City hop questions
City hops are packed, rewarding and very much do-it-yourself. Read this before you book.
What is a city hop?+
Two or more European cities in one trip, from two-city breaks to rail journeys of up to seven cities. You fly to the first city, hop on by a short flight or a morning train, spend a night in each city and fly home from the last one.
What is an Extreme city hop?+
Two cities in one day. You land in the morning, have about 3½ hours in the first city, take a short afternoon train of 2 hours or less to the second, then fly home that night or stay a night or two and carry on.
How packed are the days?+
City hops are for explorers who like long days: early flights, lots of walking and a new city every day. It's a city hop trip, not a sunbathing holiday.
How do I stay on top of a city hop?+
Rest well. Use your hours in the hotel at night to sleep, and sleep in in the morning until it is time for the next train. That is why we suggest to plan the trains between cities at about 11:00, after breakfast and check-out. Pick things you really want to see in each city, and keep the evenings easy.
Do I need to book accommodation?+
Yes. Exdatrips only finds the flights and suggests the trains. Every city hop page tells you exactly which city and which night you need a bed. Book each bed yourself, ideally with free cancellation and close to the station, so the morning train is easy.
Does Exdatrips book anything for me?+
No. Exdatrips is an information service, not a travel agent or booking agent. You book every flight, train and bed yourself, directly with the airline, the train operator and the hotel.
Are connections protected if something goes wrong?+
No. Each flight and train is a separate booking, so if one leg is delayed or cancelled, the next one will not wait and the airline or train company has no duty to get you onto your next ticket. Exdatrips is not responsible for delays, cancellations, missed connections or any costs that follow. Allow extra time and consider travel insurance that covers missed connections.
What if a flight or train is delayed or cancelled?+
You deal with it yourself, like any trip you book independently. Your rights depend on each ticket: airline passenger rights apply to each flight on its own, and each train company has its own rules. Keep a backup plan, such as a later train or a different route to your next city.
How accurate are the times?+
Flight times come from the airline's schedule when we searched. Train times are typical, not live: trains between cities are planned at about 11:00, after breakfast and check-out, and trains between big cities usually run often. Time in each city is an estimate that allows for getting out of the airport, the airport transfer, and being at the airport 2 hours before your flight home. Always check the latest timetables.
Are the prices final?+
No. The total is the one-way air fares when we last searched, and fares change all the time. Trains are not included in the total, except where we say so, and the Eurostar fare depends on how early you book. Always check the price with the airline before you book.
What about luggage?+
Travel light, ideally with only a rucksack. You carry your bag from city to city, on trains and through old towns, often before you can check in. Most airlines include a small under-seat bag, like a rucksack.
Which documents do I need?+
That is your responsibility. Check the entry rules for every country on your route before you book, including passport validity and the EU's border checks for UK passports. GOV.UK foreign travel advice is a good place to start.
Is a city hop right for me?+
City hops suit confident, fairly fit travellers who enjoy long days and lots of new places. They are less suited to anyone who needs rest days, travels with small children, has limited mobility or does not want to risk a tight plan. You decide whether a plan suits you.
How can I make a city hop easier?+
Stay near the stations, pack light, download offline maps, book beds with free cancellation, book the faster trains early where prices rise, keep an hour or two of buffer, and check every timetable a few days before you travel.
Can I change the route or stay longer?+
Yes. City hops are suggestions, so you can add a night, skip a city or swap a train for a later one. The prices and times we show are only for the dates on the page.
Why are some places only a short stop?+
Some towns are best seen in a few hours rather than with a night, like Carcassonne on the way from Narbonne to Toulouse. We say so in a tip on that train leg.
Can I get an alert if a city hop gets cheaper?+
Yes. Members can save any city hop. If the total price drops when we search again, you get an alert under the bell at the top of the page.
Who is responsible for my trip?+
You are. Exdatrips gives you ideas and information to help you plan, searched for every day. You choose the trip, check all details, book everything yourself and are responsible for your own travel.