Information about train company SNCF
- The SNCF train company (Société nationale des chemins de fer français) is the French public railway company created in 1938. SNCF is the second largest European railway company. The company offers train tickets in France and Europe.
- There are different types of SNCF trains on offer: TER, Intercités, TGV inYes.
- The SNCF in a few figures :
- More than 5 million passengers aboard SNCF trains every day
- More than 15,000 trains
- Oui.sncf is the 1st online travel agency in France.
- SNCF offers cheap train tickets with its low-cost OUIGO offer.
- For traveling in Europe, SNCF markets its trains under different brands: Thalys, izy, Eurostar or TGV Lyria.
- The main destinations in Europe served by the SNCF railway company: Brussels, London, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Monaco, Barcelona, Zurich, Milan, Munich.
- The main destinations in France served by the SNCF: Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Grenoble, Bordeaux, Nice, Nantes, Strasbourg, Rennes, Angers, Reims.
Main destinations by train with the SNCF company
Network map - SNCF train lines in France and Europe
Some cheap SNCF trains in France and Europe :
- Train Paris → Toulouse
- Train Paris → Lyon
- Train Paris → Bordeaux
- Train Paris → Nice
- Train Lyon → Turin
- Train Lyon → Milan
- Train Lyon Barcelona
- Train Paris → Strasbourg
- Train Paris → Barcelona
- Train Paris → Madrid
- Train Paris → London
- Train Paris → Amsterdam
- Train Paris → Luxembourg
- Train Paris → Brussels
FAQ SNCF train company - frequently asked questions by SNCF passengers
How do I cancel the reservation? In case of a delay, is it possible to get a refund? Can we take a dog or a cat on board SNCF trains? Answers to all the questions frequently asked by SNCF passengers.
Cheap SNCF train ticket promotions
How can I find cheap SNCF train tickets? Here are a few tips on how to find the best SNCF promotions:
- Check out the SNCF's "good deals" page, which lists all the cheap train tickets available at the moment.
- Subscribe to the SNCF newsletter to receive the best offers.
- Follow SNCF news on social networks.
- Subscribe to the SNCF loyalty program (passenger program) to benefit from numerous discounts.
Discount cards and SNCF season tickets
You can also get discounts with SNCF cards and annual season tickets on the Oui.sncf website:
- Unlimited TGVmax subscription at 79€/month
- The Advantage Jeune card at 49€.
- The Weekend Advantage card at 49€.
- The Advantage Senior card +60 years old at 49€.
- The Advantage Family card at 49€.
- The Liberty card at 399€.
Do you travel regularly on the same line? Think about SNCF packages for unlimited travel.
Discounts for babies, children, young people and groups (without season ticket) with the SNCF
SNCF reductions for children under 4 years old
Children under 4 years of age travel free (without designated seating)
SNCF reductions for children between 4 and 12 years old
If your child is between 4 and 12 years old, he gets a 50% discount on his train ticket (leisure fare).
SNCF reductions for under-26s
A preferential rate is offered on a selection of tickets for people between the ages of 13 and 25 inclusive. Simply display 12-25 in the passenger parameters before launching the search.
Discounts for groups
Are you traveling with a group of 10 to 30 people? Get up to 65% discount.
Choice of seats with the SNCF
Can I choose my seat on the Oui.sncf website? If so, how do I make a reservation?
It depends on the type of train used:
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For a non-reserved train (TER): it is not possible to reserve a seat.
-
For a train with mandatory reservation (TGV, INTERCITES with reservation): you can select the seat of your choice (floor, duo side by side, corridor, window or placement next to another passenger...) when you finalize your online reservation. Please note that it is not possible to reserve a specific seat (seat number).
To book your seat on board SNCF trains, go to the station or SNCF shops or contact 3635 (0.40€/min).
Comfort and services on board SNCF trains
When you travel by train, benefit from the comfort and numerous services offered by the SNCF.
A TGV bar on board the trains
Do you get a little hungry on your train trip? On board the TGV trains, take advantage of the bar which offers many products: sandwiches, salads, hot and cold drinks? At low prices! For example: coffee is from 2.50€, sandwiches from 3.6€ and menus between 8.50€ and 13.90€ (main course, dessert and drinks).
Comfort for a pleasant train journey
- You can choose your travel conditions: 1st class or 2nd class and choice of seat (except TER).
- If you prefer peace and quiet, book the quiet seat in 1st class. It is a space dedicated to calm with specific rules to guarantee the tranquility of the place.
- On the most recent trains, electric sockets are present in the 1st and 2nd class.
- WIFI is available on most mainline trains.
Luggage and bikes with the SNCF
Luggage onboard
- Trips by TGV and TGV France-Italy: you can take as much luggage as you wish, as long as you are able to carry it.
