Train Tickets from Amsterdam - Paris - Barcelona

Posted by sandra (San Francisco, CA, United States) on 07/10/08 12:15 AM

My sister, best friend and I are going to Europe on Sept 17-29:
Amsterdam 18-21,
Paris 21-25,
Barcelona 26-29.
I've been researching train tickets between these cities and the best Ive got so far has been through Rail Europe:
Amsterdam - Paris via the Thalys ($264 - 2 youth, 1 adult)
Paris - Barcelona via Elipsos night train ($351 - 2 youth, 1 adult)

Is Rail Europe the best place to book these tickets? Also, I ve read that I should book the night trains right away bec they tend to fill up. But what about the tix from Amsterdam to Paris?

Thanks guys!

Posted by Michael Schneider

New Paltz, NY

07/10/08 02:46 AM

9110 posts

For the AMS-Paris trip you will get a better deal by booking direct at www.thalys.com. But I have some bad news for you. There will be NO thalys trains running on September 20-21 due to track work. There is some sort of substitute bus service running, you can get more detail at the website. You may want to consider taking the regular IC train to Brussels, spend the day sightseeing and stay overnight. On the 22nd you can take an early Thalys to Paris. When booking via Thalys.com tell the web site that you live in France, and will be picking up you tickets in France; it will still let you print your own tickets. For the night train from Paris to Barcelona Rail Europe is your best bet.

Posted by Tim

Minneapolis, MN, USA

07/10/08 07:15 AM

8700 posts

Since Thalys trains on 21 September will take an hour and a half longer than usual and part of the route will be a coach ride, you might want to consider taking a Eurolines coach all the way. It's an eight-hour ride, but the regular fare is €41 and a Promo fare booked in advance online is only €16.

Posted by jmf

SF Bay Area, CA, USA

07/10/08 07:39 AM

508 posts

Sandra - For your Paris to Barcelona leg, consider flying. Vueling has several flights on 9/25 and 9/26 staring at 48 Euro per person from CDG - they are running a special for bookings purchased by 7/15. easyJet has one flight a day for a little more from Orly. Even factoring in airport transportation and checked luggage fees, flying can be much cheaper than the $351 per person Rail Europe quote.

For the Vueling additional discount, I think you need the link from their e-mail. If you decide to fly and can't get this to work, PM me and I can forward their e-mail.

http://www.vueling.com/?mode=PROMO10EUR&language=EN&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=CRM&utm_content=linkBanner&utm_campaign=PrPromo10Jul08_Promo10EUR_2&cid=766

Posted by sandra OP

San Francisco, CA, United States

07/10/08 01:06 PM

3 posts

Hey Julie, the night train costs $351 total (for 3 people) and likewise the Thalys is $264 total (for 3 people). Do you still think its worth it to take a flight? Someone recommended that I take the night train for the experience! But Im open to other suggestions.

Thanks guys!

Posted by jmf

SF Bay Area, CA, USA

07/10/08 04:36 PM

508 posts

Sandra - Didn't mean to put per person on my post.... Anyway, that train ride is about 12 hours. If you really want to have the experience, then I would say go for it. I have been on a few night trains but that was only because flying was not an option. It really depends on how much you like trains and if you aren't sensitive to motion. For some reason I don't have a problem when I'm in a seat on a train but can feel every movement in a sleeping berth.

I would still fly to have more time in either Paris or Barcelona, but I'm sure there are others who would prefer night trains. Maybe they will share their experiences...

If you do choose to go with the night train, then you should purchase your tickets early as they tend to fill up.

Either way you go, I'm sure you are going to have a great trip!