Berlin’s transportation system is truly one of the best in the world. It will zip you through the city at pretty much any hour of the day.

Berlin Public Transit Tips

Here are 10 of our best tips for how to ride the Berlin public transit system like a pro.

1. Know which ticket to buy (and how to buy it)

Unfortunately, this is no easy task. Although the ticket machines all have an English language option, they can still be very difficult to figure out, and the locals waiting behind you are likely to get impatient with any greenhorn taking too long to buy a ticket. To avoid too many nail-biting sessions at the ticket machine, it’s better to know which ticket to buy in advance.

Related: Getting the most for your money with Berlin public transit tickets

Here’s a list of all the single fares and some tips for how to understood what the heck they mean by them:

• Short-trip ticket = up to three stops in one direction
• Single ticket = ticket in one direction, including any transfers, valid for up to two hours
• Reduced = ticket fare for children, students, and seniors
• AB = fare zone for central Berlin and outlying suburbs
• BC = fare zone for outlying suburbs and Potsdam
• ABC = fare zone for all three

If this seems confusing to you, it’s because it is. A better option — and one that will save you some dough — is to buy a ticket that’s valid for a longer period of time. Depending on how much longer you plan to stay, you can either buy a day ticket, a 7-day ticket, or a monthly pass.

(If you’re also interested in visiting some museums, you may also want to opt for the Berlin WelcomeCard, a ticket specifically designed for tourists that includes admission to attractions and covers public transportation.)

The good news? Although tickets are a bit tricky to figure out at first, they’re valid for any form of Berlin public transit. You won’t have to worry about having to buy a separate ticket if, for example, you want to ride both the bus and the U-Bahn.

Familiarizing yourself with the transportation map will help, too. Download the route map here.

2. No credit cards

As is often the case in Berlin, U-Bahn, and S-Bahn ticket machines do not accept credit cards. Unless you have a German bank card, your only option is to pay with cash. Machines accept any coin ten cents and above as well as €5, €10, and €20 bills.

Please note that they will give you your change in coins only, so if you’re buying a ticket for a smaller amount, it’s better to use a smaller bill, so you won’t be overly weighed down with a pocket full of change. Not all machines accept bills, so if you don’t have enough small change, look around until you find the one that does.

3. Stamp it — or be shamed!

Once you successfully buy the ticket you need, there’s one more crucial step you need to take before you hop on the train: Stamp and validate that baby!

Unless you’re riding the bus (more on that below) it’s unlikely that anyone will “control” (ask to see) your ticket, but it’s still very important that you remember to stamp it. To do so, locate a validating box and insert the top of the ticket in the slot that says “please stamp here” (the machines are usually near the ticket machines on the platform).

If you fail to validate your ticket (or, gasp!, board without a ticket), you’ll be riding schwarz (black), which is German slang for fare dodgers.

If you’re caught during one of the checks they do periodically, you’ll have to pay a €60 fine. If you have a ticket but forgot to stamp it, you might get lucky and be controlled by someone who has mercy on clueless tourists, but you may not luck out. Don’t take a chance — stamp it!

4. Know the difference between the U-Bahn and the S-Bahn

If you want to impress someone with your nerdy BVG knowledge, you can tell them U-Bahn stands for Untergrundbahn (underground train) and S-Bahn for Stadtbahn (city train). While “underground” train is clear, we think a better word for the S-Bahn would be Übergrundbahn (above ground train).

Although they sometimes break those rules, both train systems usually stick with the program, the U-Bahn staying underground and the S-Bahn running above ground. Although this means the S-Bahn can make for a more scenic ride, there are other differences. The U-Bahn makes more frequent stops in the city, while the S-Bahn functions more as an “express”. The S-Bahn can more quickly whisk you off to the suburbs.

The U-Bahn also runs more often (every two to three minutes during rush hour) and is generally more reliable. The S-Bahn is sometimes notoriously late — in winter, it’s been known to sometimes even shut down completely.

