I will be staying in Bonn, Germany, but will be going to Paris on August 10 and wanted know if it is best to take the train from Bonn or Frankfurt, and the most reasonable train carrier for this trip. Also need to know if it is better to purchase the tickets in the USA or wait until I fly into Frankfurt, and then where is the best place to purchase the tickets. THANKS!
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
8950 posts
If you are in Bonn, just take the S-bahn to Cologne and get on your train to Paris there. Bonn is only about 10-15 minutes away from Cologne. Going to Frankfurt is going the complete opposite way.
Check the Thalys website now to see what they have on offer for Cologne to Paris. They always have something good. This is the fast train and will get you to Paris in a bit less than 3 hours I would imagine.
Aug. 10 is not that far away, so doubt you could order tickets and have them delivered to the US by then.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Adding to Jo's comments. While the lowest fares are gone for 10 August, you can still get a reduced fare. Go to www.thalys.com. Choose Germany and English. Register as a Ticketless customer. You'll receive a confirmation by e-mail and you're done. You won't have to have a ticket mailed to you and you won't have to print it yourself.
Thalys trains arrive at Gare du Nord.
Posted by
Portland, OR
3 posts
We just took Thayls from Amsterdam to Paris in July.
It was wonderful.
One caution:
Your seats are RESERVED, so make sure you know which train car & seat you've been assigned. The conductors won't help you and they're rude about it.
You may not get tickets in the mail before you leave (at this point), so if you buy tickets online, make sure to print off all the e-mail you receive from Thayls.
Food:
It's a good idea to pack a lunch. You can buy food and drinks onboard, including wine.
Gare du Nord:
... is a ZOO. Once you get used to it, it's kind of fun.
But be prepared to be hit up for money by the "Speak English?" women & watch out for "helpful" people near the RER/Metro ticket machines.
Read the Traveler Scam Alert section of this website.