Here's an interesting question, if I want to take the TGV Lyria from Zurich to Paris, do I buy tickets through SBB or SNCF? Or Trainline?
If SNCF, I guess I'd get a carte advantage? For SBB, a half fare card?
Posted by
Green Bay
21892 posts
A Swiss Half Fare Card does not get you much as most of the trip is in France. If you buy a nonrefundable well in advance, it will probably be a better price than any discount you get with a Carte Advantage or STP. If you buy from SNCF, I believe can can choose your seat. SBB will just assign you a seat, but you can specify window or aisle. Use Trainline only if SNCF won't take your credit card.
Posted by
Wengen
2814 posts
TGV Lyria trains are operated by SBB in Switzerland and SNCF in France. You can buy from either.
However, is your trip starting in Zurich? If you are travelling from somewhere in Switzerland to Paris then SBB can sell you the whole trip in one booking. SNCF cannot, as their system is currently broken in many ways. For that reason many people in France use Trainline, and I even have bought tickets for French trains on DB...