The rail pass is the new public transportation system launched on June 5, offering a convenient and economical way to travel by train. Whether you are a regular train traveler or a newcomer, it is essential to understand its costs, usage, and the criteria necessary to make the most of it.
With the rail pass, discover a new way to travel by train while managing your budget. By knowing the various fares and options available, you can choose the plan that best fits your needs and travel habits.
Learning to use the rail pass is simple and intuitive. Thanks to a user-friendly interface and clear instructions, you can quickly book your trips, check schedules, and manage your subscription independently.
To fully benefit from the advantages offered by the rail pass, it is essential to understand the important criteria to consider. Whether you travel frequently or occasionally, there are tips to optimize your experience and make your trips more enjoyable.
In summary, the rail pass is much more than just a transportation ticket: it is a gateway to a new way of traveling by train, combining comfort, simplicity, and savings. Discover all its secrets and embark on the rail adventure now!
The rail pass, announced by President Emmanuel Macron, is finally available starting June 5. This new system allows young people aged 16 to 27 to travel unlimited on the regional network and Intercités for only 49 euros per month. But how does it work in practice? What criteria do you need to know to benefit from this rail pass? We clarify below.
Who can benefit from the rail pass?
Initially intended for all travelers in France, the rail pass is finally reserved for young people aged 16 to 27 at the time of purchase. This represents a great opportunity for students and young professionals who wish to travel at a lower cost during the summer months.
Where to buy the rail pass?
The rail pass can be purchased starting June 5 on the SNCF website as well as on train ticket sales platforms like Trainline. The system is fully digitalized, making the purchase and use of the rail pass easier. It is sold for 49 euros for a period of 31 consecutive days, valid from July 1 to August 31. Users also have the option to purchase two passes to cover the entire summer season.
Where does the rail pass work?
The rail pass provides access to all TER and Intercités trains, whether during the day or at night. However, it is not valid for cross-border trains or journeys between two stations in Île-de-France. Nonetheless, it is possible to take a TER or an Intercités train departing from or arriving in Paris, as long as you are traveling to or from another region.
How to book a ticket with the rail pass?
To use the rail pass, it is necessary to book a ticket, even for TER trips where seats are not reserved. Reservations can be made on all ticket sales platforms by previously entering the rail pass number as a discount card. It is important to note that a rail pass holder cannot make more than six reservations at the same time to prevent misuse.
Who finances the rail pass?
The rail pass is financed by both the state and the regions. The state covers 80% of the cost, while the regions finance the remaining 20%. This distribution allows for an affordable price for users while ensuring the sustainability of the system.
Is this a first?
The rail pass is not a new concept in France. A similar system was already implemented in 2020 and 2021, specifically aimed at those under 27 during the summer period. At that time, the rail pass allowed young people to travel unlimited on TER trains, except in Île-de-France, for a monthly price of 29 euros.
Will the rail pass be extended?
It is still difficult to say whether the rail pass will be expanded to other categories of travelers or to other times of the year. However, the ministry in charge of transport indicated that it would assess the possibility of extending the scheme to Île-de-France next year, in collaboration with Île-de-France Mobilités. The goal is to continue developing the rail pass so that it gradually covers more regions and can include Île-de-France by 2025.
The rail pass is an opportunity not to be missed for young travelers wishing to take advantage of the summer to discover new regions. With its attractive price and flexibility of use, it offers a great alternative for traveling freely.
