I purchased several rail tickets online from SNCF for my wife and I for this June, and the SNCF instructions for using the tickets leave me uncertain. I don't want to use my phone so I will print them out and use the hardcopies. SNCF seems to be saying to print the email confirmation; it doesn't say anything about the ticket itself. Does it matter which document to print / use? Also, for several trips, there are multiple trains (connections) involved. One email confirmation and one actual ticket cover the entire trip for both me and my wife. Do I need multiple copies, ie, do I have to hand over a copy for each leg of that trip and / or for each of us?
Posted by
Chicago
7884 posts
When you buy a ticket it comes with a PDF attachment in your email that you can print. There is usually a QR code on the PDF and the number of the train car, 1st or 2nd class and seat number on the ticket.
This is what an e-ticket print out looks like
https://help.raileurope.co.uk/article/41699-understanding-your-french-train-ticket
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10211 posts
You print the ticket with the QR code. Your trip with multiple trains will have a separate ticket for each train. Print each of the QR coded-tickets. You don't have to print the confirmation.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks! Do I just board the train and show my printed ticket to the conductor, or do I have to go to a ticket window?
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10211 posts
Board and the "controller" will pass through the train car and scan everyone's ticket. Sometimes the controllers don't come through the car for one reason or another. Don't be concerned; just carry on. You don't need to be concerned or go searching for the controllers.
Sometimes there will be an electronic gate before entering the platform area. Scan your ticket there to open the gate.
French 101:
a conducteur in French drives the train.
a controleur in French checks your tickets
Posted by
Paris
6916 posts
Worst comes to worst if you cannot print your QR code ticket, if you have your 6-letter reservation code ("dossier" in French) and the last name used for booking, the inspectors at platform gates (when there are gates) or on the train can find your ticket. It is not a problem.