Booking cheap SNCF train tickets in France offers much better value for the budget-minded. This guide outlines how to find the best deals on TGV, Intercités, and TER trains. You can buy train tickets by comparing these offers to save money and time. Book now with us.
TGV Prem's ticket from €15
Prem's tickets provide the best value for TGV travel, starting at just €15. These tickets can be exchanged or refunded under specific conditions. To secure the lowest prices, it's recommended to book up to 3-4 months in advance due to limited availability. Enjoy an extra 30% discount on Prem's tickets with the Carte Avantage.
Book TGV tickets in advance
Booking Second Class tickets on TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS trains up to 3–4 months in advance can save you an average of 35%. Train fares typically increase over time as ticket availability decreases, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious travellers to book early.
For example, booking a TGV train from Paris to Marseille one day before departure costs around €93. However, booking up to 3 months in advance can reduce the fare to just €49, saving you about 53%.
Additionally, TGV and INTERCITÉS trains usually offer free Wi-Fi and plug sockets, enhancing your travel experience. Booking early secures the best prices and ensures a more comfortable journey.
30% off with Carte Avantage
Utilize a discount card to travel at a lower cost. Various offers cater to different needs and age groups. The Carte Avantage provides reduced prices year-round, offering significant savings on travel services.
For affordable travel in France and Europe, the Carte Avantage is an excellent choice. At a fixed rate of €49/year, it offers 30% off and comes in three types based on age: Jeune, Adulte, and Senior. Enjoy year-round savings on TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS rail travel.
Additional benefits include discounts on TER trains, children's tickets, and other SNCF services. Free exchanges and refunds are available up to 7 days before departure, making it a flexible and cost-effective option for frequent travellers.
INTERCITÉS night trains
INTERCITÉS night trains (INTERCITÉS de nuit) offer a practical and budget-friendly way to travel overnight across France. Save on accommodation costs and time, waking up at your arrival destination for a fresh start whether you travel comfortably in a sleeper or at a low price with the seat option. It's perfect for maximizing travel time and enjoying longer stays.
INTERCITÉS night trains provide various comfort options, including Reclining seats, 2nd Class (6-Berth Couchette), and 1st Class (4-Berth Couchette). Ticket prices start from €19 for seats and €29 for bunks per single journey. There are also compartments exclusively reserved for women travelling alone.
These night trains connect Paris Austerlitz to destinations like Briançon, Latour-de-Carol, Toulouse, Rodez, Nice, and Albi. For example, tickets from Paris to Nice start at just €38, offering a low-cost alternative to the TGV, which starts at €61. Ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Experience the beauty of the Alps, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Occitanie, the Pyrenees, and the Basque Coast. Travel with INTERCITÉS night trains for an affordable, convenient, and comfortable journey.
Consider the TER Discount Card
TER, the regional train, offers low-cost travel throughout France starting from €9. Enjoy budget-friendly journeys to beautiful destinations such as Paris, Lyon, Geneva, Marseille, Toulon, Dieppe, and Rouen. TER Discount Card and regional subscriptions offer attractive prices, making it an excellent option to travel cheaper.
TER Discount Cards offer affordable regional travel for everyone, available on both weekends and weekdays. They are valid for one year and cost between €20 and €30. Discounts vary by region. For example, you can travel around Normandy with the Tempo card at a lower price, including 25% off weekday tickets, and 50% off at weekends. For TER trains in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the TER Illico Liberté card provides up to 50% off your tickets.
Choose the discount card that best meets your travel needs and requirements to enjoy significant savings on regional travel.
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How can I find cheaper train tickets?
Save money on your train tickets by following these simple steps on TrainPal:
By using TrainPal, you can easily find and book the most affordable train tickets for your journey.
Which is the fastest train in France?
SNCF TGV high-speed train is the fastest in France with speeds up to 320 km/h and is currently one of the most popular trains in France.
Is it cheaper to buy train tickets in advance in France?
Yes, it is normally cheaper to buy TGV and INTERCITÉS tickets in advance. Train tickets typically go on sale three months before the travel date. Booking early ensures you get the cheapest tickets, as these tend to sell out quickly, leaving only the more expensive options.
What is the cheapest ticket fare in SNCF?
Prem's tickets offer the cheapest fares for TGV and INTERCITÉS trains. These discounted tickets are popular, so book well in advance to secure Prem's fare.
Where should I buy train tickets for France?
TrainPal is one of the best options for buying train tickets online. Here's why:
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