How do I reserve a seat at TGV?

How to make reservations for the TGV
  1. Through the Rail Planner app.
  2. Through our Reservation Service.
  3. Through B-Europe for the Brussels to Marne-la-Vall?e and Chessy route.
  4. Locally at the train station via the SNCF ticket machines.
  5. By calling SNCF on +33 1 84 94 3635 (select #85 for English)




Reserving a seat on the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) in France is mandatory, as all high-speed tickets in 2026 include a specific seat assignment by default. When you purchase a ticket through the SNCF Connect app, the website, or at a station kiosk, your seat is automatically reserved as part of the transaction. You can often choose your preference, such as "window" (fenêtre), "aisle" (couloir), or "traveling in the direction of travel." If you are using a Eurail or Interrail Pass, you must purchase a separate "Seat Reservation" before boarding, which usually costs between €10 and €20 for domestic French routes. These can be booked online via the Eurail website or at an SNCF ticket window. It is crucial to have this reservation printed or on your phone, as conductors on the TGV are strict; boarding without a valid reservation can result in a significant fine, even if the train appears to have empty seats, as the system is designed to prevent overcrowding on the high-speed network.

People Also Ask

Your seat will be automatically assigned when you complete your reservation. You may change your assigned seat and choose a different seat at any time after your booking is complete by viewing your reservation in the Amtrak app or on Amtrak.com.

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For long-distance trains including all TGV, Intercités & Intercités de Nuit overnight trains, reservation is compulsory, but there are usually seats available even on the day of travel and you can buy a ticket immediately before the train departs. But there are much cheaper fares if you pre-book.

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TGV is SNCF's high-speed rail service. Carrying passengers across France on trains exceeding 300kmh, TGV train has become one of the most popular modes of transport for travelling around the country.

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For your journey with TGV, INTERCITÉS and TER To have plenty of time to find your car, your seat, to store your suitcases etc... we advise you to arrive 20 minutes before departure. Access to the train is guaranteed up to 2 minutes before departure, so avoid arriving at the very last minute!

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Reservations on the TGV high-speed trains are compulsory. We recommend you make your reservations as far in advance as possible. Please note that international TGV trains offer a limited number of seats for Interrail Pass holders.

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Seat reservation is compulsory on TGVs, and all tickets automatically include a seat reservation on a specific train. TGV seating numbering plans. Fares vary like air fares, with cheap Prems fares if you book in advance, much more expensive flexible fares if you wait and buy on the day.

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For travel on TGV INOUI or TGV France-Italy trains There is no weight limit for your luggage, but you must be able to carry your bags and suitcases by yourself*. On TGV INOUI trains: Your cabin luggage or other compact bags should be stowed under your seat, at your feet, or in the overhead compartment above your seat.

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Tickets go on sale 2 to 9 months in advance, so all those who love to plan ahead can save more money.

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On SNCF Connect, you can book two types of TGVs: INOUI or OUIGO TGV. TGV INOUI is a premium, more comfortable TGV offer, while OUIGO offers a single travel class and low prices.

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With most airlines, if you DON'T pay and just check in online as early as you can, you WILL get to sit with the rest of your group – as long as seats are still available. All of the major airlines bar Ryanair told us their seat allocation systems will always try to seat groups on the same booking together.

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The Société nationale des chemins de fer français (French pronunciation: [s?sjete n?sj?nal de ?(?)m?~ d(?) f?? f??~s?]; abbreviated as SNCF [?s??n se ?f]; French for National Society of the French Railways) is France's national state-owned railway company.

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The speed of both trains is comparable; the TGV holding the world speed record by rail at 574.8 km/h (357.2 mph) even if its cruising speed is set at 300 km/h (186 mph) like the Shinkansen.

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Reservations can be made directly at a train station or by using the City to City search tool on our website. For seat reservation booking choose I have a railpass. Reservations are required on: Sleeping accommodations on all overnight trains, but not on day trains.

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Your seat will be automatically assigned when you complete your reservation. You may change your assigned seat at any time after your booking is complete using interactive seat maps on the Amtrak app or on Amtrak.com. There is no fee to change your seat.

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Book in advance Train tickets for high-speed trains usually go on sale around 6 months before the date of travel. Book in advance to make sure you get the cheapest options as these tend to sell out, leaving only the more expensive tickets.

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