A bus rolling through the streets of Berlin near Alexanderplatz. Photo robdammers

5. Taking the bus

As we mentioned above, your transit ticket is also valid on the bus. If you have a valid ticket, get on in the front of the bus. Then, show your ticket to the driver.

You can also buy a ticket on the bus. To do so, you’ll need to tell the driver which kind you need, for example, single ticket AB (in German, Einzelfahrt AB (Eyen-cell-fart ah-beh). The fare is the same price and can be paid in coins only. Once you’ve achieved this feat — and don’t take it personally if the driver was grumpy, because they almost always are — the driver will hand you a ticket, which you don’t need to stamp.

6. After 1 a.m. on a weekday? Take the Nachtbus

Berlin is famous for its late nightlife, but the U-Bahn runs around the clock only on the weekends. If you feel like living it up on a Tuesday, you’ll find the U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations shuttered and closed down between around 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Although you could always take a taxi — and luckily they are not as expensive in Berlin as they would be in, say, London and Paris — you’ll still have to dig deeper into your wallet than you might want to pay.

But never fear, the Nachtbus is here to save the day (or, in this case, night). When the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and regular bus lines shut down for the night, the Nachtbus (night bus) takes over, and all for the nice price of a regular ticket.

7. Get used to silence and stony faces

Yes, it’s true. Many Berliners you’ll see on the BVG will look as if they’ve been having a bad day… for the past 20 years. Tourists often find the frowns and silence a little intimidating and spooky, but true Berliners often just don’t see the need for idle chit-chat when they’re on their way from A to B among strangers.

If you’re on one of those trains, filled to the brim but as silent as the grave, be sure you aren’t too loud yourself or people might start giving you dirty looks. And take comfort. They’re smiling… inside.

8. Don’t put your feet or bags on the seats

If Berliners have one pet peeve (aside from giddy American extroverts), it’s riders who put their bags on the seats of a busy train. When the train is not full, you can place your bags there. Be sure to move them right away when more people get on, not just when someone wants to sit down. If not, someone is likely to get annoyed, and Berliners aren’t shy when they’re irritated.

Want to tick them off even more? Put your feet on the seats. That was a joke — don’t do it. In Berlin, it’s just about one of the rudest things a person can do.

9. You’re probably not getting hit on

Some tourists think Berliners stare because they’re silently judging them, and others think it’s because they think they’re hot. Neither one of them are right. Staring is just what you do here, so do as the locals do and stare away.

If the person next to you is also sitting so close you can feel their leg touching yours, it’s also not likely that they’re coming on to you and/or creepy. In general, Berliners aren’t as particular about personal space in crowded spaces, so it’s likely they’ll sit more snugly next to you than you might, um, expect.

10. Get used to being pushed around

Although German has words for “excuse me”, Entschuldigung for example, means “sorry”, it’s unlikely that you’ll hear it too often during your trip. In a crowded place like the U-Bahn, you will get pushed and prodded and sometimes elbowed. Your toes might get stepped on. If you’re very unlucky, it will be strong enough to leave a bruise. Don’t expect an apology, because it’s not coming.

However, even with the occasional push, leg touching and stony face, the BVG is an expansive and efficient transit system. It’s far more reliable than most of the public transportation networks in other countries (including, obviously, the US!).

Enjoy the ride. And seriously — she’s not hitting on you.

Need even more tips?

We have many more posts in our budget guide to Berlin. Check out these 12 simple ways to save on your trip to Berlin, plus this recommended list of budget hotels in the city center.

The post Berlin: 10 tips for riding public transit like a local appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here’s our quick guide to your choice of north-south rail routes if you are traveling from central Europe through Switzerland to Italy.

There are just three routes to choose from: the Simplon, the Gotthard and the Bernina.

The Simplon route

Our rating: **

Used by four daily EuroCity services from Geneva to Milan and by the thrice daily EuroCity trains from Basel to Milan. Not our favorite option as the best of the scenery is missed in tunnels. The Geneva and Basel routes converge at Brig, and then run through the Simplon tunnel into Italy. The trains from Geneva do offer some super views as they skirt the northern edge of Lake Geneva. But the Basel route south through Berne is pretty but unspectacular, and then plunges through the 34km-long Lötschberg tunnel to reach Brig, where you get a breath of fresh air before diving into the Simplon tunnel.

