Hello -
I am traveling from Paris to Avignon with my family (husband, 3 teenagers, and I), and we are trying to figure out when to purchase our train tickets. Our plan is to take the train as soon after we land as possible (August 6th, theoretically in the late morning), either from CDG or Gare de Lyon, depending on how the timing works out. However, we are on a budget - we're flying Norwegian Air which while inexpensive, I've heard is unreliable. I guess I am trying to weigh buying non-refundable train tickets and some sort of travel insurance against buying when we arrive. It's been a long time since I've traveled around Europe and I no longer know how much more expensive it is to buy train tickets on the spot. Might anyone be able to advise me? A savings of $100 is worthwhile to us.
Many thanks in advance!
Tania
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9420 posts
I’ve flown Norwegian Air, flying again Sept and Oct, have 3 friends who’ve flown NA many times, and have not heard they’re unreliable (international).
We are going Paris-Avignon in mid-Sept and i just bought tickets 2 days ago. The sooner you buy, the less expensive they’ll be.
Seat61.com is very helpful in explaining all trains in Europe. They recommend buying tickets through Loco2.com, which i did.
I agree it is tricky to know what train/time to reserve when flying from the US, no matter what airline you’re flying.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Semi-flexible tickets are not refundable or changeable if you miss the scheduled departure of the train. If you knew in advance that you would miss it and had internet access at that time, you might be able to change it up to 30 minutes before departure, but not later.
Even fully-flexible tickets are now only refundable or changeable up to 30 minutes after the scheduled departure.
Posted by
Green Bay
20074 posts
If saving money is important, buy tickets for the 5:03 pm Ouigo train to Avignon.
Yes, if your plane is on time you will be hanging out in the airport for a while, but it is 190 EUR for the whole family vs 360 EUR for the 11:57. That is almost $200. You will also be a bit protected if you have a late arriving plane or getting through immigration is a horror show.
Note that Ouigo requires you to check in 30 minutes before departure time, and is bare bones service, the Ryanair of trains. No on-board services, even water, and you have to pay extra if you have a lot of luggage. But it is fast and will get you to Avignon TGV in 3 hours.