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1.
How do I find my way around the train system?
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2. Can I see an example of a real train ticket
and can you give me the explanation?
Click here to get all you want to
know about a French Train ticket including a full size example with
detailed explanation.
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3. If I have ONE ticket, can I get on and off the train and spend time
at intermediary stops?
Here's
the concept behind the use of train tickets. Please keep in mind that the ticket
for travel and the reservation for occupying a specific seat in
the train are two separate and distinct issues.
For our discussion there a "two main types of trains" :
- Where NO reservation is necessary. These are trains where you
can sit in any seat. (Corail, Ter)
- Where a reservation is OBLIGATORY. These are the TGV,
Eurostar, Thalys (Paris to Amsterdam) and certain intercity trains (Corail
Téoz)
Also keep in mind that just prior to boarding a train you
"stamp" your ticket
("composter" in French, there are
little automates all around mainline stations to do this, you just insert
your ticket and the date and time are printed on the ticket), to indicate
the beginning of travel. ("Composteurs" as in the image to the
right can have different shapes and colours).
- NO reservation trains. Once stamped, your ticket is valid
until the following day at midnight. So, if you stamp it, let's say,
Monday morning it is valid until Tuesday at midnight. With this type
of ticket you can get on and off a "NO reservation" train as
often as you like, for as long as you like... with no problem.
You must however keep traveling in the direction toward the
destination indicated on the ticket and finish your trip before the
end of the ticket's validity.
- OBLIGATORY reservation trains. When you purchase this ticket,
the purchase of a reservation is necessary. Here your ticket is ONLY
valid for the travel AND time indicated on the ticket. So, you
understand, you can NOT get on and off at leisure. You must have a
different ticket AND reservation for EACH section of your travel.
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4. If I'm delayed
and miss my train can I get a refund or exchange my ticket?
Here are the official guidelines for refunds if you miss your train :
Refunds for Tickets with reservations:
- Before departure 100% refunded (can depend on the nature of
the ticket)
- After departure 50% refunded for regular full fare tickets
- No refund in all other cases (for all discounted fares)
Refunds for Tickets without reservations:
- up until the end of the validity of your ticket 90% refunded
Lost or stolen tickets will not be reimbursed and no duplicates
can be issued.
For a delay, go to the ticket counter within one hour after
departure and you'll be re-accommodated on
the next departing train for your destination. This, of course, depends on
availability and could entail a price difference depending on what time of
the day it is.
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5. How far ahead of time can I reserve my train
ticket?
This can vary according to the country where you purchase your ticket
and the type of ticket. Here are some general guidelines.
When you click on a "Book your ticket" link at
www.BonjourLaFrance.net you
will be taken to a "Reservation Engine" that will request departure,
arrival and date of travel information.
If your date is later than what the Engine can provide it will return a
message like : "We're sorry, some trains cannot be booked outside of a
date limit due to the fact that the European railroads do not make fares
or schedules beyond that limit". You will need to come back at a later
date.
- On Eurostar (Paris<>London...) you can reserve up to 120 days in
advance
- On the rest of the French National Rail Network (TGV, Corail, Ter)
you can reserve between 60 and 90 days in advance
Keep in mind :
- Delivery time from moment of purchase to delivery. Tickets are
mailed First Class or sent by Courier. Therefore arrival times can be
from 1 to about 3 days.
- Be very careful ordering tickets with a departure only 7 days
later. Any delay... and you won't get them in time.
- Certain countries will not sell you a ticket (that needs delivery
by mail) LESS than 7 days from time of travel.
- Obviously if you're traveling overseas you like to prepare months
in advance, do your bookings, and know that everything is ready. Sixty
days (2 months) might sound very "last minute" to those who prepare
their travel 6 to 12 months before departure.
This is understandable, but rest assured that obtaining a train
reservation 60 to 90 days ahead of time is sufficient to assure you of
a seat on your desired train.
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6. What is the difference between 1st and 2nd
class on the TGV?
Obviously 1st class is "plusher". Probably the main difference is that
the width of the coach in 1st class houses 3 seats instead of 4 seats in
2nd class.
