I'm feeling a bit confused at the moment. I just set up an account on the SNCF website. I will be traveling from CDG to Strasbourg, not til next September, but I wanted to start checking things out. There seem to be many choices of ways to travel: DB SNCF, TGV Lyria, TGV Inoui, Ouigo, Intercities, yikes! Any helpful hints so I don't spend hours clicking on everything on the website? As an American, can I get a senior discount? How far in advance are the seats available to book and are there special rates ahead of time? (I always book my Trenitalia tickets ahead to get a better price). Thank you in advance for any tips!
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2544 posts
I highly recommend the site seat61.com for train info.
DB is short for Deutsch Bahn, the Germain train system. SNCF is the French train system. TGV is the French abbreviation for “train a grand vitesse” or fast train. It really doesn’t matter which train you take. It’s about a 3 hour ride. Pick the one that works for your schedule. Splurge for 1st class if you want fewer people in the car, so more luggage space.
Ticket prices are lowest as soon as they go on sale. They increase as the date approaches.
Download the SNCF Connect and DB Navigator apps and get familiar with them. Compare prices between the two. We found DB to be cheaper for the same trains.
Posted by
Wengen
2488 posts
On CDG to Strasbourg there is currently only one option: SNCF: All trains on that route are operated by them, and that applies even to those services that continue to Germany and use DB trains.
So the sncf-connect site is the only one to concern yourself with in this case. And september is far to far in the future to worry about mass transit tickets...
Posted by
2574 posts
Have a play around with the following site noting how the prices vary by date and by time of departure as well as speed of train.https://www.thetrainline.com
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5846 posts
I’d suggest downloading the SNCF Connect app. Once I set it up, I found it very easy to buy tickets. I bought tickets in advance for long distance trains and on the fly for regional trains. The app was very handy as it gave you alerts about train platforms and delays.
Posted by
Chicago
1135 posts
Great advice above. I just want to emphasize to be fully aware that the distance trains are dynamic pricing. Generally meaning that the closer to your travel date you buy, the more expensive.
I am traveling later this month in France with tickets purchased when they first came on available for sale. Current prices on my routes on several of those routes have doubled.
TER - regional trains - are not priced dynamically. That means spontaneous day trips to nearby locations can be decided based on weather, whim of the moment, or whatever other last minute criteria is important without paying more than if purchased months in advance.
Posted by
OP
Arcadia, CA
583 posts
Thanks to everyone for the fantastic information! I really appreciate it!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
393 posts
I suggest keeping a good paper trail of what you purchase/reserve. What I got on line over the SNCF site, subsequently changed for one of two travelers. I was very glad to have the documentation when we were in the station in Bordeaux working with the staff there so we could BOTH travel together to Bergerac. After an initial non, I persisted and we then got "Ah, je peux vous aider. (I can help you.)"