Advance Train Purchase
 

I will be traveling in France at the end of June/beginning of July. How far ahead do I need to buy train tickets? Or is it usually okay to purchase day of? I will be needing trains from Paris to Dijon and from Avignon back to Paris on the TGV. Thanks!

Usually, yes. 4, 24 or 48 hrs in advance, depending on your certainty factor, and preference for peace of mind.

Best wishes,

Rex

You CAN'T buy them, at least online, more than 60 days out from your date of travel. I usually purchase them a week or so before I leave the USA. I have also just walked into the station and purchased them on the spot - but I'm usually not taking the heavily traveled routes. If you're looking at an Avignon-Paris leg, be sure to keep an eye out for the PREMs fares (top left-hand corner of the www.sncf.com screen. That route is often available for the 25€ PREMs fare.

Hi, This is a question for St.Cirq have you then bought a Prems fare in the internet and used it. then in France. Anyone can do this ?

Hi Graziella, I have done thsi already several times. Anyone can buy Prem's tickets. On the Voyages-sncf.com, you reserve, pay with your credit card and can even print your ticket with your own printer.

Thank you kappa. Great news.

Hi,

I also recommend buying tickets online 60 days ahead of time.

That's when you are most likely to get discounted fares.

See http://www.voyages-sncf.com/

> I also recommend buying tickets online 60 days ahead of time.

And Prem's can be purchased only between 14-60 days before the travel date.

If a ticket is bought online at sncf, do you pick up the ticket when you arrive since they don't mail to the US? Has anyone purchased on raileurope.com?