1st Class train tickets in France can be cheaper than 2nd Class (if you know where to look)

As it turns out, you can get great seats — for less! Photo: Jo.sau

Here’s an oddity that we came across today while booking train tickets on the TGV for our upcoming two-week trip to France: First class train tickets for our journey were actually cheaper than the second class tickets.

But here’s the catch: By default, the SNCF website (the official French railway website, which is the only place you should be booking your train tickets) shows you second-class ticket prices. They’re making the “cheapo deal” a bit difficult to spot, unless you know where to look.

Second-class search

Here was our first search, which brought up second-class seats:

A few things to notice here:

1. Second-class was selected by default.
2. All of the cheapest “non modifiable” (refundable) tickets had already been purchased, leaving only the more expensive refundable seats.
3. Little green tabs on the right do show you first-class seats available for the same journey, but they’re sort of hidden in the background and easy to miss.

First-class search

Now, here were the results when we did the same search for first-class tickets:

You’ll notice that cheaper non-refundable seats are now available for these same trains, but in First Class.

Our Cheapo advice

When searching on the SNCF site, first search for second class tickets — it’s the default search setting. However, don’t just assume these are the cheapest rates. Do a follow-up search for first-class tickets. You might be surprised to find cheaper prices!

Have advice to add? Please add it in the comments section below!

Related:

How to book tickets on the TGV

How to book slower train tickets in Europe