We will be traveling throughout France April and May. How early should I be booking the train travel?
Posted by
Boston
394 posts
Tickets go on sale anywhere from 90-120 days prior to travel dates in France. Prices are dynamic, just as airfares are. The sooner you purchase, the lower the price.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
648 posts
Tickets go on sale anywhere from 90-120 days prior to travel dates in France.
The tix for CDG to Lyon for early April just became available, so 90 days sounds right.
-- Mike Beebe
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR, USA
290 posts
Thank you!
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR, USA
290 posts
I usually use Trainline just to see the options and then book directly with the train company. Does this make sense to do?
Posted by
Seattle, WA & Bordeaux, France
576 posts
Hi Andrea,
If you are booking an InOui or OUIGO TGV train, book as soon as they are available (and as soon as you know your dates/times). As was mentioned, they are dynamically priced and are cheapest when they are first on sale. For the TER trains (ie: local trains) you normally do not need to book ahead and there are no assigned seats. Keep in mind there are school breaks that happen on a rolling basis throughout France during April/May (https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F31952?lang=en). All trains tend to be very full during these periods as that's when families take vacations, go to visit family, etc. I hope you enjoy your trip!