Hi! I am planning a side trip to Colmar and Reims from Paris, however, the TGV seems to be un-bookable starting April 3, 2016 (less than 90 days away). I had wanted to check if anyone had information about TGV East for the spring? I saw a headline about a tragic train derailment while they were working on the new line, and am worried that this could mean no trains. Or, should I just be patient and assume that tickets will be posted eventually? If not, any other suggestions for getting from Colmar to Reims to Paris? Thank you for the help!
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4088 posts
In general, train reservations open three months (or 90 days) before the day of travel. SNCF, the company operating TGV and regional trains, makes some effort to post news of delays and cancellations on its site, although there's no guarantee it's 100 per cent. You could check out http://help.en.voyages-sncf.com/en/useful-information/traffic-info which includes a registry for the company tonotify you when tickets for your route are available. As well, advance tickets to some destinations may go on sale substantially earlier so it is worthwhile to keep on eye on SNCF information.
Some users of this forum prefer to book through a private source:
www.capitainetrain.com/en
Also useful: www.parisbytrain.com
and of course the encyclopedia of train travel, www.seat61.com
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
The derailment was on the section of the high-speed line that is still being constructed. At present the trains run to the end of the existing high-speed line and then swap to the old-style line (which has a very nice bit of scenery where you run along a river, don't know which one). The accident had no effect on this except for delaying the opening of the new high-speed bit.
You can't book now because French domestic trains aren't put on sale until around 90 days in advance.
Posted by
Vacaville, Ca
1441 posts
The site is currently showing the ability to book for Departing Paris on 1 Apr and Return on 2 Apr from Colmar, but nothing after that. To early statement. I would give it a day or two and try again. I am doing the same at the end of May & have figured it out that by the end of March I can book my train tickets. You also have the option to select your seating, Upper/Lower deck, side by side or facing each other. http://en.voyages-sncf.com/en/
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
Very strange. Just to experiment I tried April 7 on Captaintrain, and there was nothing, even though it's only around 70 days out. When I reserved a TGV for Paris-Bordeaux for March 31, I was able to make my reservation exactly 3 months (92 days) before.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Yes, there will be trains. "am worried that this could mean no trains" - that is like asking will there be flights to Los Angeles, yes of course there will be, lots of them.
The second phase of the TGV was due to open in April, which will mean faster times and a new timetable. But this has all been put back because of the accident, and SNCF did not know if the old or the new timetable could be used, hence no bookable trains on the website.
They have now decided the new line will open in July (click here for details). So the old timetable will apply to then and you should be able to book tickets.
P.S. Where I you looking to book this train? I hope it is SNCF's website or www.capitainetrain.com and not one of the websites that applies a mark-up and only offers some trains.
Posted by
Vacaville, Ca
1441 posts
SNCF Tickets - Update - The sale price starts on the day you are looking at, lucky you.
SNCF tickets become available 3 months in advance. Delays can occur if there are any timetable changes or SNCF has scheduled track maintenance. There are no specific opening times; the tickets can released at any time after midnight (Central European Time).
SNCF is currently holding a Spring Ticket Sale. This means that tickets have been released earlier than usual so bookings are open for the 3rd of April until the 17th of May. For all departures after this date, the usual 3 month booking horizon applies.
Tip: The cheapest tickets will usually sell out within a few weeks of opening, especially if you are booking a popular route (e.g. Paris - Lyon) or during high season (e.g. christmas or summer holidays). SNCF also holds bi-annual promotional sales with advance release periods. If you subscribe to our newsletter you will receive updates about these sales.
Posted by
OP
17 posts
Hello! I wanted to let everyone know that tickets are now on sale for the TGV East line (Paris-Strasbourg)!