The result is more spacious seats and aisles. It also means you have
"single" (no one beside you) seats on one side of the coach and "double"
seats on the other. On the "single" side you can also have two seats
opposite each other. This means 2 people can be "isolated" and facing each
other.
Most 1st class TGVs are equipped with plugs for computers. In 1st class
you can also reserve a taxi which will await you on arrival at your
destination. This service is only available during weekdays and on some
destinations (mainly arrivals in Paris and other major stations). This
service is free of charge, you just pay the normal taxi fare.
In 1st class, on the left you see the "single" seat. On the right
the double seats. |
A "single" seat in 1st class. |
2nd class "family seats" for 4 people |
1st class "family seats" for 4 people |
7. Are there any restaurant facilities on
the TGV?
A coach with a bar is available and depending on the time of day
proposes : breakfast, main dishes, sandwiches, hot and cold drinks
according to your desires.
You may eat in the bar or take it away on a tray. You may also bring
your own refreshments and eat them at your seat.
The image on the right gives you an idea of what this coach looks
like.
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8. On arrival at my station I only have 7 minutes to
transfer trains to continue my journey,
is this enough time?
Yes, 7 minutes to transfer trains is sufficient. Getting from one
to another is a short operation.
I will give you a brief explanation but the best thing to do is when the
ticket controller comes to check your ticket on the first train, ask
him/her which platform your connecting train leaves from. They should be
able to tell you... as well as giving you directions on how to get to that
platform. They know all the stations along their route.
People getting off at your station should also be able to inform you where
the connecting train leaves from... and you'll find that someone will even
walk you over to the platform. I guarantee you that you will have no
problem... even in English.
I suggest you get prepared to disembark a few minutes before arrival,
even taking all your belongings and standing by the door so as to be the
first off the train.
That said, platforms are always parallel one to another. and they are
generally numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 etc. You'll come in on platform 2 (let's
say) and will need to get to platform 6 (let's say).
On the platforms OR in a main area you will see an
overhead
announcement board. There you'll see all the information you need.
Take a look
at this one as an example. Notice the platform number at the
right.
There are two ways to get to your new departure platform.
1. Go to the HEAD of the train... and find your new platform
2. Use an
UNDERGROUND passageway which will run UNDER and PERPENDICULAR to the
tracks.
Here's an example :
When you get into this passageway you'll see the track numbers on the
wall... and you'll easily be able to find your new platform. There will be
a stairway UP to the platform and you'll be right beside the train. In
fact there could be a train on either side of you... so make sure you get
on the right one. The destination will generally be indicated beside the
door. If need be, ask.
Generally you can follow the crowd... which will lead you in the right
direction... To the head of the platform, or the passageway, but keeps
your eyes open for platform signs.
As soon as you see your platform, and hence, your train, you can get on
through the FIRST door... without worrying about where you're going to
sit. Just get on... whether you have a reserved seat or not. You can
always walk through the INTERIOR of the train to find a seat... or your
reserved seat... even if its a couple of coaches further on.
Be assured the time given between arrival and departure (7-8 minutes) is
done so to allow passengers to easily transit from one train to another
and allow them to continue their journey.
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9. On arrival at Paris Charles-de-Gaulle Airport,
how much time do I need to catch a TGV?
The train station is in Terminal 2 of the airport and any arrival there
puts you a maximum of 15 minutes easy walking from your point of
departure. If you arrive in Terminal 1 count at least 30 minutes because
you need to take a shuttle bus.
Click here for the airport layout and internal airport shuttles.
Certain time parameters are "uncontrollable". Plane arrival, Customs
Clearance, Luggage retrieval. Count about 1 hour for this considering that
all goes well... it could be less... or more.
So, all told you'd need about 75 - 90 minutes to catch a TGV train at
Charles de Gaulle airport after arrival.
Please read the answer about ticket exchanges and
refunds... in case of difficulty with the delays.
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10. Can I leave one of my suitcases in storage
in a train station for a few days?
There are some automatic and manual storage possibilities in some train
stations around France.. It is preferable to NOT leave valuables in
storage as it is under your
entire responsibility.
Please keep in mind that this service for both the automatic and manual
consignment can be suspended and/or reinstated at any time due to security
reasons.
