Train tickets in Paris
 

Hi, I arrive in Paris on 20th. I need to make a reservation for the Zurich - Venice night train for the 29th. Can I buy the ticket in Paris or do I have to do it in Geneva?
If in Paris, where can I get the tickets?

Thanx, Kram

Possibly you can order your ticket on the Swiss Rail website, and pick up your ticket when you arrive in Zurich...

I don't think you can buy a ticket on a French rail system for a non-French train...

Or you could purchase it once you get to Paris at most major travel agencies or American Express office.

go to the Gare Saint-Lazare and the International Services office there and you may be able to make it. Actually you should be able to make it at any SNCF train station - they could - they have the same access to computerized bookings as their subsidy RailEurope does in US - they may not chose to do it and i don't know if they could but try. Try the Swiss rail website or try RailEurope if really want reservation and can't do otherwise - may pay a bit more - i always recommend BETS (800-441-2387), a RE agent who don't charge some of their fees and are experts - i've used for 20 years now. Maybe the Trenitalia.com, Italian railways site could do it. Or Euraide.

I have taken the night trains GVA-VCE for a few times. It could be difficult to find a compartiment of your choice on a night train only 10 days in advance. If I could I would do it as early as possible, that is 2 months in advance for couchette and 3 months for wagon-lit.

Oh, you are arrving in Paris 20th Aug, tomorrow? Then forget what I said. You have no choice. Try everything you can as advised by the others above.

If the Zurich-Venice night train is full try to get on the Bern-Bologna night train then connect to Venice, arriving not much later than on the Zurich-Venice night train - but you have to get off the Bern-Bologna night train at 5:30am! But a backup. Note that this night train also leaves right from Geneva so could go Geneva-Bologna, would be cheaper than going to Zurich if less convenient because not direct.