grandtour
Traveller
2 comments
Posted 16 years ago
I have my pass, and wanted to book seats on the first 2-3 trains of my trip to be sure of arriving in the right place at the right time. But it seems there's a £10 online booking fee for each 4 euro reservation. Is this right?
The first train is compulsory reservation (Thalys), but what chance that the other German trains will be full, outside rush-hour? This is Bonn-Mannheim and Mannheim-Munich. I'll be in Bonn for 24 hours, so could book on arrival there if it's not too late.
Many thanks.
Peter
Traveller
9333 comments
maybe just have a look if you can book directly at the Thalys website ?!
and it is always the cheapest way to make the bookings in the country the train leaves. :)
for Germany... if book 24 hours in advance you won't have a problem ... but travelling out of the peak times (rush-hours), you won't need a reservation in ICs and ICEs ... save the money! :)
have fun and all the best, Peter :)
grandtour
Traveller
2 comments
Wow! I wasn't aware of the Thalys site. They don't appear to do reservation-only for InterRail pass holders, but for my Brussels-Köln in 2 months time they are quoting a (non-changeable) FARE of €15 - this compares to £12 pass supplement + £10 booking fee (total €27) through the UK agent. I'm signing up for their ticketless booking, which might make it easier, in the future if not now.
Thalys have an interesting new fare structure starting 1 September. http://www.thalys.com/be/en/practical-travel-guide/before/new-fares if you don't already know it.
I was planning to book the other seats because I really do want to be on two particular trains, but from what you say I have no need to worry. Perhaps I'll book when I arrive in Bonn, just to be sure :)
Thanks very much for your help, Peter, very useful.
Kind regards, John
Peter
Traveller
9333 comments
hi John... thanks for the information ...! :)
and have a lot of fun on your tour, Peter :)