I followed the instructions given on page 665 of Rick Steves Paris 2017 guide book to order 2 tickets for June 7, 2017, Bordeaux-Paris.
I paid using Verified byVisa and was rejected.
I called my bank and they assured me that they did not refuse the charges and that my card is valid and up-to-date.
Are these seats only available to travellers in France?
Posted by
4 posts
I purchased TGV tickets online just yesterday travelling from Paris to Reims. I live in Texas and did not have any trouble. The vouchers were sent to me via email and I printed them out at home. I used the "official" TGV website.
Posted by
Lewiston, Idaho, USA
2092 posts
You could also try trainline.eu/ I've had great luck using them and have always found the same trains and prices as the country's railway site.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
No luck with either options.
Could it be that it is too soon?
Although the trip and price is on their *SNCF/TGV) web site,
Posted by
Lewiston, Idaho, USA
2092 posts
Sorry, J. You're absolutely correct. It's much too soon. 120 days is typical although there are idtgv trains that might meet your needs which are available 4 months ahead of your travel date.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
jp,
Try using the trainline.eu website as they sell rail tickets for France, Germany, Italy and several other countries. Registration is required on the website (including a credit card) but once that's done, the process is very easy. Tickets can usually be printed at home.
As you may know, the TGV has compulsory seat reservations, and your coach and seat numbers will be specified on your ticket. Also, these reservations are specific to train, date and departure time, so you can only use the one train specified on the ticket.
Posted by
Truro, NS, Canada
3941 posts
I'm in Canada and bought TGV from Brussels to Paris last month for April - but I had to wait until it was 4 mos before...they weren't even showing tickets as available until exactly 4 mos before on the TGV site. I chose self print at home. So I'd check on Feb 7 for purchase...
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4088 posts
Yes, too early. Over the years that I have been buying SNCF tickets on-line from Canada, the company has streamlined its site to make it much easier to use. No problem with credit cards, either, at least Canadian plastic. The time limit of about three months for advance purchase has relaxed and some tickets and promotions are offered earlier. You can sign up on the site to receive publicity and notifications. Main-line tickets often can be printed at home and certainly can be picked up at any station or train boutique once in the country.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thank you everyone, merci tout le monde.
I have my two first class tickets for June 7 at 39euroes each. Quite a savings.
I dealt with iDTGV, they were prompt and very helpful.