Hi. Me and my friend are planning to go from Paris to Caen for 2 nights. Can you kindly tell us how and when we can buy the train tickets? We have never been to Europe before so we have no idea where to start! Thanks!
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
Book tickets at www.tgv-europe.com. You will get much cheaper fares if you book 90 days in advance, but these tie you to a specific train. If you intend to fly to Paris and travel to Caen the same day, if your flight is delayed and you miss that train you will have to pay full fare.
Posted by
OP
Hong Kong
15 posts
Thanks for your reply! I just want to ask, raileurope is not ok??
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Rail Europe technically is a travel agency and it doesn't offer discount fares. If you book far enough in advance (up to three months allowed) at tgv-europe.com, you can get a Prem's fare as low as €15.00 for Paris-Caen. The standard 2nd class fare is €33.30.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32253 posts
Sylvia, Are you going to be in Paris for a few days prior to going to Caen? If that's the case, you can stop by an SNCF Boutique (there are at least four offices throughout the city) and purchase your tickets there. You can also purchase at any of the larger rail stations (ie: Gare du Nord). Which part of Paris will you be staying in? Note that trains to Caen depart from Gare St. Lazare, so you'll need to get from your Hotel location to that station. Travel by Metro is usually the quickest and easiest way to get there. If you could provide further information, it would be easier to provide more specific suggestions. Also, are you only going to be travelling in France, or other countries as well? Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Hong Kong
15 posts
thanks for all of your replies! I will be in Paris for a few days first staying at a place near metro station Abbesses. My friend and I would like to book the train tickets in advance. any suggestion??
if i buy at tgv-europe.com, how can i get my tickets? Thanks again!
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
You are given the option to either print them at home or pick them up at the station. Definitely purchase ahead of time.
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2224 posts
Just print your confirmation and make sure you bring whatever credit card you used to make the purchase. You take that to either the boutique or a train station and they will print the tix for you. It is less stressful if you pick up your tix before your departure date.
Posted by
OP
Hong Kong
15 posts
thanks all~
but can i ask under "loyalty program" (when doing the online purchase), do I need to choose anything?