Hi

I have been searching like mad for a thread that mentioned an agency or person (I can't recall) that can help with booking Thalys tickets and other European rail tickets.

Does anyone know the name or thread that I am recalling. This was given as an alternative to the expensive raileurope.com site.

I have one set of tickets going to a hotel in Paris, but am stymied on a set from Amsterdam.

Thanks.

You means:

http://www.thalys.com/

or

http://www.sncf.com/

You don't mean MorganB's fantastic thread do you? You could search on his name or search on TGV or SNCF. I imgaine you've already searched on Thalys?

Kay

I have used BETS for my rail tickets, located in Michigan. Their website is:

http://www.budgeteuropetravel.com/

They are very efficient and really nice folks.

Joy: I think BETS might be it. Thank you very much.

Of course, I've been all over the Thalys site, and Snfc, too. From some reading I've done, it seems that the Thalys site, among others, is perhaps purposely difficult for Americans to book, so that the business goes to their American connection, RailEurope. Which is a huge pain in my neck.

I'm trying BETS. Thanks again.

While i often recommend BETS it's because of the chance mainly to speak to someone who knows what they are talking about IME and will search for the lowest fare

but i believe they must work thru Raileurope as nearly everyone in the U.S. seems to and thus must have fares the same as Raileurope - that said Raileurope.com IME often seems to say Sold Out when the train can be booked manually thru them or may not list the lowest fare they offer. This is why i suggest calling and have someone do a manual search. But i believe BETS nor anyone agent in this country has any way to book prices like on thalys.com other than you do - online.
But i always say always check both sources - one in U.S. and one in Europe online as fares do not always correspond.
Raileurope has had $26 Thalys special fares from time to time - esp during summer months. Have not heard of any yet this year but always check both sources.

PalenQ - you have a LOT of great information on trains in Europe!

RAIL EUROPE SUMMER THALYS PROMO

Every year RE offers a Thalys (paris-Brussels-Cologne-amsterdam trains) special where full-fare and LIBRYS one way fares on all Thalys routes.
Sale will last for purchases made by Sep 17, 2008 and travel must be done by Sep 30, 2008

ABS fares do NOT apply to this special fare. Seats are very limited.

Only thru Raileurope and agents like BETS recommended above. Check www.thalys.com for prices in euros, etc. before to compare what's best.

www.thalys.com presents some problems for folks as it seems you must book thru the Dutch part? Is that right?

and www.voyages-sncf.co, thru the French section as English section throws you over to RailEurope in U.S. or U.K.? right

but the current Raileurope 50% off prices means you should esp check that source now more than ever and not have to go thru the frustrating sites as is normally required to get the cheapest fares.

The way to 'override' the SNCF site is to open the home page, then in the url, find LANG=FR and change it to LANG=UK
Some phrases or sections might still reflect French, but the basic booking steps will stay in English.

I am not clear on what it is that you are looking for but

one can book Amsterdam - Paris one way ticket 3 moths in advance for 40 dollars (on raileurope).

I believe the Thalys site you can book in English for the various countries listed there. The type of ticket determines how you retrieve them. Like Smilys tickets you can print online for example.

I've got to research it further, but the Rail Europe fares didn't all seem so bad for some journeys compared with buying from the rail sites directly probably due to the higher value of the euro. Plus RE mails the tickets to you. Like I stated I've got to do more research on this some more.

The RE 50% off full fare is the reason they are currently in the ballpark with thalys.com perhaps - extends for travel thru the summer.