Is it easy to buy French train tickets online, even if abroad?
You can print out electronic tickets or store them on your smartphone
It is recommended to purchase French train tickets via the official SNCF Connect website or smartphone app
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Reader Question: Is it easy to buy train tickets in France online? I have never done it before, but my local ticket office has closed. Can I buy my tickets in advance from the UK online?
It is easy to buy train tickets online for travel in France.
A number of third party sites such as Trainline offer tickets, but it is recommended to purchase them via the official SNCF Connect website or smartphone app.
Tickets of all types, including local and regional TERs, high-speed TGVs (OuiGo and InOui), and Intercités trains (including night trains) are available online.
However, tickets for local public transport networks (Métros, buses, trams, etc) need to be purchased on the website of the local operator, rather than the SNCF website.
You can also purchase some international tickets, including for all international InOui branded trains, however this does not apply for all routes.
How to buy train tickets for travel in France
Online tickets can be purchased from anywhere - you do not need to be in France.
Using the official SNCF Connect website:
Select your destination
Enter whether you want a single or return ticket (aller simple or aller retour), the date(s) of travel
Enter your name and personal information
Add any railcard information. The system will automatically apply discounts where possible.
Enter payment details (including name and address)
Once purchased, you will receive email confirmation and the option to save your tickets to your smartphone wallet.
The email confirmation will also include a link to the tickets as a PDF file, which you can print out.
Alternatively, certain stations allow you to print the ticket at a terminal using the ticket’s code (on your purchase confirmation email) and personal details such as your last name.
Read more: SNCF launches low-cost train travel offer for French and European routes for September
How do I validate the ticket?
Unlike traditional tickets, electronic tickets do not need to be validated at the station.
All tickets contain a QR code, or equivalent, which conductors scan electronically on board the train.
Larger stations may have electronic barriers, which require you to scan your ticket.
Keep hold of your ticket
You should be prepared to let a conductor scan your ticket once you are on board the train. This can happen more than once per trip.
Note, you usually do not need to scan your ticket when leaving the station – gates open automatically for people exiting platforms - however this is a possibility, particularly for TGV and OuiGo trains.
Read more: More French train stations lose their manned ticket desks
All inspectors are equipped with a scanner that can be used on physical tickets printed at home, collected from a machine in a station or displayed on your smartphone screen
Read more: Can I buy a ticket after getting on a train in France?
In some cases, ticket staff may also ask you to confirm your identity, although this typically only concerns people who have a ticket associated with a railcard.
If you do not have a ticket, you could be asked to pay a far higher price based on the kilometre length of your travel, in addition to a fine.
Read more: What documents must you carry on French train to avoid a fine?
