Cheap train tickets: how to travel without breaking the bank?

In France or Europe, here are our tips for traveling cheaply by train, along with some useful apps.

Train travel is becoming an increasingly essential means of transportation for those concerned about their carbon footprint and the environment. However, it remains costly. It is therefore possible to use cards or subscriptions to travel cheaply by train. Additionally, planning your trips in advance or comparing prices are among the tips that allow you to travel without breaking the bank. Follow the guide!

Adopt the right habits

1. Book early

Don’t hesitate to book your ticket as soon as you know your dates. Indeed, whether you are traveling in France or Europe, and regardless of the railway company you choose, you will notice that tickets booked well in advance are cheaper than others. The “Prem’s” tickets allow you to book your trip up to three months ahead at attractive prices. They start at €25 on TGVs and €15 on Intercités trains.

According to the Trainline app, if you plan your reservations in advance, you can save an average of 32% on your ticket. However, for last-minute trips, it’s still possible to find good deals. To fill empty seats, SNCF sometimes offers low-cost fares.

2. Be flexible

If you know your destination and are flexible with your travel times and dates, you will have no trouble getting tickets at more attractive prices. Indeed, trains outside school holidays and during off-peak hours offer the most interesting prices. Also, stay alert for various promotions available during back-to-school periods, holidays, and summer vacations offered by rail operators.

3. Monitor deals

For French territory, the OUIGO app offers two low-cost train options (classic and high-speed), allowing savings. They are also listed on the SNCF Connect app. Although SNCF offers good deals throughout the year, the Trainline app is sometimes more effective for comparing options and finding the best price, especially for European trips.

Note: The Sustainable Travel Package
Implemented since the decree of May 9, 2020, it is a financial support scheme provided to employees in the private sector and public service agents for their "home-work" travel. This plan encourages the use of more environmentally friendly daily transport and improves purchasing power. More concretely, it involves the employer covering all or part of the costs for "soft mobility" transportation (including trains) between home and work. This support can go up to €800 per year, since the August 2022 increase.

Traveling in Europe at a lower cost

More comprehensive, the Trainline app indeed consolidates all train tickets in France and Europe. European train journeys can sometimes be cheaper depending on the railway company. For example, a ticket from France to Germany or Belgium will often cost less if booked directly through Deutsche Bahn or Thalys rather than SNCF. Also, don’t hesitate to check the direct train offerings of the European country you wish to visit to compare different options.

Germany DB train — Credit: Unsplash/melvinmadephotos

Also, don’t forget the Interrail Pass offered by SNCF. It makes traveling easier and more affordable across Europe (33 countries and over 40,000 destinations) over a certain period. Night trains are also a good option for budget-friendly travel across France or Europe.

Did you know: Useful apps
Beyond OUIGO and SNCF Connect, other apps like Trainline, Omio, or Kombo list a maximum of rail routes (France and Europe) and help find the best prices. There are also well-known flight search engines like Kayak or Liligo to compare prices.