Sncf

SNCF train tickets open for early 2025 bookings

International destinations and skiing stations within France are included in the seats now available

French rail workers to strike in December: Major disruption expected

‘A time of conflict with the SNCF is upon us,’ announce unions opposed to privatisation and the closure of the SNCF freight service

SNCF to test a stand-up comedy show for TGV passengers tomorrow

The project comes as train ticket sales open for new Paris-Berlin direct daytime service

news

Bordeaux-Toulouse rail project: Prefecture bans weekend protests

Environmental protesters say the demonstrations against the high-speed train projects will still take place

SNCF will increase number of seats on TGV Atlantique trains

The company will use double-decker carriages to add capacity

New French train luggage rule: do staff get a bonus for each fine given?

SNCF has new bag limits, and inspectors have the power to issue fines of up to €150

Tip to limit luggage theft on French trains (and SNCF approves)

It comes as trains remain busy during the summer holiday period, increasing the chance of opportunistic thefts

15 new French destinations for Ouigo low-cost TGV service announced

The train operator also announced plans for extra trains and more comfortable carriages

What documents must you carry on French train to avoid a fine?

Two passengers were recently fined for not being able to show valid ID proof

Do train staff in France really get commission from fines they give out?

Fines can be handed out for not having a valid ticket, using an out of date railcard, or even having your feet on the seat opposite

New summer flights and flat-rate rail pass: 7 French travel updates

We also look at baggage fee changes, a ferry and train offer - and the installation of motorway barriers to keep out boars

New air routes, train ticket sale, ferry deal: 8 French travel updates

We also look at a billion-euro upgrade to France’s train network and a city’s plans to make public transport free for some drivers

Meet woman behind voice of French train announcements for 40 years

Former radio presenter is also voice of some foreign airports

London-Paris flights boost, holiday traffic: 8 France travel updates

We also look at a proposed €10 TGV service, Ryanair’s offer to Wizz Air passengers and how ferry traffic is booming between Cherbourg and Ireland

French half-term train strikes: half of TGVs cancelled

Up to 90% of ticket inspectors will take part

Potential Eurostar Paris-London competitor to buy 12 French trains

Evolyn says it wants to serve 11 million passengers annually from 2026, with ‘better-value tickets’ from Paris to London and beyond

Travel: How to be reimbursed if affected by strike action in France

Widespread disruption is expected for travellers on Friday due to a nationwide strike

Travel, schools, doctors: France braces for national strike on Friday

A ‘general strike’ has been called by all eight major unions. Workers in the private sector area are also being called to join the action

Reminder: Last day to buy discount annual French railcard

Reduction of 50% is currently available on ‘Avantage’ cards that can be used for weekend high-speed train journeys and local services

Daily France to Spain trains to launch from September 1

Cheap fares will be available for the high-speed link, both on the Lyon and the Marseille line

Tax bills, traffic, school aid: Important dates in France this August

Our round-up also includes a last chance for summer sales and train ticket bargains

New rail line, ferry award, snails slow tram: 8 French travel updates

Also in our weekly travel round-up: a boost for Easyjet, Eurostar introduces facial recognition software and price rises in Paris

TGVs among 300,000 low-cost train tickets to go on sale soon in France

Make a note in your diary! The tickets will start at €29 and are for travel in the peak August period

€1 trains, new France-Ireland flight: 9 French travel updates

Plus a new French law on Channel ferries set for more debate, the grand opening of a new France-Spain high speed train and more

What are the best discount cards for over-55s in France?

They can help you save money on travel, holidays, restaurants and car hire

SNCF fined over crushing cat taking refuge under TGV at French station

The state-owned railway operator was found guilty of negligence

Beware of this new French scam involving a €1.95 travel card

Victims said they signed up thinking ‘at worst I have lost €2’. But the real scam came later

The new rules for train ticket reimbursement over delays in France

Rules for cancellations have also been amended as have those relating to bikes on trains and travel for disabled passengers

Orient Express deluxe renovation is project of French national pride

Discovered original carriages are being restored in France to their Art Deco splendour ready for passengers in 2025

Tax aviation and roads to fund French rail upgrades, says SNCF boss

France wants to invest €100 billion to improve its railway network. But there are questions marks over where the funding is going to come from

'Black Thursday' strikes in France: How bad is the disruption?

Eight Eurostar trains have been cancelled, disruption is expected to flights at several airports and limits on petrol are being imposed in Southern France

Greener, faster, higher capacities: see new French TGV being tested

The new generation of TGV trains are due to start running from the end of 2024 and are successfully continuing their series of full-scale tests

French railway fits innovative alarm system to stop wildlife accidents

The new device will be used in Burgundy where collisions with wildlife on the tracks happen regularly

9 changes for residents and homeowners in France in February 2023

Covid isolation rules, an end to free exchange of SNCF tickets, more eco-friendly renovations money, a new energy price shield… we look at key changes happening this month

Eurostar border fears, new flights, SUV tax: 9 French travel updates

We also explain how an animal charity is suing SNCF after a cat was crushed by a train, hear about strike refund delays and more

French TGV train tickets for spring holidays now on sale

High demand is expected because of May bank holidays. Tickets include international routes

Préavis, piquet, perlée: understand French strike vocabulary

We look at some key phrases used to describe striking in France

Strikes, new UK air route, family railcard: Nine France travel updates

We also look at rerouted ferries, why Paris is getting its own Highway Code, how animal collisions are impacting some rail services and more

Railway station ticket-stamping machines to be phased out in France

Tickets have gradually moved online making the yellow machines – used to validate your ticket – redundant

Paris-London and London-Lille included in France’s train ticket promo

The sale, which includes 150,000 TGV Inoui tickets, comes just one day after the network confirmed price rises in 2023

Which French TGV trains are affected by ticket price rises this year?

