New round of ticket sales opens for SNCF: TGV, Intercités and TER trains can now be booked for the period from December 14 to January 7. And even until July 3, 2026 for Ouigo trains. Whether it's to visit family for Christmas, celebrate New Year's with friends, or enjoy a last-minute getaway, millions of seats are now available at train stations and online via the SNCF Connect app. This is a highly anticipated period, with the best deals selling out quickly, especially for the busiest days around Christmas and New Year. Those planning to travel are therefore advised to book early to have the best chance of securing the lowest fares. SNCF reminds passengers that its pricing system is based on availability: the earlier you book, the more likely you are to find attractive prices.
Very popular destinations
Unsurprisingly, tickets for the busiest routes are those connecting Paris to major regional cities. Trains to Toulouse, Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Lille, and Strasbourg see prices rise rapidly. Routes to the Alps and Pyrenees also experience peak demand, with holidaymakers seeking snow sports. To meet this exceptional demand, the railway company is deploying additional trains. "We are doing everything we can to ensure everyone can travel comfortably, but it is essential to plan ahead," SNCF stated in a press release.
Book early and use a discount card
While booking early can save money, many travelers complain about a significant increase in fares. Some passenger associations denounce the price hikes during peak periods, particularly for large families who are forced to travel together on the same dates. SNCF, for its part, maintains that its offer remains competitive compared to air and car travel, especially considering the comfort and environmental impact of train travel. To reduce the cost, discount cards (Avantage Young, Adult, or Senior) remain a valuable option. They guarantee price caps even during peak travel periods. The Prem's tickets also represent a good opportunity, although they sell out extremely quickly as soon as sales open.
Plan ahead with peace of mind: free cancellation up to 7 days before departure
The company also points out that choosing off-peak travel times can be advantageous. Departing early in the morning or late in the evening can sometimes allow you to find available seats at significantly lower prices. Similarly, traveling the day before or after major holidays reduces the risk of finding all trains fully booked.
Finally, SNCF emphasizes the flexibility of its offers: many tickets can be exchanged or refunded free of charge up to 7 days before departure for Intercités trains (where reservations are required) and TGV Inoui trains within France. This also applies to international TGV Inoui trains to Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, Freiburg, and for DB SNCF Voyageurs joint services (excluding Lyria, Eurostar, and TGV INOUI to Spain). After this 7-day window, a fee of €19 per person per journey applies for TGV Inoui, and 40% of the ticket price (with a maximum fee of €15) for Intercités trains where reservations are required. This is a valuable advantage for those who book as soon as tickets go on sale, without worrying about unforeseen circumstances.
@bigorre_org