We purchased a Eurail pass here in the states for 2 of us. We would like to reserve a spot on the train to Antwerp but I am confused how to do it. Can we only reserve through our travel agent or at the train station? I can't figure out their website.
HELP!
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
You don't say where you will be leaving from to go to Antwerp. Go to the train station in that city, walk up to a ticket counter, show your Eurail pass, and say you want to reserve seats. You will pay an additional fee that will be worth it. Try to buy the reservation as many days ahead of the trip as possible. Quite a few trains in western Europe are crowded and having a reserved seat is many times the difference between sitting and standing.
Posted by
OP
La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States
6 posts
We leave from Gard du Nord. Can you reserve online?
Posted by
Rochelle, IL
263 posts
Some trains, especially the TGV, may have a limited number of rail pass seats designated for that route. You should be able to book through the French rail site if you are leaving from France....I believe that site defaults to rail europe at some point. If you are locked on a specific date and time, I would try to book as early as possible. That said, non TGV trains may not have the seat restrictions. Don't know if that helps.
Posted by
Rochelle, IL
263 posts
As a follow up, Anvers is the French for Antwerp. It might also be Antwerpen, the Dutch name. That might be one point of confusion in finding trains.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32355 posts
Karolyn, I'd suggest visiting an SNCF Boutique when you arrive in Paris, as they should be able to take care of that for you. There are numerous Boutiques throughout Paris, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding one (check their website). If you'll be passing through Gare du Nord (ie: on the way from the airport on arrival in Paris), you could also purchase the reservations there. Happy travels!
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Wait, Gare du Nord in Brussels or Paris?
Posted by
OP
La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States
6 posts
Paris. Thank you everyone for your help! K
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
I assume you will be taking a Thalys train directly from Gare du Nord to Antwerpen-Centraal. If so, you will need to buy passholder fare tickets, not simple seat reservations. Be aware that Thalys limits the number of passholder fare tickets for each departure date and time so you need to buy them ASAP (up to 90 days allowed) at thalys.com. The 2nd class passholder ticket costs €43.00/person. However, if you book well in advance, you can get a discount fare as low as €35.00/person for a regular ticket which is less than the passholder fare. And you'll save a day on your railpasses.