Discounts on the French Rail System
 

The SNCF web page says that seniors receive a 50% discount when purchasing rail tickets. Does that mean any senior, or just residents of France? If it includes guys like me, is a passport sufficient evidence of age?? (Just in case there is any doubt that I am an arthritic, semi-senile, old codger who can barely navigate.)Or is there some advanced red tape one must cut through to get the discount?? <BR>If you know about this question, please fill me in. I am not too proud to save money!

You do not have to be a resident of France. However, in order to get the 50% discount, you must be over 65 (an American passport is sufficient proof) and buy a senior card. I can't remember exactly how much that is, but the card isn't worth it for one or two trips. If you'll be making three or four trips in a year, it becomes attractive. If you do not buy a senior card, you can still get a 25% reduction in fare for age, so you'll have to work out when the card becomes worthwhile based on your own case. These reduced fares only apply during off-peak hours. For instance, I don't think there are any reductions after noon on Sunday. Too many people coming back from weekend trips. <BR>SNCF has many other fare reduction offers, as well. Check www.sncf.com (or www.sncf.fr; I think they're the same site) for other information.

(That last paragraph was intended as general information, not for you, Bob. I do understand you just checked that website!)

Thanks for the info. I qualify age-wise, but my wife does not. Even 25% will help a little. I wonder if the 25% applies to the TGv from Gare d'Lyon to Lausanne?? <BR> <BR>

Bob, the 25 % automatically apply to any person travelling in a party of at least 2, and this on the French territory. Which means that your wife and you will be granted this discount between Paris-Gare de Lyon and Vallorbe(the last French station before the border) : that's about 80 % of the total distance between Paris and Lausanne.

Vincent is quite right about the couples fare; but, again, it isn't good during peak hours.

Just FYI, the information I have shows that the 50% and 25% discounts for seniors are available at age 60.