Please sign in to post.

Train from Amsterdam to Dusseldorf w/special offer?

Posted by (Tel Aviv) on

Hi

We are two travellers who want to book a train in the beginning of November (from Amsterdam to Dusseldorf). We browsed bahn.de and noticed that there is a direct ICE train, with two fares. A "normal" fare with "full flexibility" and a discounted fare (Europa-Spezial Niederlande). Two questions:
1) How do these fares differ? Is there any risk in taking the special offer? We are both aren't citizens of a European country.
2) Both fares have tickets sent to snail-mail. Given the timeframe/distance we might not receive our tickets. Online options were greyed out. Is there any way we can pick up the tickets on site or issue e-tickets?

Any other tips are greatly appreciated!

Posted by
9109 posts

The full fare is refundable and can be used on any train, the discounted fare is not refundable. If you want the full fare, you can wait until you arrive in Amsterdam to purchase; a seat reservation is a few euros extra. The discounted fares typically can only be purchased in advance, it usually takes a about a week for the ticket to arrive in New York, probably less in Israel. Bahn doesn't offer etickets for international day-trains.

Posted by
19232 posts

I think Michael is correct, they don't issue "e-tickets" for that kind of discounted ticket, even for phone orders. However, you can always call them at 49-1805-996633 to make sure (also find out shipping time to Tel Aviv).

Posted by
8700 posts

If you follow Lee's suggestion and phone Germany, you could have the tickets mailed to your hotel in Amsterdam. (Clear it with the hotel first.)

For your information, if you were traveling in the opposite direction (Dusseldorf-Amsterdam), you would have been able to print your own ticket because you would be starting in Germany.

Posted by
2 posts

Thanks all for the very helpful tips. I will contact them tomorrow and make the arrangements.

Posted by
1167 posts

Since there are trains nearly hourly and it is only a 2-1/2 trip why worry about booking tickets in advance? Buy them when you get to the station and take the next available train.

Posted by
9109 posts

Because DB offers special non-refundable discount fares for those that book in advance. If she purchases once she arrives in Amsterdam she will have to pay the full fare.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.