we are traveling from amsterdam to paris and then down to madrid. we have the global pass, we recently went to just paris and had to pay $50 for a reservation for a trip to paris on thalys. we are on a tight budget and just was wondering if there are any other trains that might be cheaper to take or is thalys really the only one. thanks! :)
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
You'll pay a reservation/supplement to travel on most fast trains in Europe, so you'll be charged more on your Paris-Madrid leg as well....unless you've already purchase overnight accommodations.
Posted by
eugene/springfield, oregon, usa
102 posts
megan, yes some fast trains like thalys/TGV do suppliment yet many do not, yet are almost as fast, so check at station, or online to make choices. your lst class pass provides no extra fee on most ice, and many others. check eurail schedule/guide on which trains require extra fees. remember reservations too cost some more may not be needed, but can be very useful/helpful on certain busy schedules, again check first.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Megan, one of the biggest surpises to travelers who purchase railpasses is the extra fees charged by the different train systems for seats and/or supplemental fees. In general, if you ride the local trains, you can hop on and hop off without charge. You can easily do this in Italy, Switzerland as well as other countries. As soon as you step up to the top-of-the-line trains, you will be paying additional fees. This includes the Thalys, TGV in France and the Eurostar in Italy. Additionally, there are supplemental fees on night trains. As you have found out, these fees can be a little steep.