Yockie

Hi all,
Im a wheelchair user and want to tavel with my 2 children ( 16 and 20) in August on the night train Paris-Barcelona, return early September. I live in UK. I am trying in the last month to find the best way to book really good price tickets, but despite all the good suggestions online there are not a lot real options.Im trying with different, early dates, just to see how much it will cost me. I have been many times now on the french rail way web-sites, and they simply dont work, neither in french, nor in english; they accept my data, but than give error and nothing more. Not even ones I've been to the step where they want my card details. Something is dodgy with this booking. Also there is no option for disabled traveler, and I did call in France on the english speacking help-line, but the lady there said that its to early to talk about August and couldnt give me more information.She said they do discount for disabled people, but if I have disabled people's card. I did call my local council and they told me that in UK now its illegal to give cards, as this adds to disability discrimination.I am with wheelchair, but dont know how much this could replace the card for the french train authorities. Rail Europe did not give any discount for disabled travelers, I did call them too, but the prices there I dont want to pay, they are way to expensive.Elipsos trains have good site, explaining everything, but dont sell tickets. I dont know also can I book return tickets as well, as the woman on the French telephone told me to call in middle May for best offers for August, but our return should be September.I am afraid that when I call she will say- its early, and than its will be actually late for good offers.
Anyone with better information - please, share with me, because Im confused now what to do.

StCirq

The lady you spoke to is correct. It's too early to book a train for August. Wait until 3 months out from the date you plan to travel and try again. I just tried it online and got the message that those trains are not yet open for reservations.

Yockie

Yes,I know its early, but whats bothering me is why none of the sites does not work? I am left with only a phone option or Rail Europe. Do they block them in UK?

StCirq

The www.voyages-sncf site works fine. Nothing is blocked. I go to that site regularly. It's not the easiest site to navigate, but it works fine. Don't click on the British flag. You should be able to figure out what's what with regard to times and schedules even if you don't speak French.

At any rate, your tickets aren't bookable yet, so it won't give you schedules and times now.

Yockie

StCirq, Im trying with different, much closer dates, but after few time, at some point it gives me error message- always! I coudnt ever so far go to the point where I can see a widnow to write my card details on it! Ever! And bare in mind, that I have 2 computers at home, so its not because of them...I dont know why, I did try several times with dates for May and June, and its never allow me to actually buy them (not that I will, just want to see how it works).

StCirq

I'm not sure what to tell you, yockie. I just plugged in a few random dates in May and got information for about 6-7 trains per day, showing variety of fares, but probably around 300 euro RT for three people, one of whom is student-age.

I just typed in Paris, then Barcelone, then 2nd class, and a whole slew of possibilities came up. Tried it for a variety of dates.

Yockie

StCirq, thank you for trying, seems it works with you.I have to keep trying obviously....

janisj

If you are having problems w/ a site -- it is often a good idea to clear your cookies and start over.