Having trouble booking SNCF tickets

[stygarfield]

Hey all!

I am having an issue with booking tickets online with SNCF.

I found two tickets from Paris to SJPdP on the 14th for a total of €100. Great deal. The raileurope website wanted like 240 dollars!

I can get through all the steps, verified by visa and everything, but it always encounters an error when processing the payment. There is more than enough room on the card, and the bank says everything should be fine.


Has anyone else had issues like this? We would like to get the cheaper tickets if possible!

 

[Felipe]

Try another, different credit card. Some webpages are moody; they don't like certain card types.
It is the same in France with some ticket vending machines at terminals.

 

[stygarfield]

Unfortunately we tried both our cards (both visas) to no avail.

Would we get the same price if we went up to the station tomorrow?

 

[whariwharangi]

Two things:

One ... try buying from Paris to Bayonne and Bayonne to SJPdP as two separate tickets. The website doesn't like sharp corners in the route. You cannot get a reservation for TER trains such what services the Bayonne to SJPdP route.

Two ... If you are from USA ... talk to your bank. A lot of people have trouble because there is a requirement to get an electronic handshake. Paypal seems to be an effective end run. You could also engage the services of a travel agent.

Price for TER trains is the same all the time. Tickets are good for 90 days.

TGV and Intercites trains ... price changes according to demand. The highest price will be on the day of travel.

 

[stygarfield]

The thing is that I can get all the way through the booking process - it just hangs up when I put in my visa information. The bank says it should be fine but it still doesn't go through.

 

[whariwharangi]

The thing is that I can get all the way through the booking process - it just hangs up when I put in my visa information. The bank says it should be fine but it still doesn't go through.

Try contacting SNCF.

 

[gerardcarey]

I have three times used used 'Captaintrain', now 'Trainline', to buy these tickets. Simple and clear. Always competent and prompt.
I have never paid more than 40 Euros, but I usually book at least two months in advance as tickets get more expensive the closer it gets to the departure date.
https://www.trainline.eu/search/
Regards
Gerard

EDIT.
They are currently showing 2nd class seats available on the 7.28am train for E39.90

 

[Felipe]

Uhmmm...try changing the browser (Firefox, Explorer, etc.). Some webpages are designed with a particular browser in mind.
Be sure all the pesky associated programas (as flash) are updated.

 

[Annie Little]

I use Captain Train App in France last time in France it is awesome- it is only for france . Can book ticket on app and save barcode.. cancel... fee returned ... rebook... OR just look up train times.

My forst Camino coming up this week but I have already been to Bayonne from Paris on another trip .. it was easy ...

Oh and I should thank Gerard for this tip I got from him 3 years ago and used on shorter trip to France ... Thanks G

Anne

Anne

 

[tominrm]

Has anyone else had issues like this? We would like to get the cheaper tickets if possible!

Once I had the same issue with my Renfe ticket. I had to call my credit card company to resolve this. Anti-fraud software of your credit card company knows you are not in France, and the charge came from France. Red flag.

Also, make sure you notify your credit card company when you leave for France/Spain or your card may not be usable there.