How do I know where my seat is? I usually go 1st class, and today I was on Voiture(Car) 1 seat 93. I acidentally got on Voiture 11 seat 93 but no one sat there. This was a TGV with many cars going from Marseille to Lyon. I know that the big "1" on the outside of the car means 1st class, but how do I know which "Exact" car. Usually I have quite a bit of luggage with me and I need to get to my exact car. Any Help? Greg
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23290 posts
Often by the entry door of the is holder for a card that has the car number on it. Sometimes it is in the window. And then the old stand by [INVALID] ask some in the car or just entering the car.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32213 posts
Greg, There's usually a Car number listed somewhere on the exterior, usually by the doorway. I had a bit of trouble finding the right car on my trip this year (I looked for the car number, but turned left instead of right when I boarded the train). ¶ In some stations, there's also a chart showing the "makeup" of each train with a graphic representation all of the coaches. Cheers!
Posted by
Texan in CA
4407 posts
Greg, Thalys trains have a quirky numbering system - their trains are always (so they say) 8 cars long, but the 'first' car can be numbered 1-11-21. I've had tickets that said 'voiture 1', but that actually was 'voiture 21'. Same thing for car 2-12-22, 3-13-33, etc. So, you may have in fact been on the correct car...(of course you weren't on a Thalys train...) Ditto what the others said, too. It's easy to get discombobulated when trying to board a train, especially when going from one country's trains/signage to another country's trains/signage, fiddling with luggage, and everyone else seems to know exactly where they're going and YOU'RE in the way LOL!
Posted by
Texan in CA
4407 posts
And of course the old standby...just ask a train employee on the platform! Look your most pitiful if necessary...
Posted by
OP
Louisville
2 posts
Thanks to all for your help
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
As Ken mentioned, many train stations have a chart - in some cases it's electronic, usually located outside the station near the tracks but not always. It lists the order of the cars. Letters are listed that correspond with where the train will stop. You can stand there to wait for the train. For example, your car "Number 1" might stop at Section A marked on the floor by the tracks. Hope that makes sense - it's a little complicated to describe without visuals!