Hoping to travel to Barcelona in late March from Paris. Should I buy tickets in advance from US? Reliable websites? First or second class?
Posted by
California 🦋
5294 posts
PSM,
You can always buy your train tickets in France, but if you buy in advance you may get a discounted price.
I usually buy 2nd class train ticket (less expensive) but if you want to buy 1st class, that's a personal preference.
You can buy this type of ticket up to 3 months in advance.
You will want to use this website: http://en.voyages-sncf.com/en
You may want to read this RS article on buying point-point train tickets in France:https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/france-rail-passes#ticket-tips
EDIT: It might be less expensive to fly from Paris to Barcelona. Check flights here: http://www.skyscanner.com
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I think second class is fine. Buy soon for a better price in either class if you are ready to lock in a travel date and time. Cheaper tickets have limited seats available and are not refundable. You could compare Rail Europe and www.capitainetrain.com, both reliable agents. To compare flights, see www.skyscanner.com.
Voyages SNCF does not take some US credit cards and did not accept PayPal for this particular route, in my previous tests.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Vueling air will get you from Paris Orly to Barcelona in 1H35m. Price is 1/3 of train ticket.