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Last year I had a ticket on a certain TGV. I arrived let due to getting a coffee. I got on the next TGV, an hour later. I figured I'd have to buy a new ticket on board.

Surprisingly, the chef said, no, you're allowed to do that if you miss it, your previous ticket is good. I paid nothing at all.

Similarly, a friend reported he one got on the next-earlier TGV, and surprisingly agin did not have to pay. Another third anecdote was similar.

I'm surprised by this - in fact does a TGV (or similar) ticket allow you to take any train? Or is it for a specific time? Or were these just confusing cases of the chef "letting someone off"?

Surprisingly, I can't really find any official info on this, or even people blogging about it.

Fattie
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2 Answers2

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Some rules explained here (in French): http://aide.voyages-sncf.com/toute-laide-train/suite-mon-achat/echange-et-annulation/conditions-d-echange-d-annulation-et-de-remboursement

And a version in English : http://help.en.voyages-sncf.com/en/exchange-cancellation/conditions

It depends on which fare you have paid when booking your ticket. TGV are in the category Trains à réservation obligatoire, that's why there's a car/seat number. Concerning your experience, either you had a Tarif Pro ticket, either you were lucky. Because with all other tickets, you either cannot use it in another train (Prem's) or have a fee to pay to change train.

audionuma
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Generally speaking, TGV tickets are bound to a specific train connection. Higher fares (pro ticket) allow free exchanges and refunds but I think you are still supposed to do it prior to boarding (even a few minutes before, traditionally with dedicated machines in the station's concourse but there is now a mobile app as well) rather than just showing up in another train.

Tickets are not normally sold on trains in France (conductors can do it with a surcharge – or even possibly waive it, see comment – but it is not encouraged like it is or used to be in other countries).

Except in case of irregular operations (strike, cancellations, etc.) it would therefore seem impossible to take another TGV with the same ticket. But on the other hand, I can imagine that most conductors would be lenient with passengers who appear to be lost and paid an expensive ticket. If you are French, have a discount (“Prem's”) ticket and it seems like you are trying to dodge the fare you might get another treatment.

Whatever the circumstances, try to approach the conductors as soon as possible (walk up to them or grab them when they first go through the train). You might get lucky and avoid paying anything or at least get a ticket with a small surcharge. If you are found out later on, when they check tickets, you would be liable for a heavier surcharge/fine.

Relaxed
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