Thank you in advance for your kind helps. I am flying to Amsterdam this Sunday. I have about 18 vacation days minus 2 days of flying time. I have the following travel plans in mind but not sure if I need to buy a railpass or just buy as I go or take buses. I read your railpass recommendation on visit to Belgium, Netherlands or Luxembourg individually, but need tips on visiting all 3 countries together and beyond. Below are my 2 plans: Plan A 1) Netherlands - Amsterdam, Haarlem and Rotterdam. Den Hoag and Delft (option) 2) Belgium - Brussels, Antewerp, Bruges 3) Luxembourg City, then loop east to 4) Germany - Colone, Dusseldorf 5) Dusseldorf back to Amsterdam Plan B 1) Netherlands - Amsterdam, Haarlem and Rotterdam. Den Hoag and Delft (maybe) 2) Belgium - Brussels, Antewerp, Bruges 3) loop east to Germany - Colone, Dusseldorf
4) Dusseldorf back to Amsterdam I also have an option to use British Airways mile to fly from Brussels to Prague and fly back to Amsterdam and skip Germany and Luxembourg City all together. Skip 3 and 4. Sorry for trouble you with all the questions and thank you very much for your kind assistance. Jim
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
For western Europe, rail prices in Belgium and the Netherlands are relatively cheap. There's absolutely no benefit to a 3rd party rail pass in these countries, other than enriching the people who sell them. Just buy your tickets at the widow immediately beforehand. However, Belgian rail (NMBS) sells a pass for 10 domestic trips that might save you some money if there's more than one person in your party. You can buy this at the ticket window. Your best option going to and from Germany probably would have been advanced purchase discounts, but these are no longer available for your travel dates. Köln and Düsseldorf are close to each other, so that leg of the trip will be relatively cheap. Just buy your ticket immediately beforehand. I think your only option for going to and from Germany at this point is to pay the full fairs. But others who are better than me at scouring for discounts might have another idea that I don't know about.
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, California, USA
4 posts
Thanks a lot for the quick reply and wonderful rail tips. Jim
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
No need for a rail pass whatsoever. And forget about buses as well. Buy your tickets to/from Germany in advance, as in RIGHT NOW.
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, California, USA
4 posts
Thanks! Where do I buy the tickets? I will be only traveling from Brussels to Cologne one way and btw Bonn and Dusseldorf. I plan to fly from Dusseldorf to Amsterdam one way using British Airlines miles (9,000 miles plus $40.00).
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
You've waited too long to get the lowest discount fares, but you still may be able to book some tickets at less than full fare. Bruxelles-Midi to Koeln Hbf: Book either a direct Thalys train or a direct ICE train at www.bahn.de. Do it today! Koeln HBf to Duesseldorf Hbf: Depending upon the type of train, standard fares range from €11.50 to €17.00. No discount fares. Buy your ticket in Koeln. Bonn Hbf to Duesseldorf Hbf: Book now at bahn.de to get a Sparpreis fare of €19.00 or buy a standard fare ticket in Bonn for €23.50. Discount fare tickets are for a specific departure date and time. They usually are non-exchangeable and non-refundable.
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, California, USA
4 posts
Thank you Tim. I will check the train tickets tonight. Have a nice weekend! Jim :)