international (?) train travel
 

We will arrive into Amsterdam - after several nites we will take a nite train A'dam to Zurich - then several days later will travel Zurich to Paris - we will be traveling near the end of Aug (busy time). What is the best way to get my train tickets - since we will be traveling in a busy season I'm concerned about getting space on the nite train AFTER arrival in A'dam. Also if I order the Zurich to Paris on the SNFC site on the internet can I pick up the tickets at the Zurich train station? You can tell I'm a pre-planner! and we usually travel off season so I'm a little nervous about being able to make this itinerary work. Thanks for you help!!SueC1

Use the international travel office (not ticket window) in the Amsterdam station or a travel agent in the city. Tell them what you want. My experience with the international travel office in the Haarlem station has been excellent.

The CityNightLine from Amsterdam to Zurich is one train that you might want to reserve well in advance, especially if you are planning on summer weekend travel. However, at the end of August most travelers will be returning north. Worst case is take a cheap flight, but be wary of luggage limits on intra-Europe flights. On the trains you can take whatever you can carry.

You could use an agency here in the US, also, ot make the reservations, but you'd incur the shipping and handling charges that goes with that.

Be aware that as a general rule, no matter how you reserve the spaces, you can usually do so only a MAXIMUM of 60 days ahead.

You could email your rail question to www.sbb.ch (click top right for English version).

Maybe you should consider flying one of those legs? It might be cheaper, and would make you less weary.

I know both Swiss and KLM have several flights a day between Ams and Zurich for well under $200. You can also try Helvetic for 132 Euro one way.

www.swiss.com
www.klm.com
www.helvetic.com

Hi Sue,

>...if I order the Zurich to Paris on the SNFC site on the internet can I pick up the tickets at the Zurich train station?<

No, but you can have them mailed to your hotel in Zurich.