When one buys a ticket for the train (TER?) from Gare Montparnasse in Paris to Chartres, is it a ticket for a specific train and time, or can it be used for any departure? In other words, if I happen to be close to Gare Montparnasse on a Friday and buy a ticket, can I use it on Saturday? I think this is called an "open ticket"?
And a terminology question: In the US, we say we want a "one-way" or "round-trip" ticket. What are these called in France?
Thanks much!
When one buys a ticket for the train (TER?) from Gare Montparnasse in Paris to Chartres, is it a ticket for a specific train and time, or can it be used for any departure?
It can be used for any departure that day.
You have to validate (composter) the ticket before you board in one of the yellow machines on the platform; they look like this
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SNCF_ticket_punching_machine_2004.jpg
And a terminology question: In the US, we say we want a "one-way" or "round-trip" ticket. What are these called in France?
Aller simple = one way
Aller-retour = roundtrip
they don't really do round trips though -- it will be two one way tickets. you can buy as two way but it will come out as two one way tickets.
That makes sense. "Aller simple," simply go. "Aller-retour," go and return. I just wanted to know what to ask for. And good to know that a ticket is good for that day. There is nothing so simple or foolproof that I can't worry about it ahead of time, and that reassures me that if I buy a ticket and mess up because I can't find the right track or something and miss the train, the ticket will be good for the next one. Thanks!
Hello. We are going to Chartres soon and doing the same thing as you did, traveling from Paris. What is the name of the train station in Chartres near the cathedral? Is it only 1 train station when you purchase the TER ticket? Thanks!!
Just make sure you use the correct ticket for each leg of the journey.
Only one station in Chartres and it is about 1/4 mile walk to the cathedral.
The Chartres train station is called Gare de Chartres. It is an easy walk to the cathedral. Our hotel had a great view of our favorite cathedral! We were last there 9 years ago. Enjoy your stay!
If you have a smartphone you can also easily book this on the SNCF Connect app. You can book a return ticket at the same time.
I have to laugh every time I arrive in Chartres and walk out of the train station. Those medieval cathedrals were built so that pilgrims could see them and that is exactly what it feels like from the train station...Oh...there it is...let's head that way, lol!!
Pam, you beat me posting the app info.
Michelle, it’s very easy to buy tickets using the app. The ticket is for a specific day and time. You can buy ahead of time, no reserved seats on that train. The app has a link to post the ticket to your Apple Wallet (I don’t know about using an Android) or you can access it through the app.
Pam,
Thanks for the advice about the app. We will be in Paris next September and this looks like it will be a great tool.
Vanessa
I'm planning my fourth trip to Paris for March/April, this time staying at a timeshare near Disneyland with a rental car. RS France and Paris guidebooks are a MUST. The Paris books is more detailed, with more extensive info on day trips from Paris. Lots of info on transportation.
And with all due respect, Rick's guidebooks are not the only ones. I still refer to and benefit from the F guides.
To clarify, is the TER ticket good for any train that day? Or for a specific time? Both possibilities are stated in this thread.
TER is good for any train that day.
If you buy a paper version at the station you must insert it into this machine and validate it before you get on:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SNCF_ticket_punching_machine_2004.jpg
If you buy an electronic version on a phone or have the PDF print out they will scan the QR code on it.
Riding the rails in France, be sure to hold onto your train ticket; you might need it to exit the destination station. True of the Metro too, although not so much for the exit gate as for double-checking by the transit enforcement officers.
