France’s train fares have gone up, but here’s how you can save (2024)

FAQs

Do over 60s get discount on trains in France? ›

The main rail discount card in France is the Carte Avantage. It comes in three different formats – 'jeune' for those aged 12 – 27, 'adulte' for people between 28 – 59, and 'sénior' for those aged 60 and above. The card offers discounts for all high-speed rail journeys in France, as well as on some regional routes.

France increases cost of train fares

The rail network announced a decision to raise prices last November because of the increase in energy costs. Christophe Fanichet, CEO of SNCF Voyageurs, said the company was “facing additional costs of 13 per cent in 2023.”

Train tickets usually go on sale around three months before the date of travel. Book in advance to make sure to get the cheapest option as those tend to sell out, which leaves only the more expensive tickets. Did you know the same applies to buses in France?

CARTE AVANTAGE SENIOR TGV INOUI PRICE: €49

The card is reserved for anyone over the age of 60 [CARTE AVANTAGE SENIOR TGV INOUI] Price of the carte Avantage Senior TGV INOUI for 60 years and older: €49 Price effective as of 12/08/2022, excluding promotions.

Air France Senior Pass: benefits and discounts for 65 +

With the Senior Pass, enjoy flexible tickets, free checked baggage and special discounts on flights in France, to Europe and more! Take advantage of it from age 65⁽¹⁾ for only €49/year.

How can I find cheaper train tickets? Tickets available on SNCF Connect tend to be cheaper when you book them in advance, up to 2 to 9 months before your train journey.

The scheme is expected to cost €49 per month and it will be available to around 700,000 young people under the age of 27 this July and August. It will allow unlimited travel on TER and Intercity trains but will exclude high-speed TGV trains.

As a rule, buses are cheaper and slower than trains. Larger towns usually have a gare routière (bus station), often next to the gare SNCF.

How far in advance can I book trains in France? ›

French Railways (SNCF, www.sncf-connect.com) open domestic TGV & Intercité bookings up to 4 months ahead, although regional TER trains open 3-5 months ahead. Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam/Cologne Eurostar (formerly Thalys) trains open up to 4 months ahead.

As a nationalised system, the French railways used to run a clear and coherent ticketing system, and generally speaking rail travel remains relatively cheap - about 15p a kilometer (1.7 Euro per 10 km in 2017) for a standard second class fare.

In particular, you might find it cheaper to travel before 09:30 on Saturdays, and after 17:00 on Sundays. However, if you're travelling on Greater Anglia or Thameslink for example, the cheapest day to travel by train is a Saturday, Sunday or Bank Holiday.

Many French trains need to be reserved in advance, and seats can be limited at times. Make your train trips in France comfortable and reserve your seats before the journey even begins! Most French high-speed trains and night trains can be reserved up to 2 months in advance.

The cheapest tickets we've found for trains from Paris to Bordeaux are US$11.00. If you book 30 days in advance, tickets will cost around US$84, while the price is around US$89 if you book 7 days in advance.

Details. With a Senior Railcard anyone 60 years or over can save 1/3 on all Standard and First Class, Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares for £30. Take a look at all the ticket types you can make savings on with a Senior Railcard. There are plenty of ways you can use your Railcard, for both long and short trips.

passengers above the age of 65 years can purchase Carte Senior+ . Senior+ card cost 60 euro and allows the holder to save between 25% to 50% (depending on departure) from the standard full fare ticket price on SNCF's train tickets.

The Senior Railcard is a Railcard specifically for senior citizens. It gives people aged 60 and over 1/3 off train fares throughout Great Britain.