- Voyages en INTERCITES de jour avec réservation : vous pouvez emporter autant de bagages que vous le souhaitez, tant que vous pouvez les porter.
- Travel by Thalys: 1 hand luggage and 2 suitcases maximum allowed:
- 32kg per suitcase maximum
- 158 cm maximum (length+width+height)
- Renfe-SNCF trips in Cooperation: up to 3 pieces of luggage 85x55x35cm (max. weight 25kg per piece of luggage). In addition, one hand luggage not exceeding 46x70cm with a weight of less than 30kg is accepted :
- Skis, baby seats and golf bag.
- Surfboard (maximum 1.20x0.90m).
- Wheelchair.
- Dismantled bike stored in a cover of 120x90cm maximum.
Luggage service
It is a service that allows the delivery of your luggage from your home (or elsewhere) to a destination. The price of the luggage service starts at 38€.
Luggage lockers at the station
At some stations, lockers are available to unload your luggage between 1 hour and 14 days. In large stations, automatic lockers are available: Paris-Nord, Paris-Est, Paris gare de Lyon, Paris-Montparnasse, Paris-Austerlitz, Marne-la-Vallée Chessy, Strasbourg, Lyon Part Dieu, Marseille Saint-Charles, Montpellier Saint-Roch, Toulouse Matabiau, Cannes, Nantes and Bordeaux St-Jean. Prices are from 5,5€ to 9,5€.
Bicycles onboard trains
You can transport your bike on SNCF trains under certain conditions.
| TGV | INTERCITES | TER | OUIGO | IDTGV | |
| Dismantled bicycle in an adapted cover (max. dimensions 120 x 90 cm) |
YES (without reservation or supplement) |
YES (without reservation or supplement) |
YES (without reservation or supplement) |
YES (without reservation or supplement) |
YES (without reservation or supplement) |
| Bicycle not dismantled | YES (with reservation, supplement 10€ per bike) |
YES (with reservation, supplement 10€ per bike) |
YES (without reservation or supplement) |
NO | NO |
Modification, exchange, cancellation and refund of SNCF train tickets
Exchanging or canceling a train ticket
How do I cancel a train ticket? What are the conditions?
- You must check whether your ticket can be changed. Indeed, some train tickets cannot be modified like dibs.
- Go to the Oui.sncf website. Then go to the "my orders" area and then the "consult this file" section.
- Click on "EXCHANGE" or "CANCEL".
My tickets are already edited, how can I change or cancel it?
It is possible to cancel or modify your ticket online before the train's departure (not systematic, you must check if the type of train ticket allows it). You have up to 60 days to return them to an SNCF point of sale to obtain a refund in the event of cancellation.
TER train tickets purchased on Oui.sncf are non-exchangeable and non-refundable.
SNCF train travel for minors and unaccompanied children
Do minors have to be accompanied by an adult?
Minors traveling alone are under the responsibility of their parents.
The Junior & Co service
The SNCF offers a "Junior & Cie" service that allows children to travel with trained and experienced guides.
Access for people with reduced mobility on board SNCF trains
People with reduced mobility are given free assistance to welcome and accompany them to the "Acces Plus" train.
Contact the "Accès Plus" service center 2 days before departure :
- By phone: 00 33 1 84 94 3635 (the price of a local call - 7 days a week and from 7am to 10pm)
- By internet: Yes.sncf/AccesPlus
- By email : accesplus@sncf.fr
Access to pets aboard SNCF trains
Pets
Do you want to take your cat or dog with you on your train journey? Pets can travel on trains. You are obliged to book a train ticket for your pet.
Please note that each passenger can travel with a maximum of 2 animals (dogs, cats in particular) and 2 containers:
If the dog or animal weighs less than 6 kg :
- It must be in a bag or basket (max. dimensions 45 cm x 30 cm x 25 cm).
- Cost of ticket 7€ for TGV, Intercités and TER trains
If the dog or animal weighs more than 6 kg :
- It must be muzzled
- The ticket is equivalent to 50% of the full price of a 2nd class ticket (even if you are traveling in 1st class) on TGV, Intercités and TER.
Guide dogs
Guide dogs travel free of charge and without a ticket.
SNCF Loyalty Program
SNCF has a loyalty program that you can apply for free. You can benefit from many advantages such as discounts on your favorite destinations, special offers, etc.
SNCF points of sale
There are many SNCF points of sale throughout France, particularly in bus stations.
Contact and telephone SNCF
- Oui.sncf website : Oui.sncf
- Contact Oui.sncf : contact social media
- Customer service: Oui.sncf : 00 33 1 84 94 3635 (price of a local call - 7d/7 and from 7am to 10pm)