TGV flash sale: 45% off SNCF train tickets

Travel across France and Europe with exceptional discounts during our special flash sale

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Lauren Ryan
Published: Jul 27, 2026
Updated: Oct 8, 2026
TGV flash sale: 45% off SNCF train tickets

Latest SNCF discount: TGV 45th anniversary flash sale 

Our current featured SNCF offer is the TGV 45th anniversary flash sale, available to book exclusively from 6th to 8th October 2026. This promotion provides a 45% discount on 450,000 tickets for travel within France and across Europe.
The eligible travel windows vary by route, covering Paris to Lyon journeys between 16th October and 30th November 2026, and other French and European routes between 2nd November and 30th November 2026. Please note that the offer applies only to one-way, direct journeys without connections, and tickets are strictly non-exchangeable and non-refundable. Additionally, this discount cannot be combined with any other current promotion, discount code, or SNCF reduced fare.

Because availability is limited, you will want to act quickly during the booking window. The 45% discount is applied automatically during checkout on Trip.com, meaning no extra promo code is required. This SNCF discount page will be regularly updated with the latest promo discounts for SNCF trains in France, so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal on your train when you visit this page. 

New user welcome pack
  • 5% OFF

    Europe Train New User Promo Code

    5% OFF Europe Train New User Promo Code

    Jan 3, 2024-Dec 31, 2026

  • 2% OFF

    UK Train New User Promo Code

    2% OFF UK Train New User Promo Code

    Jun 19, 2024-Jan 1, 2027


Travel in High Speed: TGV INOUI & OUIGO

SNCF is France’s state-owned national railway operator, making it easy for you to traverse the country in high-speed comfort. France’s rail network is one of the largest in Europe, and SNCF is its primary operator, offering a vast range of services to meet passengers' needs.

Choose from their high-speed services like the premium TGV INOUI or low-cost OUIGO, intercity trains and sleeper services from Intercités, or stick to their regional TER commuter trains for shorter hops. There’s a service for all kinds of passengers – you just need to pick the one for you.

TGV INOUI

TGV INOUI is the choice for passengers who value comfort and a premium service on their high-speed trains. These trains reach speeds of up to 320 km/h (198 mph) and offer many perks that are included in your ticket, such as: 

  • Generous luggage allowance (one piece of hand luggage + two suitcases)

  • Individual power sockets

  • Extra legroom

  • Free Wi-Fi and entertainment platform (Portail TGV INOUI)

  • ‘Le Bistro’ dining carriage

Seat reservation is compulsory with TGV INOUI, and you’ll also have the option to upgrade to First Class for more space and reclining seats. If you’re ordering from Le Bistro, you can skip the queue and order from your seat via the app to collect within a 15-minute window. 

Tickets are released 4 months in advance, with much cheaper Prem’s fares available the further out you book.
TGV high-speed trains

OUIGO 

OUIGO is TGV INOUI’s budget-friendly counterpart – think low-cost airline but for trains. You’ll get to enjoy high-speed travel between France’s major cities (sometimes departing from alternative stations like Marne-la-Vallée Chessy for Disneyland Paris), but you’ll have to sacrifice many extras to make up for the cheaper fares:
  • Strict luggage limits (one personal bag + one cabin bag; fees apply beyond this)

  • Fee for a seat with a power socket

  • No dining carriage (slower trains have a trolley service; no food/drink on high-speed)

  • Fee for Wi-Fi

  • Single class only

  • Non-refundable tickets

OUIGO trains run at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on France’s high-speed lines. You can choose from OUIGO Essentiel and OUIGO Plus – the latter will include some of the extras that come at a charge in Essentiel, like a larger bag, seat choice, Wi-Fi and streaming content as well as a faster boarding queue. 

Tickets are released up to 9 months in advance, with the cheapest OUIGO tickets available the earlier you book.


Travel in Intercités and Regional Trains (TER) 

Intercités 

If you need to travel on a less popular long-distance route, SNCF’s Intercités trains are what you’re looking for – these are conventional express trains covering routes not served by high-speed lines. You’ll find both traditional scenic links around France as well as cross-country connections. 

Intercités trains offer comfortable standard seating and power sockets on renovated fleets, as well as some form of catering depending on the service – either trolley service or a cafe-bar.

Sleeper service: A real highlight of the Intercités line is their overnight service – Intercités de Nuit. These trains are fitted with couchettes so you can sleep your way through a trip from Paris to Nice, for example, saving on hotel spending while also saving time. 

TER (Regional)

🚅Popular train routes: Nice <> Monaco, Lyon <> Geneva, Tours <> Chenonceaux

TER trains are local transit networks operated across France’s individual regions. This network serves vital links connecting smaller towns, rural destinations and commuter hubs for both regional travel and commuting. You’ll find both single- and double-decker trains equipped with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and toilets.

Trains are laid out in a standard regional train configuration, with bike spaces available (reservations may be required in peak season) and seating operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets operate on a fixed-price open-day fare, with your ticket valid for any departure that day. Some routes, however, have compulsory reservations, such as routes between Paris and Normandy. 

How to book SNCF discount tickets on Trip.com? 

Booking SNCF French train tickets with Trip.com simplifies a potentially confusing process. No need to deal with unclear, fussy ticket purchasing platforms in a language you don’t understand – Trip.com offers a seamless booking experience with support in your language. Some SNCF services – like OUIGO – can only be purchased with cards from certain countries. Booking on Trip.com bypasses this problem with flexible payment options.

  • Enter your destination in France on Trip.com’s search engine along with your travel dates

  • Select your desired SNCF TGV train; eligible promotional offers are clearly marked in the search results.

  • Proceed to checkout, where the 45% discount is applied automatically without needing to enter a promo code.

  • Complete your purchase and enjoy your savings on SNCF tickets!

FAQ

How early should I arrive at the station for an SNCF train?

Arrival times depend on the SNCF service you’re taking. Passengers taking a TGV INOUI train should arrive 20 minutes before departure. For OUIGO services, you must arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, as security gates close 30 minutes in advance and train doors close 5 minutes before departure.

Do I need to reserve a seat on regional TER trains?

No, TER seats are unreserved and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Your ticket is valid for any TER departure on your chosen route on the selected travel day.

What is the difference between TGV INOUI and OUIGO?

While both these SNCF services are high-speed trains, the difference lies in the onboard experience. TGV INOUI trains are the premium option, with ticket flexibility and many extras included as standard – such as large luggage, Wi-Fi, seat selection and power sockets. OUIGO, on the other hand, is the low-cost alternative – your ticket essentially covers the bare bones of your trip, with added fees for larger or additional luggage, Wi-Fi, seat selection and power sockets. OUIGO tickets are also non-refundable.

Is there an SNCF France rail pass?

SNCF doesn’t offer an unlimited all-train rail pass across France for tourists, but you can find discount passes for 30% off journeys and capped maximum fares. These are called Carte Avantage and can be used on TGV INOUI and Intercités trains for a full year. 

You’ll also find regional and route-specific passes or packages, as well as the France Interrail/Eurail Pass for 3–8 days of unlimited travel on the SNCF network across one month

Where can I check SNCF train times?

You can check SNCF train times by searching the route you’re interested in on Trip.com. You will see departure times for all SNCF train types for that route – TGV INOUI, OUIGO, Intercités and TER – as well as other route information and ticket prices.