TGV High speed train service... get around France, fast!

In April 2007, an enhanced version of the TGV, the V150, broke its prior record as the fastest train on rail in the world by clocking in a top speed of just under 575 kph (357mph) leaving a cloud of dust in its wake!!



Although the passenger version doesn’t travel near as fast, it is still fast enough to make your ears pop as you pass swiftly through tunnels due to the sudden change in air pressure.

If you want to get around France in a short space of time, it is well worth spending the money on a TGV ticket. To travel on the TGV you must make a reservation. If you board the train without one you risk being fined by the conductor. It is possible to buy/reserve (same thing in TGV terms as you still pay the reservation fee) a ticket at the last minute from the counter.

It's pretty rare not to have the conductor come around to check and re-validate your ticket. So don't risk playing "dumb tourist" here by not purchasing one. You will be sent off at the first stop with a hefty fine. Just to prove a point, here are some "tongue in cheek" responses from French people on how to travel the TGV without a ticket:

"Get a job as the conductor or driver"
"Borrow Harry Potter's invisibility cloak" (yes, even the French were not immune to the Harry Potter phenomenon)
"Hide in a giant sportsbag when no one's looking. Good luck!" Needless to say, don't try this one.


Travel Tip 1:
For TGV travel options and bookings, book directly through the TGV.com site. There are travel sites out there that will book tickets for you and charge you extra for the service. It's not that hard to book direct.


Buying a TGV Ticket online
You can select from first or standard class and in the booking process choose the seat allocation you want. Look out for the special offers and reduced fare options for seniors and children.

The booking process is pretty straight forward; don’t get overwhelmed with all the options. Save money by playing around with your selection of departure and arrivals times. For example, in some instances, departing around midday is cheaper than in the morning. After you select your departure point, destination, times and seating, your main decision will be the type of ticket, with or without insurance. There are refundable and replaceable (most expensive) to non-refundable, non-replaceable (cheapest) options. Just like car-hire insurance options, select what you are most comfortable with. But if you are absolutely certain of your travel times, then you can opt for the non-refundable, non-exchangable option to save more money.

I always elect to pick up the tickets in France... saves loosing them. Once you have booked your ticket, print out the confirmation letter you will receive by email and take this copy with you.

Click here to read more or book your ticket online now. Within this site, travellers from US or UK just click on your respective countries. If you prefer to recieve your tickets and have allowed PLENTY of time for postal delivery then by all means type in your postal address. For other english-speaking countries (Australia, New Zealand, Canada, etc.) familiarise yourselves with the types of tickets available in the UK site, then book through the "country - France" option. Here you will have to elect to pick up the tickets from the station. A better option in my view anyway.

Travel Tip 2:
Boarding the TGV at the platform stations in Paris involves some effort, as the train doors don't line up exactly with the platform level... usually you climb two steep stairs. So, best to travel with trolley-style travel bags. Also, there is limited bulky-luggage space on the trains. Overhead rack space is sufficient for backpacks, etc., but NOT to be used for large suitcases. Another example of why it pays to travel light!



Travel Tip 3:
Arrive at your station in plenty of time. There is nothing worse than running late and stressing on your holiday. The TGV departs precisely at the time specified and waits for no one.


Picking up your TGV Ticket
You can pick up your ticket over the counter from your station of departure or other RER stations if you happen to be at one. You can also do-it-yourself at the electronic ticketing booths found at all TGV stations. You MUST have your reservation/confirmation reference number and the same credit card you used to purchase the ticket online to withdraw your ticket.

NB. For self-serve electronic ticketing, your credit card must be one containing a chip with pin number to access otherwise you won’t be able to extract your ticket. Allow plenty of time to get your tickets before your departure if you have not done it before. If you have trouble, go to the ticket counter.


Once you have your tickets there is something you must do before you board... validate your ticket!!, or you might be fined by the conductor who checks the tickets on board. Validate your tickets by using the time stamp machines (composteurs), found around the platforms.




They are usually stand alone machines, on grey posts up to waist height, usually yellow, depending on station. Watch the people around you and you will see how its done: just by feeding your ticket into slot, printed side up until you hear a definite "click". The machine didn't work for me once. I shrugged to the French lady waiting behind me. She simply whacked the machine with her hand and "voila!", worked like a charm! Your ticket will be punched with a hole and/or marked with date and time. Keep your ticket with you for the length if the trip. You are now ready to board!


Travel Tip 4:
If you find you have recieved your ticket, composted/validated it, sorted out which carriage you'll be boarding and now have time on your hands... great!! Buy yourself a coffee (or why not a beer, seeing as you won't be driving) from one of the food and drink outlets, grab a seat and practice the French art of people watching.


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