I would like to purchase TGV train tickets before arriving in Europe. We will be traveling from Paris to Amboise and back. Is there a particular website anyone would recommend? Also, has anyone waited until their arrival in France before purchasing these tickets. We will be going off season (mid-November) and will be in France for 5 days before traveling to Amboise. Thanks for your help!
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
At that time of year, you can purchase your tickets when you arrive in Paris...you shouldn't have any problems with 5 days notice. However, the French national railways website does offer some attractive discounts that may not be available when you arrive. Check out http://www.sncf.fr/indexe.htm
Posted by
Anchorage
157 posts
As Norm mentions, the best deals are on the SNCF website, but wait just a few days. They are doing a complete make-over with brand new pricing and promotions on PREMS and IDTGV tickets, all due to be unveiled on October 7.
I would expect that once that is unvelied you will be able to purchase greatly reduced tickets, but don't wait too long. Be sure to select France as country to pick up, do not select insurance, and you can print out the tickets in your jammies, right at home.
Of course you can always purchase tickets on location, but not with any savings.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Your route choices are (1) Gare Montparnasse to St-Pierre-des-Corps on a TGV and a Corail train from there to Amboise or (2) a Corail train directly from Gare d'Austerlitz to Amboise. Because of the connection in St-Pierre-des-Corps, taking the TGV won't be much faster than taking the direct Corail train.
The standard 2nd class fare on the TGV is €38.40. PREM'S, if available, are €20. The fare from St-Pierre-des-Corps to Amboise is €4.10.
The standard fare for the direct Corail train is €26.30. That price will be the same whether you book in advance or buy a ticket just before boarding.