Paris to Zurich Train Tickets
 

HI. Does anyone know if it's cheaper to buy TGV train tickets from Paris to Zurich while in Paris or should I buy them from RailEurope before I go?

Thanks!

Don't whatever you do buy from RailEurope.

Buy in advance using the SNCF website www.voyges-sncf.com but don't select USA as your country of origin (even if it is).

Cheap fares are available, book as early as you can.

You are aware that RailEurope is a travel agency and not a railroad company.

Well, let's check the facts.

The price you'll pay at the station is 111 euros, the normal full-price aduult fare.

Picking a random date 2 months from now, 12 July:

At French railways' own English-language site, www.tgv-europe.com (Select 'Canada' if you're from the USA to avoid being bumped to Rail Europe) I'm seeing an advance purchase price of 62 euros (about $89) on the 08:24 from Paris to Zurich TGV, or 49 euros ($70) on the 10:24 to Zurich. No postage fees, no hidden extras, what you see is all you pay. You either self-print your tickets or collect them at the station.

Now we compare prices at www.raileurope.com for the same date and trains. It's showing $173 (120 euros) on the 08:24 and $77 (54 euros) on the 10:24. They charge a $7.95 fee for the actually free SNCF e-ticket service.

So price comparison time:

Train 1:
Rail Europe price (inc delivery): $180.95
True price direct from train operator: $89, free collection. Save $91 over the Rail Europe price.

Train 2:
Rail Europe price (inc delivery): $84.95
True price direct from train operator: $70, free collection.