On the plus side, there are some super views of Lake Maggiore as the train cruises through northern Italy towards Milan. Sit on the left for the views. And it is those lake views which are the redeeming factor for the Simplon route. So we give it two stars.

The Gotthard route

Our rating: **

Used each day by seven EuroCity trains from Zürich to Milan (and also one from Basel to Milan). This route is also taken by domestic Swiss services from Basel and Zürich to Locarno and Lugano. Indeed, this is the main north to south rail axis through Switzerland. The approach to the north side of the Gotthard Tunnel is classic Switzerland. Sit on the right side of the train for super lake views with range upon range of mountains edging ever closer.

With the opening of the new 57-km Gotthard Base Tunnel in 2016, the journey is now even less scenic.

The Bernina Express running right along Lake Bianco. Photo: Terry

The Bernina route

Our rating: *****

Far and away the finest of the three north-south routes from Switzerland into Italy. No ifs, no buts. The Bernina knocks spots off the competition. If you are in a rush to get into Italy, take the Simplon or Gotthard routes. But if you want to see the Alps, the Bernina is the obvious choice. This is the only route that goes over the Alps rather than tunneling through them.

The Bernina is served by Rhaetian Railway services from St Moritz (in the Swiss Engadin) to Tirano (in Italy). Local trains run hourly on this route throughout most of the day, although evening services are very limited. There are also some through trains from Chur and Davos to Tirano (branded “Bernina Express” and with a supplementary charge).

The beauty of the Bernina, particularly if you ride the local trains which stop at every tiny station, is that you have a real sense of engaging with the landscape. There are glaciers and Alpine meadows, with moments of high drama as the train drops down from high mountain terrain into serenely beautiful valleys. Beyond Tirano, the route runs south-west to Milan, skirting the east side of Lake Como for more than an hour.

The time question

So why does everyone not take the Bernina route? It seems to be really a matter of time. Sadly, most travelers are in a rush. And the lure of a direct train tempts folk to the faster Simplon and Gotthard routes. Journeys from the principal Swiss cities to Milan via the Bernina route require several changes of train. Here are some comparison journey times for Zürich to Milan:

via the Simplon route: 4 hrs 15 min
via the Gotthard route: 3 hrs 45 min
via the Bernina route: 10 hrs 05 min

The travel times speak for themselves. Yes, the Bernina journey takes more than twice as long, but it’s so very, very much better that canny travelers give the Alps the time they deserve. Indeed, there are a heap of places along the Bernina route which warrant an overnight stop, so why not spread the journey over two days?

Editor’s Note: Looking for more insider information on train travel across Europe? Pick up a copy of Europe by Rail, now in its 15th edition, it is the definitive guide for exploring the continent by train. You can also follow them on twitter at @EuropebyRail.

The post Crossing the Alps by Train: Three rail routes from Switzerland to Italy appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But here’s the catch: By default, the SNCF website (the official French railway website, which is the only place you should be booking your train tickets) shows you second-class ticket prices. They’re making the “cheapo deal” a bit difficult to spot, unless you know where to look.

Second-class search

Here was our first search, which brought up second-class seats:

A few things to notice here:

1. Second-class was selected by default.
2. All of the cheapest “non modifiable” (refundable) tickets had already been purchased, leaving only the more expensive refundable seats.
3. Little green tabs on the right do show you first-class seats available for the same journey, but they’re sort of hidden in the background and easy to miss.

First-class search

Now, here were the results when we did the same search for first-class tickets:

You’ll notice that cheaper non-refundable seats are now available for these same trains, but in First Class.

Our Cheapo advice

When searching on the SNCF site, first search for second class tickets — it’s the default search setting. However, don’t just assume these are the cheapest rates. Do a follow-up search for first-class tickets. You might be surprised to find cheaper prices!

Have advice to add? Please add it in the comments section below!

