Hello !
I am going to Colmar in November. Do you think it necessary to buy a first class ticket for the TGV ahead of time? Or can I purchase it at the station? According to Rick Steves book, there are several trains going per day. Thanks ever so much for your time. The last two flights I took from the States to Paris left late, hence a later arrival time. That is why I am hesitant to purchase prior to leaving. Thanks again.
Posted by
Green Bay
20085 posts
1st class is unnecessary, 2nd class was very comfortable for me.
If you plan to go to Colmar straight from CDG, unless you bought a super bargain price ticket, I would not risk it. If you are flying Air France, you might see if you can get the tickets connected to your flight. Then it would be just like a connecting flight. If your plane was late, they would get you on the next train at no extra cost.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
As Sam says. First class NO, just go 2nd class. You can buy at the station, in most cases buy ahead of time to save €€€, EXCEPT if coming off a flight, where the risk of delay and missing your train is too great, just accept you will have to pay full price.
You can look up times (and see prices and buy discounted tickets) at: https://www.trainline.eu/
You don't say where you are landing, I guess Charles de Gaulle airport.
The station at the airport is officially called "Aéroport Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle CDG (Airport)", but just type "Charles de Gaulle" and it will come up as an option. There are lots of trains, about one every 1-2 hours, some direct but mostly changing in Strasbourg.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
There are no direct trains now from CDG to Colmar, as the Paris-Basel services now run via a different route. Be very careful booking on Trainline, as when I did an experimental search from CDG to Colmar it gave many journeys departing from central Paris instead of CDG and I couldn't see a way to exclude them. Make sure your journey is specifically from CDG to Strasbourg and then Colmar. Strasbourg station is large but fairly simply laid out, and in my experience the Colmar train is likely to be on the opposite side of the same platform, or only one platform away.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
5581 posts
We took a train to Colmar a couple years ago. We did purchase our tickets in advance which did save us some money. I'm assuming from your post you want to leave for Colmar as soon as you arrive Paris? If so, I wouldn't buy the ticket in advance. We spent a night in Paris and took the train to Colmar the next day. We purchased 2nd class and thought the seats and space was quite nice.
Posted by
OP
new jersey
149 posts
Thanks ever so much folks for your sage and speedy replies. The forum is just so fantastic. Even after going through Rick Steves France book 2018, the forum folks always give important key details. Marvelous. Thanks again !
Posted by
Nazareth, Pennsylvania
93 posts
Yes there are TGV trains direct to Colmar (not many though. usually a stop in Strasburg). about 2 1/2 hour ride. Look on Rail Europe. They leave from Gare de l'est and Gare de lyon (many have tranfers)
2nd class is fine, nice trains, very comfortable. Save the extra money for a nice meal there!
Early booking will save you some money.