Hello,
I'm planning on taking a day trip to Rouen from Paris in April. Should I purchase my tickets ahead of time, and if so, from which site? I'm wondering if this will save money.
I will be taking one other day trip since I'm in Paris for two weeks, but I haven't decided where.
Thank you!
It depends where you're travelling, and on which train. If you're on a TGV or intercity train you should book as soon as you can. If it's a regional train you will pay the same booking online or on the day.
What I often do is use loco2 to see transportation options for varying options and dates. I'll pick the current date, a day a week or two out and then about 2 months out to see how they vary. I did look for you, and it looks like it doesn't vary much between tomorrow and a couple weeks out, however, they do not have much posted yet. The train seems to take 1 hr and 11 minutes while there is a bus option that is much cheaper that takes 2 hours and is significantly cheaper.
Chartres is a nice day trip and you can purchase the ticket day of. Anything further away, you typically benefit by prepurchasing.
Hello Augustina,
The replies so far are accurate, but you may find there is a logistical advantage to purchasing in advance at a train station or SNCF boutique in Paris.
I just mean that there is no need to wait until day of. You can decide when you will stand on line for the ticket, potentially useful if your travel day is rushed.
If you happen to be near a train station you could buy your ticket in advance. Just make sure the agent knows you will not be using it that day, then validate the ticket at the station when you leave.
Of course for some buying the ticket at the station just before departure may be the most cinvenient way. just make sure to leave enough time to buy your ticket; wait times can vary.
Thank you all for your helpful replies. It's kind of a relief not having to buy in advance for some reason.
Jules- Chartres is a top contender for me right now. For awhile I was thinking of taking a day trip to Ghent, which I'd love to see, but I think it would be to rushed for a day trip.
