As of November 2002. Pricing, availability, and amenities subject to change.
The author did not receive compensation for this review.
Overall
While not always cost effective, I find rail service in Europe to be by far the easiest way to travel between most cities. Not only is it comfortable, but you beat the stress of having to go to/from the airport and also can relax and enjoy the scenery that Europe has to offer! This review covers a recent trip from the French cities of Strasbourg to Paris. This journey by car covers 490km(304m) and taking 5 hours and 3 minutes, while the same trip by train takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. The TGV or Train a Grande Vitesse (High Speed Train) is operated by France's state owned railway, Societe national des chemins de fer francais or SNCF. Founded in 1938, SNCF provides high speed rail service throughout France and to neighboring countries. SNCF single and double decker trains provide consistent and comfortable service throughout the country.
Arriving at Strasbourg!
Booking
As I have mentioned in previous reviews, rail ticket pricing throughout Europe is very dynamic and can vary greatly between each country and the timing of your booking. I was able to book a 1st Class Premiere ticket for €49, however due to a rebooking requirement about a week before from my trip I ended up paying €111 total, having to pay a €62 fare difference. SNCF offers 2nd Class fares, 1st Class fares and a Business Premiere fare. Our fare breakdown was as follows:
Strasbourg to Paris 1st Class Premiere: €49, $52 £42
Rebooking Fair Difference: €62, $66 £54
Total: €111, $118 £96
Booking via SNCF is slightly cumbersome as you cannot book from their main website. (only search for timetables) https://www.sncf.com/
Selecting their Book Now > Book Your Ticket button will bring you to the https://www.sncf-connect.com/ website that will allow you to book your ticket. This is the same for their apps as you will see both their SNCF and SNCF Connect app in your applicable app store.
Boarding
Boarding at Strasbourg for this train can be a bit confusing for the new rail traveler. Looking at the departure board you would see that our train the TGV inOUI 9584 leaves from the same track and at the same time as TGV/ICE 9578. Now you might be thinking how are two trains going to leave at the same track at the same time! Alas that is not the case, the TGV/ICE train is coming from Germany and will couple with the TGV inOUI train that originates in Strasbourg. Digital signage located on the track will tell you where to stand to board your particular car. Note in the picture how each car section corresponds to a letter. These letters are located down the platform and make boarding that much easier.
1st Impressions
Our train to Paris was on one of TGV's Duplex consists with lower and upper deck seating. Upper deck seating provides the better view and will almost always be my first choice when choosing between the two. TGV inOUI's first class cars are configured in the typical 2+1 configuration found in most first class rail service. Cars can be found with solo seats, 2 seats, and 2 or 4 seat table configurations. Seats are large and comfortable with in-seat power, a large pull down tray table and solid legroom. Free WIFI was available and worked well throughout the trip.
Food & Amenities
TGV inOUI's offers a dining car located in between the 1st and 2nd class cars, however due to the length of this trip I did not try it. The train is well equipped with plenty of luggage storage both above your seat and at the ends of cars for larger pieces. Wheelchair spaces and accessible bathrooms are available in both classes.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are available on both the lower and upper decks and stayed clean throughout the duration of the trip and are equipped like any other standard style train bathroom.
Final Impressions
SNCF's TGV inOUI makes travel within France easy. Quick and comfortable service that brings you to the center of Paris cannot be beat. Add in the amenities and cleanliness of their trains and this option for travel should be on your radar.
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