My 80 year old husband just decided he wanted to go back Amsterdam and Paris. We usually take a RS tour but this will be on our own. We need information on the speed train. Can you get cheaper tickets if you buy them in advance? If so how many days must it be? Thanks
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
Sandy, this may help:
Posted by
NL
143 posts
Book via Thalys.com. Tickets become available 4 months before the date of travel. Fares start at 35 euros.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
The cheaper tickets are limited in number. There's no specific time, but once a particular price level sells out, then only more expensive tickets are left. So, you want to buy these as soon as you are sure of your plans (the cheapest tickets are not refundable or changeable).
Looking at the Thalys website https://www.thalys.com/nl/en/, the cheapest "senior" ticket for tomorrow is €94, and the cheapest adult ticket is €135. The cheapest ticket for October 16 is €35 (this advance purchase ticket is cheaper than any senior discount ticket).
I do not know if the senior ticket is open to all, or if you need to have bought a senior rail card first. But if you buy far enough in advance, the lowest priced tickets will a better deal than senior tickets.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Thalys' senior fares are open to all travelers aged 60+ but seats at those rates are still "subject to availability." No other discount card to purchase.