FIP reservations in France

[CC 72100]

Good afternoon,

Another FIP query!

FIP coupons are valid on all SNCF services in France, however certain trains are reservation compulsory. How does one purchase a reservation only for such a service?

When looking at inoui sncf booking site (formerly voyages-sncf) on the section for people booking reservations with Interrail passes, the only price given was the same as that for a ticket - in other words, I'm convinced it was a link to ticket purchasing.

Thanks in advance

 

[Mag_seven]

As I understand it you can only get seat reservations (for a TGV for example) by turning up at a booking office in France or using an outlet such as https://www.bookmyrst.co.uk/ (for which they charge an admin fee).

 

[CC 72100]

Thanks; I've contacted Oui.sncf who have said that it is either go to a French station (as you say) or by phoning their (French) number. If I go down that route, I'll report back.

Indeed I've already done an enquiry with International Rail for some Eurostar travel.

 

[CC 72100]

Well, International Rail/bookmyrst were very efficient on this one - made the request at 1500 on Monday, quote received 1600 Tuesday, they rang me this morning dead on 9am to take payment.

They've had some mixed press but a very good first experience as far as I'm concerned.

 

[MichaelAMW]

I have a safeguarded ex-BR pal with whom I go on holiday from time to time - no, not at all jealous of his boxes, priv card, FIP, vouchers etc... - and we use Ffestiniog travel, for two reasons: (i) They are good at what they do; and (ii) if I have some kind of e.g. SNCF "Advance" TGV equivalent and he just needs a seat reservation they seem to be able to get us to sit together. They charge 8% commission, just so you know, and seem to be good at getting the best value, even to the point of sometimes telling us just to book direct and not to use them - Italy most common for that response.

This seems to work for our hybrid bookings but maybe International Rail is better for you. (Never used them.)