To the point
The SNCF Avantage Adult Card is a must-have for travelers who like to take the train from time to time. But how does it work? Let's find out.
Because it allows you to get your hands on cheap train tickets (or, at any rate, less expensive), the Avantage Card offered by the SNCF is a must-have for anyone who takes the train a few times a year. The rail company currently offers three types of Avantage card, each tailored to a specific age group: young people aged 12 to 27, adults aged 27 to 59, and seniors aged 60 and over. Overview and review of the SNCF Avantage Adult card.
SNCF Adult Avantage Card - How it Works and Benefits
Discounts on TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS Trains
The Avantage Adult card offers a 30% discount on standard fares, and also includes a cap on the price of second-class travel, depending on the length of the journey.
- For journeys of less than 1 h 30, the cost is capped at 49 euros.
- For journeys lasting between 1 h 30 and 3 h, the cost is capped at 69 euros.
- For journeys lasting more than 3 hours, the cost is capped at 89 euros.
It also entitles holders to a 60% discount on tickets for accompanying children (up to a limit of three children).
It’s important to note that while the Avantage card for 12-27 year olds and the Avantage card for 60+ year olds have no particular restrictions and can be used without constraint, the card for 27-59 year olds does have some limitations.
Discounts are valid for round trips including a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night. It does not apply to weekday one-way tickets, unless you are accompanied by a child aged between 4 and 11 and you have purchased his/her ticket at the same time as yours.
Discount on Related Services
The SNCF Avantage Adult card also entitles holders to a 15% discount on SNCF services such as :
- Car rental with AVIS and Budget, for journeys in mainland France (excluding Corsica) of up to 30 days.
- The My Baggage service, which allows passengers’ baggage to be sent to the address of their choice.
- Onboard catering, including menu items and curated meals.
- Junior & Cie, a service to accompany children on trains.
Discounts on TER trains
When it comes to buying a TER ticket, France is divided into two regions: those that accept the Avantage Adult card, and those that do not. Among those who refuse it are :
- Burgundy-Franche-Comté
- Centre
- Île-de-France
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine
- Occitanie
- Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
In other regions, the SNCF ‘s Avantage Adult Card gives a discount of 25, 30 or 50%, depending on location.
- Travel in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region: between 25% and 50%.
- Travel in the Brittany, Normandy and Pays de la Loire regions: 30%.
- Travel in the Hauts de France and Grand Est regions: 25%.
Discounts on travel in Europe
Not only does the Avantage Adult card entitle you to special discounts on domestic routes, it also allows you to save on certain European routes. It offers a 30% discount on travel :
- To Germany with TGV INOUI and DB
- To Spain with TGV INOUI France-Espagne
- To Italy with TGV France-Italie
- To Luxembourg and Freiburg in Breisgau with TGV INOUI
- To Switzerland with TGV Lyria
SNCF Avantage Adult Card - Rates
In our opinion, the SNCF ‘s Avantage Adult card is particularly attractive, not only because of its affordable price. It is available for 49 euros per year.
| Subscription | Price | Validity |
| Jeune Advantage card | €49 | 1 year |
| Adult Avantage Card | €49 | 1 year |
| Senior Avantage Card | €49 | 1 year |
Cancellation Policy
When SNCF Avantage Adult cardholders buy a ticket, they can exchange or cancel a journey up to 7 days before departure. If they modify or cancel a trip 6 days before departure, a deduction of 19 euros per person and per journey will be applied for all travel by TGV Inoui. For Intercités journeys, the discount will be 40% of the ticket price, with a maximum discount of 15 euros.
SNCF Avantage Adult Card - Review and Conclusion
If you only travel at weekends, the season ticket Avantage Adult is a particularly attractive option, offering a 30% discount on train tickets for adults and a 60% discount on train tickets for children, provided that travel is scheduled for the weekend. SNCF justifies these restrictions by explaining that regular weekday travelers aged 27 to 59 are, in the majority of cases, professionals who already have specific season tickets, such as the Liberté Card.
If you also travel on weekdays, it might be worth taking a look at the Liberté Card, which offers a discount of up to 60% for weekday journeys.
Whatever subscription you choose, the SNCF offers solutions to meet a variety of travel needs, allowing you to take advantage of discounts, flexibility and additional benefits to make your journeys more enjoyable. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your needs and travel habits.
SNCF Avantage Adult Card Review - Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Best SNCF subscription?
The best train pass subscription for you depends on your age and how often you travel. If you travel a lot for work, the SNCF‘s Liberté Card is a great way to avoid the sometimes exorbitant cost of last-minute bookings. If you’re travelling with your family for personal reasons, you may be better off with the Avantage Card, which is more affordable.
What's the Difference Between the Avantage Card and the MAX Card?
The Avantage Adult season ticket, available for 49 euros a month, offers a 30% discount on all train tickets. The Max Actif pass costs between 300 and 600 euros per month. The price is much higher, but Max Actif allows holders to travel free of charge from Monday to Thursday, with the exception of busy periods such as Monday mornings, the eve of major holidays, and long week-ends.
How does the SNCF Avantage Adult Card work?
The SNCF ‘s Avantage Adult card offers, among other things, a 30% discount on standard fares, and also includes a cap on the price of second-class travel, depending on the length of the journey.
Why doesn't the Avantage Adulte card apply to all TER trains?
Regional transport authorities are responsible for setting TER fares. In the Île-de-France region in particular, the Avantage Adult card does not apply.
Does the SNCF Avantage Adulte card work on Ouigo and INOUI trains?
The SNCF Avantage Adult Cardapplies to INOUI TGVs, but not to Ouigo trains.
What's the best SNCF card for weekend travel?
If you only travel on weekends, it’s best to opt for the Avantage Adult pass, which offers a 30% discount for adults and a 60% discount for children on all train tickets. If you also travel on weekdays, it might be worth taking a look at the Liberté Card, which offers a discount of up to 60% for SNCF customers traveling on weekdays.
What discount cards does the SNCF offer for young people?
Young people aged between 12 and 27 can choose between the Carte Avantage Jeune, which costs 49 euros a month, and the Carte Jeune MAX, which costs 79 euros a month.
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