1. Trip.com
  2. Trains
  3. France
  4. SNCF

Popular Routes

TrainJourney TimePrice
Paris to Lyon1h 48mBuy from SGD 50.94Book Now
Lyon to Bordeaux4h 23mBuy from SGD 310.59Book Now
Marseille to Toulouse3h 49mBuy from SGD 61.43Book Now
Lyon to Nice4h 33mBuy from SGD 109.37Book Now

Who Are SNCF?

Who Are SNCF?

Founded in 1938, SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français) is France’s national state-owned railway company, offering three main types of trains: TGV, TER and Intercités. Today, SNCF operates the second-largest rail network in the world, known for its speedy and reliable services. One of its standout offerings is the high-speed TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse), which has set incredible speed records, including an astonishing 574.8 km/h (357 mph)​.

Whether you're taking a quick trip or a longer journey, you'll find features like modern seating, user-friendly information systems, and extensive regional services (TER) connecting smaller towns to major cities. Plus, with a presence in over 60 countries, SNCF is committed to making your travel experience as seamless as possible.

Top Destinations

Paris

Paris

Paris, the capital of France, is a historic city filled with world-famous monuments, museums, and parks. A walk about Paris will teach anyone a lot about the city’s rich history and beauty, whether that’s admiring the iconic Eiffel Tower or falling in love with the scenic views of the Seine.

Main stations:
  1. Gare du Nord
  2. Gare de Lyon
  3. Gare Saint-Lazare
  4. Gare Montparnasse
Train types available:
  1. TGV, TER, and INTERCITÉS
Top attractions:
  1. Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Champs-Elysées, Arc du Triomphe, Seine, Villette Park, Palace of Versailles
Marseille

Marseille

Marseille, one of France’s oldest cities, is renowned for its rich history and distinctive culture, including the traditional game of pétanque and the fish stew bouillabaisse. It is also a choice destination for a romantic weekend, thanks to its stunning seaside location and rocky inlets.

Main stations:
  1. Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles
Train types available:
  1. TGV, TER, and INTERCITÉS
Top attractions:
  1. Notre-Dame de la Garde, the Stade Vélodrome, Porte d'Aix, Cathedral of Sainte-Marie-Majeure, Marseille History Museum (Musée d'Histoire de Marseille)
Lyon

Lyon

Lyon, the third-most populous city of France, is renowned for its gastronomy, silk production, and architectural landmarks. Every corner of Lyon hides a miracle simply waiting for you to discover!

Main stations:
  1. Gares de Lyon-Part-Dieu
  2. Lyon Perrache
Train types available:
  1. TGV, TER and INTERCITÉS
Top attractions:
  1. Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière, Golden Head Park, Musée des Confluences, Théâtre Gallo Romain, Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, Place des Terreaux, Bartholdi Fountain
Nice

Nice

Nice, the capital of the Côte d'Azur (French Riviera), is a resort town recognised for its stunning seafront views of the Mediterranean Sea. From the charming old town to the iconic Promenade des Anglais, Nice offers everything you need to enjoy the sparkling waterfront.

Main stations:
  1. Nice-Ville station (Gare de Nice-Ville)
Train types available:
  1. TGV, TER and INTERCITÉS
Top attractions:
  1. Promenade des Anglais, Old Town (Vieux Nice), Cimiez hill, Colline du Château, Masséna Square, Marc Chagall National Museum, Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice, Musée Matisse

SNCF Trains

SNCF trains offer three main types: TGV, TER, and Intercités. Please note that each train type has its own destinations, onboard services, and pricing options.

TGV INOUI High-Speed Trains

TGV INOUI High-Speed Trains

As the high-speed train of SNCF, TGV INOUI can reach impressive speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph) and serves about 200 destinations. Top destinations include Paris, Nice, Bordeaux, Marseille and Lyon. From Paris, travellers can reach Lyon or Bordeaux in about two hours, and Marseille in just over three hours.

Currently SNCF's premium offering, TGV INOUI trains typically offer higher levels of comfort and amenities than other train options. Passengers can enjoy spacious seats with power sockets, on-board WiFi and a buffet car serving ready-made meals. The service offers two distinct travel classes: second class and first class. Additionally, some TGV trains feature double-decker carriages to accommodate more passengers, making them a popular choice among travellers.

TER Regional Trains

TER Regional Trains

In addition to high-speed trains, SNCF also offers Regional and Intercités trains. TER, the regional branch of SNCF services, covers shorter distances around France at more reasonable speeds (generally 160 km/h maximum). These trains typically connect smaller villages with main lines and larger towns, making them ideal for regular commutes and regional visits. Key destinations include Lille, Nantes and Rennes, as well as larger cities such as Paris and Lyon.

