SNCF: Train Tickets, Schedules, and Routes

Fri 02 Jan
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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.
Major Train Stations in France
Booking cheap SNCF tickets
Train types
SNCF FAQs

Enjoy Comfortable Travel with SNCF Trains from Milan to Paris on Omio

For a smooth and efficient journey from Milan to Paris, SNCF offers a reliable and comfortable option with its famed high-speed trains. The TGV INOUI connects these two cities directly, completing the journey in just 7 hours and 7 minutes, so you can relax and arrive refreshed. Perfect for both business trips and holidays, SNCF’s TGV service blends speed with top-notch amenities, giving you a first-class travel experience as you pass through stunning landscapes. Book your tickets via Omio for the best prices and an effortless booking process.

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

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 Jan

Ouigo
10:402h52
Barcelona Sants
13:32Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes
£391One-way
0 changes
Ouigo
13:502h37
Barcelona Sants
16:27Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes
£361One-way
0 changes
Ouigo
06:252h52
Barcelona Sants
09:17Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes
£391One-way
0 changes
Ouigo
07:353h03
Barcelona Sants
10:38Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes
£461One-way
0 changes
Ouigo
17:402h37
Barcelona Sants
20:17Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes
£661One-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 Gare de Lyon to Barcelona Sants train

from £63
Direct trains available
6h47 average duration
2trains per day
Served by
  • TGV INOUI
  • Renfe
  • SNCF Intercités de nuit
  • AVE
  • SNCF

Lyon to Barcelona train

from £49
Direct trains available
3h21 average duration
3trains per day
Served by
  • TGV INOUI
  • Renfe
  • AVE

Barcelona to Lyon train

from £62
Direct trains available
5h01 average duration
2trains per day
Served by
  • TGV INOUI
  • Renfe
  • AVE

Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid Barajas Airport train

from £16
Direct trains available
2h37 average duration
16trains per day
Served by
  • iryo
  • AVE
  • Ouigo

Barcelona Sants to Paris Gare de Lyon train

from £54
Direct trains available
6h44 average duration
2trains per day
Served by
  • Renfe
  • TGV INOUI
  • AVE
  • SNCF Intercités de nuit

Barcelona El Prat Airport to Zaragoza train

from £8
Direct trains available
1h23 average duration
11trains per day
Served by
  • Ouigo
  • Renfe ALVIA
  • Renfe AVLO
  • iryo
  • AVE
  • Renfe Avant
  • Renfe

Paris to Barcelona train

from £59
Direct trains available
6h47 average duration
1train per day
Served by
  • SNCF Intercités de nuit
  • AVE
  • Renfe
  • TGV INOUI
  • SNCF

Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid train

from £11
Direct trains available
2h37 average duration
16trains per day
Served by
  • Ouigo
  • AVE
  • iryo

Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes train

from £17
Direct trains available
2h37 average duration
16trains per day
Served by
  • Renfe AVLO
  • AVE
  • Ouigo
  • iryo

Barcelona to Paris train

from £59
Direct trains available
6h45 average duration
2trains per day
Served by
  • TGV INOUI
  • AVE
  • Renfe
  • SNCF Intercités de nuit

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 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.

station information and facilities

Most popular SNCF train stations

Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 05:45 - 22:00
  • Sat: 06:00 - 21:00
  • Sun: 08:00 - 22:15
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free, unlimited WiFi is available throughout the station.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Luggage lockers are located on the lower concourse close to the Eurostar line.
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Dining
Dining
  • The Betjeman Arms
  • AMT Coffee
  • The Booking Office
  • Carluccio’s
  • Chop’d
  • Greggs
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Midland Road: Currently the taxi pick up is located next to Thameslink station entrance. Soon a large covered queuing area will be available halfway along the lower concourse where passengers can wait for marshalled taxis. Pancras Road: There are two taxi drop off areas in Pancras Road. One is situated halfway along the old Victorian brick built Barlow shed and is convenient for Eurostar passengers. The second is situated close to the main entrance in the new part of the station and is suitable for passengers travelling within the UK.
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis can be located on Midland Road and Pancras Road
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators, complimentary assistance for passengers with reduced mobility and other needs.
WC
WC
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: There are two accessible toilets in this station that are operated by a radar key. One is next to Eurostar arrivals. Toilet attendants are available too.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Standard
  • Kimpton Fitzroy London
  • Alhambra Hotel
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Fri: 05:45 - 22:00
  • Sat: 06:00 - 21:00
  • Sun: 08:00 - 22:15
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Within car park
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located on the lower level in the main hall.
Public transport options for London St Pancras International
  • Subway lines: Circle Line, Hammersmith & City Line, Metropolitan Line, Northern Line, Piccadilly Line, Victoria Line
  • Train lines: Overground line, High Speed 1, Eurostar
  • Bus lines: 326, 139
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
ShowerShower
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
26
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 24/7. Access via Gessnerallee and Sihlquai.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant Au Premier
  • Brasserie Federal
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • CHF 2
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich
  • Hotel St. Gotthard
  • Central Plaza Hotel
Shower
Shower
  • Cost CHF 12
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 1,300 places, mostly covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 3-18 for long-distance trains
  • Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms 21-24
  • Hall 3: underground S-Bahn platforms 41-44
Public transport options for Zürich HB
  • Tram: Lines 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • S-Bahn: Lines S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24
Basel MarkthalleAccessibility
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km

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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