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October Train Reservation, Gare St. Lazare to Caen and back. Best way to reserve/2 adults?

Posted by on

We will depart Paris on October 5, from Gare St.Lazare- arriving in Caen. Return trip on Thursday. 2 adults.
The TGV trains run hourly and take 2.5 hours. Is the TGV the "Grandes Lignes"?
I feel my timing is good now-4 months out. (This is my first time taking the train in France).

Is it better to book through the SNCF web site, Trainline app, or OuiGo app? I recently read about the apps double charging if not cleared correctly...??
Also, are certain credit cards not accepted by SNCF/OuiGo web sites??
Any/all practical advice also helpful !!
I just wanted some advice before I became stuck on the sites/apps..
Thank you.

leejoe34

Posted by
35 posts

I recently booked these tickets, also for this October, from Caen to Paris.
I used the SNCF website. Used my visa card. No problems. It was under 25 euros each for first-class tickets.

Also my first time booking train tickets in France! Excited for the journey!

Posted by
4084 posts

TGV stands for "Train à Grande Vitesse" (High-Speed Train).

"Grandes Lignes" refers to the main rail lines connecting France's major cities.

Use the SNCF wensite or App to book your tickets. Ouigo is a low-cost branch of SNCF, offering mostly TGV trains, same speed but cheaper, though with some restrictions. Ouigo trains can also be booked on the SNCF website or app.

Posted by
32 posts

There is no TGV between Paris and Caen, and also no ouigo.
It's a TER train (regional train) but for Normandie, booking can be compulsory. So, buy your tickets on sncf-connect.com.

Posted by
574 posts

Autumn, you got a good price.

I booked four tickets last week for Caen to Paris, also in first class. It was €118 for all four. Still not a bad price though and worth every penny for first class.

We also booked through the SNCF website, and initially could see our tickets on the app. The app is no longer working though. Luckily I screenshot the tickets first.

Posted by
4130 posts

This is basically a commuter train. If you buy tickets for October now you’ll be the first one to do so by a margin of several months.
These trains are used by locals to go about their daily business. You don’t need to buy months in advance. Or weeks. Or days. This is literally a train where you can just turn up at the station, buy a ticket, and go….

Posted by
574 posts

Wengen, I completely agree, but our AUD was good against the Euro last week, so we chose to purchase and got an excellent rate.

This week we are back to normal, so we saved. Our tickets are completely changeable and cancellable, so it is one thing less to think about.

You were such a help on our trip to Switzerland a couple of years ago, so thank you.

Posted by
17 posts

Thank You, ALL.

Interesting that the SNCF App is no longer working. I will take all of your advice and just book on SNCF website.
I did not think it was mostly a commuter train, but we will book ahead- just to make sure we have seats- AND Tickets.

Best,
leejoe34

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