How to Book Train Travel From France to Belgium

The train ride from France to Belgium is a popular route for both business and pleasure. High-speed train routes can save travelers time and hassle. The train ticket is labeled as the Eurail Benelux, which includes travel from France to Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg. With this pass, you can see the canals in Amsterdam, stop by the Eiffel Tower in Paris and sightsee in Luxembourg all in one trip.

Things You'll Need

• A computer with Internet access to purchase tickets
• A passport

Instructions

1. Buy your tickets through the RailEurope Web site (see link below) or phone number, (888) 382-RAIL.

2. Understand the prices vary from France to Belgium depending on who is traveling and how long you want to stay. Prices range from $150 to $520 for a 4- to 10-day pass.

3. Choose your ticket class. Second class is standard and cheaper, but is more crowded and offers fewer amenities than first class. The cost difference can be about one-third less in price for second class.

4. Know that adults can book an individual pass or Saver Pass (two or more people). The more people that travel, the better the price.

5. Take advantage of discounts on second class travel from France to Belgium for those passengers under the age of 26, anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of an adult full price fare.

6. Find your departure platform, designated by the French word "quai," by reading signs in the French train station.

7. Purchase food for your journey to Belgium before boarding your train in France, as many trains do not have lunch cars, contrary to popular notions.

8. Carry your Eurail pass on you so that you can produce it when asked by a conductor and purchase travel insurance while booking your ticket to avoid losing fare price for lost or stolen tickets.

Tips & Warnings

• Know that the France-Benelux rail pass allows you unlimited travel throughout France, Netherlands, Amsterdam, Belgium and Luxembourg for 4, 5, 6, 8 or 10 days within 2 months of travel time.

• The terms "Eurail" and "Rail Europe" are used interchangeably (this can lead to some confusion for first-time riders!).

• You have 6 months to validate your train ticket from the date of issue.

• You will also benefit from hotel, rental car and other discounts with your Eurail travel pass.

• You will receive a free Eurail Traveler's Guide with your pass that can help you plan out your trip or future trips with ease.

• Know that you cannot book Eurail passes in Europe. You must buy them online or within the United States prior to travel.