We have determined it will be cheaper to purchase point to point tickets for our trip instead of a pass. In the past we have just waited until we got there and then on our way into a city bought the tickets for our way out (usually 2-4 days before we will actually take the train). Is buying the tickets in Europe just a few days ahead of time more expensive than buying them online several weeks ahead? Thanks!
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
By purchasing them in advance on national rail sites, you can take advantage of deep discounts that may not be available when you arrive...just like discount airlines, once they're gone, they're gone. The downside is that, like discount airline tickets, these train ticket are usually not refundable or changeable. Let us know where you're travelling, and we can give you some websites to explore.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
334 posts
It really depends on where you are traveling - Italy is pretty cheap, depending on whether you take the fast trains or not - they seemed to be easily available. Long distance trains, especially if reservations are needed or recommended, are better purchased ahead - through the national sites if at all possible - and you can get some good rates as indicated in the previous post. Rail Europe is more expensive.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
The prices for standard fare tickets, either 2nd or 1st class, will be the same whether you book them now or buy them at the station just before departure. As others have said, to get discoount fares, you usually must book on national rail sites as far in advance as possible (usually 60-90 days allowed). Italy is an exception. If seats are still available, you can get Amica fares (20% off) up to 24 hours before departure.
Posted by
OP
Redmond, WA, USA
12 posts
Thank you! We will be travelling through Amsterdam, Germany, Czech Republic, and Austria, so it sounds like we'll do best purchasing them 2-3 months in advance.