Is it cheaper to buy French rail tickets in advance?

Book travel across Europe By booking your train tickets in advance, either on the day the tickets become available or just after, you can save even more money on rail fares than you think. By booking your train tickets this way, you can certainly make the trip much better value for money.



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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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The earlier you book your tickets, the more likely you are to get the lowest fare available for the dates you want on the routes along your journey. You may book your travel up to 11 months 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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Follow the 21-day rule for last-minute travel Keyes suggests booking your ticket at least 21 days before departure (if possible), since airlines have policies that will substantially raise the price of airfare for trips taking place after that deadline.

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Reservations on the TGV high-speed trains are compulsory. We recommend you make your reservations as far in advance as possible. Please note that international TGV trains offer a limited number of seats for Interrail Pass holders.

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Reserve Early The earlier you book your tickets, the more likely you are to get the lowest fare available for the dates you want on the routes along your journey. You may book your travel up to 11 months in advance.

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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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OUIGO is a low-cost rail service company established in 2013 as part of the SNCF group. Unlike the TGV INOUI service, OUIGO trains only have one class, which is equivalent to second-class travel. This is why OUIGO tickets are so cheap - from €10 for adults (depending on the destination) and €5 for children.

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But there is added comfort in full class, and given the nominal price differnce and your travel companions, I would suggest that you choose first class. There's somewhat more room in first class and the seats are *supposed* to be slightly more comfortable. You can't be served a meal at your seat in second class.

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On double-deck TGV Duplex, ask for an upper deck seat for the best views. Stairs to the upper deck are wide and easy so not a problem, only choose the lower deck if you have serious mobility impairment.

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Average domestic airfare price by day
  • Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly domestically.
  • Saturday and Monday flights can help you avoid the Sunday rush.
  • Wednesdays and Thursdays are the cheapest day to fly internationally.
  • Book one to three months in advance.
  • Set a price alert.


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To avoid a potential price increase, it's best to book your flight far ahead of time instead of waiting till it's closer to your trip. Google says that if you're booking a domestic flight, the prices are generally at their lowest between 21 and 60 days before your trip.

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On average, Sunday is the best day for savvy savers to book a flight, according to the experts, with seat prices usually at their lowest of the week.

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