SNCF: Train Tickets, Schedules, and Routes

Wed, Nov 05
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Provider information and services

SNCF

About
SNCF is France’s national railway company, operating a vast network of high-speed, regional, and local train services across the country and into neighboring nations. Its flagship TGV trains reach speeds of up to 320 km/h, connecting major cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Lille in just a few hours. SNCF also runs popular regional services like TER and international routes including Eurostar, Thalys, and TGV Lyria. Ticket options range from budget-friendly fares to flexible and premium classes, catering to every type of traveler. Onboard amenities may include spacious seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and catering services, making SNCF a fast, comfortable, and convenient way to explore France and beyond.
SNCF Trains Routes
SNCF Trains Timetable
Trains in France
SNCF FAQs

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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✓ Omio is an official partner of SNCF
✓ Download our free Omio app
✓ Consult our Customer Care whenever you need

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


Travel by Train with SNCF

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The SNCF is the main railway company in France. All SNCF offers are available directly on the Omio website. You can find more details and information about the different SNCF travel cards so you can save money on your next train journey to France. You can also take a look at our app. When booking, you can choose the class, seat and type of ticket you want—whether it’s Prem's, Loisir or Pro). If you have an SNCF discount card , you can add it to your Omio booking and the discount will be applied immediately in the search results. Do you have questions regarding the changing or canceling of your SNCF tickets? Visit our help center and customer care—we’ll take care of the rest.


More information: Trains in France and in Europe
More information: Cheap train tickets
More information: High-speed trains
More information: Trains SNCF
More information: SNCF discounts

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?

Yes, you’ll need to validate your SNCF ticket before you board your train. Look for the yellow, SNCF-branded machines around the station. Insert your ticket into the gray slot near the bottom of the machine, lengthwise and facing up, with the barcode entering the machine. You’ll hear a printing noise and voila—your ticket is validated and you can board your train.

When should I arrive at the station?

It’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
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 Price
Train Paris Lyon From 05:50 to 22:00 from €20
Train Paris Lille From 07:00 to 22:00 From €25
Train Lille Paris From 05:50 to 21:20 From €25
Train Lyon Paris From 05:15 to 22:35 From €20
Train Paris Nice From 07:20 to 21:20 From €21
Train Paris Toulouse From 06:30 to 22:00 From €29
Train Toulouse Paris From 06:00 to 22:50 From €35
Train Nice Paris From 07:00 to 20:00 from €28
Train Paris Marseille From 06:00 to 21:30 From €27
Train Bordeaux Paris From 05:00 to 20:30 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?

Providing there is room, and it is not disturbing fellow passengers; an unlimited amount of baggage can be taken onboard, for free, on SNCF services. Each piece of luggage should be labeled with your name.

Can I take pets on a SNCF train?

The transportation of animals in and bag or basket of no larger than 45 cm x 30 cm x 25 cm and weighing less than 6kg, costs €7. If your animal weighs more than 6kg, the fare will be 50% of the cost of a second class ticket.
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.

SNCF FAQs

Everything you need to know to travel with SNCF: amenities, cancellation policy, luggage allowance and more
FAQs
SNCF, the national railway company of France, offers extensive rail services within France, connecting major cities such as Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Bordeaux, and also provides international services to destinations like London, Brussels, and Geneva.
SNCF trains typically depart from various major train stations across France, including the Gare de Lyon, Gare du Nord, and Gare Montparnasse in Paris.
When traveling with SNCF, it is advisable to bring your passport, especially for international routes, as it serves as a valid identification document.
SNCF offers refundable tickets for certain fare categories like "Flex" and "Business Première," allowing passengers to cancel and receive a refund depending on the specific conditions and timing of the cancellation.

SNCF destinations

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

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

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