On TGV (or other French long-distance trains), can you take the earlier/later train?
Last year I had a ticket on a certain TGV. I arrived let due to getting a coffee. I got on the next TGV, an hour later. I figured I'd have to buy a new ticket on board.
Surprisingly, the chef said, no, you're allowed to do that if you miss it, your previous ticket is good. I paid nothing at all.
Similarly, a friend reported he one got on the next-earlier TGV, and surprisingly agin did not have to pay. Another third anecdote was similar.
I'm surprised by this - in fact does a TGV (or similar) ticket allow you to take any train? Or is it for a specific time? Or were these just confusing cases of the chef "letting someone off"?
Surprisingly, I can't really find any official info on this, or even people blogging about it.
Best Answer
Generally speaking, TGV tickets are bound to a specific train connection. Higher fares (pro ticket) allow free exchanges and refunds but I think you are still supposed to do it prior to boarding (even a few minutes before, traditionally with dedicated machines in the station's concourse but there is now a mobile app as well) rather than just showing up in another train.
Tickets are not normally sold on trains in France (conductors can do it with a surcharge – or even possibly waive it, see comment – but it is not encouraged like it is or used to be in other countries).
Except in case of irregular operations (strike, cancellations, etc.) it would therefore seem impossible to take another TGV with the same ticket. But on the other hand, I can imagine that most conductors would be lenient with passengers who appear to be lost and paid an expensive ticket. If you are French, have a discount (“Prem's”) ticket and it seems like you are trying to dodge the fare you might get another treatment.
Whatever the circumstances, try to approach the conductors as soon as possible (walk up to them or grab them when they first go through the train). You might get lucky and avoid paying anything or at least get a ticket with a small surcharge. If you are found out later on, when they check tickets, you would be liable for a heavier surcharge/fine.
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Can I get on an earlier train with my ticket?
Can I get an earlier train with an Advance ticket? Advance train tickets aren't flexible, so you must catch the train specified on your ticket. If you catch an earlier train, you may have to pay additional fees, so please check with ticket staff at the station.Is it possible to travel in earlier train than reserved train with same ticket?
Originally Answered: is it possible to travel in earlier train than reserved train with same ticket? No, it is not allowed over Indian Railways. A reserved ticket is valid for that particular train on that particular day only and it is not valid for either earlier or later train.Can I get off a train before my destination?
Yes, you can break your journey while travelling with an Anytime Single or Return ticket. This means you can get off the train at any connecting stop and leave the station, before boarding a later train to complete your journey.What happens if you miss TGV?
If you do not have any of the above ticket types (e.g. you instead have a SNCF TGV ticket with a seat reservation), you will have to purchase a new ticket. If the fare conditions permit it, you are able to cancel/exchange your tickets before the train departs.Evolution of French TGV Trains: Explained
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