Best way to buy multiple tickets on Paris-Avignon TGV?
 

I need to buy tickets for the Paris-Avignon TGV for early June. There are 11 people in our group. If I use the SNCF (or, I think, the IDTGV) website I can only buy 6 tickets at a time. I am a bit afraid that if I buy 6 and then go back to buy the other 5, we won't all be together and/or I won't be able to get the best prices for all 11. I'm wondering if it would be better to call the SNCF. Can you get PREM fares that way or are they only available on the website? If calling is best can you provide the number? (I seem to remember someone having difficulty contacting them with previously published numbers.) I would love to be able to print the tickets but am more concerned with getting us all on the same train, preferably in the same car, at a good price. St. Cirq (or anyone else with experience), what is your advice?

HI, Betty:

Yes, I had this same issue a few months ago tryin gto book for a party of 8 and not wanting to make two separate bookings online. Just call the SNCF: 011-33-8-92-35-35-35 (direct from the USA). There's an option to get an English-speaking operator. They've been very helpful to me in the past. Good luck.

Wow, that was quick! Thanks, St. Cirq. Do you remember if you were able to buy these tickets at PREM fares or not? I suppose I will need to give all the names over the phone? (That should be fun, spelling out 11 names!)Any other info I should have at hand? Ages, perhaps? (Several are over 60.) I assume I would give a CC no. and then pick them up at a train station or SNCF boutique in Paris. Right? Thanks again for your help.

Oh, one other thing - I'm buying these tickets for June 3, so I need to wait until March 3 to call? Or does that limit only apply to the website? Encore une fois, merci!

Hi again, Betty:

Don't know about waiting until March 3. When I bought for my group over the phone it was less than 2 months out from the date of travel. But since I don't think the PREM fares are even published until 3 months out, it makes sense to wait until March 3.

Yes, you'll need their full names as they appear on their passports and their birthdates. And yes, I got the same PREM fares I was seeing on the screen. Ages might be helpful in case another type of discount applies (ask them about that because there are often additional discounts like for three or more members of a family traveling together).

Just give them your credit card number and say you'll pick them up at the station. I asked them to email me confirmation, which they did. I had my clients take that confirmation with them to pick up the tickets and it worked out fine.

Great! I think that's all I need to know. I do appreciate your excellent advice for this and many other things. B