bob_brown

Since I last ordered a ticket from my home computer to ride a TGV, the procedures and options on the SNCF web site have changed quite a bit.

My question is this: Can I sit here at home in the USA, place a ticket order on the SNCF system, pay for it with a credit card, and print the ticket right here at home?
Then, ticket in hand, can I go to France, board the train, and ride to where I want to go with no flack from the conductor?

StuDudley

That's exactly what I did. However, you can't print tickets for many types of fares & routes. There was an extensive discussion of this last week - see if you can retrieve it. I was not a participant, so don't click on my name to find it.

Stu Dudley

grandmere

It worked like a charm for me for a PREM fare in May from Caen to Paris; the tix are non-refundable non-exchangeable. I was surprised at how easy it was, too. Our conductor just gave a cursory glance at the "ticket" and didn't even ask for ID.

Good luck!

socialworker

Yes, that is *exactly* what you can do and it is great!! You can print as many copies as you want b/c they can only be used by you, so no worry about losing them, b/c you can have back-ups somewhere else in your luggage. The conductors are quite accustomed to them. Another benefit-- no standing in any lines of any kind, just board your train and go!!

grandmere

BB, just topped a post for you entitled "Just purchased sncf tickets online; have to check in?"

Hope it's helpful and reassuring.

StCirq

You can only print the PREM and iDTGV tickets, which are discounted, nonrefundable, nonexchangeable tickets. With those, yes, you can pay with a credit card, print them out, take them with you, and board the train without " composting" your tickets. You must board the train with a picture ID, and the conductor will check the info on the ticket (name, birthday) against your ID.

For all other tickets, you pay online with a credit card and pick them up at the station, and you must have with you the same credit card you used to purchase them online.

bob_brown

OK. The identical credit card route was the one I followed the last time I collected tickets at Gare Montparnasse.
I ordered, entered a card number, got a 6 letter confirmation code and went to the station to get the actual ticket.
I did indeed have to show the same card and my passport.

This new procedure is a little risky in that if you don't show up you lose your money.

I wish the Swiss did that. The office in Brig sends the actual ticket in an envelope! And you pay for it.

StCirq

Well, since the new procedure is only good for nonrefundable, nonexchangeable tickets anyway, it doesn't really matter. You lose your money anyway.

You can always pay the regular train fare and get a refundable ticket if you're worried about not showing up or missing the train.

Christina

The tickets are considerably discounted, so that's why they are nonrefundable. It's the same with some airline fares and other special deals. If you think you may not show up or want to change your mind, buy a regular fare ticket for flexibility.

LarryJ

If you are buying SNCF tickets online check the "Prem" discounted tickets. Early this month I rode a TGV from Nice to Paris on a "Prem" ticket I bought on line for 25 euros and printed myself.

Larry J

MorganB

Just a quick note to add, you may also print half price tickets which are made available monday at midnight France time for travel during the following 7 days. Also note that not all PREMs are printable. If you buy a PREM to a destination outside of France you may not be able to print your ticket. Also Thalys Smilys fares can be printable between France and Belgium / Netherlands. I dont think you can print any Eurostar tickets but not 100 percent sure.

The key is, as you are booking make sure BOTH fares for each direction are printable. Make sure it offers you the option to print PRIOR to entering credit card info. If either of these are not the case you will not be able to print them.