We ordered and purchased 4 Thalys tickets from Amsterdam to Paris. We chose the Collect at Station option because we don't do cell phone stuff well and feared losing paper tickets en route. On arrival in Amsterdam, we went to get the tix for our later travel. No soap. They are in Belgium, we are told, we have purchased them from the Belgian train system. ??? The agent looked up our reservation number...yes, she could see us, our coach and 4 seat assignments, printed it out but stressed "This is NOT a ticket. My computer can see it but I can't retrieve it from that system. You must find the train manger on the platform BEFORE you board the train." When I wondered how on earth I'd purchased from Belgium, and what was going to happen, she smiled and said, "Don't worry. This happens all the time. In future, choose Print at Home and you can print it anywhere you want. You aren't the first, and you certainly won't be the last. Have a nice weekend." We found the train manger on departure day, he could find our reference booking number, and said , "Yes. I see you are with us. But we have a problem. Get on board, and I will find you on the train, but we must have a solution." Later during the journey he entered our car, I presented myself, and he just waved back, smiled, and said "Forget it. Have a pleasant trip." Long story short...print at home. It all worked out, but seems it could have been a whole lot simpler.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16539 posts
We've done that run on the Thalys only the opposite direction (Paris to Amsterdam) and printed our tickets at home before we left the States. No sweat, and useful advice, Denny. Glad it all worked out in the end!
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4088 posts
Hotels are often very helpful with computer problems. The reception at yours might have been able to call up your original order and print it for you. Several times I have made last-minute restaurant reservations and the hotel desk printed them like something they were used to doing. And if you do mislay a printed ticket or whatever it should still be in the system (or carry a duplicate.) However, I'm glad your problem was solved despite the inevitable stress.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
In case someone missed it -- notice how cooperative and considerate the train personal were in dealing with the problems. Many in the past have been quick to rip on train personal when things don't go their way.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
This is a case where Raileurope can be helpful. If there is a Raileurope boutique in Amsterdam, for a fee they can print your ticket for you, regardless of where you bought it. I paid a €10 fee at a RE boutique in Brussels for a ticket I needed to pick up in France (the ticket was from Amsterdam to Paris, go figure).