Should I book in advance the trains from Paris to SJPDP?

[rosiexamanda]

Hello Pilgrims! sorry the titled should have read Should I BOOK in advance....
Would anyone offer advice to help my journey planning...
I am flying to Paris and need to get the correct trains to SJPDP to begin my Camino, but should I book the trains in advance or should I just get on them when I arrive at Paris?
I will arrive to Paris on June 1st and my flights are booked, I was unsure about the trains though so any advice would be most gratefully appreciated.
God Bless!
Rosie

EDIT: Moderator changed the title for you.

 

[SYates]

I would buy the tickets in advance, one less things to worry about upon arrival. Buen Camino, SY

 

[rosiexamanda]

Thank you, I believe it is two destinations to reach there by train as there is not one direct, can you recommend a website through which I can book!? x

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi Rosie,
Welcome to the forum!

There are many threads discussing this topic, I think you'll find what you need if you scroll through this folder:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/forums/how-to-travel-from-paris-to-sjpp.113/

Buen camino, Laurie

 

[rosiexamanda]

Thank you so much

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Hello Pilgrims! sorry the titled should have read Should I BOOK in advance....
Would anyone offer advice to help my journey planning...
I am flying to Paris and need to get the correct trains to SJPDP to begin my Camino, but should I book the trains in advance or should I just get on them when I arrive at Paris?
I will arrive to Paris on June 1st and my flights are booked, I was unsure about the trains though so any advice would be most gratefully appreciated.
God Bless!
Rosie

EDIT: Moderator changed the title for you.

Hi Rosie , when you book in advance the tickets are propably cheaper .
Wish you well and a Buen Camino, Peter.

 

[SYates]

I also use rome2rio.com for planning travels. Buen Camino, SY

 

[DurhamParish]

And you only need to book from Paris to Bayonne. You can buy the ticket from Bayonne to SJPdP at the station in Bayonne, much easier just to do it there.

Don't forget that there is a TGV station at the Charles DeGalle Airport. (I met a couple on the Camino who didn't know that and spent 60 Euro for a cab into Paris to catch a train.) You can catch trains at the airport TGV station to Bayonne, with a change in Bordeaux.

And Peter is right, the tickets in advance are definitely less expensive.

 

[kayagee66]

Hi. As already said, I would (am going to) book the Paris-Bayonne train early. It will probably save you money. I normally use the German DB Trains website, in English. It is excellent for times and all info. They have a very good phone App too. I shall stay in Paris so I can take an earlyish train. Unless your flight arrives very early you may find yourself getting to Bayonne late. I know to my cost how bad queues can be at train stations. So it may be best to get your ongoing ticket when you book the first one. TGV trains must be used with the specific ticket you have. Not so regional trains. Definitely avoid 'voyages sncf' website, formerly RailEurope. The English version. As it often says "no trains match your journey" when I know for a fact that such trains exist. The French version is sometimes better. Or try SNCF (without the voyages). On these sites it is easier to pick your seat instead of having it picked for you. Something to consider on a long journey. A forward facing seat. On it's own. Next to a window, is my preference. You may want a seat at a table. Or next to the aisle. Do not assume that 1st class will be expensive. Often it is a similar price to 2nd class. And it's more comfortable and less crowded, all seats have plug sockets. If your train says Duplex it will be a double-decker. If the ticket machines are working you could get your ongoing ticket from one of those, but they can still be busy, not good if you are in a hurry. Check out Man in Seat 61 website. it's very good.

 

[Robo]

Definitely book the TGV to Bayonne. Then you can pick a nice seat There are single seats facing each other on one side of the aisle, and then small compartments of 4 seats on the other side.

I used this site: https://www.captaintrain.com/signup

there are some pics of the train on this page: http://robscamino.com/27th-of-april-arrival-in-saint-jean/

 

[Bisnick]

I used the TGV from Paris to Irun last May and booked 1st class as soon as the tickets were released and it was very cheap but there were four of us and we booked a table of four in our own compartment. I took a walk through the train and I only saw a couple of empty seats and I expect these passengers were at the bar.
I had a chat with a fully armed Gendarme at the bar who had been walking through the train at the beginning and he said most trains running south from Paris are full most of the day.
seat61.com is a fantastic tool for planning and loco2.com will tell you if your tickets are available and if not will allow you to set up an email alert letting you know the moment they are released.

 

[GlenysP]

I used the train to Bayonne in September, booked ahead of time, 1st class. Glad I did because the train looked fairly full with some getting off along the way, and more getting on. Remember to sit in your allocated seat.

 

[DurhamParish]

Do not assume that 1st class will be expensive. Often it is a similar price to 2nd class. And it's more comfortable and less crowded, all seats have plug sockets.

I booked a first class ticket also. It was only marginally more than the 2nd class ticket, and WELL WORTH the relatively small difference.