trains from Amsterdam to Cologne
Jul 10th, 2012, 08:48 AM
#1
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trains from Amsterdam to Cologne
Hi all
any tips on train travel from Amsterdam to Cologne? do you recommend using the ICE train? 2nd class vs 1st class? purchase in advance required? we are picking up a car at Cologne train station.
any tips on train travel from Amsterdam to Cologne? do you recommend using the ICE train? 2nd class vs 1st class? purchase in advance required? we are picking up a car at Cologne train station.
Jul 10th, 2012, 11:48 AM
#3
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book thru what site?
www.bahn.de German site - is it possible for trains originating in Holland or www.ns.nl?
Lowest prices cannot be changed nor refunded I believe so be sure of your date and time.
There are huges differences between first and second class - 2nd class on these trains IME of riding them a lot is often full or quite full - 1st class often sparsely full - put bags on a seat near you - spread out, etc. Seats are bigger as well as there are fewer of them in same size train car as in 2nd class. Good sites for learning about European trains - www.seat61.com (great info on online discounts); www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com. You can always just show up and buy tickets as well - pre-booking online can save tons of money but you can always buy tickets on the day of travel as well - hourly trains about - tickets do not come with seat reservations I believe as reservations are optional - in 2nd class I would pay the few euros to get a reserved seat though since these trains originate in Amsterdam I believe you get first crack at seats - but look at where the seats may be reserved down the line before plopping into one only to be rousted out later when someone with a seat reservation for that seat appears down the line.
www.bahn.de German site - is it possible for trains originating in Holland or www.ns.nl?
Lowest prices cannot be changed nor refunded I believe so be sure of your date and time.
There are huges differences between first and second class - 2nd class on these trains IME of riding them a lot is often full or quite full - 1st class often sparsely full - put bags on a seat near you - spread out, etc. Seats are bigger as well as there are fewer of them in same size train car as in 2nd class. Good sites for learning about European trains - www.seat61.com (great info on online discounts); www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com. You can always just show up and buy tickets as well - pre-booking online can save tons of money but you can always buy tickets on the day of travel as well - hourly trains about - tickets do not come with seat reservations I believe as reservations are optional - in 2nd class I would pay the few euros to get a reserved seat though since these trains originate in Amsterdam I believe you get first crack at seats - but look at where the seats may be reserved down the line before plopping into one only to be rousted out later when someone with a seat reservation for that seat appears down the line.
Jul 11th, 2012, 08:31 AM
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Full fare on ICE in 2nd class is 60 euros so if you can get the 19 euro ticket (they are sold in limited numbers and may sell out on a certain train weeks in advance) you'll save a lot of money but lose flexibility to decide once there what train to take.
Jul 11th, 2012, 08:44 AM
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You can book through www.nshispeed.nl with a Visa or Mastercard credit card.
There are normally plenty of cheap tickets available. You will also be assigned seats.
There are normally plenty of cheap tickets available. You will also be assigned seats.
