Rail Pass and Eurail Ticket

The Eurostar is a premium train that requires both a reservation AND the payment of a reservation fee. You can only use your pass to board trains that do not require reservation which is generally regional and some IC trains. This is one of the reasons that rail pass are not the good deal that they once were. You will need to do some homework to determine if the pass will save you money,

As for Brussels to Köln (Cologne), there are both German ICE trains and Thalys trains between them. The German ICEs accept reservations, but they are not required. The Thalys trains require "reservations" (actually a supplement because the rail pass does not entirely cover the fare).

I have used a Eurail Pass on all of my trips to Europe since 2005 and have had no problems at all. Yes, on some of the trains, ICE (certain routes), Thalys, you may have to pay a supplement and sometimes a reservation is required, but I was able to use the Eurail Pass for all the trains I had used from Germany, to Netherlands, to Austria, and to Italy. I have also used them in Belgium, Luxemburg, France and Switzerland. If you are making any long trips, then it is worth the price, because trains that go say, from Amsterdam to Rome, via Milan and then Rome to Frankfurt almost pays for what it would have cost without the Eurail Pass.( it depends on how much you will use the train and for how long of a distance). I love it, and the idea, that I can go on any train at any time (some exceptions in Switzerland, and other routes but not many). and hop on and off of it is wonderful. On all of these trips, I have used a 30 day Pass in Europe but on one trip used a 10 ten non consecutive and still got my money's worth. With a Eurail Pass there is also a discount for the Eurostar from Paris to London. ( I dont know how much) from the regular price, but you will also pay an additional amount because the Eurail Pass doesn't cover it all. Enjoy your trip.

Hi, Thanks for the replies. No bargains available for the Eurostar ticket so we have opted to take the Ferry from UK to Amsterdam, which we get discount with the rail pass.We will then take the IC train from Amsterdam down to Cologne. thanks

Enjoy your trip to Amsterdam and to Cologne. When in Amsterdam, don't forget to go down the Damrak street which is the main street in front of the Central Train Station. There is a sandwich/pastry shop called The French Deli, that is very good and inexpensive. I have used it on several trips to Amsterdam. Also, if you have time, take a bus tour of Amsterdam for a general view, and take a canal boat ride for a different view of Amsterdam. (unless you have been to Amsterdam before). Also the Anne Frank House is somewhere to really see where Anne Frank and her family stayed during hiding in WWII (it is hard to believe being in the same place as they were). Of course, you also have the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum. When you get to Cologne, the Cologne Dom (church) is right to the side of the Central train station where you will arrive, and is a wonderful medieval church. You can also take a stroll down the main pedestrian street. Have fun on your trip.

Thanks for the tips....we were going to skip straight through Amsterdam, but after reading all of that we may have a look around.