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3 tips to pay less for your train tickets!

undefined undefined 13 février 2025 undefined 07h30

The Editor

© Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock

Want to travel by train without breaking the bank, or even save a little money? We have three unbeatable tips for you that will make booking your train tickets a piece of cake!

Spring is just around the corner, bringing with it lots of long weekends and extended weekends in May. Since January, train tickets for this time have been on sale, but as we know, prices can quickly shoot up, making our wallets feel the pinch. However, there are a few tricks that you might not think of, which can help you save some euros and enjoy a much cheaper stay than you expected. And no, we’re not talking about the usual discount cards like Liberté, Avantage, and others. Stick with us, and we'll explain.


Activate Alerts

There are various alerts available on the SNCF Connect app. Of course, there are the "Low Price Alerts" that keep you updated on the best deals based on the dates and amount you specify. For instance, if you're looking for a ticket to Strasbourg between April 20 and May 12 for around €30, this alert will activate if such a ticket becomes available.

But there's also the "Reservation Alerts" tab which, when activated, will notify you by email when tickets you're interested in go on sale, so you can be among the first to grab them. This way, you can enjoy the “original” ticket price without being affected by the various price increases that might happen in the weeks following the initial sale.


Make Options to Lock in Prices 

Not completely sure about the date, time, or destination of your next trip yet? No worries, you can make options on several tickets. This way, the seat is reserved for you for up to seven days, and you only pay for it once this period is over. The best part is that during this time, the ticket price is also locked in!

;. No risk of paying more than expected! And if you do nothing, the reservation is automatically canceled and put back on sale. 


Analyze the price calendar to target the most affordable dates 

Maybe you didn't know, but the Trainline app offers a calendar where prices are displayed based on the days. This way, you can see when ticket prices are at their lowest. This feature is also available on the Eurostar and Ouigo websites, allowing you to plan your trips as much as possible.