Related:

How to book tickets on the TGV

How to book slower train tickets in Europe

The post 1st Class train tickets in France can be cheaper than 2nd Class (if you know where to look) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Planning to take the journey this summer? Book it now through the SNCF to get this sale fare. But don’t delay, as the sale fare has been limited to 100,000 passengers.

Related: See all flash deals on European travel

Details:

• Eurostar is offering 100,000 round-trips at the sale fare.
• Tickets must be purchased by May 25, 2016
• Travel dates: Between May – November 2016
• Must purchase round-trip journey to get the sale fare.

Is this a good deal?

• Yes! The normal one-way ticket price starts at €55.

How can I book this?

• Through the SNCF website (French)
• Through the UK SNCF website (in English): Note that these sale fares are £29 each way.

More help

Need more help booking your train tickets? Read our article on how to book tickets directly through the SNCF.

The post FLASH: €39 Eurostar sale, London/Paris for summer 2016 travel appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But first, a quick reminder: Book your tickets in advance through the official site of the French railway, the SNCF.

Why book through the SNCF?

As we’ve mentioned in several previous posts, the cheapest way to buy train tickets in France (and throughout Europe) is to purchase them directly through the official railway websites and not through a third-party agency. It’s just not necessary — the official websites have English-language versions and they take foreign credit cards. You can do it!

Once you’ve purchased your tickets, you can simply print them off at home (or, in certain circumstances, pick them up at the station in France, showing the credit card you used to purchase them). There is no need for another company to mail you anything.

However, take note: When you arrive on the SNCF’s English-language site, you’ll be given a choice between continuing with Voyages-SNCF.com or being sent to Rail Europe, the US-based train travel agency. We recommend continuing with the SNCF, as this will allow you to see the same offers available to French customers, including all the discounts and sales. Many of these special offers will not be promoted on the Rail Europe site.

To be fair, there are certainly some good reasons American travelers might want to book through Rail Europe. Customers wishing to talk to someone on the phone or wishing to have US-based customer support will certainly appreciate these things. Also, anyone interested in purchasing Eurail passes should go through the agency.

However, in terms of booking the best deals for point-to-point train travel in France, you’re best bet is to go directly to (and stay on!) the official website: Voyages.sncf.com.

The SNCF Best Price calendar makes it easy to find the cheapest tickets for your dates.

Best Price Calendar

Once on the site, click on the SNCF’s Best Price Calendar, where you can enter your departure and destination cities and travel dates. The website will show you the best ticket prices for a five-week period, highlighting the best deals.

The screenshot above shows a search we did this morning for high-speed train travel between Paris and Avignon six weeks from now. Look at those prices! As low as €25 for the three-hour TGV journey! This is truly a bargain.

Note that these results show tickets for both the normal high-speed TGV trains and for the iDTGV, the TGV’s hip spin-off that travels just as fast, but offers cheaper tickets and limited internet-only customer service. However, they use the same train stations and offer quite similar experiences.

Once you’ve selected your journey, you can choose your seat, pay, and download and print your ticket.

Bon voyage, Cheapos!

The post French Train Tip: How to find cheap TGV tickets appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

More recently, Germany started loosening rules on how bus companies could operate, resulting in incredibly cheap fares for international bus travel. The latest development here happened just weeks ago, when two of the country’s big budget bus companies announced they were merging together.

So how is Germany’s national railway, the Deutsche Bahn (DB), reacting to the current travel landscape? What does this mean for the other rail operators in Germany? And what does this mean for your upcoming travel plans?

Unfortunately, it mostly means cuts to service. Read on…

Good Night, Nachtzug

Germany’s night train service, the “Nachtzug,” saw dramatic cuts in the new train schedules which went into effect last December. DB no longer offers overnight trains from Germany to Paris, Copenhagen, or Vienna, and decreased overnight service to Amsterdam.

The company has also reduced their Autozug offerings, which allow passengers to travel with their car to their vacation destination without driving it there.

