I know this is going to seem like a "duh" questions, but I'm sincere about this posting. In early September when I'm in Paris, I'll be visiting Lausanne. My question is this - if I arrive in Paris on the 2nd of September and I plan on taking my journey to Lausanne on the 8th, can I buy the ticket on the 2nd or any day before the 8th for the TGV? Should I try to buy it online from RailEurope or...? Thanks in advance.

I'm not sure I understand, but are you asking if you can generally buy a train ticket before the actual day of the trip? yes, of course, for any train trip in France. Raileurope charges a large markup because it's an agency.

Just buy it when you arrive in Paris - should have no problem getting on - frequent trains - could save money perhaps by investigating PREM fares on www.voyages/sncf.com - search this forum for MorganB's Guide to SNCF ticketing or some such title and he has volumes on how to save on French tickets online. RailEurope will probably be significantly higher and there is no need to book in advance for full price tickets.

Hi trav,

You can buy tickets in advance, if you wish, at www.voyages-sncf.com.

There is currently a 30E PREMS fare in 2cl and 70E in 1cl.

You can print your PREMS ticket at home. Decline the insurance.

Have a nice visit.

As Ira mentions, great values can be had by booking ahead. Here's a direct link to the step by step guide I posted:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34803732

PalQ, Ira and Morgan - thanks a ton for your replies! Like I said, it was a bit of a 'duh' question, but I just wanted a bit of reassurance. My countdown clock is ticking!!