TGV/SNCF Question?
 

Flying into Paris and leaving for Avignon same day.

1. Is it best to reserve round trip TGV tickets in advance on sncf.com?

2. If plane arrives at 10:00 and there is a 11:24 TGV, do you make a reservation for then and hope you make it, or do you wait for the 13:00 TGV. In other words what happens if you miss your reserved TGV?

3. Any ideas for how to get least expensive fare, i.e. round trip ticket, eurail pass, etc. This is for 2 people.

Thanks, Annie

On second thought, I guess it won't be a round trip, since we'll want to return to Paris proper, what would be the closest to arrive at to be near the 6th.

Annie

Hi annie,

You can often get reduced price tickets if you purchase online from http://www.voyages-sncf.com.

The PREM fare is only 35E each way.

If you miss your reserved train you can get a reservation for another one for a small fee, *unless* you have a non-refundable discount ticket.

Allowing only 1 1/2hr from touchdown to train is not a good idea, especially if you have checked luggage.

I would book the next train.

Keep in mind that there are two stations in Avignon. The TGV doesn't always stop at Avignon Centre.

The TGV from Avignon arrives at Paris Gare de Lyon.

Thanks, Ira, how do I find the PREM fare on that web site?

Hi annie,

Choose your train. If PREM fares are available they will be shown.

Thanks, now I see the PREM on the way back, they just must not have any available on the way out. What's the difference between selecting 1st and 2nd class? This isn't actually for me, we're traveling by plane to Avignon (should have taken TGV, that's a long story), but this is for my brother and his girlfriend. There are 14 of us going all on different schedules, and I'm trying to help with everyone's questions. At any rate, brother wants everything "economy", so is 2nd class on TGV OK?

Having just done this last month, here is my link:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34513759

1.5 hours is not enough time, better take the next one. 2nd class is certainly good enough. For budget travellers, it's worth it to book in advance for the discount tickets (some more than 50% off), bearing in mind that most are non-refundable.

As Ira pointed out, there are 2 Avignon stations. Choose the one for TGV if you're not staying in Avignon; much easier to get in/out. Also pay attention to the total travel time. Our non-stop to Avignon TGV was 2:40, there were longers routes with stops in between.

Have a good trip!

Hi annie,

As Carcassone said, 2 cl is OK.