Getting to Cologne

[kinboshi]

Anyone travelled to Cologne from the UK (specifically the Midlands)?

Was looking to go to a gig out there in December, and looking at the alternatives.  Flights to Dusseldorf seem to make sense, for about £150 per person.  But I've also seen that the Eurostar goes to Cologne (via Brussels) and that might be an option - and might be cheaper.  What's the Eurostar like if you travel with a 'standard' ticket - I'm assuming it's not as bad as travelling on a standard ticket on a normal train in the UK?

[AndrewT]

www.seat61.com is what you want - all the info about this kinda thing.

[Graham C]

Eurostar is nice.  Went to Disney Paris on it normal class on the way out and it was great.  Came back in a different class (not first) and we got a meal and everything, that was even better.    Lovely way to travel.

What's the gig?

[kinboshi]

www.seat61.com is what you want - all the info about this kinda thing.

Oh, thanks for that. 

http://www.seat61.com/Germany.htm#London%20to%20Cologne%20by%20train - looks about £100 return per person, but can't book Eurostar tickets that far in advance so don't know if they prices will go up near xmas (or even down)?

[kinboshi]

Eurostar is nice.  Went to Disney Paris on it normal class on the way out and it was great.  Came back in a different class (not first) and we got a meal and everything, that was even better.    Lovely way to travel.

Sounds good.  Was thinking it'd be a bit more relaxing than flying and the hassles that go with that. 

What's the gig?

New Model Army supported by The Levellers. So my two favourite bands in one hit!

[Graham C]

Can't help on price rises and drops.  I guess they are like most travel companies and will rise for the school holidays.   You can often get offers for Eurostar, maybe worth keeping an eye out for one of them and see if it fits in.

Fantastic, have a great time

[LeedsRhodesy]

Hi pal

I did a roadshow for eurostar a while a go and I think they sell it tickets 6 week advance,  if you give me the date in dec you want to leave I will work out the day you can book the ticket and get it the cheapest

They do the tickets something like this

25 tickets at £89
50 tickets @£99
50 @ £109

And so on so as long as you book ASAP the cheap tickets should not be a problem

[kinboshi]

Not sure on the dates yet, but the gig is on the 21 December.  So would be looking to go over a bit before then, and maybe do a bit of a tour of a few cities at the same time.  Can imagine travelling on or around xmas day could be problematic or more expensive?

[LeedsRhodesy]

How far in advance can I make a booking with a combined National Rail and Eurostar ticket?

Combined National Rail and Eurostar tickets can only be booked a maximum of 83 days in advance of your return journey. (This is set by the train operating company)

If you try to book ahead, outside of the booking period you will be given a message advising "You have chosen dates outside of the accepted booking period for the selected destination. The booking period ends the XX/XX/XXXX. Please select an earlier date"

Please note:
if any of your dates of travel are on a weekend, it is possible that the Train Operating Companies may restrict access to their fares due to engineering works or football matches etc. In this case, a "no availability" message will be displayed.

More information on connecting journeys can be found Here

[kinboshi]

83 days.  Cheers for that