Rail tickets for travel from 9 January to 30 March 2025 will go on sale from 13 November, SNCF announced in a press release on Friday. It therefore includes the winter school holidays: from 8 to 24 February for zone B, from 15 February to 3 March for zone C and from 22 February to 10 March for zone A.
The SNCF assures that it will strengthen ”its offer to reach the French mountains” during the winter holidays. “During periods of high demand (winter holiday weekends), the TGV fleet is fully mobilized to respond to this busy period,” adds the railway company. For example, a return trip from OUIGO will be offered daily on the Paris - Bourg-Saint-Maurice (Savoie) line. The offer of the TGV Inoui will also be increased on this same line.
Six month sales
At the same time, the SNCF announces that it will open “for the first time” and on an experimental basis the “sale of TGV INOUI tickets” for journeys “valid within six months”, i.e. between 9 January and 4 July 2025, for three lines. These are the one between Paris and Lyon, the one between Paris and Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône) and the one between Paris and Montpellier (Hérault).
The SNCF also unveils several new features, such as the appearance of a ”new daily line” connecting the city center of Paris to Berlin (Germany) at high speed. This “will serve Paris Gare de l’Est, Strasbourg, Karlsruhe, Frankfurt South and Berlin, in approximately 8 hours. Reservations are open up to 6 months in advance as for the other stations served by this cooperation”, specifies the SNCF.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Rail Travel Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our special segment on rail travel! Today, we have a notable expert in the field, Dr. Emma Leclerc, who specializes in European rail systems and travel trends. Dr. Leclerc, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Emma Leclerc: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here to discuss such an exciting topic.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. SNCF recently announced that rail tickets for travel from January 9 to March 30, 2025, will go on sale on November 13. What does this mean for travelers planning their winter holidays?
Dr. Emma Leclerc: This announcement is significant for travelers because it allows them to plan ahead for winter school holidays, which vary by zone in France. By having access to tickets almost a year in advance, families can secure the best prices and travel times, ensuring a smoother planning process for those holiday trips.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, and that’s crucial, especially since the winter school holidays fall within this timeframe. Can you give us a brief overview of the holiday periods for each zone?
Dr. Emma Leclerc: Absolutely. Zone B will have its school holidays from February 8 to 24, Zone C from February 15 to March 3, and Zone A from February 22 to March 10. This staggered schedule is designed to help manage travel demand and reduce congestion on trains, which can be a big concern during peak holiday seasons.
Time.news Editor: That brings up an important point about congestion! How do rail companies, like SNCF, manage the influx of travelers during such busy periods?
Dr. Emma Leclerc: Rail companies utilize several strategies. They typically increase the number of trains on popular routes and may add extra services to accommodate high demand. Additionally, they encourage advance bookings to help spread out the number of passengers and ensure a comfortable travel experience. They may also offer promotions to incentivize off-peak travel.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like well-thought-out planning! What would you advise travelers to consider when booking tickets for this period?
Dr. Emma Leclerc: A few key tips: First, travelers should book as early as possible to secure the best prices and preferred travel times. Additionally, they should be flexible with their travel dates if they can. Traveling just before or after peak holiday times can lead to significant savings and a less crowded experience.
Time.news Editor: Those are invaluable tips! With the rise of sustainable travel, how do you see train travel fitting into the larger context of eco-friendly options for holiday travel?
Dr. Emma Leclerc: Train travel is one of the most sustainable modes of transport available, particularly in Europe, where many countries are heavily investing in rail infrastructure. It generates lower emissions compared to flying and driving, and more travelers are recognizing this benefit. Plus, the ability to relax, meet fellow travelers, and enjoy the scenic views make train journeys a compelling choice for holidays.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating how trends in travel are evolving! Lastly, Dr. Leclerc, what do you predict for the future of rail travel in Europe, especially in terms of technology and passenger experience?
Dr. Emma Leclerc: I foresee continued advancements in technology that enhance the passenger experience. This includes better mobile apps for booking and real-time updates, improved onboard services, and even smarter train systems that maximize efficiency. Additionally, as populations grow and environmental concerns mount, we will likely see more investment in high-speed rail and international connections.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Leclerc, for sharing your insights with us today! It certainly looks like the future of rail travel is bright.
Dr. Emma Leclerc: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how rail travel continues to evolve and meet the needs of modern travelers.
