I'm planning on traveling from Brussels to Paris in Oct or Nov & would prefer to buy the ticket while in Brussels. What is your experience with available seats? Is it ever a problem - won't be a holiday.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
If you're using Thalys, it wouldn't hurt to buy the tickets a day or two in advanced, but there probably is no reason to purchase tickets before your trip (unless someone on this site knows of any pre-trip discounts).
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
Rose it depends on how flexible you are. You can always get your ticket when you arrive at the destination.
If you use the search box, there's other posts about train tickets. This is one of the popular subjects discussed here.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
The standard Brussels-Paris 2nd class fare for Thalys trains is €82. If you book far enough in advance (up to 90 days allowed) at www.thalys.com, you can get a Mini fare of €25. These sell out FAST!
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8124 posts
I would be in the group that says wait, buy there a few days in advance. I rarely buy ahead from the states, certainly if you take the time to work the sites, there can be good deals, but I like the flexibility and ease of waiting. I have however bought "chunnel" tickets well ahead and even though I probably would never do an overnight sleeper train, you do need to buy those well ahead. Otherwise Premium trains I buy a day or two ahead, anything else, when I get to the station.
Posted by
OP
Indianapolis, Indiana, usa
360 posts
My thanks to all of you.