How far in advance should I book a French train ticket?

How far in advance should I book a French train ticket? Book Early, But Not Too Early Tickets open up for sale around 90 days before your travel date. In general, the longer your travel distance, the earlier you should book. But don't try to to book too far in advance, 90 days is the sweet spot.

Do you get free food on TGV First Class?

There is no difference in the on-board service as no food or drink is included in 1st class on most French domestic TGVs. 1st class is just nicer seating, with the option of solo seats or a face to face table for two.

Is it cheaper to book tickets last minute?

There's no sugarcoating it: Airfare is expensive. And while waiting until the last minute might sound like a good idea, it typically is cheaper to book your flights in advance. We are seeing fewer last-minute deals than in years past, especially when it comes to flights, a Kayak spokesperson tells Travel + Leisure.

Can I use UK Railcard in France?

Railcards are available for travel in the UK and in France and Germany and offer substantial discounts.

Do you need to reserve seats on TGV?

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.

How far in advance should I buy train tickets?

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.

Can you bring luggage on TGV?

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.

Is it better to buy train tickets in advance in France?

For long-distance trains including all TGV, Intercités & Intercités de Nuit overnight trains, reservation is compulsory, but there are usually seats available even on the day of travel and you can buy a ticket immediately before the train departs. But there are much cheaper fares if you pre-book.

Is SNCF the same as TGV?

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.

Why is Trainline cheaper than SNCF?

Trainline shows various date options side-by-side with their costs. So if you're flexible on dates and willing to travel on whichever day is cheapest, you are able to get some great savings. This is not possible with the SNCF (though their older site used to do it) or other platforms.

Are train tickets cheaper if you book them in advance?

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.

Are French trains usually on time?

The percent of French SNCF trains that arrive with a delay of less than 15 minutes is at 87%, according to a study released in 2022 (read here about it in French). So 13% of French trains are delayed by 15 minutes or more. This represents an increase in lateness over the decades since the 1950s.

Is it cheaper to pre book train tickets or buy on the day?

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.

How far in advance should I book a train in France?

Tickets go on sale at least 90 days out and for summer season sometimes earlier. The price is about a third what you pay last minute and often less than the cost of the reservation when you have a train pass. There is not much difference between 1st and 2nd class and they both get to the destination at the same time.

Is it better to purchase your ticket at the station or on the train?

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.