm in LHR - so planning on staying at a nearby hotel at least for the first night. Perhaps there is some transport available to the hotel which is under a mile! How to go to London St. Pancras from near LHR?
How soon should I book Eurostar etc?
Also, is there a Europe wide train pass? From Germany, planning on going to Swiss and Italy - what is the best form of transport? Hertz wants $400 for a week. Gas is $2/litre.
Your 2nd part of the reply seems complicated to me. I get the point we can see UNESCO building. Anything else? I will read the link and come to speed later.
Thanks to all for your posts.
BTW, Despite I set "instant email notification" for Flyer talk replies, I am not getting any. Any idea?