The company claims that these routes have been losing millions of euros for years, despite the apparent popularity of certain routes (I’m looking at you, Berlin-Paris sleeper train!). However, the rising costs of right-of-way, the company’s lack of high-speed, long-distance locomotives (which required expensive rentals from the French and Danish), and the unwillingness to invest in improving their aging fleet of sleeper cars are among the reasons DB cites for the decision. They’ve promised to reexamine the issue for travel in 2016 and beyond.

Passengers’ rights and environmental groups see this development as a major setback and are looking into ways to support cooperation between rail companies and the growth of investment in European-wide night train networks as a carbon-friendly alternative to flying.

One bright development, as reported last week by hidden europe: Russian Railways (RZD) plans to begin operating a Paris-Berlin service this June.

Bye Bye, InterConnex

The December schedule change ushered out another familiar train route: the InterConnex ran its last trains between Leipzig, Berlin, and Rostock. The independent carrier rode the eastern German rails for more than a decade, offering steeply discounted train tickets on its dedicated routes and schedules. A subsidiary of the larger transportation company Veolia, InterConnex was the first private long-distance competitor of the near-monopolistic DB.

In its announcement that it was ceasing service, InterConnex explained that it was squeezed between the market pressures of the DB, whose control of the railways allows it to demand increasingly high prices from its competitors for access, and new low-cost bus services. When forced only to compete with DB, InterConnex carved out a discount segment that was quite successful. Yet, the overhead of running a train (even a version as slimmed-down as theirs) was so much higher than a bus that it simply could no longer compete.

Hamburg-Cologne Express cuts back

Germany’s other independent long-distance rail operator, HKX (Hamburg-Cologne Express), has also suffered under the new financial pressures and responded with a two-fold strategy. First, it decreased long-distance service to once per day per direction in order to function primarily as a regional connector (thereby increasing its eligibility for German state funds).

Secondly, it’s cooperating with the former enemy, allowing passengers with DB tickets to travel on its trains, as well as allowing DB to sell HKX-branded tickets at a higher price directly to its passengers.

The Thalys is safe

Perhaps the best-known private rail service in Germany is the international Thalys train, which runs between Cologne, Brussels, (Amsterdam) and Paris. The Thalys, however, is a brand unlikely to be negatively impacted by the same pressures outlined above.

Why? A high-speed train like an ICE or TGV, the Thalys offers a higher quality of service between these European capitals. The majority of its European business passengers are unlikely to switch to lower-cost international bus services, even as these services develop between the same destinations.

The post German train service cuts back, under pressure from cheap flights and buses appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

And these seats are really cheap, going for as little as €10!

So, if you heading from the Paris region to Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Nimes, or Valence, hop to it and book your seats before they sell out!

The deal

A few things to keep in mind if you’re considering booking:

Ouigo offers service between suburban Paris and southeast France.

Book now: Seats are limited and the cheap seats will sell out quickly, so the time to book is now.

Book directly: Book these trips directly on Ouigo.com. Booking them through the English version of the SNCF website will not show you the same deal.

Departures from Marne la Vallée: Trains do not depart from Paris, but rather from Marne la Vallée, about 45 minutes from central Paris on the RER A train. Marne la Vallée is home to Disneyland Paris.

No seat selection: While you’re guaranteed a seat on a Ouigo train, you cannot choose them in advance.

Luggage: Your ticket covers one piece of luggage and a carry-on. You may pay a small fee to bring additional luggage with you.

Travel dates: Tickets on sale now cover trips from July 6 – December 9, 2014.

Book directly on Ouigo

We hate to repeat ourselves, but it’s worth noting again that you need to go directly to the Ouigo.com website to book these seats. You will not see the same deals if you search for them on the SNCF’s English-version website.

Compare for yourself: The prices in the screenshot above are from a search on Ouigo.com this morning, while these are from SNCF:

The English version of the SNCF website will not show you these Ouigo trains.

More TGV advice

Of course, not everyone is heading to destinations in the southeast! Luckily, there are many more options, including booking tickets on the low-cost idTGV service, and of course, the regular old TGV.

For much more on this, see our guide to how to book cheap tickets on France’s railways.

