wawah5

I searched SNCF for tgv trains going from Paris CDG to Brussels. There is a direct tgv # 9863 which leaves CDG to Brussels at 11:07am and arrives at 12:51pm on March 25, 2012 for 77euro. Another train also leaves CDG to Lillie @ 11:07am but has a different train #5144(cost 26euro) Finally, the train which leave Lillie to Brussels has the same #9863 as the direct train (cost 18euro). Is it true that tvg #9863 and tvg#5144 are the same train? If so, what do I do when I arrive at Lillie? Do I stay in the same seats or will I have to change seats? This is my first time on TVG. Thanks.

Christina

If I understand you correctly, two trains leave CDG at the same time for Lille (sounds like grade school math), one no. 5144 and another no. 9863. The train no. 9863 then continues on to Brussels.

Yes, they must be the same train, it's just they have to give two different numbers because the trip is essentially different (one is a trip just to Lille and the other a trip to Brussels). You are buying a trip by that number, not a particular train in this case. If you have a seat number assigned for the CDG-Brussels trip, it will be on the ticket and that is your seat for the entire trip.

This happens all the time, that some people get off and some don't. Two trains cannot literally run on the same track at the same time, after all. I'm surprised you would even know about the other train number as you wouldn't have searched for it so I don't know how you even know about it.

the train arrives in LIlle at 12:01 and departs for Brussels at 12:17, just stay in your seat

Christina

you know, that's an interesting train as I looked up the details and it called the one stopping in LIlle a duplex TGV and the 9863 doesn't say that. I wonder if it is some cars they will drop off. In any case, should affect your seat or trip if you have train 9863 booked all the way.

Judy

Why not fly into Brussels instead of CDG?

Sarastro

Exactly, cars will separate at some point. #9863 and #5144 will share locomotion until Lille at which time, #5144 will separate and #9863 will continue. Make sure you are in the correct seats when departing CDG.

kerouac

Trains that leave at the same time with different numbers are just different cars of the same train. And so yes, it is very important to be in the right car at the right time -- the parts of the train will part ways sooner or later.

Cowboy1968

When you check voyages-sncf.com now, you also see the 9863 for the CDG-Lille leg.
As OP probably wants to save some money by buying both legs seperately, he will have to change seats but not trains in Lille when both tickets are for the 9863.
TGVs cannot seperate cars, by the way. All cars are coupled permanently and traction is supplied by first and last power car. Technically, there is no locomotive.