SNCF has also announced changes to exchange and cancellation rules

Rail change, UK flights, Covid refunds: Eight France travel updates

Larger ferry aims to increase port turnaround time, two new UK-France air routes launch, the long fight for refunds over cancelled travel and more

French rail strike: unions lift their New Year’s weekend strike notice

This means there should be no action taken next weekend, but this weekend’s strike will still continue

France rail strikes: unions have until midday to respond to SNCF offer

A third of trains are expected to be cancelled today as the result of a ticket inspector strike. Passengers can now claim compensation

Trains, cars, flights: What is new for travel in France in 2023

We look at a targeted fuel cost support package for people who need their cars to go to work, a new night train service and more

French Christmas rail strikes: 200% ticket refunds for cancellations

This exceptional compensation is ‘owed’ to people whose journeys will be affected over the holidays, says SNCF boss

French rail operator offers reassurance over Christmas travel strikes

At least two in three trains will be running, SNCF claims

Rail strikes called on Christmas and New Year weekends in France

Ticket inspectors plan to strike to call for improved pay and career progression

Christmas strikes, Paris-Madrid trains: 10 France travel updates

We also look at holiday traffic, a ferry company anniversary celebration and a decree allowing Father Christmas to fly over a French commune

What train and TGV routes are affected by today's strike in France?

The strike action risks being repeated as Christmas approaches. Workers are calling for pay increases and the recruitment of additional staff

Strikes to disrupt TGV and TER trains in France this week

Several mid-week services across the country will be cancelled as unions call for company-wide action on pay

EasyJet strike risk, short flight ban upheld: 10 France travel updates

We also look at this weekend’s TGV strikes, motorway toll increases, a Eurotunnel offer, why a Paris airport is being renamed (for a good reason) and more

Train strike recap: which trains are running this weekend in France?

Up to 60% of TGVs, international services and Intercités are cancelled. We explain who is striking, why, how to check trains, and how to get a refund

TGVs, Ouigos, Intercités: Strike action to disrupt trains this weekend

Only four in 10 trains are expected to be running

Ouigo passengers can now resell their seats for TGV trains

The initiative aims to reduce the number of seats left empty by customers who do not make their train reservations

EU entry form fraud alert, railcard sale: 9 France travel updates

New France-US flights, support for rental e-scooters, a trial of ‘flying taxis’ ahead of Paris Olympics, €1 train tickets in southern France and more

Scam alert in France: watch out for fake train ticket payment devices

Travellers should note that real ticket machine contactless machines are yellow with a blue light, while the fraudulent versions look different

How to find cheaper petrol and get reduced rail fares in France

From finding the cheapest petrol in your area to reduced fares on holiday train travel, here's how you can make your money go further this month.

Motorways tolls in France set to rise: what can drivers expect in 2023

Transport minister also speaks of a new protection for some against train fare increases

UK-France ferries, plane veers off Paris runway: Eight travel updates

We also look at Monaco’s trial of free buses, a new Bordeaux-airport tram service and how a train passenger was fined when her phone died during ticket check

SNCF opens ticket sales for Christmas train journeys around France

TGV Inoui and Intercités trains can be booked up to January 2, while Ouigo service reservations are open up to July 2023

London-Bordeaux trains, winter flights: Eight France travel updates

Next week’s air traffic control strike is cancelled, a woman fined €290 over SNCF name change confusion, new winter flights announced across France and more

Rail operators called to bid for Nantes-Lyon and Nantes-Bordeaux lines

A new line between Nantes and Lille may also be created, depending on the proposal

France-London transport fares spike ahead of Queen Elizabeth’s funeral

Eurostar ticket prices have risen by more than 20%. SNCF and airline bookings are also up – despite an air traffic control strike planned for Friday

New UK air route, Paris-Berlin TGV: Eight France travel updates

French airports work on cutting emissions, construction of a new greener ferry starts and a study is commissioned to review a potential Bordeaux metro

French rail firm SNCF sells 500,000 tickets from €10 – but be quick!

The flash sale ends today, with journeys available for a maximum price of €19 across all Ouigo high-speed and normal-speed train services in France

‘French train travel is a joy compared to Germany’s awful rail system’

Columnist Richard Ogier compares travelling by train in the two countries and why they are so different

Reminder: last day to benefit from half price railcards in France

The cards entitle holders to a 30% reduction on full-price ticket fares for national and international TGV and Intercités trains, as well as other benefits

What’s coming up in the week of 29 August in France?

Increased financial help for drivers, a last chance to buy a discounted rail card, the return to school, an American film festival and more

Ardèche prepares to welcome its first stopping train in 50 years

The train lines were closed in 1973, making it the only department in France to lack a train service

BA cancellations, traffic, new air route: Nine France travel updates

SNCF develops a new payment-by-instalments system, British Airways reduces its winter Heathrow schedule, P&O ferries update and more

‘Smelly’, ‘exceptionally clean’: Your views on French train conditions

A rail union recently issued a complaint about the cleanliness of Ouigo services, with reports of cockroaches in one. We ask for your opinion

French train firm SNCF offers railcards at 50% off for one week only

The cards enable holders to buy reduced-priced train tickets and save up to 15% off on-board catering and other services. This week they cost just €25

Flight deals, ‘cockroaches in trains’: eight France travel updates

We also look at this summer’s most popular holiday destinations, gourmet plane meals, a boost to a UK air route and more

New winter air routes, bigger ferry: Eight France travel updates

SNCF attempts to solve the problem of forgotten bags, the end of €10 Ryanair tickets and more