Train: Paris to Amsterdam....
 

I am planning to take the Thalys train from Paris to Amsterdam in mid-May. The train trip is about 4 hours long. I am staying in the Latin Quarter in Paris. So, should I take the 9:55 train or the 12:55 train? Should I go 1st or 2nd class? The price is about $150 higher for two first class tickets, and I don't know how much time to allow to get to the train station. Help. Thanks.

Hi,
Anybody out there that can help me? Thanks!

Which train you take is up to you; how early do you want to wake up/what time do you want to get to Amsterdam? Just personal preference.

On a Thalys, 2nd class is perfectly fine (really, on all W. European trains, 2nd is fine), no good reason to go for 1st unless you want the extra space; again, personal preference.

Thanks! I guess the timing thing had alot to do with how long it would take from our hotel in the Latin Quarter to the train station. How long do you think it would take by taxi?

Seeksocean - In July I'm doing the same thing (staying in Latin Quarter, thalsys to Amsterdam). What station does it leave from?
Jeff

Don't know.....I am waiting for the answer. I figure that I'll find that out when I get there if not before.

I'm not positive, I did it reverse Paris to Amsterdam. I think it is Nord Station Nord. About 15 min. by taxi with normal traffic to the 6th.

I meant Amsterdam to Paris-sorry

How early should I be at the station before the train is scheduled to depart?

I don't know, if you already have your tickets like half hour without your tickets an hour maybe a little more depending on time of day and how long the lines will be.If I have time I swing by the train station and get my tickets the day before and show up 1/2 hour before departure, they usually don't post the Bin/Platform number before 1/2 hour or so.

I think I will buy my tickets in advance...like any minute...., as I will only be in Paris for a few days. I just can't decide which is more important, checking out of the hotel early to catch the 9:55 train and be in Amsterdam early, or being more leisurely and taking the 12:55, which still gets me in at 5:30. At that time it is daylight savings time, or at least the days are longer.

If I have to be there an hour early and the taxi is 15 minutes maybe the later train is smarter.

Only an hour if it's a time of day with long lines-play it by ear see how you feel when you're there. It's a vacation no need to stress over trains. Have fun.

If I am only in Paris for 3 nights and 2 days, do you think I should still wait and get my tickets there?

Is this something that my hotel (Quai Voltaire) would do for a nominal fee? I guess I should E-mail them and ask, huh?

Hi, We did the same thing last year. We were staying in the Latin Quarter and took the 955 Thalys to Amsterdam. We checked out of our hotel around 845 and took the metro to Gare du Nord. We already had our tickets, and were at the station about half an hour before the train left. It was more than enough time to find the right tracks etc.

If you do not buy tickets now - do so as soon as you arrive in Paris. I do not know how anti smoke you are but tickets for non smoking cars sell fast for second class.

By the way - second class is perfect for Thalys! Spend the extra Euros on a nice meal!

There's no reason to be at the station an hour before a train. If you have to pick up tickets and will be going at rush hour, it might be worth it to swing by another day if you're in the area when there aren't lines (Nord is near Montmarte, if you'll be up there). Once you have tickets, though, there's really no reason to be more than 15 minutes early, especially if you have reserved seats (trains aren't like airplanes that close the doors 15 minutes before departure or something, more like 1 minute).

Your morning is basically wasted which ever train you take so get the early one and enjoy the afternoon in Amsterdam. I rode 1st class because I had a Eurailpass but I agree that 2nd class is fine on this and any other international train. As Sharon did, take the Metro to Gare de Nord. It's a snap. If you didn't have luggage you could walk it.

I wonder how many years have passed since "Chiarachiara" last travelled on a European train. Thalys trains are non-smoking, like those in several other European countries.

I really meant well and apologise if I have given any wrong information! At least I do not think I caused any harm. Yes - it is indeed a few years ( a bit more than 2) since I travelled on the Thalys.

I travelled in Italy last year and people were still smoking! I am pleased to hear that it will be different next time when I will be travelling!

Thanks for all the great info, and maybe I will buy tickets for the earlier train, but I would love to buy my tickets in advance. What's the most efficient way to do it, where I don't have a long ordeal at the train station trying to exchange a voucher for a ticket?

With Trenitalia in Italy it was a breeze to print up a confirmation number and apparently I just exchange it on the train.

I guess I could just buy it the day I get there....I better have some coffee now...