I'm trying to book a TGV ticket from Paris to Amsterdam on December 5. I don't understand why the French Railway (SNCF) website (voyages-sncf.com) will let you self-print a Second Class ticket, but not a First Class ticket. The only option for the First Class ticket is to pick it up at the train station (they won't mail tickets to the USA).
I probably should get the second class ticket anyway; it's WAY cheaper (25 EUR versus 98 EUR).
Tyler,
I wouldn't bother buying a TGV ticket on the internet, as you can buy it when you arrive in Paris. I assume you'll be landing at CDG, and there's a TGV ticket office right in the airport. Check parisbytrain.com for the details and some photos of the layout.
Happy travels!
Tyler,
You'll be traveling on a Thalys train, not a TGV, from Paris to Amsterdam. Only non-exchangeable, non-refundable tickets (like the €25 Smoove fare you found) can be self-printed. The €98 fare is an Optiway fare and is exchangeable.
IMO, 2nd class is very comfortable and 1st class isn't worth the extra expense.
For Ken: Booking a Thalys ticket well in advance can result in a huge savings. The standard 1st class fare for Paris-Amsterdam is €178. The best Optiway 1st class fare is €98. The standard 2nd class fare is €110. The best Smoove fare (only available in 2nd class) is €25.
Yes, I bought the 25 EUR ticket and printed it out. I like First Class on trains, but I know that Second Class is good enough, especially if you have a reserved seat, and the difference in price was amazing. Why spend 98 EUR for a four-hour train ride when you can spend 25 EUR. It's almost a giveaway, and while you can't change or get any refund on the 25 EUR ticket, heck, even if I missed the train I would only be out 25 EUR. Good deal.
I took the TGV from Paris to Amsterdam in June, 2nd class. The seats are comfortable and the views are very nice. I can't imagine what you would get in 1st that would be worth 18E/hour.
If that is the smoove fare - take it now (25E), it will be sold out very soon.
Enjoy!