Train stations with automatic "consignment boxes"
- You will receive a receipt (which you do NOT want to lose!) which
will allow you to recuperate your luggage.
- The cost is in function of size and is approximately 4 €, 7 € or
9.5 € for a 48 to 72 hour period. The amount is payable using coins, so
prepare to have the exact amount ready when you pay.
- Some boxes at Paris-Montparnasse station only can be paid by Credit
Card
- These stations have automatic consignment :
Angers, Avignon-Centre, Bordeaux, Cannes, Marne-la-Vallee-Chessy
(Disney), Marseille, Nantes, Nice, Paris Austerlitz / Lyon /
Montparnasse / Nord, Toulouse.
Train stations with "manual consignment"
- Cost runs about 5 € for 10 hours and 8 € per piece of luggage per 24 hour period
- Bicycles, wheelchairs and larger items run about 6 € for 10 hours
and 10 € per item per
24 hour period
- These stations have manual consignment :
Dijon, Lyon-Perrache and Strasbourg. The following stations offer this service
periodically... generally during tourist season : Saint-Raphael,
Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Moutiers and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains.
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11. What are the baggage
restrictions for the TGV and other trains, How
large are the compartments? Can a 28" bag fit the overhead compartment? As
well, can a passenger bring on more than one bag, for example, one roller
board and one back pack?
Here are the different areas in a TGV where you can store your baggage
:
|
 |
Under the seat in front of
you... like on a plane.
This is limited... and maybe depends on how long
your legs are!
As you can see there is a foot-rest which is quite handy and
comfortable.
You also get a good sized "pull-out" table and a magazine rack.
There's a small container for garbage disposal. But remember, NO
ashtrays... ALL TGVs are now totally non-smoking. |
| In the overhead compartment.
But this is rather narrow and designed generally
only for rather small bags. |
 |
Some TGVs have a small baggage compartment in the
middle of the coach.
From the picture you can see that bigger bags can be
stored here. But this space is quite limited. |
All TGVs have a baggage compartment at EACH end of most coaches.
These spaces are much larger and are adapted for large pieces of
luggage. |
Here are a few key points to remember about baggage on the TGV :
In general you can bring any "hand" luggage, that that you can carry
yourself or with another person. No size or number of bags is imposed but
it would be similar to what you can "normally" check on an airplane.
This would include backpacks as well as fold-up bicycles, and surf
boards in their cover and stored in the appropriate place reserved for
them in the train. So, a roller-board is ok. Non fold-up bicycles can be
taken on some TGVs. This is indicated in the "notes" (NB) section on the
individual TGV train shedules
Make sure that no luggage impedes proper passenger circulation (nothing
blocking the aisles). All baggage MUST have a clearly visible name tag
with your first and last name.
All luggage is transported under your sole responsibility. Therefore
you need to keep an eye on it. So, depending on where you sit (facing
forward or backwards) put your big luggage at the end of the coach where you can
"keep an eye on it". When I have any valuable "big" bags I tend to get up and hover near
them when the TGV stops... Just to be cautious.
Generally there's plenty of storage space available as most passengers
do not travel with a lot of luggage. This may not be the case during
certain periods of the year like summer vacation rush days, Friday evening
departures or Sunday returns etc. Especially during school breaks when
families tend to travel more.
On the Corail trains you can
take the same amount of baggage, there is an area in each coach where you
can store bigger suitcases. You can also take it on the
RER and
metro. It'll be a little more difficult
to negotiate the turnstiles, (you can ask the ticket-counter to open an
entry door for you... like when people take a stroller on the metro). On
the RER and metro you'll have to stay near the door area where there's
plenty of space for your baggage.
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12.
I inadvertently left a piece of luggage in my
train on arrival. How can I retrieve it?
Go to the "Accueil" (information centre) in the station to find out
where the lost and found is and at what times they are open. There is a
charge of 9 Euros to recuperate a lost object.
Unfortunately the SNCF rarely, if ever, gives out telephone numbers or
emails of stations for you to contact them directly. The best I can do is
suggest you contact their Client Services and clearly explain your
situation. Give as many details as possible : itinerary, dates, places
etc.
Service relations clients SNCF
62973 ARRAS Cedex 9
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13. Can I pre-reserve a Taxi for immediate use on
arrival at my destination?
