We are staying in Paris for 4 days, then taking the high speed train to San Sebastian. The Rail Europe site does not have tickets for this route, but I know a train is possible. Any suggestions? We are meeting people in San Sebastian on a specific date, and need to be back in Paris on a specific date, so I want to buy our tickets or make reservations in advance
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
For detailed timetables, go to www.bahn.de. Click on "Internat. Guests" to view the site in English. You'll see that you can take a TGV to Irun and change there for a train to San Sebastian. You can do the same on a night train. Book Paris-Irun at www.sncf.com. Click on the British flag in the lower left-hand corner to view the site in English. You might be able to get a PREM'S (discount) ticket if they aren't sold out. Leave France as the default country, do NOT choose cancellation insurance, and print your own ticket. If you have to pay standard fare, choose the option of picking up your ticket at a station or ticket boutique. For Irun-San Sebastian, just wait and buy your ticket in Irun.
Posted by
OP
Boise
7 posts
Thanks very much. I found an outgoing train, but on the return the site said that the ticket could not be sold over the internet.
I wrote to Rail Europe because it looked like all their trains were booked, but they said no, that they just haven't posted for dates that far out yet (6/1 - 6/10).
Any suggestions?
Posted by
OP
Boise
7 posts
Success! I called Rail Europe (888-382-7245) and they were wonderful. Got us on first class both ways for the same price as a 2nd class ticket on the web. They also got us better times, better connections. Booking this route on the web was difficult. Many more trains were available by phone. So relieved to have our tickets taken care of!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
I'm glad you're pleased with Rail Europe. Their prices are usualy much higher than booking directly with a national rail company. I assume you've discovered that the connection point on the return trip is Hendaye rather than Irun. You could have booked Hendaye-Paris at sncf.com.
Posted by
OP
Boise
7 posts
Actually, I got about the same rate as if I could've booked online directly. Plus, I know what I'm getting here. The SNCF site didn't have a return trip at available at all! I paid $33 extra for booking on the phone and having the tickets sent to my house. Definitely worth the piece of mind, as I have commitments to be at my destinations on those days. I don't know if the trains really book up or not, but am so glad to have that taken care of.