SNCF winter 2023 ticket sales opening
Date and times of train ticket sales opening
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SNCF
When Can I Buy My Ticket for Winter 2025–2026?
During the winter holidays and end-of-year festivities, trains fill up fast. As a result, prices rise quickly and some routes sell out within hours!
Good news: SNCF ticket sales for winter 2025–2026 open on Wednesday 12 November 2025 at 6h in the morning. You'll then be able to book your tickets to travel between 8 January and 29 March 2026.
If you're planning to travel during this period, start organising now and be ready to book your tickets as soon as sales open. This is the key to making great savings and getting the best choice of seats.
Another benefit: most Prem's tickets are refundable and changeable free of charge up to 7 days before departure. So buying in advance isn't risky. 😉
Imagine a hotly anticipated concert or football match: the best seats go first. It's the same for trains. By booking early, you travel cheaper and more comfortably.
What Time Can I Buy My Tickets for Christmas and New Year 2025?
For the festive period, SNCF also sets a specific date: tickets for Christmas and New Year (14 December 2025 – 7 January 2026) will go on sale in early October 2025.
This period naturally includes the end-of-year school holidays. As always, the earlier you book, the better your chances of finding a good price and a guaranteed seat.
Ticket sales opening calendar by carrier
🚄 TGV INOUI and Intercités in France
| Trains / Destinations | Travel dates | Sales opening dates |
|---|---|---|
| TGV INOUI & Intercités in France | From 8 January to 29 March 2026 | Wednesday 12 November 2025 |
📆 TGV OUIGO Grande Vitesse Sales Opening
| Trains / Destinations | Travel dates | Sales opening dates |
|---|---|---|
| OUIGO Grande Vitesse | Winter + Spring (until July 2026) | Often from October 2025 |
🚂 OUIGO Trains Classiques Sales Opening
| Trains / Destinations | Travel dates | Sales opening dates |
|---|---|---|
| OUIGO Trains Classiques | Paris – Lyon / Paris – Nantes | 45 days before departure |
🌍 International TGVs (Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland)
| Trains / Destinations | Travel dates | Sales opening dates |
|---|---|---|
| TGV to Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland | Winter 2026 holidays | Dates announced autumn 2025 |
🚉 Eurostar & Thalys (Belgium, Netherlands, United Kingdom)
| Trains / Destinations | Travel dates | Sales opening dates |
|---|---|---|
| Eurostar & Thalys | Winter 2025–2026 | Up to 11 months before departure |
🚅 Trenitalia Frecciarossa
| Trains / Destinations | Travel dates | Sales opening dates |
|---|---|---|
| Paris – Lyon – Milan (Frecciarossa) | Winter 2025–2026 | Around 4 to 6 months before departure |
🚇 Renfe (AVE to Spain)
| Trains / Destinations | Travel dates | Sales opening dates |
|---|---|---|
| AVE to Madrid & Barcelona | Winter 2025–2026 | Dates to be announced soon |
🚌 Altibus Sales Opening for Ski Resorts
Altibus shuttles, which serve major French ski resorts directly, open their sales from September 2025. Ideal for completing your train + bus journey to the mountains.
Tip: whichever carrier you choose, booking as early as possible remains the best way to save on your train tickets this winter 2026. 😉
SNCF company FAQ: Winter sales opening
🎟 How to find cheap train tickets this winter?
Whatever your next destination this winter 2026, and whichever transport company (SNCF, OUIGO, Trenitalia, Renfe, etc.), it's entirely possible to find train tickets at attractive prices! 🚆✨
📅 Book your tickets in advance
To travel for less, the best strategy is still to book early. As a general rule, SNCF tickets go on sale about 4 months before departure. And for certain special periods (Christmas, winter, summer), sales open even earlier, on fixed dates.
Result: booking ahead of time means much more affordable tickets and a wider choice of seats. ✅
💳 Take advantage of discount cards
To reduce the price of your trips even further, consider the SNCF Avantage cards (Youth, Adult, Senior, Weekend, etc.). They give you -30% off your tickets and fare caps guaranteeing fixed prices depending on the length of the trip. Ideal for traveling often, even during busy periods.
SNCF winter 2025 sales opening: TGV INOUI, INTERCITÉS, OUIGO tickets
Planning your winter 2026 holidays? ❄️ Whether it's a mountain getaway, a European city trip or heading home to family, it's time to think about your train tickets. 🚆
Mark the date: SNCF ticket sales for winter 2025–2026 open on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 6am. This covers trains running during the winter holidays, from January 8 to March 29, 2026.
SPOILER: these tickets go fast, especially for ski destinations ⛷ and busy main lines. To be sure of traveling at the best price, it's best to book on the very day sales open.
In addition, keep in mind that tickets for the Christmas period (December 14, 2025 – January 7, 2026) go on sale in early October 2025. The rest of the year generally follows the 4 months in advance rule, with exceptions for major periods (Christmas, winter, spring, summer).
The good deal: booking early means access to the best Prem's fares while enjoying flexible conditions: most of these tickets are cancellable and refundable free of charge up to 7 days before departure (depending on the fare chosen). Perfect for stress-free travel!
Extra tip: OUIGO high-speed tickets sometimes open even earlier, often as soon as October, covering winter and even spring through to July. Worth keeping an eye on if you like planning ahead. 😉
In short, you have everything to gain by booking from November 12, 2025: more choice, better seats and above all unbeatable prices. 🏔✨
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