Just took a look at the train from Brussels to Cologne, and there are multiple trains per day so it won't be a problem heading there in the morning and coming back in the evening. However, I was surprised to see the train fare for the return trip is around 300 Euros per person! Maybe because we were looking to travel just before the Easter weekend? There will be 3 of us, so I'm wondering if we can hire a car/driver for the day - I'm not sure where would I search for such service? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
Posted by
San Diego, California
6116 posts
Your route probably includes the Eurostar, which price increases closer to the travel dates. There may be local trains that would be cheaper, but longer duration, and more connection changes.
Someone here will chime in. Safe travels!
Posted by
St. Louis metro area
161 posts
You didn't say exactly when you are traveling but for the Friday before Easter, April 18, on TheTrainline.com I'm seeing a low of about $35 and high of about $95 for a trip back to Brussels. This is for standard class (second class), not what they call Plus. Prices are on the higher end of the range for Eurostar, with DB being less. Trainline should be more than booking direct because Trainline must add a small service charge. So if your date comes out this expensive, maybe try to look for a slightly different day around that time.
Posted by
Sydney, Australia
66 posts
Did you look at the trains on the websites www.b-europe.com or www.bahn.com? Both websites are national carriers but should show all trains. The bahn one in particular will show details of the German trains and if you take an ICE train it should be a bit cheaper than Eurostar as the last poster said. But the longer you leave it, the more expensive it will be. I am sure you can still get a return ticket for under 300 Euros. What day are you looking? Perhaps we can look too?
Lavandula
Posted by
Sydney, Australia
66 posts
I just had a look on www.bahn.com on 18 April, outbound 8:25am, return 17:42. There are ICE trains at those times, although many seem to have sold out. Keep it to 2nd class, and if you buy the most restrictive fare (i.e no cancellations) you can get one for about €92,00. Unfortunately many trains on that day have already sold out. Pricing is dynamic, like an airline.
Good luck, I hope you find a good fare!
Lavandula
Posted by
OP
36 posts
Rookie mistake! It was the price for 3! Sorry and thank you everyone!
(I'll leave this up here so that everyone who offered to help sees it, and then I'll delete. Thank you!)
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34687 posts
don't delete it! Others, even in the future, can learn from your learning...