Train: TGV and Intercités tickets are now more expensive

This Tuesday, January 10th, SNCF implements an increase in fares for its high-speed TGV trains and Intercités, and will change its exchange conditions.

The start of the year is usually not good news for our wallets. However, SNCF waited until January 10th and the return from holidays to apply the 2023 price increase. It will be an average of 5%, affecting TGV and Intercités, which will also influence Max Actif and Max Actif+ subscriptions. The Advantage Card will, however, keep its price of €49 and its ceilings, while Max Jeune and Senior subscriptions remain at €79/month.

The company applies a smaller increase than inflation, which was 6.2%. It also assures that if it “passed on the full increase of these costs to its prices, the fare increase should be nearly 13% in 2023.” This is roughly what Île-de-France Mobilités has undertaken regarding the Navigo Pass and tickets for Île-de-France residents.

Ouigo and low-cost trains not affected

Additionally, some conditions are changing this year, such as ticket refunds and exchanges. These will only be possible 5 days or less before departure (compared to 48 hours) and the fee will increase to €19, up from €15 previously. A temporary relief, as this will only apply at the beginning of February.

Good news, low-cost fares are exempt from this inflation. OuiGo trains are therefore not included in this fare policy and will become even more attractive. Moreover, these trains, whether high-speed or conventional, are offering a Ouigo promotion until January 11. The maximum price is set at €19 for the approximately fifty destinations offered by the company. The minimum prices for TGV Inoui will also remain unchanged.

Up to €5 increase for a Paris-Bordeaux?

What does this 5% increase on main train routes mean? It’s difficult to say as each schedule has its own fares. For a Paris-Bordeaux trip, the estimated increase is between €1 and €5 for TGV Inoui, with tickets priced at €30 to €100 respectively. A small amount, but significant over the year for regular travelers. Several dozen (or even hundreds) of euros, which will add to the inflation affecting all other sectors of purchase.

Read also: Trenitalia enhances its train services between Paris and Lyon