TER 2N and TER NG models feature bi-level carriages to accommodate a large number of passengers. Onboard TER trains, seating is unreserved, allowing you to sit wherever you prefer (except for compulsory reservations in Normandy). Additionally, you can typically bring your bike for free.

TER trains offer a cost-effective and budget-friendly travel option for those looking to explore French regions and cities not served by high-speed rail. With fares starting from €9, TER is an excellent choice for low-cost travel throughout France.

SNCF INTERCITÉS Trains

SNCF INTERCITÉS Trains

SNCF Intercités trains are the largest rail network in France and provide night train lines, including INTERCITÉS Classique and INTERCITÉS Grand Confort etc. Most Intercités trains depart from Paris' main stations, with other key destinations including Lyon, Marseille and Bordeaux.

Onboard Intercités trains, travellers can typically order meals, use free Wi-Fi for work or entertainment and benefit from ample luggage storage. Night trains provide a night kit for comfortable sleeping in bunk beds. Additionally, there are ladies-only carriages for women travelling alone or with children under 12.

Airport Trains by SNCF

France offers excellent train connections to its main airports, including Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Lyon-Saint Exupéry, and Nice Côte d'Azur. CDG Airport has its own TGV station (Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2-TGV) that connects to cities like Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux. Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport also has a dedicated TGV station linking it to Lyon, Paris, Marseille, and other cities​.

In addition to TGV services, SNCF also offers regional services that connect airports with many cities across France. For example, TER regional trains from Nice Saint-Augustin train station at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport connect to Nice-Ville, Menton, and Cannes.

  • Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport

    Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport

    Closest rail station:
    1. Gare Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV
    Main train services:
    1. TGV trains: from Airport to Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Lille
    2. RER B trains: connect the airport to central Paris
  • Paris-Orly Airport

    Paris-Orly Airport

    Closest rail station:
    1. Antony station (RER B)
    Main train services:
    1. Paris Métro Line 14: connecting Paris to Orly Airport
    2. RER B train: connects central Paris to Antony station, from which Orlyval provides a link to the airport.
  • Nice Côte d'Azur Airport

    Nice Côte d'Azur Airport

    Closest rail station:
    1. Nice Saint-Augustin station
    Main train services:
    1. Tram Line 2: provides a direct route from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport to central Nice
    2. TER regional trains: offer connections to Nice-Ville, Cannes, and Menton from Nice Saint-Augustin.
  • Marseille Provence Airport

    Marseille Provence Airport

    Closest rail station:
    1. Vitrolles - Aéroport Marseille Provence station
    Main train services:
    1. TER trains: connect to destinations like Marseille, Nîmes, and Montpellier.
    2. LeBus+13 line: connects the Airport to the Vitrolles-Aéroport-Marseille-Provence station
  • Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport

    Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport

    Closest rail station:
    1. Lyon Saint-Exupéry TGV station
    Main train services:
    1. TGV high-speed trains: from Airport to Paris, Valence, Avignon, the Alps, and Grenoble
    2. Rhônexpress tram/train shuttle: a dedicated tram shuttle links Lyon's city center to the airport station

SNCF Train Ticket Types

SNCF provides four ticket options to meet various needs: Prem’s, Seconde, Première, and Business Première. Use TrainPal's Train Journey Planner to effortlessly compare prices and book your train tickets.

Ticket TypesPrem’sSecondePremièreINOUÏ Business Première
Change Date/Time
Unlimited Refunds
Unlimited Changes
Access to lounges
Prem’s

Prem’s

Prem’s is the most economical fare class offered by SNCF, with prices starting as low as €15. While this option is ideal for budget travellers, these tickets have limited flexibility: they are refundable under certain conditions and can only be exchanged up until train departure (and may incur a fee). Prem’s tickets are best for travellers with fixed travel plans and a preference for savings.

Seconde

Seconde

The Seconde class ticket provides a balance between affordability and flexibility, allowing exchanges or refunds up to departure with potential fees. Passengers with Seconde tickets enjoy basic amenities like comfortable seating, onboard Wi-Fi, and access to the bar-buffet car. This class suits those looking for comfort without added perks.

Première

Première

The Première class ticket offers enhanced comfort, including spacious reclining seats, access to quiet zones, and a retractable table for dining or working. Première tickets are exchangeable and refundable with flexible policies (up to departure), making it a popular choice for those seeking a more comfortable journey. Additional amenities often include newspapers and greater luggage space

INOUÏ Business Première

INOUÏ Business Première

Exclusive to TGV INOUI, Business Première is SNCF’s premium offering tailored for business travellers needing the utmost flexibility and comfort. Business Première tickets allow free, unlimited exchanges and refunds even after departure, along with perks like priority boarding, access to the Grand Voyageur lounges, and enhanced onboard comfort with extra-spacious seating. This ticket is designed for travellers who prioritise flexibility, privacy, and top-tier amenities.