We will be traveling in Sept and I know that it is too early to do the tickets, but I am trying to prepare ahead! On tgv-europe.com it lists 2 separate trains (leaving and arriving at the same time) or are they the same train? And several prices...One is marked as IDTGV and one as PREMTGV...both say "Reservations required" and "Nonrefundable". There is a 15euro difference in the price, however (IDTGV being lower). Does purchasing the ticket secure the reservation? Can both be printed at home? It is rather confusing for me...can anyone help with info on this? And why would anyone choose the higher price...is there an advantage to the higher price if both are available? Both appeared to be 2nd class. We don't mind picking up tickets in Paris...just want to make sure that we have the reservation!!! Thanks for any help.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
On that same website, just click on the "Train" tab, then on "All Our Trains" and you'll see an explanation.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
The reason you see the same arrival and departure times for both a TGV and an iDTGV is that it's one train with designated cars.
You can book iDTGV tickets up to four months in advance and you print your own tickets. You can book regular TGV tickets up to three months in advance. If you get a Prem's (discount) fare, you can print your own ticket. For all other fares you can pick up your ticket at any SNCF station in France. In all cases the reservation comes with the ticket and is included in the price of the ticket.
On the tgv-europe site say that you live in Great Britain. If you say you live in the US, you will be bumped to the Rail Europe site which doesn't offer discount fares.