28 May 2009 Return fares from under £100 Eurostar, the high-speed passenger service that links the UK with the Continent, has now introduced connecting fares to 18 key Swiss stations*. Tickets to Switzerland, offered in conjunction with the high-speed train operator Lyria, are available from just under £100 return. Tickets are available from www.eurostar.com, by calling 08705 186 186 and at Eurostar stations. Travelling by rail to Switzerland is a much greener and seamless alternative than flying. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and relax while speeding through the French and Swiss countryside: from mountains to meadows, from cities to quaint villages, the view from the train window is sheer entertainment! The fastest journey times from London’s St Pancras International to the main Swiss cities are: Geneva Lausanne Zurich Basel Bern Fastest journey time 06h28 06h50 07h28 06h19 07h40 Connection Gare de Lyon Gare de Lyon Gare de l’Est Gare de l’Est Gare de l’Est Return fares from Under £100 Under £110 Under £130 Under £100 Under £110 For travellers from Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International, in Kent, overall journey times are reduced by 10 minutes and 30 minutes respectively. The journey will start by Eurostar to Paris. Upon arrival in the French capital, a short transfer to either Gare de Lyon (by RER**) or Gare de l’Est (by tube or walking**) will take you to your final destination in Switzerland. Travellers can also combine a visit in Paris before continuing their trip to Switzerland. Why not take the opportunity to visit the French capital en-route? Stand-alone Lyria tickets are available from Eurostar, giving the chance for travellers to choose between a direct travel and a stay in Paris for some time before continuing the journey to their final destination in Switzerland. Simon Montague, Eurostar’s Director of Communications, commented: “We are always looking at ways to facilitate greener travel throughout Europe on high-speed trains. It is great news that our passengers can now book their tickets to Switzerland with the convenience and good value of connecting fares. We will continue to explore the various opportunities that will allow us to extend our range of destinations in the future”. About the main cities: Geneva: Affectionately nicknamed the “Capital of Peace”, Geneva is known as the worldwide centre for diplomacy and international cooperation. The city is embedded between the nearby Alpine peaks and the Jura mountains, and lies in the bay where the Rhone leaves the lake Geneva. There are many sights to see, including the famous jet d’eau (a fountain with a 140-metre-high water jet on Lake Geneva), the old town – comprising Place du Bourg-de-Four, the oldest square in town, the St Peter’s cathedral, the quays and many others… Lausanne: The second largest city on Lake Geneva, Lausanne offers the perfect combination between a dynamic commercial town and a picturesque setting on three hills, surrounded by vineyard-covered slopes. The old town is dominated by its cathedral, highly regarded as an impressive piece of gothic architecture. Zurich: Art lovers will appreciate Zurich for its wide cultural offer, including more than 50 museums and over a hundred art galleries. Zurich also boosts the most flamboyant nightlife in the country, proud of detaining the record of the highest density of clubs in Switzerland. With magnificent views of the Alps in the horizon and a variety of shopping opportunities in town, Zurich has something for everyone. Basel: Located on the elbow of the Rhine river, Basel is Switzerland’s oldest university city. Visitors can take a stroll around town and enjoy the large market square, the Romanesque-gothic cathedral, visit the botanical gardens or walk along the banks of the Rhine. Basel also offers a wide range of shops, bars and restaurants. It is also home to the symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra and musical theatre. Bern: The old town of Bern – a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site – offers many shopping opportunities thanks to its six kilometres long arcades. The city has a medieval atmosphere, with many historic towers, fountains and narrow streets. Don’t miss the Bear Pits, a spot in the city where the bears can be seen eating carrots! It is also home to the Zentrum Paul Klee, the largest worldwide collection of work by this artist. ENDS * Aigle, Basel, Berne, Brigue, Chur, Geneva, Landquart, Lausanne City, Leuk, Martigny Ch, Montreux, Neuchatel, Sargans, Sierre, Sion, Vallorbe City, Visp and Zurich ** To get from Gare du Nord to Gare du Lyon – Exit Eurostar, turn left in the station and walk along to the other side following the Metro signs. Enter the metro and take the RER D, direction Melun. The ride in the metro itself is 8 minutes. Exit at Gare de Lyon. To get from Gare du Nord to Gare de l’Est – Exit Eurostar, turn left in the station and walk along to the other side following the Metro signs. Enter the metro and take the line 4 metro towards Porte d’Orleans (General Leclerc) the ride in the metro is only 1 minute. Exit at Gare de l’Est. OR Exit Eurostar and turn left. Walk outside continuing with the station on your left along the road Rue de Dunkerque. You will then come to the end of the station and a crossroads. At the crossroads you will turn right on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis. You continue along rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis until Rue 8 Mai 1945, the 4th street to open on your left. You will then turn left and the station will be on your left. The walk is about 10 minutes.

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