The post €10 tickets now on sale for high-speed rail trips in France this summer on Ouigo! appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But for those in the know, there are some superb deals to be found. Book well in advance and there are great offers for many long-distance routes. And if you’re traveling over the weekend, know that you can upgrade on a whim for as little as £5.

First-class bargains for early bookers

Britain offers some particularly good deals on first-class rail travel. Those prepared to book a couple of months in advance and commit to traveling on a specific train may find, especially if traveling outside the main business periods, that a first-class advance ticket costs only a fraction more than regular standard-class travel on exactly the same train.

Upgrade on a whim over the weekend

During the weekends on many routes, travelers can upgrade to first-class on a whim. This tempting treat is available on many mainline rail services across Britain. Holders of many categories of standard-class ticket are permitted to move through the train and occupy seats in first-class cars for just a modest premium (which can usually be paid on the train).

The weekend upgrade deal, called “Weekend First”, is valid on Saturdays, Sundays and on most public holidays on several train lines.

The following 10 rail operators all regularly offer Weekend First deals:

East Midlands Trains
East Coast
First Great Western
Greater Anglia
London Midland
ScotRail
South West Trains
First TransPennine Express
Virgin Trains
CrossCountry

How much is that upgrade?

The exact amount you’ll pay for trading up to first-class comfort varies according to rail operator, and in many cases may depend on the length of the journey you are making. £5 or £10 is typical. On Sunday, we paid a tenner for a Weekend First upgrade on a Nottingham to London service with East Midlands Trains.

Other Weekend First deals we have used include an offer from South West Trains where £5 will buy an upgrade for any length of journey—not bad for a three and a half hour ride from London to Devon.

The most expensive Weekend First deals in Britain are on East Coast where it can cost as much as £25. But if you’re riding East Coast’s premium daytime train from London to Inverness, then it is still a pretty good deal. It’s an eight-hour ride, and on such long journeys the extra comfort of first-class service really comes in handy.

Complimentary extras

Many rail companies in Britain offer complimentary drinks and snacks, sometimes even full meals, to their first-class passengers—but that is generally limited to mainline services from Mondays to Fridays, so the first-class product over the weekend might not include the same range of freebies. That said, East Coast does offer complimentary drinks and sandwiches, even for weekends, so it’s no surprise that East Coast’s Weekend First upgrades may be a little pricier than those of other companies. On our recent ride aboard East Midlands Trains, we enjoyed free tea, coffee and cookies as part of the Weekend First offer.

On many routes, a Weekend First upgrade can also be reserved in advance. On most rail companies’ trains, holders of standard (or second) class BritRail and InterRail passes can also upgrade to Weekend First. Just check with the staff on board your train.

The post Cheapo tips for first-class upgrades on British Rail appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Starting on December 15, the TGV is kicking off a brand new Paris to Barcelona bullet train route, meaning in a little over six hours you’ll be whisked from Paris’ Gare de Lyon to the heart of one of Spain’s most vibrant cities. It’s such a big deal, French president François Hollande and Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy held a joint press conference (in Madrid ironically) to celebrate this new milestone of Franco-Spanish relations.

Board with a chocolate croissant in the morning and arrive just in time for tapas and cava at your favorite bar before you even finish flipping through your guidebook. Even better, gone are the train changes or other inconveniences when crossing the border between France and Spain. The journey will be hassle-free with no need to move from your seat until you pull into the station (unless like us, you may need to get up for another glass of wine). The route will also use duplex trains, so travelers will get excellent views of the gorgeous countryside from the top level ensuring a perfect Instagram moment.

So, what about the price? This is where Cheapos will get really excited. Tickets are starting at only €59 for one-way fares! When you factor in free carry-on luggage, no airport transportation costs, and an easy arrival in the center city, it’s an easy choice when it comes to the “train versus plane” argument.

If prices stay this low, we expect many Cheapos will be reporting back to us about this exciting new route.

