Rick Steve's Paris Guidebook states that it is cheaper to book directly through SCNF than through the Rail Europe site, which for our trip from Paris to Bayeux, this is true. HOWEVER, going through the SCNF website presumes you have the option to print tickets at home. This is not an option for our particular train. (Paris to Bayeux 6:45 AM on a Monday in July) Moreover, we cannot use a kiosk at the station to claim our tickets onsite because the kiosk requires a chip and pin card and all we have is an American credit card. So. Is it still possible to book the cheaper ticket through SCNF and pick them up from a person at a ticket window at Gare St Lazare? Does a physical ticket window "will call" worker exist or is the kiosk the only option? And if that is the case, then are we stuck with paying $70 more to reserve through RailEurope and having our tickets mailed to us stateside prior to our departure? THANKS A MILLION FOR ANY HELP ON THIS! We've been scouring the internet looking for an answer for hours and can't seem to come up with a definitive answer. Cristey :)
Posted by
Kansas
1175 posts
Couple of tips--you can pick up your tickets at ANY SNCF boutique in Paris or you can pick them up a day before you leave at ANY train station or SNCF boutique in Paris. With a 6:45 departure, I'd have them in hand a day early. You MUST have the exact same credit card with you, even if it has expired or somehow been cancelled. You will be required to show that card used to purchase the tickets and any confirmation number you have received. No credit card, no tickets, no exceptions. For all of your train or ferry questions across Europe, go to www.seat61.com. For more specific searches on any subject about Paris, check out www.tripadvisor.com, type in Paris forum and type in your question in the search box. Do not EVER use RailEurope. You will have a great time in France. Be sure and learn a few basic phrases in French to start EVERY conversation.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
George is correct. Even if it isn't listed as an option, you always can go to a SNCF station window or SNCF boutique to pick up your tickets. That's true even if you officially choose to retrieve them from a ticket machine requiring a chip & pin card.
Posted by
United States, California, United States
4 posts
Great stuff and absolutely true. Another point that may have been made elsewhere on this site (I am a new poster) is that you can also save substantially if you book early. Reservations open up on the SNCF site either three months or 90 days (I am not totally sure which)in advance. We recently booked Paris to Bruxelles for 22 euros each way, which represents a great savings over booking close to your departure date. We once got first class tickets from Bruxelles to Avignon for 60 euros, which was an amazing deal.