Q & A
We are planning a trip to the Netherlands (Amsterdam and nearby towns) and Belgium (Brussels and Bruges). Should we buy rail passes and, if so, where? -- Linda Garb, San Rafael, Calif.
Whether a pass is worthwhile depends on how many train rides you want to take. The distances you are traveling are fairly short compared with the distances you might be covering in, say, France or Germany. So a round-trip ticket between Brussels and Bruges can cost as little as $44 (second class) and $66 (first class); between Brussels and Antwerp, $30 (second class) and $54 (first class). But a pass is a good way to make sure you can get on any train and not worry about buying each ticket.
Consider a Benelux Tourrail Pass for travel in the three Benelux countries -- Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands -- sold by Rail Europe (www.raileurope.com) and available in both classes. Passes cost $176 (second class) and $263 (first class) for five days of unlimited rail travel in all three countries during one month. Two people traveling together pay only $132 (second class) and $197.50 (first class) each.
Tourrail Pass holders have the right to buy discounted 'passholder' fares on both the Eurostar train between Brussels and London, and on French TGV high-speed trains connecting Brussels with the main cities in France.
You must buy passes before leaving the United States at www.raileurope.com/us/rail/passes/benelux--tourrail--pass.htm or by telephone at 888-382-7245 (though the wait can be long in summer).
Rail Europe is currently offering 50 percent off one-way full fares on the Thalys high-speed train that connects France with many cities in Belgium and the Netherlands. For example, the second-class fare between Brussels and Amsterdam, normally $66, is reduced to $33; first class is reduced from $105 to $53. Such tickets must be bought before Aug. 14 for travel before Aug. 31. Serious savings are on fares between cities in France and Belgium or the Netherlands. The normal one-way full-fare Paris-Brussels ticket costs from $163 (first class) or $105 (second class), compared with the promotional fares, from $82 (first class) and $53 (second class).
Several readers say they are weighing the pros and cons of train travel and car rental in Western Europe. While rail provides speed and comfort between main cities, driving of course offers flexibility. One might compromise by riding the train for long distances, say Brussels to Avignon or Marseille, then renting a car to explore.
ROGER COLLIS