I plan to travel between Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris and although my train journey on Rail planner app says “seat reservations required”, can I instead board the train without seat reservation?
Best answer by thibcabe
View originalTravel without seat reservation
Well no... required means required. Either you won't be able to get to the platform (ticket barriers) or expect a big fine onboard (100-300€, it's like travelling without a valid ticket). You could also get thrown off the train at the next stop.
In short : it's pointless to try. Eurostar Red (the now defunct Thalys) also has a passholder quota so trains tend to sell out a few days or even weeks in advance.
There are however reservation-free or cheaper (but slower) alternatives.
Amsterdam - Brussels : hourly IC Direct. Reservations not possible : hop on and sit wherever you want. Less busy at train ends.
Brussels - Paris :
Option 1 :
- IC Brussels - Tournai - Lille-Flandres
- TGV Lille-Flandres - Paris-Nord 10€ (always available on the day)
Option 2 fully reservation-free :
- IC Brussels - Charleroi
- R Charleroi - Maubeuge
- TER Maubeuge - Paris-Nord
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