I've tried SCNF and DB both but cannot make train reservations in mid May for travel Frankfurt to Paris. Short descriptions say that there is construction at Paris Est. Fast train, slower trains, doesn't seem to matter. Anyone know anything about this? And what are my alternatives? Flying or driving one way? Why aren't they rerouting to Gare du Nord? Any transportation advice?
Posted by
Southern California
454 posts
I think the problem may be that mid-May is too far out to make reservations right now. I ran into the same problem trying to book for mid-June in the opposite direction (Paris to Salzburg). I did a few searches for April trains on Saturday, my day of travel, just to check possible prices and times, and will be checking again in a couple months to see what I can book at that time. More experienced travelers assured me that I did not need to book in January for June train travel between those two cities.
Posted by
Green Bay
21387 posts
Just looking earlier today, all the many daily TGV's from Strasbourg to Paris were marked "Not yet bookable". It is the way SNCF operates, only booking out so far, maybe 4 months at most. Patience is needed, these are not like airlines. The trains will open for booking in due time.
Posted by
Schwerin
3313 posts
On https://int.bahn.de/en I see for May 15 various bookable connections from Frankfurt Hbf to Paris Nord and Est.
Posted by
Wengen
2626 posts
It is my impression that the majority of confusion non Europeans experience when trying to book train travel stems from booking to early. Don't forget that the European railway system is there for the locals first. But tourists can use it too :-)
Train travel is not like air travel. I travel by train all over Europe and never book more than a month in advance. Often I only book hours in advance. Tickets for local trains I buy just before boarding.
So do not worry. In Europe the railways are essential infrastructure. Travel options do not just disappear. You can safely assume there will be a way to travel from Frankfurt to Paris by train in May.
Posted by
Wengen
2626 posts
On https://int.bahn.de/en I see for May 15 various bookable
connections from Frankfurt Hbf to Paris Nord and Est.
This is why it is a good idea to mention your actual travel date (as well as the whole route) when asking for help with train bookings.
Posted by
2 posts
It sounds like the construction at Paris Est is causing major disruptions. You might want to check if Deutsche Bahn or SNCF have any updates on alternative routes. Flying could be an option, but FlixBus or BlaBlaCar might be cheaper if you’re open to a longer journey. Hopefully, they announce rerouting soon!
Posted by
2629 posts
Try using >https://www.thetrainline.com
Posted by
Wengen
2626 posts
Trainline is a travel agent. They won't be able to magically produce tickets where DB or SNCF can't...