Passengers in 1st class only simply need to ask the Ticket Supervisor
to order themselves a taxi. This is a free service, you just pay the
taxi driver the regular fare. Service available Monday to Friday (except
on Holidays) in Paris and for destinations for the following itineraries
: Paris>Lille, Paris>Nantes, Paris>Rennes, Paris>Marseille and
Paris>Montpellier.
It is also available in Paris for the following itineraries :
Arras>Paris, Nice>Paris, Limoges>Paris (on non-stop trains in Autrans
and Orleans), Nancy>Paris, Metz>Paris, Mulhouse>Paris, Clermont-Ferrand>Paris,
Bordeaux>Paris, Zurich-Lausanne>Paris and Geneva>Paris.
Night Train. This Taxi Reservation service is available on the
3750 Toulouse>Paris for 1st class passengers. A taxi will await you at
Paris-Austerlitz upon your arrival. Ask the Ticket Supervisor at the
Boarding-Welcome desk (Accueil-Embarquement) at the Toulouse station.
Service available every day except Satudays and on the eve of Holidays.
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14. Are bicycles allowed on trains? What are
the conditions?
- You can ship your bike as "baggage".
- You can travel with your bike at no cost on certain trains :
- Unfolded bikes : in the baggage compartment or bike rack on the
Corail trains (except Corail Théoz
and Corail Lunéa), TER (regional trains) and
Transilien (Paris suburban trains) according to available space.
- Folded bikes : As hand baggage in the baggage space found at the
extremities of TGV coaches and on the racks of certain Corail day
coaches. Your bike must be in a "bike bag" (max. dimensions : 1.20m x
0.90m) with the front wheel removed. Such bike bags are available in
sports stores.
- You can travel with an UNfolded bike only in 2nd class and with a
supplementary 10 Euros reservation :
- In almost all the TGVs traveling in the North of France to Paris,
in numerous TGVs going to the South-East, as well as TGV Lyria
beteween Lausanne, Zurich and Paris.
- In most of the Corail Lunea
night trains.
- In the Corail Teoz trains
between Paris and Clermont Ferrand, between Paris and Strasbourg,
between Paris and Toulouse and on the Bordeaux-Nice itinerary.
On board the trains, your bike is under your total responsibility.
Their loading and unloading is done by you.
Trains that accept UNfolded bikes are indicated with a "bike" symbol
or text in the schedules.
************************* 15. Can I travel with an
animal, and what are the conditions?
To travel with a dog, you need a 2nd class half-price ticket (even if
you travel in 1st class).
For a small dog or other domestic animal (under 6 kg) transported in a
basket or a closed container with dimensions not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x
25cm the price is 5.10 Euros. Before you take your seat, be aware that
you must check with the travelers around you to make sure they accept
the presence of your domestic animal. You cannot impose its presence if
they don't agree. By obligation, your dog must be muzzled. If
you're traveling in a night compartment you must reserve an entire
compartment for yourself. Trained dogs accompanying handicapped
individuals.
The presence of a guide dog with a handicapped person does not entail a
supplementary price. Wearing a muzzle by such a dog is not necessary if
the handicapped person can provide evidence of special training by the
dog. Book
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************************* 16. How long does
it take to get from the Gare du Nord to other main stations?
It depends on when you arrive (rush hour
or less traffic), and on how you transfer (metro... how much luggage you
have? or taxi... how long the waiting queue is?). Whether you have to
purchase tickets... and have the right currency? Do you know how the
Metro works?
All of these "small" things add up to 5 minutes here and there...
including reading the bulletin boards to find and get to your departure
platform when you get to the Paris Train
station you want..
That said, it's wise to leave between at
least one to one and a half hours to get to Gare Montparnasse, Gare de
Lyon and Gare d'Austerlitz. If you take a taxi during rush hours, the
more time you have the better. Gare St Lazare and Gare de l'Est are
closer so you'd need a little less time. To help you prepare...
here are
plans of all the Paris Train Stations.
How the French Train System works with images of bulletin boards, direction
signs and logos
The
Paris Metro system with a map and instructions
The
Paris Regional Express Train Network (
RER ) with a map and instructions
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