This is my first trip to Europe with my family and I have a question.
We are flying into London and flying out of Amsterdam from Seattle. To go from London to Paris, should I take the Eurostar? And then to go from Paris to Amsterdam, take the Thalys? But why does Eurostar cost so much more than Thalys? Eurostar is quoting me $270 for a family for four and Thalys only $120 for four. Does this sound right to you? We're traveling in August...
Posted by
Green Bay
20075 posts
The Thalys did not have build a 30 mile tunnel under the English Channel.
When are you going? The lowest advance purchase ticket is $64 pp when bought 4 to 6 months ahead. Are all the family adults, or are some kids and what ages?
Edit - And you are traveling in the month of August, when everyone in France is on vacation. I guess a few of them want to see London, raising the prices.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4845 posts
Why does a Mercedes cost more than a Volvo? That looks like a reasonable price for an advance ticket. Prices vary from day to day, month to month, and even from train to train on the same day.
Posted by
OP
15 posts
Thanks for your replies. Is it a bad thing that Parisians are on vacation in August? Wouldn't that make the city less crowded? And wouldn't most of the must-see attractions still be open?
I'm traveling from Aug. 13 to August 24 by the way...
Posted by
Green Bay
20075 posts
Actually, while all the Parisians are on vacation, they cover one of the roads along the Seine with sand and, Voila! Its beach time. http://in.france.fr/en/events/paris-plages-2016-0
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5326 posts
Adult one-ways for London to Paris start from £44 and the price goes up as the quota for each price point is filled. The under 12 child price if relevant similarly starts from £32. So the prices you are seeing now are not the bottom, as you are too late for these, but not really that far up the scale either.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
"Everything closes in Paris during August" is now pretty outdated. A few very small one-person or family-run businesses might still shut, but tourist attractions and most shops and restaurants will be open.