We would like to buy tickets up front. The schedule is different (fewer trains on the american sales site vs the french site. Do these sell out? Our prreference is to have them in hand but if that cant be done is it a safe assumption that we will be able to get tickets/seats on the train within few hours of arrival at the train station? We are coming from US that day and want to go to Normandy same day around noon. thank you Annette
Posted by
Kansas
1175 posts
Use the French site, voyages-sncf.com. There is a train to Bayeux from Gare St. Lazare about every hour from noon on until 8:30 PM for around 50 Euros for two in second class. The regional trains seldom fill up and if it is full you can stand for the 2.5 hour trip. If you buy tickets 90 days in advance of travel you might get them even cheaper. Regular fare is listed at 76 Euros for two bought at the station. Check out www.seat61 for all manner of great train tips.
Posted by
OP
Dallas, Tx
30 posts
Thanks George! That site shows all the trains - much better! If I book in advance am I allowed to show up same day/same route/ different time or not?
Annette
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
You will be on an Intercites train at least as far as Caen. There are Intercites trains that go directly from Paris (Gare Saint-Lazare) to Bayeux. For some departure times you will need to take an Intercites train to Caen and change there to a regional train to Bayeux. To see all the departure times on voyages-sncf.com, remove the check mark from the "direct trains only" field. Choose France as your ticket collection country. You will have no trouble getting tickets if you wait and buy them in Paris, but you will pay full fare (€38.20/person). If you book well in advance (up to three months allowed), you can get a discount fare of €15.00 for a direct train and a discount fare of €21.40 for a departure time requiring a connection in Caen. Discount fare tickets are for a specific departure date and time and are non-exchangeable and non-refundable. Be sure you can commit before booking.
Posted by
OP
Dallas, Tx
30 posts
Thanks Tim!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
You're welcome, Annette. One more thing. There are no discount fares on regional trains. You will pay the same if you buy tickets in advance or at the station. That's why you'll pay a little more if you have to connect in Caen. The advance purchase discount will only be on the Paris-Caen leg on an Intercites train.