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Thalys Deals...Wait for them, or Book ASAP?

Posted by on

Hi All,

This is my first question here on Rick Steves' Forum! ;-)

My micro Family is taking a vacation to London, Paris and Amsterdam this summer, June 30- July 14. We are taking the Chunnel to Paris from London on the 5th of July, but need tickets on Thalys still for Paris to Amsterdam.
I can't purchase the tickets until 90 days out, but saw that there is a 7-14 day out sale of 60% off. Does anyone know if this happens in the Summer too, or is that just a silly notion?
( We can swing full fare easily, but I don't want to be stupid and just pay it if there's a better way. )

Thanks so much!

Alli

Posted by
8551 posts

Tickets go on sale 3 mos not 90 days out -- this is important high season when cheap tickets may sell out quickly. For example we were able to buy Dec 1 tickets on Sept 1. It is about 35 Euro Paris to Amsterdam when bought 3 mos out and over 100 Euro close to the date of travel. Buying them 3 mos out will be 60% off full price.

We buy them on line and print the tickets at home and have done it several times.

Posted by
6713 posts

They'll be cheapest 3 months out, and they'll cost more the longer you wait.

Posted by
33821 posts

If the tickets you want are for "Paris to Amp" where do you mean? Is that Antwerp, or Amsterdam, or somewhere else?

Posted by
10 posts

Oh, sorry Nigel!
I listed Amsterdam as our final city in the lineup above, so abbreviated ( probably incorrectly) when asking about the Thalys. ( I fixed it!)
Thanks for looking!
Alli

Posted by
33821 posts

Get your Eurostar tickets now, have a go for the Thalys to Amsterdam on the 5th or 6th of April.

Posted by
16895 posts

You can't count on a current special offer to be in place later and 60% off is probably the same rate you'll get by booking when they first go on sale for your travel dates.

Posted by
368 posts

Depending when you purchase tickets there may not be a big difference in 1st class so check out all fares. I got deals with child + adult and traveled 1st class July 2013. Summer fares on Thalys do depend on business travel; less business commuters better fares for visitors. I have booked numerous round-trips Paris to Amsterdam over the years.
I believe initially there will be the cheap seats available- non-refundable, non changeable of course. Then Thalys will offer deals, like family's on holiday. Thalys this past November did offer a great kids & company deal- yes I'm there a lot (family in Utrecht). Happy Travels

Posted by
10 posts

Nigel,

We bought Eurostar a month ago or more. :)

We wanted to make sure we got on!

I'll check Thalys out again on April 5th and go from there.
Thanks so much for your help!

Alli

Posted by
10 posts

Pab,

Thanks for your insight! I had indeed looked at the first class fares on Thalys, as I like the seating arrangement better for 3, and the seats look a bit more comfy and roomy.

Alli

Posted by
10 posts

Laura,

I thought that might be the case. It's probably an off season offer. I knew the hive mind that is Rick Steves' page would have the right information! Thank you!

Alli

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