I'm planning to train from Amsterdam to Paris in May. Do I need an advance ticket or can I buy once in Amsterdam? I would be purchasing five days prior to riding.

I'm going one way. Will I need to purchase a round trip ticket? Tickets are expensive looking at raileurope site. I have heard not to take their prices seriously. Can I get a less expensive ticket?

Another note. I looked at railsaver.com and they are quoting about $100. I find that reasonable. Raileurope was quoting about double that amount. Has anyone purchased through railsaver? Your experience?

You will not need to purchase a round trip ticket. Purchasing your ticket after your arrival to Amsterdam will be fine. I would think $100 would cover it - you might try looking at the French rail site for a price www.sncf.com I think. Second class should be just fine and cheaper.

www.thalys.com runs the service

The regular single (one-way) 2nd class fare is 101 EUR. A Smilys (discount) fare is 69 EUR. It must be booked online at thalys.com or sncf.com between 14 and 90 days in advance. Seats are limited so book as soon as the 90-day window opens. Note: You'll be shown a fare of 34.50 EUR each way, but Smilys tickets are only sold as return (roundtrip). Book an arbitrary return date and throw away the unused portion. If seats are unsold, "last minute" half-price fares are sometimes offered for this route. You might be lucky and get one when you get to Amsterdam.

I don't know when you plan to travel in May, but be aware that in France there are three major holiday weekends in May, which may or may not affect train travel between Amsterdam and Paris.

Thanks for the advice. I won't be traveling over a holiday, but I will be in Paris on May 8. Not sure what that will mean.

A holiday weekend in France usually turns into a 3 or 4 day weekend. The three major holidays in May are:

May 1: Labor Day
May 8: WW2 Victory Day
May 17: Ascension Day