My wife and I plan to travel by the night train from Amsterdam to Prague on June 8, 2011. How far in advance should we purchase tickets? They are currenty available for 328 euro for 1st class deluxe for 2 persons. Is this a good price?
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9100 posts
Which site are you using? If you use the official http://www.citynightline.ch site, it will give you two fares: one is refundable/and allows changes, and a much cheaper restricted fare which is capacity controlled. Go with the fare you are most comfortable with and book ASAP....the site will allow you to print your tickets at home.
Posted by
OP
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
7 posts
The 328 euro price was form nshispeel.nl. The bahn site is saying that the fares are not available. "Sale possible 92 days in advance at earliest" This is our first european train experience - thanks for the help! Mike
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9100 posts
Wait for the 92 days, and book via the CityNightline/DB site.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
If you do as Michael suggests and book as soon as the 92-day window opens, you can get a discount fare of €238 for two people in an economy double cabin.
Posted by
OP
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
7 posts
Thanks for the help, 92 days in advance is March 8, I'll try then. Mike
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
You're welcome. The discount fare tickets for doubles can sell out fast, especially on weekends. Book in the afternoon on March 7 when it will be after midnight on the Continent.
Posted by
OP
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
7 posts
The site nshispeed.nl will let me book for June 8 now at the same price bahn is showing for June 2 (less than 92 days out). Do you know anything about booking in advance on this site? Thanks, Mike
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19099 posts
You were asking for a deluxe double. That compartment is showing for €318 for 2 on the Bahn website for June 2. ns.nl is Dutch Rail. Their website links to nshispeed. I think it's an official part of Dutch Rail. " How far in advance should we purchase tickets?" June 8 is a wednesday. Look at the previous wednesday, June 1. There is nothing left of the Savings Fare except seats. All of the Sleepers and Couchette are sold out at the lower fare for 2 people.
Posted by
Austin
973 posts
I've been on this train with the family roundtrip and there is a big difference between 2nd class couchettes and the deluxe. Not much sleep or climate control in either direction, but it makes a good travel story! It was a good price and it was interesting, but either noisy ( windows up) or warm ( windows down ) in our cabin.
Do examine the City Night Line brochure. I'm not trying to scare you, just saying I've had nicer rides on daytime European trains.