Thread: Punching train tickets in France???
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Old 26-08-09, 09:52 PM   #2
7755matt
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Default Re: Punching train tickets in France???
borrowed from http://bonjourlafrance.net/france-tr...ns-answers.htm

Quote:
Here's the concept behind the use of train tickets. Please keep in mind that the ticket for [COLOR=green ! important][COLOR=green ! important]travel[/COLOR][/COLOR] and the reservation for occupying a specific seat in the train are two separate and distinct issues.
For our discussion there a "two main types of trains" :
  2. Where NO reservation is necessary. These are trains where you can sit in any seat. (Corail, Ter)
  3. Where a reservation is OBLIGATORY. These are the TGV, Eurostar, Thalys (Paris to Amsterdam) and certain intercity trains (Corail Téoz)
Also keep in mind that just prior to boarding a train you "stamp" your ticket ("composter" in French, there are little automates all around mainline stations to do this, you just insert your ticket and the date and time are printed on the ticket), to indicate the beginning of travel. ("Composteurs" as in the image to the right can have different shapes and colours).
  2. NO reservation trains. Once stamped, your ticket is valid until the following day at midnight. So, if you stamp it, let's say, Monday morning it is valid until Tuesday at midnight. With this type of ticket you can get on and off a "NO reservation" train as often as you like, for as long as you like... with no problem.

    You must however keep traveling in the direction toward the destination indicated on the ticket and finish your trip before the end of the ticket's validity.
  3. OBLIGATORY reservation trains. When you purchase this ticket, the purchase of a reservation is necessary. Here your ticket is ONLY valid for the travel AND time indicated on the ticket. So, you understand, you can NOT get on and off at leisure. You must have a different ticket AND reservation for EACH section of your travel.
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