I'm looking at taking TGV train from Paris to Avignon TGV. Both iDTGV and TGV are available.....both leave at same time and arrive at same time. There is marginal difference in price. One has entertainment offer and food can be ordered in advance with ticket. I can pick up food prior to getting on train or pick up on TGV train so not a big issue. It also looks like the "iD" can be exchanged for another "iD" within hours of departure. Is one train better than the other? Is there more to know about the differences than I've noted?
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
iDTGV has a more budget angle, but to me, a train is a train, and few amenities matter. If the fare offers an exchange option, that usually means that you can apply the original ticket price to whatever price is available for sale on the day of exchange, and that price may be significantly higher, or seats can sell out. It is a benefit, but still better to stick to the original plan, when possible.
Posted by
693 posts
They leave and arrive at the same time as the iD carriages will be hitched up to the regular TGV rolling stock. iD services do have luggage restrictions but you get one suitcase and piece of hand luggage before being hit with fees.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
They leave and arrive at same time because they are the SAME train. Just different cars.. We took the idTGV from Paris to Nice ... and got first class tickets on the iDTGV for about 15 euros more then the standard seats on the TGV. We enjoyed the extra space and booked the Zen cars( quieter fewer famiies) .
Having taken quite few trains I will tell you this bring your OWN food.. train food sucks.. 15 euros for pre packaged macaroni salads or premade sandwiches.. yech.. for that amount of money we had a great picnic with pate, cheese, baguette, grapes, and wine we bought ourselves the night before. Never book at train by food...
I would book cheapest ticket,, unless you can get a first class ticket for only a few euros more( I had no intention of booking 1st class only did so because of cheap price.. HOWEVER that was lucky as I booked very early , when deals abound) Seats and cars of 2nd class are absolutely fine also.
Posted by
Paris
10193 posts
Fare is the most important. The only difference (that I've found) with iDTGV is that you can ONLY change/amend iDTGV tickets online . . . i.e. if you walk up to the station to the counter they literally won't deal with you. That can be a bit of a pain if you're not 100% wired. But if you're pretty sure of your plans, it's fine.
Posted by
OP
Richmond, Virginia, USA
116 posts
Once again, I thank everyone for your comments. Very helpful in understanding. Think I'll stick with the regular TGV and indulge in 1st class only if a few euros.more. Many thanks!!