SNCF: Train Tickets, Schedules, and Routes

Fri, 06 Dec
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SNCF summer train tickets will soon be available!

From 13th March, take advantage of cheap train tickets for summer 2024. Travel by train in France or abroad during the summer period by booking your SNCF train tickets on Omio now.

Major Train Stations in France
Booking cheap SNCF tickets
Train types
SNCF FAQs

SNCF: Paris to Berlin Direct Train

In partnership with Deutsche Bahn, SNCF will operate the highly awaited Paris to Berlin direct train. This 8-hour journey covers 878 kilometres and will start from €60. The route passes through important stops like Frankfurt (South), Karlsruhe, and Strasbourg, promoting eco-friendly travel options across Europe. Tickets will be available to book from mid-October, with service beginning in mid-December.

Buy SNCF train tickets with Omio

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SNCF: Paris to Berlin Direct Train

In partnership with Deutsche Bahn, SNCF will operate the highly awaited Paris to Berlin direct train. This 8-hour journey covers 878 kilometres and will start from €60. The route passes through important stops like Frankfurt (South), Karlsruhe, and Strasbourg, promoting eco-friendly travel options across Europe. Tickets will be available to book from mid-October, with service beginning in mid-December.

About SNCF France

What better way to discover the best of French culture than by exploring its luminous countryside and historic cities by train. Formed in 1937, SNCF is France’s national state-owned rail company and is one of the oldest train companies in Europe. Today SNCF provides some of the world's fastest trains on the high-speed TGV INOUI network and is generally considered one of the best in the world, with trains that are modern, comfortable and reliable.

SNCF TGV Train France

SNCF’s TGV trains are fast and comfortable. Credit: Pixabay

SNCF trains are divided into separate fleets: TGV INOUI, Intercités, TER. Lyria and Ouigo, each catering to different journey routes, speeds and lengths. High-speed, long distance routes make it possible to breakfast in Paris and travel to Marseille for a seafood lunch three hours later. Rural trains wind through Brittany in the northwest to Provence in the south for a slower and more leisurely journey while theinternational SNCF network extends into Spain, Germany, Italy and further into Europe. This page provides you with all the information you need to travel with SNCF. Read on to discover how to buy cheap SNCF train tickets, SNCF routes and specific TGV train schedules.

Popular SNCF train routes in France


Popular Routes

SNCF train tickets

Select the route

Showing the fastest and cheapest results for 06 Dec

SNCF OUIGO
17:402h30
Barcelona Sants
20:10Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes
£381One-way
0 changes
SNCF OUIGO
20:402h55
Barcelona Sants
23:35Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes
£321One-way
0 changes
SNCF OUIGO
13:502h30
Barcelona Sants
16:20Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes
£731One-way
0 changes
SNCF OUIGO
10:402h45
Barcelona Sants
13:25Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes
£1161One-way
0 changes
SNCF OUIGO
06:302h45
Barcelona Sants
09:15Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes
£1061One-way
0 changes

Travel France by train with SNCF and Omio

Why book SNCF tickets with Omio?

Omio is an official SNCF partner, meaning we’ll offer the latest deals for cheap SNCF train tickets, provide up-to-date information on all timetables, including the latestTGV train schedules, offer easy booking and send live updates and notifications if there are any changes to your journey. If you have an SNCF discount card, you can add it to your Omio booking and we'll apply the discount to the ticket prices in the search results. Need help along the way? There’s a dedicated helpline to answer questions to make your journey enjoyable and hassle-free. With the Omio app, you can search in the language of your choice, book tickets on the go and have everything sent directly to your phone.

Popular SNCF routes

Paris to Milan train

from £195
Direct trains available
8h22 average duration
4trains per day
Served by
  • SNCF | TGV INOUI
  • SNCF | TGV Lyria
  • SNCF | TER
  • Trenitalia

Paris to Zurich train

from £43
Direct trains available
4h04 average duration
5trains per day
Served by
  • Deutsche Bahn
  • SNCF | TGV INOUI
  • SNCF | ICE
  • SNCF | TER
  • SBB
  • SNCF | TGV Lyria
  • TGV

Madrid to Valencia train

from £6
Direct trains available
1h52 average duration
19trains per day
Served by
  • Renfe AVLO
  • iryo
  • Renfe
  • Renfe ALVIA
  • SNCF OUIGO
  • Renfe INTERCITY
  • Renfe Alvia
  • Renfe AVE
  • Renfe Intercity

