taconictraveler

I've checked both sites, and find RailEurope tickets only about $5 more than direct (sncf=tgv-europedotcom). for travel around September 23, 2011.

It appears RailEurope will be easier for us elderlies, because they will mail tickets to us at home, saving us either a trip to a train station in Paris during our three days there prior to training south, or getting to Gare Montparnasse even earlier, and adding to my already high travel anxiety.

Does this sound like good thinking to veteran France travelers?

La_Tour_de_Cause

Yes. For a simple TGV ticket from Paris to Bordeaux, Rail Europe is well worth the extra $5/ea for simplicity, peace of mind, etc.

Where SNCF comes into play is when you're trying to get to more out-of-the-way places...I've found a number of short routes, SNCF bus connections, etc., don't even show up on the Rail Europe site.

Once you're at the train station, just make sure to stick the ticket into the "composteur" (yellow post) and get the time stamp on your ticket before you board the train. You're on your way! Bon voyage.

taconictraveler

Oh, thanks, la_tour_de_cause - that helps! Also good reminder about the yellow composteur, which I might forget, and DH is also travel-challenged!!

Rumseydog

Just be prepared for RailEurope's shipping fees -- $$$

StCirq

You can buy a PREM ticket from Paris to Bordeaux on the SNCF site right now for 34 euros. You can print the PREM ticket out from your computer.

What's RailEurope charging you for a ticket, including shipping?

ira

Hey T,

Does your ticket from raileurope include a seat reservation?

The SNCF ticket does.

Also, if you purchase a PREMS ticket online, you can print it out at home.

avalon

Raqil europe tickets do include the seat reservation. I prefer to have the tickets in hand. When I used the SNCF site I've always had to print out a confirmation and then collect the tickets in Paris. That may have changed since I last used them. I actually got a better price from Raileurope for Eurostar stickets

PalenQ

for any RailEurope product I would advise calling Byron at www.budgeteuropetravel.com - a RE agent I have bought railpasses from for years and someone expert you can talk to by phone with any questions - same pricing I believe but mailing fee could be lower. And be sure with RE that the mailing fee is clear or it could be more than $5 total above the in-France price.

PalenQ

The 'fact' about RailEurope always charging a ton more for tickets is a Fodors urban myth, perpetrated by folks who may be judging RE on things a few years back - RE has decided to launch cheaper French tickets and check their conditions - may not be changeable, refundable, etc on the lower fare.

MaineGG

There are still seats available on Sept 23 on the iDTGV train leaving Paris at 8:10. 2nd class - €29.90, 1st class - €35.90.
Their website is simple to use, and in English:

http://www.idtgv.com/en/book

I just purchased tickets there, and my U.S. credit card, Capital One, went right through. You can choose your seats on a seat map, then print your tickets.

The lowest price 2nd class ticket price I found at Rail Europe was $88.00. Highest was $132.00.

taconictraveler

MaineGG - I just tried the IDTGV site and they don't seem to want to let me go
a. any farther than Bordeax, or
b. do a one way trip.

St. Cirq. I can't find PREM tickets but

to both of you, thanks, and I'll try again using the web sites.

StCirq

The PREMs are indicated in orange. Anyway, they're always the cheapest ones, so not hard to identify.

taconictraveler

St.Cirq: Are the PREM tickets only available from the French site (sncf) or are they available from tgv-europe also?

Are they only for second class?

Do they not show up if I ask for "over 60 years old"?

Also, St. Cirq, it shows a cost of about E164.80 for 2 people, first class.

To answer IRA, I didn't get that far as yet, but does not look like one can get seat assignments.

Also, I guess I'm really challenged today on the computer, but not finding what you all are suggesting.

Any more help would be greatly appreciated.

MaineGG

Taconic - Just above the drop down list of departure cities is where you select "round trip" or "one way."

iDTGV trains only serve the cities shown in the drop down menu. Not sure where you're going, so perhaps those trains don't serve your destination.

taconictraveler

OK, MaineGG I found that, and I realize now the TGV only goes as far as Bordeaux.

We want to go to Bergerac, and the Bergerac train would be two hours after the TGV arrives in Bordeaux.
So maybe we can just get a ticket once we get to Bordeaux?? Or buy it separately?

I REALLY want to choose seats, and print the tickets! if at all possible, because we are slow moving!

Do you think my (American) Mastercard will go thru, it is not chip and pin?

Mimar

At tgv-europe I see 2 2nd class tickets on the 8:10 departure for 59.80E. If you're flexible on your date -- as you imply -- there are 2 1st class tickets on the same train for 58E on 9/22.

Mimar

I forgot to add that you can also pick up your train tickets at SNCF boutiques (storefronts) around Paris. That is, if you can't print them.

StCirq

Use www.voyages-sncf.com. Do not switch to English. Type in your originating place (Paris), then your destination (Bordeaux). Indicate date of travel and whether it's one way or RT. Indicate how many passengers. Indicate anything else relevant, like age. Hit the button and you'll get a list of trains on that date. You should see orange PREMs fares, among others.

You take the Corail train to Bordeaux. Don't try to buy it online as part of your PREM purchase. You can buy it separately or buy it when you get there. If you want to see schedules for the Corail from Bordeaux to Bergerac, you can check that before you buy the Paris to Bordeaux segment. BTW, also check Libourne-Bergerac timetables - it may make more sens for you to get off at Libourne (don't know - never did that coz I don't go to Bergerac but always on to Périgueux).

As long as you have notified Mastercard you'll be making a purchase from the French SNCF site, your card should go through fine. It's an internet transaction, so chip and pin is irrelevant.

Age has nothing to do with getting PREM fares or not.

Good luck!

MaineGG

I see that the trains from Bordeaux to Bergerac are unreserved trains with no special discounted fares. The one way fare is €15.80. If you're over 60, the Découverte Sénior fares are €11.90 in 2nd class, €17.80 in 1st class.

I don't think these unreserved tickets can be printed. If you purchase them on the Voyages-SNCF site, you can purchase them, then pick them up at a SNCF station or boutique. In order to do this, you must present the same credit card you used for the purchase. If you're going to be in Paris for a few days before your rail trip, you could just purchase the tickets there.

To make online purchases, it doesn't matter that your card isn't chip and pin. Just notify your card issuer beforehand so they won't deny the charge.

MaineGG

One other thing...
If you do get iDTGV tickets, be sure to notice that you can choose the ambiance of your car. iDzen for a quiet ambiance, iDzap for the more lively car.