TGV Train from Basel to Paris

Hi, Sharon. It's possible for a TGV to sell out, but the main reason to book three months ahead is to save about 50% over full fares (which are around $140 per person in 2nd class). The advance-discount tickets are not refundable or changeable, so don't book until you're ready. If you choose the "Prems" fare through SNCF, you can pay with PayPal and print your ticket at home. See Rick's tips for that process at http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/france-rail-passes#ticket-tips.

Hi Laura,
Wow! Saving 50% would definitely be worth it. Our plans and lodging are set for Switzerland, so maybe we should consider making reservations in advance. Thank you so much for your input!
Sharon

Go to http://calendar.en.voyages-sncf.com/en/ to view the monthly price calendar for best fares. In January, I got it for 25 euro ($35). so obviously the price is based solely on seasonal and time of day demand.

Tickets can be quite cheap - in addition to looking for Prems and other advances; have a look for the iDTGV fares which can be cheaper than the rest of the train.

I hate to hijack a thread but my wife, children (ages 13 & 14) and I are making a similar trip this June, except we'll be going from Luzern to Paris through Basel. Unlike Gemany's bahn.com site, I have found the Swiss sbb.ch website very difficult to use, especially when it comes to options with family/junior card discounts and how far in advance tickets can (or should) be purchased, etc. I can't tell whether to book the whole trip now through sbb or split it up and do just the TGV leg now (to take advantage of any early discount) and the Lucern-Basel leg later? Any suggestions on how (and when) to proceed?

Many thanks,
Matt B.

Actually the TGV originates in Zurich, and stops briefly on Basel and the prices are generally the same (25 euro for the cheapest). Luzern to Zurich is a frequent run and pretty much the same price all the time. I'd buy the Zurich-Paris leg from http://en.voyages-sncf.com/en/?DISTRIBUTED_COUNTRY=GB.
And yes, SBB makes you jump through several hoops before they display a price for international trips, unlike DB, the gold standard in rail websites.

If you'll be in Lucerne, you'll have to travel either to Zurich or Basel to get the TGV. Reservations are not required on this leg of the trip. And there's no benefit to getting a ticket in advance. Just arrive at the Lucerne station early enough to ensure you don't miss the TGV. Will you have a Swiss rail pass of some kind while visiting Switzerland? If so, you can use that to get to Basel or Zurich.

I would think the TGV from Basel to Paris is slightly cheaper than from Zurich to Paris. If you have a Swiss pass, I'd use that to get you to Basel and take the TGV from there.

As you don't need to prebook your tickets with swiss rail, just book the TGV from Basel or Zurich to Paris when the tickets go on sale.. You'll get a much better price that way. I found it best to use the French website. Seats are assigned so there's no chance of 'good' seats being gone by those getting on the train in Zurich.

Thank you both for the very helpful replies! I'll nail down the Zurich (or Basel) to Paris TGV tickets soon. Any reason I couldn't buy the Lucerne-Zurich (or Basel) tickets the day we pull into the Lucerne HBf (a Saturday). Only one night in Lucerne - off to Paris Sunday AM.

We won't have any rail passes...most of our travel will be concentrated in urban Munich and Paris. I will probably be posting with questions about passes in those cities on the appropriate forums.

Thanks again,
Matt B.

Yes, there are 2 direct trains every hour at 10 past and 35 past the hour. They all show a 24 chf full fare. Trip time is 45 to 50 minutes. You can buy at the station.