Are the Poor allowed to travel in France?

Question

I need to get from Paris -> Grenoble on 12/30 and all I can find are $$$ TGV tix. Everyone keeps telling me it is the only way to get from A to B. But I refuse to believe that a 70€ ticket one way is the only way... what if I had a small or even large family, and had no car? How can I freely move about the country? I am sure there is a way and I would greatly appreciate any info... thank you,

Answer 1

Hi Shawn

Problem is that 12/30 is one of the busiest times of the year for travel in Europe so the carriers can charge higher rates or the cheaper seats fill up quicker

Try Sky Scanner for cheapest flight options:

http://europe4vacations.com/cheap-flight...

My guess is that bus or coach is likely to be the cheapest overall option

Answer 2

Yes, of course the poor are allowed to travel in France if they can afford it, just like the middle-class or wealthy!  Traveling is not a basic right, so everyone has to pay whatever fare is being charged.  Fares are governed by the basic economic law of supply and demand.  In other words, the more people who want to travel during a certain time period, the higher the prices.  

You might try looking for a slower train, which might be a lower fare.  Have you looked into renting a car?  Can you wait till after January 1?

Answer 3

I just checked the SNCF website and there are several trains that day for 47 € and 45 € if you leave in the late afternoon or evening. If you leave in the morning or afternoon the price is 53.90 €.  And those are full fares, you may be entitled to a discount based on age. If you had a family you would get the family discount. There are also discounted fares for children, people under 25 and senior citizens.

Personally I don't find 45 € such a bad price for such a long distance (370 miles covered in only 2 hours 55!).

But if you want the best deals you must avoid traveling on Fridays, Sundays and just before holidays.

You can also place an ad on http://www.covoiturage.fr/ for carpooling but it may end up costing you the same (the trip costs 90 € between tolls and gas), it will take much longer and won't be as safe.

There are no flights nor buses between Paris and Grenoble so the train is definitely the best (cheapest, fastest, safest, most comfortable) option.

Answer 4

yes, don't prejudice

Answer 5

Why would you have the right to move across a country for less than 70 Eu? Try Hitch-hiking, this is how my brother does it (he has really no money). Or try to find a cheap busconnection. It could even be that flying is cheaper.