ken_f

I would like to know the pros and cons of pre-purchase of train tickets. Seemd like a good thing in that you save having to purchase at the station. What if you miss your train? Any other considerations? Thanks. Ken

rex

The merits seem over-rated to me, speaking as someone who has never tried it. If you miss your train, you would have to pay for a new seat reservation, assuming you got one in the first place - - the ticket itself is still good.

Be aware that for many routes you can buy your tickets from a vending machine with essentially no waiting; even to go to a ticket counter, I have rarely encountered more than a 5-10 minute wait.

If I could pre-purchase my breakfast at Denny's online, I don't think I would be interested in doing that either. Plans might change.

On the other hand, I don't find it a nuisance to buy tickets 4-24 hours before I plan to use them, once there. And it might be different for routes that only occur once, or a few times, a day. Trains just don't seem tio operate so close to capacity like airplanes do, or taking the next train doesn't seem to bear a high cost, in inconvenience or price.

Maybe - - if and when - - pricing (like airlines) provides a substantial cost incentive to book well ahead, I might change my plans.

Best wishes,

Rex

TopMan

Well, I can speak as a person who HAS tried it and here's what I think:

One might consider it an "advantage" to have tickets in hand before departing since that brings a certain peace of mind and, as you have pointed out, you are able to avoid the ticket window, getting a number to wait in line FOR the ticket window, and so forth.

The big disadvantage is that to get this sort of "comfort level" you'll undoubtedly have to pay more than if you bought the tickets after arrival.

There has been a LOT of talk on this board about how agencies such as RailEurope charge 30% more than the price you'd pay in Europe. I have yet to see THAT particular number substantiated which in itself speaks volumes. What you WILL pay for is the shipping and handling fees the agency charges PLUS when, and if, you make seat reservations you'll pay considerably more than you will if you waited.

So, is the "convenience" and "peace of mind" worth the extra money?

Would it be easier to simply go over there and LEARN how to use the automated machines???? Once you've done it you'll probably wonder what all the fuss is about. You can also get train tickets at local travel agencies.

ira

Hi ken,

A lot depends on where you are traveling.

If you are traveling in France, you can get very good discounts by buying ahead on line from http://www.voyages-sncf.com

In Italy or Germany, you won't get discounts but you will get reservations for trains that could be crowded. See www.trenitlia.com/en

As Rex notes, if you miss your train you will have to pay about 3E for a new reservation, but your ticket is still good, except for highly discounted non-refundable tickets.

GAC

Read my posting:
"Do I need a Reservation on Italian Trains" dated 8/20/2004.

ken_f

Thank you all very much. I think we will purchase at the stations. I will report back if I come to some big conclusion. Ken