We're flying into Paris & staying a few days, then training over to the Netherlands for a few more days before flying home. I'm toying with the idea of purchasing our train tickets before we even leave as opposed to buying them in Paris (either upon arrival or departure). We know our Paris departure date. Recommendations on what to do? Is it cheaper to buy locally as opposed to online? If buying ahead of time is recommended, any good rail-purchasing websites? (sncf.com seems to have good rates). Thanks!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Buying tickets now from RailEurope either over the phone or online will be your most expensive option. It will be cheaper to buy your tickets when you get to Paris. However, depending upon your routes and how far in advance you book, the cheapest way from Paris to the Netherlands is to book a discount fare at either sncf.com or thalys.com. Where are you going first from Paris and when? If you take any trains solely within the Netherlands or between the Netherlands and Belgium, buy those tickets after you get to Europe.
Posted by
OP
Falls Church, VA, USA
2 posts
Hi Tim - Thanks. Both of those sites have the cheapest fare coming in at 101 euro/person for a train leaving 8/18 around 1pm. Earlier trains are more expensive. We'll be flying out of AMS so we don't need RT. If you have any ideas - do you think buying in Paris could potentially still be cheaper?
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Ame,
I just checked thalys.com for Paris-Amsterdam on 18 August and found an online special of €60 for an early morning departure with this message: "Hurry! Last seats available."
On the thalys.com home page you may see some last minute 50% off offers. Currently they're good through 14 August. I think they're only available online.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
You're wlcome. For the record, if you wait until you get to Paris, the walk-up fare will be no less than €101.