How complex is the Avigon TGV station? I want to get in and find my train quickly without looking like a total dufus, and hence be robbed of all my valuables (ha ha). We will be arriving at the Avignon TGV by Bus departing from the Arles train station. We are taking the train to Paris. So if anyone knows their way around the Avignon TGV station, please let me know. Also, how do you find your seat assignment of the train? Is there a conductor as you board to tell you which car? I know I sound ignorant on the subject, so please don't point out the obvious (again, ha ha).
Posted by
Bend, OR, United States
1167 posts
You can find a map of the station here:
http://bonjourlafrance.net/france-trains/stations/avignon-tgv-station.htm
It looks like there are only two tracks and the one your train will be on is closest to the entrance. Your reservation will tell you the car and seat numbers. The car number is posted on the outside. Get on that car and find the seat with your number.
Posted by
Springfield, VA, USA
283 posts
The TGV station is really neat. All the trains arrive and depart from the second level. You go in on the first level and there are shops, etc. Then the escalator up to the tracks. The platform looks like a ship, and it really cool. It is a very easy station.
Posted by
OP
Tinton Falls, NJ
792 posts
Thanks Jeff & Sue,
Good. Sounds nice and simple! map too.
Posted by
Dreaming of my next trip to Europe
273 posts
Small, modern, beautiful train station. You find your car number on the outside of the train (the car numbers are posted on a board so you know where to stand) and the seats are marked just like an airplane. Easiest train station ever!
Posted by
Lake Forest Park, WA, USA
365 posts
Kerry, you already know there are two TGV stations in Avignon and have assured yourself you'll be arriving at the correct one for your trip so I don't even need to mention it, right?
Posted by
Philadelphia
15 posts
There are two train stations in Avignon. The one in the city is for regular service; the TGV is a short bus ride away in the outskirts. Don't forget to punch your ticket(on the machine provided for that purpose)in the station before getting on the train.
Posted by
OP
Tinton Falls, NJ
792 posts
I'll make sure we are on a bus to the TGV station, not the regular train station & I'll make sure to punch our tickets in the machine before boarding. Are the machines on the entrance level or up one level near the tracks. Do the machines have English instructions. Basically, will I be confused by this machine? (ha ha). I hate being confused, makes me feel stupid, which when it comes to strange machines, I kind of am. Thanks for making sure I know which train station to go to. The less headaches and hassles the better, my two kids will probably provide plenty of those!
Posted by
Philadelphia
15 posts
As I remember, the cancelling machines are inside the station on the track level. Just watch what the other travelers are doing, and you shouldn't have any difficulty.
Posted by
Ypsilanti, MI, USA
233 posts
The Avignon TGV station is not complex. In fact, it's almost bland :) I was there in December 2008, taking the train to Nice. Buses stop in front of the station. There is a sign board on the platform that will show what order the train cars will be in. On my ticket, it listed the car (voiture in French) and place assise (seat number), so it was easy to find the right place on the train. There are also conductors on the platform to ask (and lots of passengers, too!). Enjoy!
Posted by
Lake Forest Park, WA, USA
365 posts
Ahem.
Just to be entirely clear what I was trying to say, in light of Jim from Philadelphia's comment: there are two train stations in Avignon, and they BOTH have TGV service. I know this because I rode the TGV into and out of Avignon last year. I arrived at the downtown station, but departed from the TGV station on the south edge of town. The downtown station is definitely NOT limited to "regular" or non-TGV service, at least as of 11 months ago.
I guess what I'm saying, Kerry, is it's very possible the Avignon Centre train station is your departure point just as much as Gare d'Avignon TGV might be. It's best to not assume and to make sure.
Posted by
OP
Tinton Falls, NJ
792 posts
Thank you Neil,
I will make sure to check my tickets and get on a bus to the correct train station.