Has anyone used a rail pass and had any difficulty with reservations? On a train from Paris to Amsterdam, Raileurope quoted over $40 euros for a reservation fee and only had a limited amount of trains available (less than if you didn't click that you had a rail pass). How far in advance do you have to reserve a seat? It seems as though alot of the high speed trains across Europe have mandatory reservations required.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
All high-speed trains have mandatory reservations. Usually, this just means a seat assignment. For night trains, it could be couchette or sleeper reservations. For regular train runs, the seat assignment comes with the ticket. Or, if you have a pass, it should cover the base fare but you'll probably pay a supplemental fee for the "reservation". Note also that many train systems in Europe won't let you buy tickets farther out than 90 days so that could be an issue.
Rail Europe is a ticket broker and their information is often limited. What date to you intend to travel to Amsterdam from Paris.
Posted by
OP
Regina, Sask, Canada
13 posts
tentative travel date is April 19th. I think the fee was higher as it was quoting the Thalys?
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Yes, the reservation fee for passholders on Thalys trains is much higher than on many other high-speed trains. For example, on TGVs it is 3-4 euro.
Posted by
Anchorage
157 posts
How far in advance do you have to reserve a seat?
The sooner the better. There is no advantage to waiting.
Posted by
Houston, Texas, USA
34 posts
it appears to me that most every train requires a reservation nowadays. Back 15 yrs ago, I could just walk up and get on most trains at any time. Is that possible anymore? (if you're in no particular hurry and just bumming around)...I've been frustrated w/ all the additional charges.