Why are French TGV prices different between Loco2 and Capitaine Train?
I had thought that since both Loco2 and Capitaine Train have agreements with SNCF to sell domestic French train tickets (amongst others). However, I've noticed that sometimes the prices between them can vary a lot. Is there a reason for this?
As an example, Lille to Agen at 10:11 on Saturday 14th June, Loco2 want £101 (= €124.82), while Capitaine Train only want €111.10 (= £89.90)
On the other hand, Lille to Tours at 08:42 on Saturday 5th July, Loco2 only want £46.50 (= €57.47), while Capitaine Train comes in at €89.70 (= £72.58)
Given that they are in theory reselling the same tickets, how come they have different prices? And is there any way to know in advance which is likely to be cheapest when there is a difference?
Best Answer
Disclosure: I am a co-founder of Loco2
French train tickets on Loco2 are sold via a connection to SNCF's UK subsidiary, Voyages SNCF UK. Via this connection, we can offer the same tickets and availability as the UK version of Voyages-SNCF.com, with prices in GBP. Capitaine Train is connected to the French SNCF booking system, with prices in Euros.
The underlying system is the same for the UK and French versions, so both sites should have the same availability, with some variation depending on the exchange rate (set by SNCF). However, we have come across various examples in which availability doesn't match up.
Neither site adds a booking fee, with both returning the cheapest price at the point the query is submitted. So the issue lies within the SNCF system that sits behind both of these sites. Loco2 can log specific examples with SNCF to resolve such inequities, but it's a challenge to ensure absolute parity. Unfortunately, in the absence of a comprehensive strategy that doesn't discriminate on the basis of location, there isn't an easy way to predict results.
We welcome such examples, so do let us know - especially if you spot any patterns as these are easier to address than one-offs.
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How much are TGV tickets in France?
SNCF Routes and TimetablesSNCF routeSchedulePriceTrain Toulouse ParisFrom 06:00 to 22:50From $35Train Nice ParisFrom 07:00 to 20:00from $28Train Paris MarseilleFrom 06:00 to 21:30From $27Train Bordeaux ParisFrom 05:00 to 20:30From $206 more rowsIs the TGV expensive?
As you might expect, TGV trains are more expensive than "regular" speed trains in France. Before you buy your ticket, you might want to also compare budget European airfares, as you might be able to fly for cheaper.How much is TGV ticket Paris?
Single tickets in STANDARD class are available from TGV Lyria for EUR 49 all year round. By purchasing your ticket four months in advance, you can benefit from prices as low as EUR 29.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.Evolution of French TGV Trains: Explained
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Answer 2
Disclosure: I work at Capitaine Train
I would like to point out that what Kate has stated above is entirely correct. Capitaine Train does indeed not add any booking fees and we are connected to the French SNCF booking system. The exchange rate set by SNCF can cause discrepancies between the ticket prices available on both websites as Capitaine Train charges in Euros and Loco2 in GBP. In regards to the Lille - Tours example, the reason for the price difference is because these are actually two different routes and therefore two different fares. The Loco2 route takes 45 minutes longer and only includes a single connection. The route we offer arrives earlier but has two connections.
As we are connected to the core reservation system of SNCF, rather than Voyages-SNCF UK, we always offer the exact same nominal rate as SNCF. This means that all of the prices available on the French version of voyages-sncf.com will also be found on Capitaine Train.
We have previously been informed by our customers that there are differences in price between Voyages SNCF France and Voyages SNCF UK, though we cannot comment on this as we have not yet received enough examples to form a pattern. So we would also welcome any further information regarding this.
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