Ok, so I am looking for tickets based on a prior post here this month and am trying to learn the train system. On SNCF Connect, will I find the local train options? Seems when I search, I don't get some options that I get on Trainline. Is there an advantage to using one site over the other? Also, is it better to purchase tickets in Colmar when we are ready to leave? If so, where are the schedules? Do I need to worry about them being sold out? Thank you for your insights on this!
Posted by
Green Bay
20178 posts
I wonder if SNCF is showing you connections that go through Switzerland, which may be the most direct route.
Posted by
Paris
6916 posts
If you plan to go through Lyon (i.e. wholly in France), it is better to buy in advance: cheaper, and trains can sell out.
Trainline charges small fees so if you can manage SNCF Connect, it is better.
Regarding trains showing up on one site and not the other: SNCF is only showing routes through France, so that might be the reason. The 9.23 AM is looking pretty good to me!
Posted by
Wengen
1716 posts
What SNCF shows is curated. They will not show results with more than two changes, even when they are faster. And they also make you lose a lot of time.
If you take the 9:23 departure you arrive in Lyon at 13:00, with is perfect for the 13:08 departure to Annecy. But SNCF makes you waste a whole hour in Lyon and suggests you take the 14:08 in stead.
However, TER tickets are flexible, so even if you were to buy a ticket for the 14:08. you can use it on the 13:08 so do not unnecessarily waste an hour in Lyon.
Posted by
Washington DC
27187 posts
Personally, I wouldn't want an 8-minute connection at Lyon-Part Dieu.
Posted by
OP
29 posts
When I search Colmar to Annecy I only see a 10am departure (for am) and a 658 pm arrival for 256 euro. What am I missing here?