Tweet01-04-2010 om 08:09 by Amanda Potter

Some of the best things can be learned just by asking. Take cheaper tickets on international trains from Limburg for instance.  Sandwiched between Belgium & Germany, Limburg is in a uniquely central location to the rest of Europe and well connected for international train service via the Eurostar and direct train to Brussels. But that doesn’t mean that travel comes cheap. Here are a few options that will help you out if you plan your trip ahead.

Planning Ahead for EuroStar
The EuroStar can be a great way to travel throughout Europe and even as far as the UK, but it is hardly cheap.  Since you need to reserve a seat anyways on this train, be sure to book very early. If you book up to 4 months in advance of your trip, you can drop your costs significantly. A roundtrip ticket to London can get down to 100 euros. Order online or talk to a NS representative at the train station Service Desk.

Also, don’t pay for a separate ticket to get to Brussels if traveling with Eurostar (the line picks up in Brussels-Zuid).  It is included.

Cheaper NS International Travel
Advanced planning can also help you obtain cheaper tickets for other international trips.  For example, purchasing in advance or online can bring the price of a round-trip, 2nd class ticket to Brussels down to 20 euros from the standard 35 euros.  You can also purchase these discounted tickets at the NS Service Desk, but there will be a 50 cent service fee added so be prepared.

Domestic Trips: “Off-Peak” Pass
Lets not leave out domestic trips. The Dutch “off-peak” pass can net you 40% off of train travel within the Netherlands, if you travel after 9 am on weekdays and on the weekends (plus summer travel). Up to three other people can travel with you at discount as well. Unfortunately, the pass is effectively restricted to Dutch residents only since you need a Dutch bank account to pay for it.  Still, 40% off is an impressive discount if you can arrange your travel around its restrictions.

An international extension to the pass is also available, but fortunately purchasing your tickets early will obtain the same benefit as having the extension. So if you do have time to prepare, save the extra 15 euros and just pick up the regular “Off-Peak” Pass for internal travel.

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