Best Train Selection Beaune to Paris September Weekday

Posted by tomn on 08/17/24 05:17 PM

We would like to take the train from Beaune to CDG (one way) in mid-September on a weekday. We are US citizens and are both over 60. Prices look pretty expensive from what I have seen, $320 minumum for the 2 of us. Can someone with experience help us, we would be very grateful. Questions I had included:

Is there a discount for seniors if you are not French citizens? and is it easy to apply for online?
"I saw a route from Beaune to Lyon and then on to CDG (via TVG). Would it be better to go 1st class if we chose that itinerary?

BTW, for the Italian portion of our trip, we tried to get senior cards through Trenitalia in March and are still waiting for an answer :)

Posted by WengenK

Wengen

08/17/24 05:46 PM

2493 posts

What is your travel date? I may be significantly cheaper to go to Paris first, and take the RER there. But the direct TGVs to CDG are of course easier.

Posted by Philip

🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️

08/17/24 05:49 PM

3279 posts

I don’t know if there’s a discount available for seniors. Using the SNCF app, I just checked on a mid-month September journey and there are 2nd class seats available on some trains, depending on departure time, as low as €80.20 (1st class for €88). It seems there are few seats available so I’d advise you to purchase your tickets as soon as possible before they sell out. With so few tickets left, you might not get adjoining seats.Only buy your tickets through an official SCNF website or app.

I find the SNCF app easier to use than the SNCF website.

Edit: SNCF offers a Carte Avantage Senior which must be purchased for €49. There seems to be various discount levels and numerous conditions. If you can snag 1st class tickets for €8, do it!

Posted by CJean

Ontario, Canada

08/17/24 06:03 PM

5429 posts

Are you looking at the SNCF Connect website? And do you want Paris or CDG? Because the routing will be different. It appears that trains to CDG connect in Lyon with a 16-17 minute connection time, which is plenty.. But there are many trains with cheaper fares than what you listed. On a Wednesday in September I'm seeing a 9:02 train for €72.20 (each), and a 2:02 pm for €58 and change. Second class has always been perfectly comfortable for us. YMMV.

I'll let the experts confirm, but I dont think you can get a seniors card as a tourist.

Posted by tomn OP

08/17/24 07:13 PM

41 posts

Thanks so much everyone!! We were able to use the App to book 2 seats for the 9:02AM trip to the Delta terminal at CDG. I understand from WENGEN that we might have been able to change in Paris, but as they said, the direct to CDG might just be easier and that's what we want now :) Also, we will stick with 2nd class as suggested and have our seat reservations on the TGV from Lyon. What WONDERFUL support from all of you, THANKS AGAIN!!

Posted by WengenK

Wengen

08/18/24 06:06 AM

2493 posts

Note that when the app says "2 seats available" it means "2 seats available at this price". When these get sold out that does not mean the train is now booked out, just that this particular price bucket has been exhausted.

Trains completely selling out days in advance is rare. But last minute is usually expensive, and SNCF has recently gotten a bit of blowback. They obviously trying to exploit to the max the few years they still have a monopoly.