Train Booking confusion

I would like to book 2 second class train tickets from Agen to Collioure for late Sept. The bahn.de site shows at least 3 trains (2 regional and a TGV) on that date. The time I prefer is one of the regionals (leaves at 13:20). However, the SNCF site only shows the TGV train at 15:31 (I can%26#39;t book online on bahn.de). How might I book the 13:20 train?

Also, how would I recognize a %26quot;Prem%26quot; rate? My wife and I both qualify for the seniors discount, so perhaps the prem rate wouldn%26#39;t apply (or be any better if it did?). Thanks.

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The answer is simple: regional trains (TERs) cannot be booked, period. There is no need for it, anyways.

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But it%26#39;s true that there is an Agen-Narbonne at 13h20, that only appears if you %26quot;call%26quot; it by itself on the SNCF site. Anyway, contrary to what they say on bahn.de there is no %26quot;Reservierungspflicht%26quot;, it%26#39;s just a Corail, there won%26#39;t be anybody inside, you don%26#39;t have to book anything.

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Thanks for the reply, Adele. I thought the ticket might be cheaper if booked in advance, but I gather that only applies to the TGV, etc. So, just to be clear, I can simply show up at the Agen train station on the day in question, buy the ticket, and go? Actually, I will be at the station a week earlier before boarding a canal boat, so perhaps I could buy the ticket at that time.

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Yes, regional TER trains you can%26#39;t book a defined seat (and sometimes during rush periods can%26#39;t find a seat either!). You only need a standard ticket, no special fares unless you are very young or 60+.

For TGVs and some other long-distance trains reservations are compulsory, and in this case you will get a defined seat position.

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