Provider information and services
SNCF
Special Offer on Renfe-SNCF Tickets
Looking for a great deal on trains in Spain and France? Look no further. For a limited time only, you can book Renfe-SNCF tickets for less and travel on some of the best routes available.
Routes include:
- Paris TGV, Lyon–Valence TGV, Marseille–Aix-en-Provence–Avignon TGV <> Figueres–Girona–Barcelona from €29
- Marseille–Aix-en-Provence–Avignon–Nîmes–Montpellier <> Tarragona–Saragosse–Madrid from €34
- Nîmes–Montpellier TGV, Toulouse–Carcassonne TGV <> Figueres–Girona–Barcelona from €25
Terms and Conditions:
- Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable
- Book between Feb 4-Feb 11 2020
- Travel between Feb 14-April 2, 2020
SNCF Offer: Book select routes for less.
For a limited time only, book SNCF tickets on select routes for as little as €29.
The offer is valid on the following routes:
- Paris <> Geneva, Zurich, Lausanne (Travel between March 3-April 2)
- Paris <> Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Munich (Travel between Feb 14-April 2)
- Paris, Lyon <> Milan, Turin (Travel between Feb 24-April 2)
- Paris <> Brussels (Travel between Feb 24-April 2)
- Paris <> Luxembourg (Travel between Feb 8-May 31)
- Paris <> Freiburg (Travel between Feb 8-May 31)
These tickets can be booked between February 4-11 with Omio.
SNCF Train tickets can be purchased directly with Omio
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About SNCF
Suave. Niche. Chic. France! This is might not be what SNCF stands for but, in our opinion, it should. One of the oldest train companies in Europe, it’s far from slow and doddery. With an extensive high-speed TGV network covering the entirety of France and beyond, SNCF makes it easy to go from Calais in the north to Marseille in the south or even Spain or Germany.
SNCF has its sights on becoming the first operator to offer carbon-neutral travel for no extra cost to passengers. Less waste=good taste, right?
Getting to know SNCF
Train travel in another country can be daunting, especially if you don’t know what to expect from the train company. To make things clearer, we've summarized some practical information about SNCF to help you get up to speed:
- SNCF tickets are cheaper when bought in advance
- SNCF allows luggage onboard for free.
- SNCF offer seat reservations for free and can be booked via Omio
- SNCF provides the same [amenities] that you’ve come to expect from most good train companies including free Wi-Fi, charging sockets, onboard bar and priority boarding.
Popular SNCF Train Routes in France
SNCF ticket types
SNCF almost has many different ticket types but don't let that overwhelm you. SNCF aims to give its customers as much flexibility as possible. Luckily, we're on hand to help you understand the different SNCF ticket types. Like trains in the U.S., train tickets are cheaper the further in advance you buy them so don’t dither and get yours ASAP.
Prem's
- Cheapest TGV ticket type
- Available to purchase three months in advance
- Subject to availability
- Non-exchangeable or refundable
Loisir
- Standard SNCF ticket
- Cheaper when bought in advance
- Can be exchanged or reimbursed up to the day before travel for a €12 fee
- Non-exchangeable or refundable after train departure
PRO
- Most expensive SNCF ticket
- Most flexible ticket
- Can be exchanged or reimbursed up until departure free of charge
- Exchange up to two hours after your original train has departed
Normal
- For short or medium distances
- Valid for TER or regional trains
- Valid for selected date only
- Non-refundable or exchangeable
Non-flex
- Valid for the France–Switzerland Lyria TGV train only
- Lowest price option
- Non-exchangeable or refundable
Semi-flex
- Valid for the France–Switzerland Lyria TGV train only
- Can be exchanged until to departure for a €20 fee
Full-flex
- Valid for the France–Switzerland Lyria TGV train only
- Can be exchanged or refunded until departure for free
- After departure, printed tickets are 50 percent refundable if claimed within two months
- After departure, electronic tickets can be refunded 30 minutes afterwards
SNCF Offers
Although SNCF has only a few recurring offers, they do provide discounts for group travelers, which are available year-round! If you are traveling solo then we recommend looking out for the Prem's ticket as far in advance as possible to get the best deal.
