I will be travelling in the area south of France - Venice soon, and would like some idea if I should order train tickets in advance.
My only concern is getting on the train, and price (I do know it is best on Thalys trains in France).
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Will you be travelling around the area or only from southern France to Venice?– 7hibaultCommented Jul 8, 2016 at 9:04
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Please give us more info on the exact trips you want to do. If you just travel between cities (TER, Thalys...), you don't need to book in advance (you can even stand up during short travels, like on subways). If you want to plan long trips, you must book in advance to have a seat (because it works like on planes, with a fixed number of seats), especially on summer time.– BorissovCommented Jul 8, 2016 at 9:18
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2@Boris Thalys is a long-distance high-speed train, not at all like a TER.– RelaxedCommented Jul 8, 2016 at 9:55
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These are long-distance trips, I know dates, but not times, though probably an overnight train to Venice.– OlavCommented Jul 8, 2016 at 13:08
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2 Answers
There are few benefits for buying in advance :
- You'll most likely get better prices, especially during summer period
- You'll have a seat confirmed
If you don't book in advance, then you'll potentially pay a very expensive price (there is not really last minute discount for trains) and you might have troubles to find a seat for the time you'd like to travel if the train is full...
If there is an overnight train involved, you need to book as you are sure you are going to take that train. Night trains are often 'reserved only' and when they run out of reservations, you are out of the train.
For all long distance trains it is better to book early, specially if the tickets come with a seat reservation.
Most trains in Europe allow you to book your tickets and reservations 3 months before traveling, that is the best time to book the tickets. If you can not book that early, then as soon after as you are sure which train you will take.
