French Train Tickets - Lyon - Paris (April)

Just wondering if it is better to buy train tickets on line before heading to France or if buying at the train station will suffice. We are training from Lyon to Paris. What would be the expected rate? Any suggested websites to buy from?

Thanks :)

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Ahead of time is best. Savings can be large. Use sncf.com or http://www.tgv-europe.com

I punched in 1 way, 2nd class and got fares as low as 30 euros for May 20.

Use France or Great Britain as where tickets will be sent or picked up... otherwise you may be redirected to the more expensive raileurope site.

Rob

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Great thanks Rob. All booked for 86 Euros for 2 people in 1st Class! It was only a couple of Euros to upgrade :)

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Glad it worked out for you. Amazing how cheap first class can be sometimes!

Have a great trip.

Rob

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Hi Rallygirl,

I to am trying to buy 1st class rail tickets R/T Paris-Cahors, I used Robs link to the TGV site but as he said when I put in US residence it redirected me to raileurope which is a lot more expensive and does not allow you to select seats. If I put in the request as an Irish resident it will take, but warns that foreign credit cards will not work in Paris.

As an Australian, how did you pick up your tickets?

Frank

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An Australian card might work if you have one with a computer chip and a PIN. Cards without chip-and-PIN will not work in the ticket machines at French railway stations.

If your card does not have a chip, you should still be able to get your tickets at a ticket window or an SNCF boutique.

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Nick is spot on but be sure you have both your confirmation number AND the same credit card as you used online.

Rob

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Thanks Nick %26amp; Rob,

I got 1st class R/T Paris to Cahors for 91 euro vs $212 on the rail-europe site, great savings.

Any thoughts on the food %26amp; drink available on the train.

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I haven%26#39;t traveled your exact route but have done Paris-Nice and

Paris-Amsterdam-Paris.

My experience was the food was poor and overpriced. Just snacks and sandwiches etc. Bring some drinks and snacks in a bag and you%26#39;ll be happy you did.

Rob

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There ma be exceptions but generally food bought on trains is not inspired and even buying sandwiches at the station will be cheaper and give a greater choice.

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Thanks, are you allowed to bring your own wine on the train or is that frowned upon.