When should I buy overnight train tickets?
 

After finally figuring out we are better off buying point to point tickets than a rail pass, we've decided to just buy the tickets in stations as we get there. I heard it may save us money but more importantly, it means less chances that I will lose the tickets. Any thoughts to the contrary?

Also, we're going by overnight train from Venice to Paris--should/can I wait until we get to Venice to buy the tickets? Should I buy in advance? Thanks!

My main concern is to be able to get a first class 2-berth cabin.

We bought our Paris to Venice train tickets in advance because overnight trains fill up and require reservations. The First Class berths are quicker to fill up as well.

Other trains point-to-point can be bought on the spot without trouble, but I would strongly suggest you get your tickets for the overnight train in advance. We got ours at http://www.raileurope.com

Jules

I buy tickets and berth reservations on the day I travel. I travel in off season and have never had a problem.

If you are going in August that is another story and I can not give any advice. Generally first class is not a problem and a T2 in first class should be less of a problem. Few Europeans would pay for a 1st class T2.

Bring your bottle of vino, some fromagio, and pane. You will love it.

(Spellings not certified.)

Hopscotch
We are traveling from Paris to Rome in Feb. We have tried to look on the various websites from Germany, France and Italy for ticket info and price but it is not user friendly. And the prices vary so much from site to site. For instance trenitalia.com let me search and gave me an option that I wanted but when trying to purchase it the site states that tickets can be picked up at a station in Italy or mailed to your address in Italy, yet we are leaving from France?! Do you know of a better option. I would feel better with the tickets in hand.

ttt

Thanks! We're traveling in April so tickets are not available yet but I'll definitely buy the overnight tickets ahead, and pick them up from the station.

Another question: if I buy the point to point tickets in advance online, and I can't make the train, can I catch a later/earlier train without penalties? I guess, I'm just wondering how set in stone these "reservations" are.

Thanks a bunch again!

Hi K,

>we've decided to just buy the tickets in stations as we get there. I heard it may save us money...<

Au contraire. Discount fares are available about 60 (sometimes 90) days in advance and sell out quickly.

((I))

Hi Ali,

You can buy your tickets from Paris to Venice at www.voyages-sncf.com for pick up in Paris.

You can also have them mailed to your hotel.

PREMS fares of 270E for 2 people in a 1cl dbl compartment are still available for late Feb on the 20:28 Artesia from Gare Bercy.

((I))

Thanks Ira
I found the tickets at sncf. Is it easier to pick them up at an automatic ticket machine or a station or sncf shop?

Hi Ali,

IIRC you will be staying in an apt.

I suggest getting them at a SNCF boutique.

You will have to have a CC with an embedded chip to get them from the ticket machines. US cards with the magnetic strip won't work.

Addresses are at http://tinyurl.com/yy2su6

Go to the bottom of the page to " Tous nos points de vente SNCF" and select Paris.

Enjoy your visit.

((I))