Zurich to Paris train

from £43
Direct trains available
4h04 average duration
5trains per day
Served by
  • SNCF | TGV INOUI
  • Deutsche Bahn
  • TGV
  • SNCF | ICE
  • SNCF | TER
  • SBB
  • SNCF | TGV Lyria

Geneva to Paris train

from £25
Direct trains available
3h13 average duration
12trains per day
Served by
  • Deutsche Bahn
  • SNCF | TGV INOUI
  • SNCF | TGV Lyria
  • SNCF | TER
  • SNCF | TGV

Madrid to Barcelona train

from £9
Direct trains available
2h30 average duration
30trains per day
Served by
  • iryo
  • Renfe AVE INT
  • Renfe AVE
  • SNCF OUIGO
  • Renfe
  • Renfe REGIONAL EXPRESS
  • Renfe AVLO

Valencia to Madrid train

from £4
Direct trains available
1h55 average duration
19trains per day
Served by
  • Renfe AVE
  • Renfe ALVIA
  • Renfe
  • Renfe AVLO
  • iryo
  • SNCF OUIGO
  • Renfe Intercity
  • Renfe Alvia
  • Renfe INTERCITY

Paris to Geneva train

from £25
Direct trains available
3h10 average duration
10trains per day
Served by
  • SNCF | TGV INOUI
  • SNCF | TER
  • Deutsche Bahn
  • SNCF | Intercités de nuit
  • SNCF | TGV Lyria
  • SNCF | TGV
  • SNCF
  • Regionale

Paris to Bordeaux train

from £33
Direct trains available
2h03 average duration
24trains per day
Served by
  • SNCF | TGV
  • SNCF | Intercités
  • SNCF | TGV INOUI
  • SNCF | Intercités de nuit
  • SNCF | TER
  • SNCF

Barcelona to Madrid train

from £10
Direct trains available
2h30 average duration
30trains per day
Served by
  • Renfe REGIONAL EXPRESS
  • Renfe AVE
  • Renfe
  • iryo
  • Renfe AVLO
  • Renfe AVE INT
  • SNCF OUIGO

Train stations in France with SNCF

The major stations in France are operated by SNCF, meaning nearly all train schedules in France will include SNCF train options. Along with Paris Gare du Nord, the company runs services to Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Lille as well as high-speed trains to international destinations such as Geneva or Milan. Hundreds of train stations in France are served by the SNCF fleet. High-speed and long-distance TGV trains are scheduled to stop at most major train stations for international and national routes. Find out all you need to know about amenities, services and the location of all the major train stations in France.

SNCF destinations

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

SNCF and TGV: train types

TGV INOUI: The new identity for SNCF’s flagship TGV fleet is now TGV INOUI. The TGV INOUI were introduced in 2012 and have slowly replaced the older TGV models. These are the latest premium high-speed train service which come equipped with Wi-Fi, charging sockets, adjustable seats, and an onboard bar. France’s TGV was the third commercial high-speed service worldwide (the first two went to Japan), with the name TGV, short for Train à Grande Vitesse, directly translating to high-speed train. It is SNCF’s flagship train fleet, running on long-distance and international routes at 198 mph (320 km/h).

Ouigo offers cheap tickets on its low-cost, high speed train lines. Owned by SNCF, the Ouigo trains aim to make high-speed travel affordable. Using the same models as the TGV INOUI trains, but with fewer perks for a lower price. Its double-decker coaches offer greater capacity on its trains, and for those seeking a little more comfort there are options to pay a little extra for XL seats. It connects major cities from Paris to Lyon, Avignon, Aix, Marseille, Cannes, Nice, Nimes, Montpellier, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Rennes, Angers, Nantes and more Strasbourg.

