111op

Hi, I haven't done this in a while, but it looks like there's a 10 euro fee to pick up internet tickets unless an automated machine is used.

But I think an automated machine can't accept US cards with no chips?

How are people dealing with this problem? Thanks.

Sarastro

You are probably referring to iDTGV tickets or maybe PREMs. These should be printed at home and if, for whatever reason you don't print them yourself, the SNCF will charge you an additional 10€.

How to deal with the problem? Fire up your own printer.

StCirq

We were unable to print out one set of tickets before our September trip; we just had the confirmation print-out. We had no problem getting our tickets, and paid no fee at all. Maybe because I was in a wheelchair? We also got taken to the very front of a long line as soon as the SNCF staffer saw us approach. We actually had allotted loads of time to get the tickets and get on the train, but it was very nice of them.

justineparis

Sounds like an idTGV tickets, since they are generally sold at a discount its a "self serve" type operation, a 5 euro fee per ticket if not printed at home. Do it at home, or go to a libary or business store and do it if you don't have a printer.

111op

Thanks, I'm on the road right now and I don't have access to a printer. Actually I guess I can ask the hotel and see if I can print that way.

111op

P.S. What happens if I select print at home? Do they send a PDF file? I shouldn't book on the hotel's computer for security reasons, but if they let me access my email I can do it that way. Thank you.

StCirq

I don't remember if it's a PDF file (it probably is), but at any rate, it's easy enough to print out. I always print them out and take them with me (2 copies in case I lose one) - the only reason we didn't this time for one set of tickets was our printer cartridge ran out right when we were getting packed and ready to leave home.

111op

Right, I think my question is whether I get an email confirm with a link to the ticket, or whether I have to print it out right then or lose it. I assume it's the former? Thanks.

justineparis

IF idtgv tickets you can print out as many times as you wish, I had to reprint mine 3 times, once because I changed seats, and twice as quality of print was not good on first one. ( needs to be scanalbe)

StCirq

You won't lose it. There should be a link in the confirmation email, plus you can also go right to the SNCF website and click on Mes Voyages (I think that's it - sorry, getting ready to run to an event), and it should be there too (or a link to it).

111op

There's no print at home option for Marseille to Nice. I guess I should just buy the ticket at the train station? Will it be more expensive? The ticket online is about 32 euros.

Thank you.

StCirq

I don't get what you've done and what you want to do. If you wanted PREM tickets they should have been bought and printed out months ago - idDTGV maybe less. Are you just now trying to buy tickets to print out?? MAYBE you;ll find a bargain, but the bargains are 3 or more months out. If you haven't taken advantage of these discounted fares, you're stuck at this point going to the train station and buying full-fare tickets.And yes, they will cost more.

111op

I'm traveling this weekend, so I'm just getting a ticket for it now. It's weird that you can't print tickets if it's a last-minute ticket?

Sarastro

Last minute purchase has little to do with print your own tickets.

The only tickets that can be printed by the passenger are those which are non transferable and non refundable, i.e. PREMS or iDTGVs. If it were possible to print out any ticket, a dishonest passenger could print several, use one for travel and submit another for refund. The SNCF obviously knows this and limits the self print option.

111op

Well I printed out several tickets for Deutsche Bahn a few weeks ago. They must have some way of working out whether a ticket has been used already.

Anyway, I bought my ticket today directly, and the price was the same as the online price.