yesterday I asked a few questions about train travel on the West board, but this is getting more complicated so I thought I would move my questions over here! We are flying to Frankfurt to visit family in late April. On May 1st, my husband and I plan a 3 night stay in Paris. We were planning to go by train. I talked to my sister-in-law and she suggested instead of going back to Frankfurt, we meet them in Amsterdam for the weekend. Sounds great! But how do I go about scheduling it?? I was going to purchase our tickets to Paris soon on the Bahn site. However, what is the best way to go about scheduling train travel from Frankfurt to Paris to Amsterdam and back to Frankfurt?? Is this when maybe I should go ahead and look at a railpass or can I still do this in budget friendly way without a pass? I know, lots of questions! But thanks for the help!
Jennifer
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32206 posts
Jennifer, If you're using the Bahn.de website, you'll be able to easily find details on all the rail trips you'll be taking. For the trip from Frankfurt to Paris, there's a direct train departing Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 09:01, arriving Paris Est at 12:50 (time 3H:49M, reservations compulsory, savings fare listed at €69). For the trip from Paris to Amsterdam, there's a direct departure from Gare du Nord at 08:25, arriving Amsterdam Centraal at 11:44 (time 3H:19M, reservations compulsory, no fare information listed). For the trip from Amsterdam to Frankfurt, there's a direct departure at 10:34, arriving at 14:30 (time 3H:56M, reservations compulsory, savings fare listed at €89). Buying tickets in advance doesn't allow as much flexibility in departure times, as you must use the trains specified. If you miss the train specified on your ticket, you'll likely have to buy another ticket at full fare. One important point to note is that if you plan on buying tickets at Amsterdam Central, they ONLY accept "Chip & PIN" credit cards or cash. For the three rail trips you'll be taking, I doubt very much if a Pass would be cost effective as you'd still have to pay separately for reservations (which are often limited for Pass Holders). Hope this helps. Happy travels!
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19092 posts
For Paris to Amsterdam, go to the Thalys website, www.thalys.com, for prices to compare. But, be aware, the best prices on Thalys require advance purchase (but isn't that what we already do to get good airfares?)
Posted by
OP
Indy area, IN
21 posts
Thanks for the info. I was wondering on the Bahn website when it said it couldn't figure a rate what exactly that meant. Can you not buy those tickets through them? I did check out the Thalyes site - there are quite a few options for tickets there too. This is sort of a crazy but awesome system to navigate. I don't know how people do it without some guidance. They must just spend a ton of money!! :)
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
If you book the 1 May 09:01 train from Frankfurt to Paris today on the German Rail site, you can get a Europa-Spezial Frankreich fare of €49/person, not €69. You cannot book tickets on the German Rail site for rides that are totally outside of Germany. Book Paris-Amsterdam ASAP at thalys.com. For 4 May the cheapest discount fare tickets (€35) are still available for some, but not all, departure times.