While in Paris, is a side trip possible to Lyon without buying tickets ahead of time here in the states? When investigating a trip to Brugge, I found out that it costs alot more the closer to travel date one gets. Is is the same with Lyon?

Thanks

Karen

Yes. www.sncf.com - French rail web site for PREM (deep discounted non-refundable perhaps non-changeable) fares or for regular walk up fares. 2 trains/hour including now TGV Duplex - double-deckers - on sncf site you can pick your own seat i believe - lower or upper deck - 186 mph from the upper deck!

Hi KP,

The lowest rates are the PREMS fares - 25E, available 60 days in advance, which sell out rather quickly.

> it costs alot more the closer to travel date one gets. Is is the same with Lyon?

Yes, if you can determine your travel dates early enough (2 months ahead if possible), you could buy/print yourself "Prem's" discount ticket as low as E25 oneway (or E19 with iTGV) on sncf.com.

PalQ, Prem's are non-refundable, non-changeable of dates and non-transferable to other person (name and bithday are printed on it).

It is certainly possible to buy TGV tickets to Lyon in Paris, and not ahead of time. You won't get the deep discounts, but you can do that to most places with no problem, barring unusual holidays or travel periods when they could be sold out.

One more thing: every Tuesday the SNCF puts up a list of last minute offers on its website, for half the price, valid Wednesday-Tuesday of the next week. The list changes every week to include different destinations. This week, for example, Lyon is included, but only 1st class tickets are offered. Still, this might be even cheaper than buying second class with no discount at all. So try logging in a few days before you go and you might get lucky. Generally, it's best to check first thing in the morning on a Tuesday, for the tickets go fast.