If I purchase point to point rail tickets instead of the Rail Pass for France-Spain (Only Barcelona) in advance for a particular time, is there a chance for redemption or change if we are unable to make the connection at that particular time. We had this trouble in France several years ago. Thanks for all replies. Jim
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
If you are not set on particular train departures in France, especially for TGV service, then the most flexible option is to buy tickets as you go, probably at or near full fare. Point-to-point tickets that are purchased at an advance discount rate are not refundable and usually not changeable. Those rules will be available in any web shopping cart and written on the ticket.
If your only destination in Spain is Barcelona, then you can do the trip with just a France rail pass, plus a TGV seat reservation for the service to Barcelona. This does not increase flexibility. TGV reservations for pass holders are limited and can't be booked in France less than 3 days in advance, and may sell out weeks ahead, so you should book those at the same time that you buy the pass.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
It depends on the terms of the exact ticket you buy. The more discounted the fare, the more the restrictions on exchanges. Make sure you understand the terms and restrictions of any ticket you are considering, and make sure you can live with the restrictions before you buy it.