It’s already time to prepare for the winter holidays. The SNCF opened ticket sales for this period on Wednesday.
A date from which travelers will be able to book their SNCF tickets from 10 February to 24 March 2024 and thus organize their winter holidays. Please remember that school holidays extend from February 10th to March 11th depending on the different areas.
Usually, tickets for TGV inOui and Intercités trains are available four months in advance, but for holidays the rules change. «An exceptional opening of sales on a fixed date is planned for the Christmas, winter, spring and summer holiday periods», he specifies the SNCF Connect website.
From this Wednesday morning it is therefore possible to book tickets for the TGV inOui, the Intercités and the TGV Lyria. As for Ouigo, train tickets can be booked as early as October 4th. Like every year, it’s first-come, first-served. The French public railways do not fail to point out that tickets travel quickly and that booking the first tickets on sale allows you to have more choice on timetables, get seats at a better price or maximize the chances of sitting next to your loved ones. those for people traveling in groups.
On October 4, when train tickets went on sale for the end-of-year holidays, the SNCF Connect website and application displayed numerous bugs throughout the morning and prevented thousands of passengers from booking their train ticket. train due to a “peak connection on site,” according to the rail company.
What are the benefits of booking winter holiday travel early?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Travel Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest, travel expert Lisa Moreau, here to discuss the upcoming winter holiday preparations and the recent news from SNCF regarding ticket sales. Welcome, Lisa!
Lisa Moreau: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to talk about winter travel plans.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. SNCF has just opened ticket sales for the winter holidays, but many travelers might still be in a summer mindset. What do you think makes this early booking important?
Lisa Moreau: It’s crucial for a few reasons. First, booking early typically offers more options in terms of both pricing and availability. As the holiday approaches, demand increases, and the best deals can disappear quickly. For families, especially those with children in school, timing is key.
Editor: Absolutely! Speaking of timing, the ticket sales are available for travel from February 10 to March 24, 2024. How do school holidays play into travel planning?
Lisa Moreau: School holidays are pivotal. In France, from February 10 to March 11, there are varying holiday schedules depending on the region. Families need to know these dates to plan their trips effectively. It’s not just about when they can travel, but also about how they can avoid peak travel times, which can lead to overcrowding and higher prices.
Editor: That’s a great point. For families planning a winter getaway, what destination tips do you have?
Lisa Moreau: Well, winter offers a variety of experiences. If you’re looking for snow and skiing, the French Alps are a top choice. For families wanting something less traditional, regions like the French Pyrenees or even urban areas like Paris can provide winter charm without the ski lifts. Also, be sure to consider weather conditions—no one wants to be stuck in a snowy storm at a remote destination!
Editor: Those sound like fantastic options! Now, do you believe that the early ticket sales from SNCF can help stimulate local economies during the winter season?
Lisa Moreau: Definitely. When travel is accessible, it not only benefits larger tourist destinations but also smaller towns that might be overlooked. By encouraging travel during the winter festive season, local businesses like shops, restaurants, and attractions can see a boost as families come to explore.
Editor: It’s amazing how interconnected these aspects are! Lastly, any advice for travelers trying to navigate the ticket purchasing process?
Lisa Moreau: I recommend setting up alerts for price changes, considering flexible travel dates, and being ready to book as soon as options are available. Also, check the SNCF website for any promotions—they sometimes offer discounts for early bookings or group travels.
Editor: Thank you, Lisa! This has been incredibly insightful. Preparing for winter doesn’t have to be stressful, especially with this information at hand. Happy travels to everyone planning their winter vacations!
Lisa Moreau: Thank you! Happy travels indeed!