The post New Paris to Barcelona high-speed train launches with €59 fares appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The importance of booking in advance was underscored to us yesterday when we received an email from the SNCF, France’s national railway, announcing that Spring 2014 tickets for its low-cost iDTGV service will go on sale on December 10, 2013.

Enticingly low ticket prices were dangled before our Cheapo eyes… €19 for high-speed journeys from Paris to destinations in northwest and southern France. It’s like Ryanair prices, sans the misery (oh, and with two pieces of free luggage).

But wait, it gets cheaper! If you’re searching for trains from the Paris region to southern destinations, France’s super cheapo Ouigo train service might work for you (and get you there for as low as €10!).

So we thought it would be helpful to offer a round-up of advice for booking tickets on the country’s high-speed rail services.

The three month rule

But first, a quick reminder: You’ll have to wait until Tuesday, December 10 to search for spring travel (March 28 – June 12, 2014) on the TGV and iDTGV. Most French trains, as is the case throughout Europe, sell tickets up to three months in advance (what we call the “three month rule”).

However, Ouigo service is able to be reserved up to seven months in advance.

US visitors may see this window. Choose “continue on Voyages.sncf.com”.

Normal TGV

The normal TGV service covers many more destinations than its low-cost partners—more than 230 in France and other European countries. Tickets are more flexible (in terms of exchanges and modifications), and tickets can be purchased online, in train stations, and SNCF stores throughout the country.

As is the case with the other services, book in advance for the best deals. Also, US visitors may be asked whether they’d like to be redirected to Rail Europe or “continue on Voyages-sncf.com.” We’d recommend continuing on Voyages-sncf.com.

• To check rates for the normal TGV service, visit Voyages-sncf.com.

Routes served by the iDTGV service.

iDTGV

The iDTGV service, on the other hand, serves mostly northwest and southern French destinations (see map, above). Tickets for the iDTGV are often much cheaper than regular TGV trains, but can only be purchased online.

Furthermore, they’re often non-refundable and tricky to change. If you want to change a date or take a later train, you can’t head into a station and exchange your ticket. (Trust us, we’ve tried.) You can make changes, but take note: You’ll be charged €12 for the modification plus any difference in the price of the ticket. (Read all of the conditions here.)

Another key difference between the services is in the packaging and marketing. The iDTGV aims for a younger and tech-savvy crowd, and offers two “ambiances” onboard to choose from when buying your ticket. You can choose between “iDZAP” (train cars for gadget lovers and mobile yackers), and “iDZEN” (for those who desperately try to avoid the former). It’s a nice touch.

When purchasing your ticket, you’re also able to tack on food discounts (saving, for example, 50 cents on a meal), or rent headphones or gaming systems.

• To check rates for the low-cost iDTGV service, visit iDTGV.

Ouigo, the ultra-cheapo high-speed train, serves a limited number of destinations.

Ouigo

Finally, the Ouigo service offers an ultra low-cost option, with tickets starting at €10 for trips from Marne la Vallée (about 45 minutes from Paris-Chatelet by RER A) to a limited number of southern destinations, including Lyon, Avignon, Aix en Provence, Marseille and Montpellier (see the complete list of destinations).

Tickets on Ouigo are shockingly cheap, starting at €10 for adults and €5 for children. (Yes, you read that right.) Unsurprisingly, there are some important notes about Ouigo tickets:

• Trains don’t depart from Paris, but rather from nearby Marne la Vallée, home to Disneyland Paris.

• Unlike with the normal TGV and iDTGV, you cannot choose your seat in advance, although you are guaranteed a seat.

• You are allowed one piece of luggage and a carry-on bag. You can book an additional bag for €5 in advance (or pay €10 when you board).

• Tickets are nonrefundable, however you can make changes (and pay the difference, plus a surcharge if you call the customer service number for help).

• Unlike the other services, you can book your seats up to 7 months in advance. Read more terms and conditions on the Ouigo website (in French).

To check rates for the ultra-low cost Ouigo service, visit Ouigo.com.

Book early

Whichever service you end up riding, try to book as early as possible. Happy travels!

The post How to find cheap tickets on France’s high-speed trains appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.