After reading the posts, I am still confused as what to do. I will be studying in France this semester and when I fly into Paris, I will need to get right on the TGV to Angers. Do I need to buy a ticket before I leave or will I be able to get right on? Which is the best website? Does anyone know voyages-sncf.com? If I buy a ticket now, should I print out the ticket? One website says I can have it delivered to the house.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
All seats on TGV trains are reserved, so you will need to have a ticket for the train you want to take before board the train. You don't have to buy your ticket in advance via the voyages-sncf.com or tgv-europe.com websites; as long as the train isn't sold-out you can purchase tickets at the station on the day of your journey. But when you wait until the last minute you will be paying the most expensive fare. On the other hand, when buy discounted tickets via the website they are non-refundable/non-changeable, so if you miss your train the tickets are worthless. You may also by more expensive tickets via the web that do allow changes, and refunds. The website will not mail tickets to a US address, you must either print the tickets out at home or pick them up at the station on the day of your journey. Don't use www.raileurope.com
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
voyages-sncf.com is the official French National Rail site. With your French skills you'll have no trouble booking a ticket on it.
However, if you'll be traveling in the next couple of weeks, you're probably too late to get a cheap Prem's ticket which is the only kind you can print at home. You can pick up any other kind of ticket at the TGV station at CDG.
If your flight arrives at a good time, you can take a TGV directly from CDG to Angers without having to go into Paris where you would depart from Gare Montparnasse. On the SNCF site enter Roissy as your departure point. Direct TGVs from CDG to Angers depart at 10:27 and 13:16.
Posted by
OP
newton, United States
6 posts
Thanks to both of you for your help.
What is a Prem ticket? Do you know what the chances are that the 13:16 will be full?
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
The Prem ticket is what they call their advance-discount non-refundable/non changeable tickets. There is a good chance there will be seats available of the 13:16 train, on the day of your journey.