I know this topic has been covered in depth in the past. I am helping friends plan a trip to France next month after their tour got cancelled recently, and I just want to make sure I am giving them correct information. When I get on the French Rail site, I know how to bypass getting transferred to the RailEurope site by choosing France as my country. When I get to the point when they ask how I want to recieve my ticket, I know the tickets can't be sent to the US, but please verify that they can either be printed off the computer here at home, or they can be obtained through the automatic ticket machines at the train station, using the credit card that was used to purchase them. My friends are running short on time, and I want to make sure that I am not giving them any faulty information. Thanks.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Some discount fare tickets (like Prem's) can be printed at home. Regular tickets can be picked up at a station ticket window by presenting the credit card used when booking and the confirmation number you'll be given. If the ticket machine in the station only accepts credit cards with embedded chips, then US credit cards won't work. However, magnetic strip cards can be used at ticket windows.
Posted by
OP
Williamsburg, Virginia
94 posts
Thanks, Tim. Thats what I thought.
Posted by
Anchorage
157 posts
To add to Tim's excellent advice, be sure that when printing from home (which I think is the best option) that you NOT select insurance.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, US
519 posts
Just out of curiosity, I've seen it mentioned many times not to select the insurance (which I haven't). Is there any special reason besides you probably won't need it to not buy it?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, US
519 posts
Thanks for clearing that up Tim! None for me!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
There are two reasons not to choose cancellation insurance: (1) Coverage is only for limited conditions, none of which you'll probably meet, and (2) You are required to enter a home address--and while this may no longer be true, entering an address in North America got you bumped to Rail Europe which doesn't sell Prem's.
Posted by
longview, tx, usa
17 posts
Its true. Its also cheaper. nice reward for the ability to can speak french. have to use a credit card, and bingo, print your own ticket right now! worked for me 2 yrs ago for tgv ride from paris to toulon. we got better seats and better pricing! and again this year, though for a shorter trip.