As of when can I book train tickets?
At NS International, you can book train tickets between 4 to 11 months before the departure date. The sales period varies by carrier.
Every year, on the second Sunday of December, a new schedule is released. This affects the sales period.
| Carrier | Sales period | Extra information | Header | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intercity Brussels | up to 11 months max | From Sept/Oct 11 months | Content | Content |
| Eurostar Belgium/France | up to 7 months | Content | Content | |
| Eurostar London | tot maximaal 7 months | Lowest rate on sale 4 to 5 months in advance | Content | Content |
| ICE International | up to 180 days max | From mid-October 180 days | Content | Content |
| Intercity Berlin | up to 180 days max | From mid-October 180 days | Content | Content |
| Night train ÖBB and SBB | 180 days | From mid-September 180 days | Content | Content |
| TGV | 3 - 6 months | Depending on the route | Content | Content |
Book early and save money
The earlier you book, the lower the price. There are two exceptions to this rule:
- Supersparpreis Europa, tickets to Germany: this is the lowest fare. On travel days when railway works are scheduled, these cheap tickets go on sale later. The reason is that they cannot be cancelled or changed later. As soon as the works are processed in the planner, you can also book this cheapest fare.
- Eurostar, train between Amsterdam and London: tickets go on sale about 11 months in advance. The lowest fare, € 88 return, can be purchased around 4 to 5 months before the travel date.
Get an email alert
Want to be notified when you can book a ticket to your destination on a certain date? Then request an email alert. Click on your desired travel date in the calendar and enter your email address. You will receive an email once you can book this trip on that date.
Extra information
Intercity Brussels can be bought up to 11 months in advance. How is that?
The period of TGV depends on the route. How is that exactly?
Usually, you can book TGV trains 3 to 4 months in advance. But regularly an entire period goes on sale at once. Your best choice is to check the calendar for the destination of your choice.
But if you want more background information here is an example: TGV trains are divided into two groups. Each group has a different sales period.
| TGV | Period | Header | Header | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TGV within France, TGV from Brussels to France, TGV from Paris to Luxembourg and Freiburg. | Sales will open in March for the period until September, May for the period until early November. Sales will start in early July for travel until mid-December. | Content | Content | Content |
| TGV from France to Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Spain. | Sales will open in mid-January for the period until early September. Sales will start in early July for travel until mid-December. | Content | Content | Content |