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Alsace Train reservations

Hello- I have never traveled outside of Paris in France- and was wondering how the train tickets between towns work (or if anyone can direct me to a good reference). I know the long distance trains (Paris to Strasbourg) require a ticket for a specific train (date/time).

How do the shorter / regional trains work between towns such as Strasbourg and Colmar? Are they like the regional trains in Germany and Belgium where you buy a ticket and it is good for that route on any train that day? Also, any advantage in booking early, or is there a set price? Finally, any sort of pass (3 days, a week, etc) that would make sense? In Germany we did the D-Ticket which was a great deal

Thanks in advance

Posted by
22535 posts

These are regional trains. No reservations and always the same price.

Posted by
2420 posts

Reserve your TGV to Strasbourg ahead of time. Usually prices go up as the day gets closer, as the number of cheaper seats is limited. Strasbourg to Colmar, buy at the station. No need to reserve for this leg.

Posted by
550 posts

We took advantage of regional pass in Alsace last fall that was good for up to five people (if I remember correctly). The cost for two of us to travel from Colmar to Strasbourg and back was more than the cost of the weekend pass. You might look into it if it would be helpful to you.

Laurie

Posted by
136 posts

thanks all- so looks like I can just show up and buy a ticket - some times I am a little over organized and prefer to just show up at the station with a ticket already (printed or in the app) - is it possible to by an open ticket ahead of time- if we know what day we have- will just save a step (and me fumbling with a ticket machine)

edit- FWIW- I checked the InOui train actually was 2/3 of the price if I book now- but then I am locked into that specific train - which for the outbound isn't that big of a deal