Oui Tribu
- - 25 percent off group travel from four to seven people
- - Available as an e-ticket only
- - Tickets must be bought at the same time
- - Valid only when the entire group travels together
- Valid for the France–Switzerland Lyria TGV train only
- - Non-refundable or exchangeable
How to Take Trains in France
Traveling by train in France is an experience not to be missed, with high-speed and regional trains connecting most cities and towns, from Brittany in the northwest to Provence in the south. But it can be challenging if you don’t know the rules, especially if your French is très mauvais. That’s why we’ve compiled some helpful tips to help make it easier for you to get on board and on your way to your destination. Here’s all you need to know when traveling by train in France.
Do I need to validate my train ticket? If so, how?
When should I arrive at the station?
If you book your ticket via the Omio app, you can arrive closer to departure, skip the line at the machine and hop on board with your mobile ticket! No need to validate it, either. That’s a win-win situation for everyone!
What are the different types of trains in France?
SNCF is the state-managed railway network in France and it operates the TGV high-speed trains throughout France.
Each of France’s larger cities usually has a metro system, making getting around fast and efficient.
Paris also has RER trains, similar to commuter trains, that also have connections with the metro stations.
Want to enjoy croissants or a glass of Pastis in the birthplace of both delicacies? Get on board with Omio and get around France with SNCF.
SNCF Routes and Timetables
The major stations operated by SNCF are all in France. Along with Paris Gare du Nord, the company runs services to Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Lille but also runs high-speed trains to international destinations such as Geneva or Milan.
| SNCF route | Schedule | Frequency | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train Paris Lyon | From 05:50 to 22:00 | 20 trains a day | 2h | from €20 |
| Train Paris Lille | From 07:00 to 22:00 | 30 trains a day | 1h | From €25 |
| Train Lille Paris | From 05:50 to 21:20 | 20 trains a day | 1h | From €25 |
| Train Lyon Paris | From 05:15 to 22:35 | 20 trains a day | 2h | From €20 |
| Train Paris Nice | From 07:20 to 21:20 | 15 trains a day | 2h | From €21 |
| Train Paris Toulouse | From 06:30 to 22:00 | 15 trains a day | 5h30 | From €29 |
| Train Toulouse Paris | From 06:00 to 22:50 | 15 trains a day | 5h30 | From €35 |
| Train Nice Paris | From 07:00 to 20:00 | 20 trains a day | 6h00 | from €28 |
| Train Paris Marseille | From 06:00 to 21:30 | 30 trains a day | 3h20 | From €27 |
| Train Bordeaux Paris | From 05:00 to 20:30 | 30 trains a day | 2h50 | From €20 |
How to Book Tickets with SNCF
On average, 10 per cent of French trains are delayed or canceled. If your SNCF train has been canceled or delayed by more than 30 minutes, you may be entitled to compensation. Omio will automatically complete a compensation claim for you, by submitting the necessary paperwork for the affected journey. This way, you can get your money back quickly and seamlessly.
The compensation claim rules in case of delayed trains in France are as follows:
- - 25% refund of the ticket fare if the train is between one and two hours late.
- - 50% refund of the ticket fare if the train is more than two hours late.
- - 75% refund of the ticket fare if the train is more than three hours late.
Make sure to benefit from this feature by booking with Omio for seamless ticketing compensation.
SNCF FAQs
I've got a voucher, how can I print my ticket?
When making a purchase for a regional train (TER) or for a journey involving a bus leg, you will receive a booking number per e-mail, not the actual tickets.
This booking number will allow you to collect your tickets at any yellow SNCF self-service machine at a station in France. On the screen, simply choose "File and electronic ticket collection" and select “Collection with a file reference number”. Enter the booking number and last name of the buyer—as indicated on your voucher.
The credit card used to make the payment is required.
Can I cancel or exchange my ticket?
Leisure (first and second class)
The ticket can be modified and refunded free of charge, up to 31 days before departure and subject to a fee of 5€ from 30 days until 2 days before departure. The penalty rises to 15€ on the day before and the actual day of departure. Any price difference between the original and the new ticket will also have to be paid. The ticket can neither be modified nor canceled after departure.
Pro (first and second class)
The ticket is exchangeable and refundable for free until departure. After that, you can exchange it up to 2 hours after departure from the departure station. Any price difference between the original and the new ticket will have to be paid.
