A couple questions about taking the TGV from Paris to Avignon. We will be arriving at CDG and immediately leaving for Avignon. I was wondering how to get to the TGV station and how long we need to plan between arrival into CDG and leaving on train for Avignon.
Also, how far in advance do you need to book prem tickets? We won't be able to book our tickets until about 21 days before departure because we cannot confirm our tickets on Icelandair until 21 days before. (We are planning on traveling end of March.)
Thanks, Fodorites!

PREM, like all TGV tickets, can only be booked 60 days or less in advance. With only 3 weeks advance, there may not be too many good deals left - all depends on if you are traveling at a peak time or not.

As for getting from the plane to the train - it is difficult at all. The TGV station is right in the terminal. The only issue you will have is if you arrive in a different (i.e. more distint) hall. I'd say from the farthest point out, if you give yourself a good 1 hour after clearing customs, you should be fine.

-Kevin

I'm almost positive I read on the SNCF site last week that PREMs can now be bought 90 days out from the date of travel - unfortunately that makes it even more unlikely you'll get a great fare because it gives other customers 69 days to snag the best deals.

What terminal do you arrive at? If you arrive at Terminal 2, the TGV station is right there (a bit of a walk depending on which hall you arrive in, but not bad) - just follow the yellow Gare SNCF signs.

If you arrive in terminal 1, you'll have to take the shuttle to terminal 2. Take the elevator down to street level in the terminal and pick up the yellow shuttle bus to terminal 2 (doublecheck the color - they've been known to change).

For a view of the layout of the airport, check out http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/

> PREMs can now be bought 90 days out from the date of travel ...

"90 days" is correct since some time now. Only SNCF did not announce this change (from 60 days) officially as soon as it became possible. I bought my Prem's ticket for last Semtember about 75 days in advance.

..your question has been answered..just another bit of info which may help..The TGV station in Avignon is outside the center of the city..There is a really cheap shuttle to the city center..just be sure you are aware of this when you arrange for rent a car pick up (there are ofices both at the TGV and city center).

Thanks for you replies. I believe we will be arriving in Terminal 1, so the helpful hints on getting to Terminal 2 was nice. Do you think it would be safe to allow 2 hours from time of arrival into Terminal 1 to time of departure on TGV in Terminal 2?

I am keeping my fingers crossed that we will still be able to get good fares, but am glad to know that there isn't a cutoff date for getting the prem fares.

Yes, I think 2 hours would be sufficient. It can take up to 45 mins. to get luggage and clear immigration at CDG, but rarely more than that. It will take you maybe another 20 minutes to find and board the right shuttle bus, about another 20 to get to the other terminal, and then 10 minutes to get to the station. You'll have time to stop at one of the little cafés right outside the train station and buy a picnic lunch for the ride.

I've been curious:

What would you say might be a typical PREM fare in June from Paris to Avignon?

They don't post prices this far ahead, so it's hard to plan. I assume that would PEAK season?

Thanks,
Dina

The price for Prem's is basically as follows thoughout the year.

1. EURO25 if you are one of the first. Recently there is also a fare called Prem's Picolo at EURO20.
2. If you are a bit late, you may still get prem's at a slightly price. e.g. I've just bought Geneva-Marseille one way for EURO25 but return for EURO33.
3. Too late. No Prem's available.

Thanks, Kappa.
ok... a Really dumb question: I thought maybe PREM meant "premium" seats. But they're so cheap! What does it mean?
Thanks!