SNCF: All your Inoui, Ouigo, Ter etc. train tickets
As an official SNCF partner, Kombo allows you to book all your Inoui, Ouigo, TER, Intercités, Thalys and Eurostar train tickets in 3 clicks. But we don't stop there: compare and combine 400 train, bus, plane and carpooling companies to always find the best route for all your journeys.
And Kombo doesn't just sell tickets! We also take care of you all along your journey. This includes a customer service based in France and easily reachable 7 days a week, but also a lot of little tricks and features developed to make your life easier, such as tickets available on the phone or automatic refunds in case of delay or cancellation.
SNCF in 2 minutes!
Trains to 10 countries in Europe
100 million passengers per year
Cheaper Ouigo TGVs
French train operator
28,000 km of track
Created in 1938, the SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français) is the leading French railway operator. Today, its services include the TGV Inoui, which connects Paris to the main cities in the region, such as Bordeaux, Marseille or Lyon. The SNCF also operates other medium and long-distance trains (Intercités) that are not high-speed, an extensive regional rail network (TER), the low-cost high-speed rail service called Ouigo, and international trains serving France's neighbouring countries. By extension, they are also often referred to as OuiSNCF and SNCF connect.
Find the cheapest SNCF tickets for this Fall
SNCF sales for Inoui and Intercités tickets until November 8th, 2023 have been opened since May 4th, 2023. The first SNCF tickets available for sale can be up to 2x cheaper, but be reactive. The best prices disappear very quickly. The more you wait, the more you may pay dear.
SNCF trains
Today, SNCF offers the TGV Inoui, the low-cost Ouigo trains, the Intercités which are not TGVs, TERs to get around the regions, and international trains serving France's neighbours such as Thalys or Eurostar. With this wide range of trains, travelling by train is one of the best ways to explore France and visit the country. SNCF train tickets are sold on the Oui.SNCF website (formerly known as voyages-sncf.com, and renamed SNCF Connect in 2022) but also on our Kombo website, so you can compare prices.
Inoui
Inoui TGVs are SNCF's high-speed trains launched in 2017. With free wi-fi and even more comfort, Inoui combines fast travel with a high level of service, both on the train and in stations.
Ouigo
Ouigo is the name of the SNCF's low-cost trains, so you can make maximum savings while you explore France. Ouigo trains are single-class, second-class trains that allow you to travel from Marne La Vallée, Massy TGV and Charles de Gaulle TGV stations in Paris to Lyon, Marseille, Lille, Bordeaux and more. Ouigo trains offer a great opportunity to find cheap tickets, and are the best deal on fares. Ouigo trains do not depart at the same times as the TGVs, and concentrate more on the less busy times. This is also why they are cheaper.
TER
Regional and local travel is provided by TER (Train Express Régional) trains, which offer first and second class depending on the route, and can travel at a speed of 160 km/h. Ticket prices start at €2.00. It is fixed, depending only on the distance travelled, and not on how full the train is. TER trains are great for travelling and exploring. This is the case of the Train des Merveilles in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur which is perfect for discovering the towns and villages of the Mediterranean coast. They are also part of the best SNCF Tariffs, and allow you to find many cheap trains. The plus: SNCF timetables don't matter, because if you miss your TER, you can get on the next one, or the one after that. This can be useful for daytime return trips, which can be risky in terms of timing. Please note that this will only be possible for trains on the same day.
Intercités
The Intercités (ICs) connect the main stations in Paris quickly and easily to destinations such as Le Havre, Lyon and Bordeaux, Limoges, or Clermont Ferrand. Equipped with first and second class and an on-board bar service, these trains reach an average speed of 200 km/h and run day and night. Indeed, there are still a few lines in France that allow night train travel thanks to the SNCF. Finally, although not as fast as the TGV, they are also much cheaper. In addition, these night Intercités trains allow you to save a night's accommodation on the spot. So you arrive at your destination early in the morning ready to start the day!
International trains:
SNCF also offers an extensive network of international journeys through its trains or partnerships allowing travel throughout Europe. These include:
Elipsos - connections to Spain
Eurostar - links to England
Lyria - connections to Switzerland
Thalys - services to Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany jointly owned by SNCF and SNCB
DB-SNCF - connections to Germany possible through the association of SNCF in France and DB (Deutsche Bahn) the German operator
NTV (Italo) - connections in Italy
WESTbahn - rail connections in Austria
NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) - connections to the Netherlands
SNCF Discount Cards
The SNCF offers subscritptions at different price levels, to better serve passengers making daily, weekly or monthly journeys.
The MAX Jeune and Senior subscriptions allow, for €79/month, to travel in France by booking TGV Inoui and Intercités without paying a single euro more. The offer can therefore be profitable with only one journey per month.