Prem's
The ticket may not be modified nor canceled.
Carte Senior+ / Jeune / Week-End / Enfant+:
The ticket can be modified or canceled for free up until two days before departure and with a 5€ fee on the day before and the actual day of departure. The ticket may not be modified or canceled after the departure.
How much luggage can I take on an SNCF train?
Can I take pets on a SNCF train?
Exchanges and cancelations: you may exchange your pet's ticket free of chargeup until the day before departure. After that, a 10% modification fee applies, up until the end of its validity. Tickets may not be exchanged beyond this date. The ticket is refundable for a 10% fee up until the end of its validity.
Can I cancel or exchange my ticket for a TGV train?
Pro (first and second class): The ticket is exchangeable and refundable for free until departure. After that, you can exchange it up to 2 hours after departure from the departure station. Any price difference between the original and the new ticket will have to be paid.
Prem's: The ticket may not be modified nor canceled.
Can I cancel or exchange my ticket as a discount holder for a TGV train?
Can I cancel or exchange my ticket for an Intercités train?
Without seat reservation: the ticket can be exchanged free of charge for a ticket with an assigned seat, a lesser discount or an upgrade before its expiry date. A 10% fee will be applied for all other exchanges. Ticket is refundable for a 10% fee before its expiry date.
Leisure (first and second class): The ticket can be modified and refunded free of charge, up to 31 days before departure and subject to a fee of 5€ from 30 days until 2 days before departure. The penalty rises to 12€ on the day before and the actual day of departure. Any price difference between the original and the new ticket will also have to be paid. The ticket can neither be modified nor canceled after departure.
Pro (first and second class): The ticket is exchangeable and refundable for free until departure. After that, you can exchange it up to 2 hours after departure from the departure station.
Prem's: The ticket may not be changed nor refunded.
Leisure Week-End:
The ticket can be modified and refunded free of charge, up to 31 days before departure and subject to a fee of 5€ from 30 days until 2 days before departure. The penalty rises to 12€ on the day before and the actual day of departure. Any price difference between the original and the new ticket will also have to be paid. The ticket cannot be modified or canceled after departure.
Can I cancel or exchange my ticket for a TER train or a group ticket?
The ticket can be exchanged free of charge for a ticket with an assigned seat, a lesser discount or an upgrade before its expiry date. A 10% fee will be applied for all other exchanges. Ticket is refundable at a 10% fee before its expiry date.
For Mini-Group Leisure and Mini-Group Intercités passengers (3 to 6 passengers), tickets can be exchanged or refunded free of charge up to one day prior to departure.
Prem's tickets may not be exchanged or refunded.
Can I cancel or exchange my ticket for a TGV-Lyria train?
SEMI-FLEX: Exchangeable and refundable subject to a fee of 20€ until departure. Tickets will not be exchangeable or refundable after departure.
NON-FLEX: Ticket may not be changed nor refunded.
First FLEX: Ticket exchangeable and refundable free of charge before departure (including e-ticket service). After departure, 50% of the purchase price of the ticket can be refunded when done within 2 months (e-ticket excluded). e-ticket service: Ticket exchangeable free of charge up to 30 minutes after the train's departure.
Meal served at your seat (breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner; depending on journey time).
What about refunding or exchange first class tickets on TGV trains?
Exchangeable and refundable subject to a fee of 20 € until departure. Tickets will not be exchangeable or refundable after departure.
Meal served at your seat (breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner; depending on journey time).
First NON-FLEX:
Ticket cannot be exchanged and is non-refundable. Meal served at your seat (breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner; depending on your journey time).
MINI: Ticket cannot be exchanged and is non-refundable.
Services on board SNCF Trains: What services are available to people with reduced mobility?
- Passengers in Wheelchairs: The SNCF has set up several services to accompany people with reduced mobility before, during or after their journey to any SNCF schedule. You can contact the Accès Plus service at 0890 640 650 or by email at [email protected].
- Seeing Eye Dogs: Guide dogs are permitted on all SNCF trains
SNCF FAQs

SNCF destinations
Not sure where to begin your SNCF adventure? Check out these popular SNCF destinations for travel details and nearby attractions:
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