Hello all!

I have a big confusion now. I'm going to europe at the 2nd week of May and will be landing in Paris which is my first stop. After 5 days in Paris, brussels would be my second stop. I'm at the Thalys site and had already choosen the train. But i'm a lil confused here. If i were to purchase the tickes and print out my tickets back at home. Do i need to reserve my tickets once again when i'm in Paris? I have read and did a search about this but couldnt get a clear answer. IS buying a train ticket = reserving a train ticket?

Does this apply to the TGV train also?

Thanx in advance!

Yes, since it is a TGV, reservations are obligatory, so the seat reservation is automatic when you buy your ticket. If you print it yourself, there is no other formality -- just get on the train.

I meant that the Thalys is a TGV as well -- reservations are automatic on all such trains.

If you buy a ticket for Thalys to Brussels at www.thalys.com, this will include a seat reservation.

Prices from Paris to either Brussels or Amsterdam by Thalys start at only 35 euros if you pre-book (which, incidentally, is 4 euros LESS than the reservation fee you have to pay if you have a railpass, so if you're prepared to pre-book a month or two ahead, why buy an expensive pass to save you 'minus' 4 euros!).

What you see at thalys.com is what you actually pay. No booking fees, no extra charges, high-speed travel on a Thalys train with seat reservation is all included. Obviously, no refunds, no changes to travel plans at the cheapest prices.

Phew. Thanx kerouac and Man_in_seat_61 for the clarification. So now i just can book without any worries, print the tickets at home and just board the train on the day of departure. Thanx for the help once again!

The cheapest Smoove fare for Paris-Brussels is €25.00, not €35.00.