Jane196

I will be in Paris at the end of March. I am planning to take a day trip to Troyes. I will be staying at the Hotel Muguet. Will it be difficult to get train tickets the day before? Is the ticket office near my hotel? I would really appreciate your help, Thanks, Jane

StuDudley

Assuming you're flying into Paris CDG or Orly, why don't you get tickets when you land, if you are taking the RER into Paris.

There are SNCF boutiques all over Paris - not just at the train stations. Ask the Muguet if there's an office close by.

I'm sure you'll pass close to one of the many train station in Paris, so if there isn't a SNCF office close to he Muguet, pick tickets up at a station. I don't like getting tickets the day I travel because there could be a huge line at the train station.

You'll love Troyes.

Stu Dudley

NeoPatrick

We did that this summer. We headed over to Gare d'Est and bought our tickets in about two minutes, then walked across the street and had "breakfast" while waiting for our 9:50 train.

I'd agree that it's usually nice to get your tickets in advance if possible if you happen to be near a train station, or just pop into an agency and buy them.

TimS

The standard 2nd class fare each way is around €22. If you know exactly which day you want to take your day trip, you can book well in advance (up to three months allowed) at www.voyages-sncf.com and get PREM'S (discount) tickets for €10. You print these tickets yourself at home and bring them with you. Note, however, that they are non-exchangeable and non-refundable.

NeoPatrick

We paid 66.80 total for two tickets round trip this summer. I'm not sure if we got a special (2 people traveling together?) or a special day return fare or what. It seems every time I buy tickets in person I get them for less than what the website showed.

Of course if you can do the non returnable, not refundable ahead of time, the prems can be even better as TimS suggests.