alexvsim
Traveller
9 comments
Posted 14 years ago
Is it a good idea to use regional trains, so you don't have to struggle with the TGV reservations? Are there setbacks other than the fact that they are slower?
Using regional trains instead of TGV
Peter
Traveller
9333 comments
TGV trains are definitely high speed.
In most cases you will find at least once per day free Regional trains.
Use the schedule planer and select the option without HST:
[u]https://rail.cc/en/search-interrail-route[/u]
An other solution to solve the problem of limited seats for Rail Pass travelers on TGV trains is this one:
[u]https://rail.cc/en/interrail-train-reservation/tgv-sncf/42[/u]
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
The regional trains in France are operated by SNCF on behalf of the different régions. Therefore you often have quite good connections with regional trains within one region but the cross-border connections can be really awkward at times.
Just like Peter said, the TGV are really high speed, ie you can get from Paris to Marseille within three hours - with regional trains (TER) you'd need about ten hours. You can get by with regional trains only but usually it is much quicker and more comfortable to use a TGV or Téoz. Especially if you are travelling during periods where the reservation for the TGV is 3€ only (the Téoz is always 3€) is is really worth it. :)
Flo 8)
alexvsim
Traveller
9 comments
Thanks!
I will definitely try the abonnement forfait 2e classe method, I really don't want to be stuck in Paris for a week...