Carte Avantage Jeune: For the adult card holder (12-27 years old), -30% on all SNCF train tickets for the TGV Inoui and Intercités trains (excluding Ouigo and TER) and -60% per accompanying child, up to 3 children (4-11 years old). Discounts applicable on train journeys 7 days a week. This card costs €49/year.
Carte Senior Advantage: For the adult cardholder (+60 years old), -30% on all tickets for TGV Inoui and Intercités trains (excluding Ouigo and TER) and -60% per accompanying child, up to 3 children (4-11 years old). Discounts applicable on train journeys 7 days /7. This card costs €49/year.
Carte Avantage Adulte: For the adult cardholder (27-59 years old) the Carte Avantage Adulte gives a 30% discount all year round for you and one accompanying person, valid on return journeys with at least one day or night of weekend travel, or on one-way journeys if you are travelling at the weekend or with a child (4 to 11 years old) during the week. It's also 60% off tickets for 3 accompanying children (4-11 years) and free exchange and refund of tickets until D-6. It is valid for Inoui and Intercités tickets.This card costs €49/year.
Carte Liberté: The SNCF Carte Liberté replaces the Fréquence subscription. This card costs €399 (excluding promotions) and is valid for one year for journeys in France and Europe. With the Carte Liberté, you can take advantage of promotions ranging from -45% (for travel in 1st class) to -60% (for travel in 2nd class) on the Business Première fare. You can also travel on the standard fare with -30% for you and one accompanying person, as well as -60% on up to 3 accompanying children compared to the price paid by the holder.
More information on the SNCF Carte Liberté subscription and prices.
FAQ
How much does an SNCF train ticket cost for children?
Children under the age of 4 travel free on all SNCF trains, sharing the adult's seat. However, if you want your baby to have its own seat - to fit a carrycot, for example - opt for a Forfait Bambin at €9. Between the ages of 4 and 12, children can benefit from a 50% reduction on the price of the ticket on all SNCF trains. Over the age of 12, they pay the full fare. In both cases, you must add your child to the passenger list, indicating his/her date of birth. The price is applied automatically.
Can a minor travel alone with SNCF?
Yes, this is possible with the Junior et Cie service on most Inoui TGVs. Children aged 4 to 14 are looked after by staff who ensure the safety and well-being of your child throughout the journey, from boarding to the arrival of the SNCF train. But beware, if there are regular trains with Junior & Cie during the holidays, these trips are not so frequent. For those over 16 years old, it is sufficient to bring an identity document with you. Please check this information with SNCF before booking your tickets.
Are SNCF trains equipped to assist people with disabilities?
Inoui trains are perfectly suited to transporting people in wheelchairs. The spaces on board are designed to allow people with reduced mobility to travel as well as possible. For other trains, it is best to check at the time of booking.
Is there a luggage limit on SNCF trains?
The luggage policy is quite flexible on SNCF trains. The only rules are that you can bring as much luggage as you want as long as it does not disturb the passage inside the carriage and the other passengers, and if you can carry all of it by yourself.
Please note that on Ouigo trains, one piece of hand luggage and one piece of cabin luggage are allowed per person. If you wish to travel with additional or larger luggage, you will have to pay a supplement (€5 until 30 minutes before departure, then €20).
For bicycles, there are specific conditions as you usually have to book in advance. But some TERs allow you to transport your bike without booking anything to carry your bike.
How long in advance do you have to arrive at the station to catch your SNCF train?
Security checks are carried out on various trains, such as Eurostar trains from France to the UK, where a passport or ID is required. We recommend that you arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure on national trains, and 1 hour on international trains and Ouigo trains.
Can I take my bike on board SNCF trains?
Traditional (non-disassembled) bicycles are allowed on board some TGV and Intercités trains - in a reserved carriage - on compulsory reservation of a seat and payment of a special €10 ticket. Foldable or collapsible bicycles are considered as one piece of hand luggage and are therefore admitted free of charge, provided they do not exceed 120x90 cm. On some TER trains and Intercités trains (with optional seat reservations), bicycles travel free of charge - they must be inserted in the spaces provided.
Is my dog allowed on SNCF trains?
On TER, TGV and Intercités trains, you must book an additional ticket to take your dog with you. You can travel with up to 2 pets. Small pets (not exceeding 6 kg) are allowed provided they are kept in special luggage (maximum size 45x30x25) and for a supplement of €7.00. Animals weighing more than 6 kg are admitted for a ticket equal to 50% of the second class basic fare, provided they are kept on a leash and muzzled. These tickets allow changes up to the day before departure, but involve a 10% deduction from the day of departure. A 10% deduction is also required in the event of cancellation.
How can I save money on SNCF train tickets?
By booking in advance, you can access the cheapest tickets and SNCF offers.
You can use special offers, Ouigo tickets and Intercités which are cheaper than Inoui. You can also follow our tips for finding cheap train tickets.
What types of SNCF train tickets are available?
