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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 122 days max Content Content
Eurostar London 11 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-October 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, direct train between Amsterdam and London: tickets go on sale about 11 months in advance. The lowest fare, € 94 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?
Every year on the 2nd Sunday in December, the new timetable for the next calendar year starts. A few months before, in September or October, ticket sales for Intercity Brussels open from that 2nd Sunday in December. From then on, you can book tickets 11 months in advance. So those 11 months in advance never go beyond the 2nd Sunday in December. In January of the new calendar year, you simply book until November. But further into the year, that changes. In August, for example, you can only book until that 2nd Sunday in December, which is only 4 months. So those 11 months are shortened to a shorter period, until sales open again for 11 months in September/October.
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 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

Why can't I book earlier?

If I book my holiday accommodation a year in advance, I can't buy the train tickets yet. Why is that?

Ilona explains

Rates and discounts

There are different rates and discounts for every train. Find out about the differences and read all our booking tips.

More about rates and discounts

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