Concerns are rising about the affordability of TGV tickets as prices increase, with Ouigo’s low-cost options also seeing a significant price hike. During peak travel times, such as the February holidays, Ouigo tickets have surpassed 100 euros for certain routes. The Transport Regulatory Authority has reported a 10% rise in Ouigo fares this year, prompting criticism from travelers. SNCF justifies the fare increases as necessary to cope with inflation and fund improvements, while advising early bookings for better rates.
Are TGV tickets becoming out of reach for some travelers? SNCF is defending its pricing strategy by highlighting its Ouigo low-cost service and discount cards aimed at keeping fares affordable. Nevertheless, with winter holidays just around the corner and spring ticket sales now underway, concerns about escalating prices have resurfaced.
For example, during the February holiday season, Ouigo tickets, typically recognized for their budget-friendly options, are now priced over 100 euros for some routes. A case in point is a Ouigo journey to Marseille on Saturday, February 22, departing from Paris at 12:38, which is listed at 109 euros on the SNCF Connect booking platform, as reported by Le Parisien.
Frustration is brewing on social media, with one traveler expressing their disappointment, stating, ‘trains that are always more expensive for a deplorable service.’
Anticipating a Price Surge
The Transport Regulatory Authority (ART) has noted that in 2023 alone, the prices for the low-cost Ouigo service have risen by 10%. The National Federation of Transport User Associations (Fnaut) points out that ‘the price gap between Ouigo and TGV Inoui is narrowing year by year.’ They further emphasize that ‘the average price per Ouigo passenger has climbed from 27.60 euros in 2019 to 34.20 in 2023, marking a 24% increase.’ This trend suggests that booking Ouigo just days before departure may no longer be a cost-effective choice compared to Inoui, according to Fnaut.
‘We previously announced an average fare increase of 1.5% for TGV INOUI and Ouigo, which includes adjustments to some of our maximum ticket prices,’ the transport network stated this Thursday to RMC Conso.
Indeed, SNCF Voyageurs had previously warned in a January 7 statement that TGV ticket prices would rise from January 8, with an average increase of 1.5%, slightly below the projected inflation rate of 1.7% for 2025 according to Insee. The announcement maintained that minimum prices, as well as rates for Advantage and Freedom cards, would remain stable, while maximum fares would see a rise between 1 and 7 euros depending on the destination.
There are typically between 15 and 20 pricing levels on TGV services based on demand, and ‘only the last levels will change,’ reassured Alain Krakovitch, the director of TGV-Intercités at SNCF Voyageurs, during a press discussion. On average, ticket prices are set to increase by ‘less than one euro per ticket,’ with ‘one in two tickets being sold for less than 47 euros.’ The price for Intercités services is expected to rise slightly more, averaging 1.9%, while the Junior and Co service, which assists children traveling alone, will also see a price increase of around 3 euros depending on the destination and package, with an overall revision of 1 euro. ‘It hadn’t been increased in years,’ Krakovitch noted in early January.
Is the Price Hike Justifiable?
SNCF Voyageurs defends this fare increase as a necessary measure to ‘keep pace with inflation, safeguard the purchasing power of its customers, and provide affordable options for everyone,’ according to a statement released on January 7. Alain Krakovitch emphasized to AFP the importance of raising rates to fund investments such as extending the lifespan of 104 trains and acquiring 115 next-generation TGVs, while simultaneously protecting travelers’ purchasing power.
‘The inflation of our costs and tolls is projected to be 3% in 2025 for TGV,’ he indicated, which is double the imposed price increase. For comparison, last year saw a price increase of 2.6%. Since 2019, TGV ticket prices have risen by an average of 8%, which is lower than the inflation rates during the same period, and significantly less than the soaring costs of air travel (+55%) or fuel (+25-30%), as highlighted by Krakovitch.
Additionally, SNCF frequently reiterates that high-speed rail does not receive public subsidies and must generate profits to support its investments. They also encourage travelers to plan ahead to secure better rates. Finally, SNCF employs ‘yield management’ as a pricing strategy, allowing for price adjustments based on train occupancy rates.