For each type of train, SNCF offers tickets at different price ranges that offer different levels of flexibility. Below are the types of SNCF tickets that can be purchased and their conditions of use:
SECONDE: SECONDE tickets, as the name suggests, give access to second class seats. These are limited availability tickets and the price increases as the departure date approaches. So the earlier you book, the better your chances of getting a low price. SECONDE tickets are conditionally exchangeable or refundable. This fare is only available on Inoui TGVs and Intercités trains.
PREM'S: PREM'S tickets are the cheapest tickets. They are available in second and first class. For these tickets, it is first-come first-served, as only a limited number of PREM'S tickets are available. Therefore, it is important to book in advance. PREM'S tickets are conditionally exchangeable or refundable. This fare is only available for the TGV Inoui and Intercités.
PREMIERE: Première fares give access to first class seats. More space, more comfort with a reclining seat. You can also choose your seat at the time of booking. As with second class fares, First class tickets increase as the departure date approaches. So hurry to get access to the cheaper TGV First Class seats.
BUSINESS PREMIERE: This is the flexible First Class fare. Like the Première fare, it allows you to choose your seat in First Class, offers the same comfort and gives you access to the Grand Voyageur Lounge in stations. Most importantly, tickets can be exchanged or refunded up to 30 minutes after departure. This offer is very convenient for daytime return trips, as it allows you to worry less about TGV timetables.
There are other types of tickets for international trains such as Eurostar, Lyria, or Thalys.
When to buy SNCF train tickets?
Inoui and Intercités:
For Inoui and Intercités tickets, sales generally open 4 months before the departure date.
More details on TGV Inoui tickets.
Ouigo:
For Ouigo High Speed tickets, sales generally open between 2 and 9 months before the departure date. Ouigo Train Classique tickets go on sale 45 days before the departure date.
More details on Ouigo tickets.
TER :
TER tickets go on sale between 4 and 5 months before the departure date.
Thalys :
For Thalys tickets, sales open from 4 months before the departure date. In certain exceptional periods, the opening is delayed to 3 months before the departure date.
More details on Thalys tickets.
Lyria :
TGV Lyria ticket sales usually open 6 months before the departure date.
Eurostar :
Eurostar tickets can be booked up to 330 days before the departure date, but there are exceptions, for example in the case of a connecting journey or roadworks.
More details on Eurostar tickets.
How do I choose my seat when I book?
When you book an SNCF train ticket, the system allocates you a seat. But it is also possible to give a preference. The types of seats vary according to first or second class. You can select a preference between the window and the corridor, but also choose the direction of travel. You will then be allocated a seat according to the availability of seats on the selected train, trying to accommodate your preferences. The seat number will be given to you after payment of your reservation.
SNCF train tickets: paper or electronic?
Kombo only sends tickets by email, so they are provided to you in electronic format. Once you have received your ticket by email, you have the choice of printing it at home or downloading it directly onto your smartphone or tablet.
What are the conditions for changing or cancelling SNCF tickets?
Depending on the type of ticket purchased, SNCF has different conditions for changing or cancelling tickets. If you want to change your ticket, check directly in your aftersales area whether the fare you have purchased allows you to do so, you can cancel directly online on our dedicated space.
What happens if the train I booked is late?
If an SNCF train is delayed by more than 30 minutes, the SNCF offers the Garantie G30 service (only if the delay is caused by the SNCF itself). The Garantie G30 offers compensation in the form of either a digital voucher to be used for a future journey or a bank transfer, depending on the length of the delay. Find out more about SNCF train delays in our FAQ.
How do I access my train in French stations?
In French stations, the ticket is checked at the platform entrance. This is usually done manually by SNCF ticket inspectors as you enter the train or on board the SNCF train. In some stations, you can only access the platform after validating your ticket on an automatic terminal at one of the platform entrance doors. Access to the train is possible up to a maximum of 2 minutes before departure (except for Ouigo trains for which boarding closes 5 minutes before departure). Some stations, such as those in Paris, are very busy, so it's best to arrive at the station well in advance to gain access to the tracks in time.
How do I cancel SNCF train tickets?
We know how complicated it can be to cancel a ticket and get a refund when you no longer wish to travel. At Kombo, we aim to give you the best booking experience for your journeys, and we know that ease of cancellation and exchange is crucial to you. So we've set up a way for you to cancel your train tickets super fast, and get your money back (depending on your ticket conditions) within a few days, directly through you aftersales.
How to contact SNCF?
Depending on the type of train you are taking, there are different ways to contact the SNCF. You can contact them by phone, the SNCF phone number is +33 1 84 94 36 35.
To get in touch with SNCF, you can also send them a message on their social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).
If you bought your tickets on Kombo and you have a question you can also reach our customer service every day via the contact form, or call us on +33 7 56 81 28 28 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 1pm. We also invite you to consult our FAQ where you may find your answer more quickly.
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