ParisByTrain.com

[solyom]

Hello,

I would like to ask for some advice on public and train transport in Paris. I will need to travel in August from Paris Orly to Montpellier via Gare de Lyon. As I see, train ticket prices go up, and there are already just a few seats available in some of them, so I`m looking forward very much to suggestions.

Regarding the RER/bus system, which kind of ticket is the cheapest to get from Orly to Gare de Lyon? Furthermore, is 2 hours enough to get there?

My most important questions concern the type of train ticket. Currently, TGV Loisir and Pro 1ere options are available. I`m concerned very much, what happens if my air flight (EasyJet) is late. If I buy for example a TGV Loisir ticket, can I cancel my train ticket only a few minutes before departure and get an other one for 10 Euros extra fee? If can`t reach a TGV counter within that time, can I phone them to cancel my ticket in time and book a new one? And most importantly, what happens if there is no place in the following train or trains after that (depending on how much I`m late)? Do you know if I can still get a ticket without sitting? Thank you.

[ben]

Hi Solyom,

Please see this discussion about Loisir vs. Pro 1ere TGV tickets and the difference between them in terms of missing trains and exchanging tickets.

The quickest & perhaps most straightforward way between Orly & Gare de Lyon on transit would be the OrlyVal train towards Paris (Antony station), the RER B from Antony to Chatelet Les Halles, then RER A to Gare de Lyon. This will cost you about 9,60€ in total and take about 55 minutes including walking in between trains.

Hope this helps,

Ben

[solyom]

Dear Ben,

Thank you very much for your reply. The discussion you referred to was also very helpful.

Now the only thing that is still not clear, is that what happens if I miss the train with a Loisir ticket, and (before or no later than 1 after the departure) I ask for an other ticket for the following train, but there is no place left. Is it guaranteed in such a case that one can still board the next train and stand in the worst case? Because if not, one might miss the whole program in the destination, and maybe needs to find a hotel in Paris to stay until the next train with free place leaves.

Thanks again in advance for answering this unique worry!

My best wishes,
Szilvia

[ben]

Hi Szilvia,

Yes, you can always board a train and sit in the "mobile phone/luggage area" where there are actually 2 seats, that are unreserved and anyone can use. This allows people who have purchased last minute tickets or have had to change their plans last minute, to still board and sit somewhere on the train, although not in a reserved seat and there's no guarantee that someone else is not already sitting there.

These "seats" are available on each train car. And if none are available, you can always stand.

I hope this answers your question.

Best regards,

Ben

[solyom]

Hi Ben,

Merci beaucoup. Everything is clear now.

My best wishes,
Szilvia