Hi guys
Long time no speak!
We are planning a trip to the Alps in June 2017 and want to combine some really good trails.
Plan is to take the Autorail from Paris to Briancon and then across the Alps to Erzberg for the rodeo and then continue across Alps to Vienna and take train to Düsseldorf. Train gives us a lot more riding time.
Do any of you have any experience of taking the train? Trying to speak to SNCF is almost impossible.
Depending on how good (challenging) the trails are will depend on whether we take 690 Enduro or 950 Adventure. Anybody got any trails they can recommend?
Many thanks in advance
Cockney
PS Recommended to speak to Mike (beddowsm)
Trails in Alps and taking Autorail
Re: Trails in Alps and taking Autorail
I took the German Moto-train from Dusseldorf to Innsbruck (can't recall what it was called) a couple of years ago. With my KTM690r
It was shite. Slow, expensive, cramped and noisy.
I believe that "service" has stopped now. I hope the French one is better!
If you're taking a 950adv I'd just ride out or look at shipping the bike and flying out if you want to save time.
It was shite. Slow, expensive, cramped and noisy.
I believe that "service" has stopped now. I hope the French one is better!
If you're taking a 950adv I'd just ride out or look at shipping the bike and flying out if you want to save time.
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wheeledwidewebb
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Thu May 14, 2015 2:44 pm
Re: Trails in Alps and taking Autorail
The SNCF AutoTrain service requires that you travel separately from your bike. It goes on a slow overnight train, you either get a different slow overnight train or you jump on the TGV and whizz down to your destination the same day, stay overnight and collect your bike in the morning.
Prices typically about £100 for your bike and maybe £60 on the TGV, then factor in your hotel cost for the night in Briancon.
I've found the service to be fantastic to be honest, the only arse-ache is navigating the Paris traffic to get to the Gare de Bercy. You will then travel from Gare de Lyon I imagine which is just up the road. Check though because I usually go all the way to the South coast, your departure station might be different. The bike will always go from Bercy though.
Do yourself a favour and get a first class TGV seat, it's much nicer.
Check with SNCF to make sure they accept your bike, screen height might be an issue, wouldn't think it would be a problem though.
Typically you can drop your bike off at Bercy from about 10:00 and generally speaking you can collect late morning when the bike arrives at your destination the next morning.
Your bike cannot have any luggage attached that is not lockable, so you can't leave soft luggage attached.
Google SNCF UK because they have got a UK operation in Kings Hill in Kent that you can call to arrange the tickets, including aTGV.
Prices typically about £100 for your bike and maybe £60 on the TGV, then factor in your hotel cost for the night in Briancon.
I've found the service to be fantastic to be honest, the only arse-ache is navigating the Paris traffic to get to the Gare de Bercy. You will then travel from Gare de Lyon I imagine which is just up the road. Check though because I usually go all the way to the South coast, your departure station might be different. The bike will always go from Bercy though.
Do yourself a favour and get a first class TGV seat, it's much nicer.
Check with SNCF to make sure they accept your bike, screen height might be an issue, wouldn't think it would be a problem though.
Typically you can drop your bike off at Bercy from about 10:00 and generally speaking you can collect late morning when the bike arrives at your destination the next morning.
Your bike cannot have any luggage attached that is not lockable, so you can't leave soft luggage attached.
Google SNCF UK because they have got a UK operation in Kings Hill in Kent that you can call to arrange the tickets, including aTGV.
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scoobydidler
- Posts: 922
- Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2013 7:02 am
- Been thanked: 54 times
Trails in Alps and taking Autorail
Best not ask Mike Beddows about SNCF! He has had an "experience" with them but let's say it wasn't positive.
Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk
Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk
Re: Trails in Alps and taking Autorail
The german moto-train does not exist anymore. It is now covered by the Austrian Railways: http://www.oebb.at/en/angebote-ermaessi ... eutschlandSteveW wrote:I took the German Moto-train from Dusseldorf to Innsbruck
But Austrian Railways took the wagons from the former DB.
Tom
Re: Trails in Alps and taking Autorail
I used the dusseldorf to Vienna train this year and it's an experience
Luckily there was an employee there to help find out the system and boarding time so we went off to eat yummy . On return we were early but just as well as boarding had started the guy who checked us in had good language skills ,the ride on is not great several tall guy's bashed lids on the upper level it's less than nice but hey one strapped on OK.
Then down and through the underpass to board the train. It's not easy to sleep as others did make a noise and a heck of a lot of stop's and starts. The bunks are not that comfy we took on our camp pillows and bags to sleep in. Water was provided in bottles and breakfast was provided just a coffee and a bite to eat but it was included and welcome
Getting out of Vienna wasn't easy traffic was thick and hectic ,but all in all it covered aprox 600 miles overnight and gave us extra time to ride not cheap but we would probably do it again.
Mike
Luckily there was an employee there to help find out the system and boarding time so we went off to eat yummy . On return we were early but just as well as boarding had started the guy who checked us in had good language skills ,the ride on is not great several tall guy's bashed lids on the upper level it's less than nice but hey one strapped on OK.
Then down and through the underpass to board the train. It's not easy to sleep as others did make a noise and a heck of a lot of stop's and starts. The bunks are not that comfy we took on our camp pillows and bags to sleep in. Water was provided in bottles and breakfast was provided just a coffee and a bite to eat but it was included and welcome
Getting out of Vienna wasn't easy traffic was thick and hectic ,but all in all it covered aprox 600 miles overnight and gave us extra time to ride not cheap but we would probably do it again.
Mike
Two wheels roaming. My FB page
Re: Trails in Alps and taking Autorail
Did the dusseldorf to vienna this year, £550 return for 2 bikes. Book standard and there could be 6 in a compartment---but it wasnt much more for a 2 bed basic compartment.If you decide to take a 2 --- book early they go quick. Its very basic unless you get a luxury and its sharing with strangers. breakfast included. It served the purpose like you said more riding time, and when you weigh up fuel and accommodation I reckoned it was only £50 more per person. The 550 was a return price, single was more.
Have a look on "Gravel Roads"--some roads--some trails along old fort defences
Have a look on "Gravel Roads"--some roads--some trails along old fort defences
