eurogals

I would love to find a Smoove fare from Paris to Amsterdam for September of 2009. Yes, I am planning way ahead of time.

In looking at the Thalys site I see they have a wonderful fare of 25 euro per person for one-way.

Now the question. When can these fares be booked? How far out? I read the following on their site, but when I actually tried to book a ticket I was able to pick a Smoove fare for December 2008, which is 4months away.

"Book earlier for even lower fares up to 15 days before departure

Comfort 1 Comfort 2
- 36.00 € *
- 25.00 € **
One-way fare

* Fare available up to 15 days before departure

** Fare available up to 30 days before departure

I read somewhere, who knows where, that I could book up to 7-months ahead. How wrong am I? Please steer me straight.



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BeBeRose

bump

BTilke

Please note the fares you listed are just for second class (you have first listed as well).

The comparable one-way fare for first class is 70€. At least that's what the rail site said when I checked for Smoove info this evening.

eurogals

ttt

PalenQ

i think up to four months in advance, at least in the U.S.they can - to get the Smilys fare you should book as early as possible - try www.voyages-sncf.com and www.thalys.com for usually the best fares but also try U.S. sources like raileurope.com as RE also sells the SMILYS fares and can be quite competitive at times - so i always say contact both sources and compare. (For any RailEurope product i always advise calling budgeteuropetravel.com and talk to IME an expert and have them do a manual search as raileurope.com often it seems does not list the cheaper tickets on their site even though they may have them - according to several Fodorites anyway. Thalys also have special fares for seniors 60+ and youths under 26 and kids traveling with families, etc. But if you just show up you could pay literally a $100 or more than the cheaper tickets that you should book when they come on the systesm. And don't forget the ABS or All-Belgian Stations fare with many Thalys tickets where within 48 hours (i think) you can go from Brussels to any Belgian station and similarly back to Brussels if you have a round trip Thalys ticket - thus you could go to Bruges, spend two nights and go back to Brussels free. (You are going to Amsterdam i know, but for others who may only be going to Brussels)

PalenQ

Though 2nd class is nice on Thalys first class as usual is even nicer and you usually get a rather nice meal with wine, etc. served at your seat. I was impressed by the quality of food, for a train that is

kerouac

I made the round trip for 50€ last month. I think I booked about a month and a half ahead of time. They were self-printed tickets.

danon

I booked Ams.- Paris 3 months ahead on Raileurope for 43 dollars ( 2 class , one way) , delivered tickets to my door ( charge)