We will be arriving on British Airways flight (terminal 2-A) and will need to buy RER ticket into Paris, plus make changes to train tickets. Can anyone tell me where I buy RER ticket and where to locate SNCF customer service. Many thanks.
Posted by
Paris
7301 posts
As you follow signs to the RER (a round logo with RER spelled out inside), you will end up at the RER station where you will be greeted by ticket machines and a counter. I strongly recommend you try the ticket machines first, as the lines at the counter can be long.
The SNCF station at the same place as the RER station, they share a mezzanine. Again, there will be machines: the machines can handle ticket exchanges, and will be much faster than the counter.
By the way, regarding SNCF, what are you trying to do that you cannot do online?
Posted by
OP
Richmond, Virginia, USA
116 posts
Add'l info: I just read that can purchase tickets on Level 2 but there are multiple areas in level 2--ABCD, etc. Is there good signage to direct me to both locations? Will be a long day of travel and just trying to know where I'm going when I get there. Thanks!
Posted by
Paris
7301 posts
I edited my post a bit as I got confused between the layout of the two RER stations at the airport.
The one you'll use is AT the TGV station. The TGV and the RER station share the same mezzanine above the tracks, and this is where the counters and ticket machines for SNCF and RER are located, opposite each other.
If you follow signs to the TGV or the RER, you cannot miss them.
Posted by
OP
Richmond, Virginia, USA
116 posts
Balso, thanks for response. I have tried multiple times to manage booking (which I made through Trainline) to make changes for date on one ticket and time on another. When I get to adding credit cards info for my Visa card, it rejects. I pay bill in full monthly so there should have been no problem. I called credit card company and they said rejection was on the business end. I re-tried, and the same thing happened. I'm wondering if I have to wait 'til 4 days before travel when ticket will be sent by email. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Paris
7301 posts
How about cancelling those tickets and booking new ones altogether (using another sales channel if needed, such as SNCF Connect or Rail Europe)? Does that work? It will cost the same as changing tickets.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33832 posts
you are likely falling foul of the EU credit card anti fraud systems. Have you previously notified the card issuer that you will be making a purchase in France?
Often here there is second level security which involves a one time text code or email to the phone or email previously linked to the card with the decision made in real time. You may want to try a different method of payment.
Posted by
Indianapolis
201 posts
I had to laugh when I saw CDG and 'service' in the same sentence. . . .
Posted by
USA
402 posts
The last time we were at CDG we bought RER and subway tickets at the Tourist Info booth, of which there are several. See https://www.visitparisregion.com/en/services/tourist-information-centres/pit-aeroport-paris-charles-de-gaulle They speak English and there is seldom a line; it can be easier than standing in line for the RER machine and no worries about whether your credit card will be accepted.
It sounds like you're trying to exchange your tickets on the SNCF website, where people sometimes encounter the problem you see with entering credit card info. Have you tried the trainline.eu website? I would try to make your changes online if possible. When we've walked by the SNCF office to get on the RER there has always been a lengthy line.