Intercité covers SNCF’s city networks, connecting major cities and stations across all regions of France. There are 200 destinations on the Intercité network, with popular routes includingParis to Toulouse andLyon to Marseille. Trains come equipped with Wi-Fi, food and drink, quiet zones as well as the options to book in first or second class. Intercité trains also operate at night so if you have an early start or want to save forking out on hotel rooms, there is the option to book a reclining seat or a cabin with a couchette. This fleet of trains run at a maximum speed of 120 mph (200 km/h)

TER (Transport Express Régional) is SNCF’s regional train service, offering efficient, local train travel. These services tend to be slower with more stops in smaller destinations but are a great way to explore the countryside or commute out of the city to a neighbouring village. It’s possible to take bikes free onboard all TER journeys. The regions served by TER trains include: Brittany, Normandy, Occitanie, Provence-Alpes, French Riviera, New-Aquitaine, Center-Val-de-Loire, Hauts-de-France, Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Great East and Pays de la Loire.

Lyria: Lyria trains travel between France and Switzerland with more than 4 million passengers travelling on Lyria trains every year. You can reach Geneva, Basel, Lausanne and Zurich (and other major Swiss stations) from Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Lille or Dijon

What to expect onboard SNCF trains

SNCF trains are renowned for their speed and comfort. Trains are well-maintained and offer passengers amenities to ensure a safe and pleasant journey. Here’s a quick snapshot of the key information you need about SNCF trains:

    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.

Book cheap SNCF train tickets today!

The most sure-fire way of securing the best SNCF train tickets is to book as far in advance as possible as prices rise incrementally with demand. If you can be flexible with your travel date, you can also look for dates and times that offer cheaper tickets. During peak hours most companies increase their ticket prices. Look for connecting trains, which may be slower, but are cheaper than direct trains. Omio compares the prices at different times on any given date and allows you to choose quickly and easily find the cheapest available option.

SNCF Offers and Discounts

SNCF provides a number of discounts for travellers which can be directly applied to tickets when checking out on the Omio page. For regular travellers on SNCF, it’s worth looking out for annual railcards which can reduce ticket prices up to 30 percent for the card holder. These include youth railcards and railcards for over 60s.

Going on vacation as a family or a group of friends? The good news is that discounts apply for group travellers all year-round on the Oui Tribu ticket! If you are travelling solo, then we recommend looking out for the Prem's ticket as far in advance as possible to get the best deal.


Oui Tribu

  • Groups of between 2 and 5 passengers can get a reduction of 20 to 50 percent off their tickets
  • Children between the ages of 4 and 11 years old get 50 per cent reduction
  • - Available as an e-ticket only
  • - Tickets must be bought at the same time
  • - Valid only when the entire group travels together
  • - Non-refundable or exchangeable

Delays and cancellations on SNCF trains

If your SNCF train has been cancelled 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 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.




Popular SNCF routes and TGV train schedules


Thanks to the high-speed TGV INOUI trains, travelling to major cities across France is a simple and easy way to get around, making it a popular choice for visitors and residents. TGV trains are scheduled to stop across major stations in France and now also connect parts of Europe including Milan and Geneva. Take a look at some of the most frequented routes, check out the latest TGV train schedules and book your holiday today, directly with Omio.

SNCF route Schedule Price
Train Paris Lyon From 05:50 to 22:00 from £16
Train Paris Lille From 07:00 to 22:00 From £20
Train Lille Paris From 05:50 to 21:20 From £20
Train Lyon Paris From 05:15 to 22:35 From £15
Train Paris Nice From 07:20 to 21:20 From £16
Train Paris Toulouse From 06:30 to 22:00 From £28
Train Toulouse Paris From 06:00 to 22:50 From £28
Train Nice Paris From 07:00 to 20:00 from £21
Train Paris Marseille From 06:00 to 21:30 From £21
Train Bordeaux Paris From 05:00 to 20:30 From 15€

SNCF FAQs

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 grey 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 INOUI high-speed trains throughout France.
Each of France’s larger cities usually has a metro system, so getting around is fast and efficient.
Paris also has RER trains, similar to commuter trains, that also have connections with the metro stations.

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 instead of 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 cancelled 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 cancelled.
Carte Senior+ / Jeune / Week-End / Enfant+: The ticket can be modified or cancelled for free up until three 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 cancelled 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 labelled with your name.

Can I take pets on a SNCF train?

The transportation of animals in a bag or basket of no larger than 45 cm x 30 cm x 25 cm and weighing less than 6 kg, costs €7. If your animal weighs more than 6 kg, the fare will be 50 percent of the cost of a second class ticket.
Exchanges and cancellations: you may exchange your pet's ticket free of chargeup until the day before departure. After that, a 10 percent 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 percent fee up until the end of its validity.

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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