I am searching for TVG prices well in advance for CDG to Lyon. The hard decision to decide it I buy early. Checking same day purchase it seems worth the risk as long as I give myself plenty of time. Last year we sat for 3 hours waiting for the later train, but that was ok. We were truly whisked thru entry and that is not often the case.
SO... my question. I am looking on SNCF website, 2 identical direct trains appear, same time 12:00 pm, one is 25€ and the other 65€.
Why? And , I notice some are already sold out for September 30. Should I book now?
Posted by
Citizen of the World
3055 posts
The least expensive SNCF train tickets are called “Loisir” or “Prems ” tickets and they go on sale 4 months prior to the train’s departure date. There is a limited number of them and once they sell out for a particular train the only tix remaining are more expensive.
What you may be looking at are the remaining Loisir/Prems tickets on the train that has tix for €25. The train for which you can buy a €25 ticket today may only have tickets for €175 the day before the train departs.
I bought Prems tix when they were nonchangeable and nonrefundable. Now, SNCF has made them changeable and cancellable within certain timelines.
By all means, even if the timing only appears it may work for you on the inexpensive ticket— buy it.! You can change it later at the airport if your flight is late.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
11139 posts
The two are doing the same run, attached together. It appears that one was put on sale a while ago, while the second one may have just gone on sale today or very recently, which is why you have the low-cost ticket available.
To know the refund and exchange conditions, you have to click on the ticket. I have a senior card, so when I click, I may have different conditions from you.
At this low price, it doesn't hurt to go ahead and buy your tickets. If you arrive earlier, see if conditions allow you to exchange for an earlier train. It's certain that if you miss this train, the ticket will be worthless. You have to exchange before train departure.