We are going to be visiting relatives in Holland for a few days before taking RS tour that begins in Paris on May 3rd. I checked the prices for the high speed train on Rail Europe on line, and my cousin also checked the prices if purchased there. There was a big difference in price. They could get the tickets for 153 euros (about $215) for two people whereas on the Rail Europe web site the two tickets would cost us $405 for the exact same train. If we have them purchase the tickets there, what is the easiest way to get them the money? Also, do these tickets tend to go up in price the closer you get to your departure date like airline tickets do? Can we wait until we get there, a few days before we leave for Paris and buy them ourselves? If we can save money by doing it early, that's what we would prefer. Thanks!
Posted by
Paradise
7047 posts
Rail Europe is always pricey for p2p tickets. There may be other options. What city are you starting from?
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
They were probably quoting the price for Thalys, the highspeed line. You didn't say from where in the Netherlands you're leaving, but assuming Amsterdam, you can get 2nd class tickets for as little as €35 each, if you book up to 30 or more days in advanced. You can purchase these directly from the Thalys website and have the tickets mailed to you.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
First things first:) Stay away from Rail Europe...they are a rip off. The Thalys high-speed train the fastest way to travel from Paris/Holland. Check schedules and purchase tickets at http://www.thalys.com. If you book early enough you can get restricted fares for as little as 35 euros, and print your tickets out at home. Thalys uses airline style pricing, so if you wait to the last minute you will be paying the highest fare.
Posted by
OP
Seminole
82 posts
Thanks for your answers! We will be leaving from Breda, which is where our relatives live, and changing trains in Rotterdam.