Hello, all:
I am currently in Italy for several months, and have a question on how to purchase train tickets in France (Paris to Lyon Part Dieu) in advance. I have tried two websites (both Rail Europe and the other one Rick suggests that charges in Euros). Neither one is successful on actually completing the transaction (due to itinerary problems on one and my credit card on the other--i think i need an American Express?). I have also been to the Florence train station and no luck there either. The tickets are twice the price there than the online prices. Is your advice to just get tickets when I arrive at the Paris train station? I was trying to avoid the higher cost by purchasing early. If I am missing something very obvious here, please let me know. Thank you so much!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, US
1005 posts
First, SNCF won't allow ticket sales beyond Dec. 14th right now. However, tickets will go on sale TOMORROW, Oct. 17th, for the period Dec. 15-Jan. 14. Secondly, if you have trouble with your credit card on SNCF, try this new private rail ticket site that sells French rail tickets for the SAME PRICE as SNCF, without the credit card hassles or trying to pump you to the more expensive Rail Europe website. www.capitainetrain.com Good luck.
Posted by
OP
Malibu, Ca, 90265
8 posts
Thank you so much! I greatly appreciate the help.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Have you notified your credit card provider that you are making an international purchase? A computer may be blocking your card for unusual, and therefore suspected, fraudulent activity.
Posted by
Tucson
4151 posts
In 2012 I bought tickets online from SCNF (TGV) and ever since I've been getting newsletters informing me of cheap fares when they go on sale. This is the link to the latest one: http://m.newsletter.voyages-sncf.com/nl/jsp/m.jsp?c=EfF82SnmUUTOJZm%2FhrKtPqNaaNz0aioX. I don't know if you can get to that newsletter, but as someone else said, they went on sale today. The prices from Paris to Nice or Avignon were 25 Euro. I don't know if that route would work for you, but here's another link for trying: http://en.voyages-sncf.com/en/. Incidentally, I used my plain old Visa to make that purchase, but informed them that I would be doing it and it went through just fine. I was able to print my tickets at home and everything worked when we got to the train, too.
Posted by
OP
Malibu, Ca, 90265
8 posts
Many thanksthe problem did stem from the fact that I was booking too early (thanks for the tip!) and my travel alert I'd set had surpassed the 2 month limit on my credit card. Your help is greatly appreciated!