We are suppose to arrive at CDG at 8 a.m. in terminal 1, connect with another couple and if all goes well make a 10:30 a.m. train. Now if we pre-purchase the tickets and miss the train is all lost? Can the ticket be applied to a later train in the day? What are the train rules? Can you purchase tickets when you arrive in CDG or will you not be able to get a seat in mid June? Please recommend the best way to manage this train situation. Thank you
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
If you book a standard full-fare ticket, here are the conditions for exchanging it: "Can be exchanged free of charge up to 1 hour after the departure of the train, only in the departure station up to one hour for a ticket on the next train departing for the same destination. And can be exchanged and refunded with a 50% administrative charge up to 60 days after departure."
If you book a discount fare ticket, it will be worthless after the train departs. You'll have to buy a new full-fare ticket.
Posted by
OP
cardiff
17 posts
Thanks Tim. We are 4 seniors. Does that mean we cannot take advantage of the senior rate, but rather need to apply as just 4 adults. Our main concern is if out flight is late, connection problems and we do not arrive on time. What if we are not at departure station within time frame to get on next train. Would it be wiser to just to purchase tickets day of departure or is that too expensive?
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
The SNCF site doesn't list a senior fare for CDG-Rennes. The standard fare is the same whether you book it in advance or buy it just before departure. If you book in advance, the rules for exchanging a standard fare ticket are the ones I gave you in my previous post. If you miss the 10:30 train, you would have until 11:30 to exchange it at no charge for the next CDG-Rennes train. My guess is that it would be safe to wait and buy your tickets at CDG, but you may not all get to sit together. Do what's comfortable for you.