With the annual economic situation, SNCF Voyageurs has announced an average increase of 5% on train ticket prices from January 10, 2023. Some journeys will be spared by a “price shield”, which will be put in place soon. Here are the train tickets that will not suffer a price increase.
From next year, some train tickets will cost travelers more. And for good reason, “the explosion in the price of energy and the repercussions of inflation” of recent months will cause “a very significant increase in the cost of the TGV in 2023,” announced the railway group in its press release on November 18. Faced with this “unprecedented” increase, SNCF Voyageurs has decided to pass on part of its costs to the prices of certain TGV tickets and Intercités tickets. An average increase of 5% from January 10, 2023 is planned. However, not all journeys are affected by this increase. A “tariff shield” will be applied on high-speed trains and on some season tickets.
Which train tickets are protected by the price shield?
In its press release, SNCF Voyageurs explains that the tariff shield aims “to protect in particular leisure travelers and the most price-sensitive”. The company thus undertakes to “keep prices attractive” and not to increase:
- The minimum prices of the TGV Inoui
The minimum prices for TGVs are those offered in particular when ticket sales open.
- Ouigo prices
- Rates guaranteed by the Avantage card
- The prices of the Max Young and Senior subscriptions
The prices of these two subscriptions will remain blocked at 79 euros per month.
Concretely, the SNCF gives the example of a Paris-Rennes train journey: the price of the Ouigo ticket purchased in advance will always be 16 euros, that of a TGV Inoui at 20 euros and the price with the Avantage card at a maximum of 39 euros.
Which train tickets will increase in price in 2023?
The 5% increase in train ticket prices will concern:
- Rates offered to companies (Business Première and Liberté tickets)
- Max Active subscriptions and plans
- The maximum tiers of TGV leisure tickets in 1st and 2nd class
Intercity train journeys may also be subject to the price increase if the government approves the measure.
Winter holiday train tickets on sale from 9 November
The sale of TGV and Intercités train tickets for the beginning of 2023 opened on the morning of November 9, 2022. A sale eagerly awaited by families, especially those who have already planned their next ski holiday. Small novelty this year, faced with the number of requests, the SNCF has decided to strengthen its offer in certain regions, in particular on the Intercités Nantes-Lyon line, where the frequency of trains will increase soon. Twelve new Ouigo destinations will also be open in December, including Brest, La Rochelle and Perpignan. The sale of Ouigo tickets for 2023 will open from January until July 3.
When to take your train ticket to pay less?
To get train tickets at the best price, you must book as soon as possible. It is from the opening of ticket sales that we can hope to have the best prices. The model is simple, it is based on supply and demand. Thus, as tickets sell out, the prices of the last places on board the trains will increase, especially at the time of the departure weekend for the Christmas holidays. So if you want to be sure to have your ticket at the right price, it is better to buy it in advance. You can always exchange it if the dates no longer suit you. For TGV INOUI, ticket exchanges and refunds are free, up to three days before departure.
Besides booking in advance, you can benefit from the advantages of an SNCF subscription, such as the Carte Avantage. For 49 euros a year, it provides 30% reduction on TGV and Intercités for the holder and an accompanying person, and up to 60% for accompanying children. In addition, ticket prices are capped with this subscription, depending on the distance of the journey: less than 1h30 = €39 max, between 1h30 and 3h = €59 max, and for your journeys of more than 3h = €79 max.
What is the cheapest day to buy a ticket?
To pay less for your ticket, you have to know how to be flexible on the day and time you choose for your trip. Indeed, you have certainly already noticed that the price of a train ticket can easily double, if you leave in the afternoon around 4 p.m., at the end of the day, or on Friday before the weekend. . These times correspond to peak hours (return from work, school, etc.), they are more popular than the others. In general, trains that depart very early in the morning, very late or in the middle of the night are often cheaper. Knowing this, it is better prefer to leave by train one day in the middle of the week, in the morning or in the evening. Also on weekends, Saturday morning is often the best time to go.
Bus tickets under 20 euros
Always in the idea of saving money, you can opt for bus tickets. By taking them in advance, they are much cheaper than train tickets. Although the journey time is often longer than by train, the prices are sometimes unbeatable. On the Flixbus site, for example, you can find some trips for less than 20 euros.
Train tickets for the Easter holidays 2023: when will the sale open?
The opening of train ticket sales for the spring break 2023 will take place at the beginning of January. Due to the different dates of these holidays in the three academic areas, it covers a large period between Monday, March 27 and mid-May. At that time and until July 7, 2023, you can buy your next train tickets up to four months in advance.