How far in advance should you book trains in France?

Book Early, But Not Too Early But don't try to to book too far in advance, 90 days is the sweet spot. Definitely get reservations for TGV, Thalys and Eurostar, especially if you're choosing popular travel dates. For TGV, Thalys, Eurostar, and some Intercité trains, reservations are mandatory.



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Any tips for buying point-to-point train tickets in France? If a rail pass doesn't pencil out for your trip, you may be able to shave off the cost of your train tickets with some of these tips: Advance-purchase discounts: Buying tickets in advance from SNCF'S site can get you 50 percent off the full fare.

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Always Book Early Cheap train tickets are usually released by train operators in advance of the journey. Normally, this is around 12 weeks in advance, as the timetable for any particular day is normally confirmed 12 weeks in advance.

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Advance purchase tickets are cheaper rail fares which are sold prior to the day of travel, and, in some cases on the day of departure.

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Higher fares usually apply when purchasing tickets onboard the train. To secure the best available fare, passengers should purchase tickets prior to boarding the train.

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Many French trains need to be reserved in advance, and seats can be limited at times. Make your train trips in France comfortable and reserve your seats before the journey even begins! Most French high-speed trains and night trains can be reserved up to 2 months in advance.

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Ways to save money on train travel in France
  1. Rail travel can be expensive in France but it is possible to pay less by knowing the system and planning out your trip. ...
  2. Remember the basics. ...
  3. Buy a railcard. ...
  4. Use the once a year 25% discount. ...
  5. Check for 'flash sales' ...
  6. Do not buy from the ticket office.


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The rail network announced a decision to raise prices last November because of the increase in energy costs. Christophe Fanichet, CEO of SNCF Voyageurs, said the company was “facing additional costs of 13 per cent in 2023.” He also said its electricity bills had gone up by 180 per cent.

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Yes, Trainline is legitimate. Their app and website connect directly to rail and coach carriers' ticketing platforms so every ticket you buy through Trainline is valid for travel.

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Specifically, plane tickets usually don't get cheaper closer to the departure date. Instead, flights tend to be the most inexpensive when you book between four months and three weeks before your departure date. According to CheapAir.com, you can expect rates to go up after that period.

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Seat reservation is compulsory on TGVs, and all tickets automatically include a seat reservation on a specific train. TGV seating numbering plans. Fares vary like air fares, with cheap Prems fares if you book in advance, much more expensive flexible fares if you wait and buy on the day.

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For travel on TGV INOUI or TGV France-Italy trains There is no weight limit for your luggage, but you must be able to carry your bags and suitcases by yourself*. On TGV INOUI trains: Your cabin luggage or other compact bags should be stowed under your seat, at your feet, or in the overhead compartment above your seat.

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TGV is SNCF's high-speed rail service. Carrying passengers across France on trains exceeding 300kmh, TGV train has become one of the most popular modes of transport for travelling around the country.

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Your seat will be automatically assigned when you complete your reservation. You may change your assigned seat and choose a different seat at any time after your booking is complete by viewing your reservation in the Amtrak app or on Amtrak.com.

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Peak fares are charged during business rush hours on any weekday train scheduled to arrive in NYC terminals between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. or depart NYC terminals between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

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