How early before departure can I reserve train tickets in France?
I'm trying to book a train journey in France for September. We are currently in May and the SNCF website does not allow me to reserve tickets such a long time (4 months) in advance.
So here is the question: how early can I reserve train tickets in France?
Best Answer
This page (in French) from SNCF http://aide.voyages-sncf.com/toute-laide-train/je-prepare-mon-voyage/informations-pratiques-horaires-trafic-gares/ouverture-des-ventes mentions that the opening of sale is usually three months in advance.
It basically says that the opening of sales for TGV and Intercités trains begins three months before the travel date.
On the same page, as of may 3rd 2015, it also mentions that sales are currently opened for travels from July 3rd to August 30th. (And not 31st, God knows why)
That is somehow contradictory with the first sentence. (As August 30th is more than three months away from current date). And I can confirm that searching for a ticket on August 30th is working on May 3rd.
Which means you have to keep an eye on the sales opening when looking for a distant travel date. The opening sales date seems to be between 4 and 3 months.
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How far in advance can you book train tickets in France?
Booking horizon by countryCountryBooking HorizonBelgium3 months (90 days)France3 months with seasonal variationGermany3 months (90 days)Italy2-6 months, depending on the train type*7 more rows•Mar 31, 2022How far in advance can you book TGV trains?
TGV tickets can usually be booked up to 90 days in advance. Journeys with a connection to a TGV train in France can usually be booked up to 90 days in advance but this can vary. Journeys connecting to Thalys trains to France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany usually go on sale 120 days in advance but this can vary.When can I reserve train ticket?
Advance Reservation Period for booking train tickets is 120 days (excluding the date of journey). So, booking in trains from train originating stations will open and remain available for 120 days.Should I buy TGV tickets in advance?
And rail-pass holders who still need tickets and/or seat reservations on certain trains \u2014 most notably the Eurostar, Thalys, and any TGV \u2014 are smart to get their passholder-fare tickets well in advance.How To Travel France By Train | France Travel Tips | France 2022
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Answer 2
From experience I say 3 months, but not sure whether that is 90 days regardless of length of the months, or same day of the week or same date regardless of month. You will have to check out a few trains and keep an eye out just before the expected period.
The one exception I have seen on this rule is the Eurostar, which allows a 4 month early booking, making it harder to combine it with regular trains in France.
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