Wednesday, August 28, 2024 In September, the French national rail operator SNCF is launching a series of special discounts aimed at making train travel more affordable for both domestic and international routes. The promotion, dubbed ‘traincroyables’—a clever blend of the words “train” and “incroyables” (incredible)—will run until September 30. These offers, available on a first-come, first-served basis, are not just limited to specific groups but are open to all travelers.
The promotion includes a variety of discounted tickets, railcards, and international travel options that are expected to have significant global effects on the travel industry. The discounts include a broad range of options designed to appeal to different types of travelers. One of the first offers is a substantial €80 discount on the Carte Liberté, reducing its price to €299.
This card is particularly attractive as it offers 100% flexible tickets that can be exchanged or reimbursed even after departure, along with fixed prices on numerous routes and discounts on upgrades to business class. This promotion is notably available to all travelers, including those who do not hold a professional work contract, removing the usual requirement for a company letter to receive the discount. Another offer, running on September 4 and 5, features 200,000 tickets for OuiGo, SNCF’s low-cost, high-speed train service, at just €19.
This is expected to draw a significant number of budget-conscious travelers, both domestically and from abroad. In addition to these offers, regional tickets on local TER trains are priced at €2 in some regions, with discounts available in others, including Normandy, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Hauts-de-France, and Brittany. These regional discounts provide an opportunity for travelers to explore lesser-known parts of France at a fraction of the usual cost.
The promotion also extends to international travel, with significant discounts on TGV tickets to neighboring countries such as Spain, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland. Between September 18 and 29, travelers can purchase tickets starting at €39 for these international routes. Additionally, routes connecting stations in the south of France (such as Montpellier, Nîmes, and Valence) to Spain are available for just €29 one-way.
This is expected to increase cross-border travel, making it more accessible and appealing to a global audience. High-speed TGV InOui trains and Intercités routes will also be part of the promotion between September 23 and 27, with ticket prices starting from €29 and €19 respectively. This broad range of offers is designed to cater to various traveler needs, from high-speed international travel to local exploration within France.
These discounts are accessible to everyone through the SNCF website, without the need for a specific railcard. Travelers can stay informed about current and upcoming deals by visiting the dedicated SNCF promotions page, ensuring they don’t miss out on these limited-time offers. Global Effects on Travel: The ‘traincroyables’ promotion by SNCF is set to have a significant impact on the travel industry, not only within France but also across Europe.
By making train travel more affordable and accessible, SNCF is likely to draw a diverse group of travelers, from budget-conscious tourists to business travelers seeking flexibility. This month-long series of offers could reshape travel patterns in the region, encouraging more people to choose trains over other forms of transport, thus contributing to the broader goal of sustainable tourism..
