Is Eurail Select Pass useless for Paris to Brussels?

Don't know your travel days, but I see 2nd Class Thalys tix on that route for as little as 41Euro. Eurail Passes are just not economical methods of travel. Point to point tickets are almost ALWAYS cheaper and easier.

Thank you Tim. I am realizing too late that the Eurail pass isn't what it used to be, but I have already purchased it so I'm stuck.

My memory is that the Thalys passholder fee is something like €39. That's quite a lot to pay on top of your pass price per usage day.

I am contemplating returning our passes for a refund even if it means taking the 15% hit for returning them. I last traveled in western Europe in 2005 and the pass was easy to use and a decent deal at that time. Now it appears to be a headache. I am only traveling Paris-Brussels-Dusseldorf-Amsterdam over a two-week stay.

I haven't done the arithmetic but those few journeys seem to not warrant a pass. If you know your dates and can get your (limited or no refunds or changes) tickets as far ahead as possible (like airfare) you should be able to save a pile. If you need flexibility (sometimes called lack of planning for whatever reason) even walk up tickets won't be bad (except Thalys where it always is a bad idea to get walk ups).

You aren't really going terribly far nor frequently.

Thank you Nigel.

For the trip that you describe, only that one Thalys trip requires a seat reservation. Of course, it's true that you've only described three travel days, and so might not get full value out of a 5- or 6-day pass, partly depending on which Select pass you chose.

Thalys seat reservation prices went down last year and for your route now cost $25 per person in 2nd class or $35 in 1st. That applies whether you chose a 2-country Select pass for Benelux-Germany or a 3-country Select pass. I would try again to check availability at https://ricksteves.raileurope.com/us/rail/point_to_point/triprequest.htm. Unless your trip is around a holiday, I would not expect them to be sold out at this time. For instance, they're available all morning for travel next Wednesday.

Yes, davidbright, I would have the same thoughts as you. Return and get my money back. Too bad you realized a bit too late what a lackluster deal Eurail Passes are. In the olden days - a good way to travel. Now, well, you've already seen that.

If you have train travel questions, the expert is: http://www.seat61.com/. Hands down.