SNCF First Class

If you’re after SNCF First Class tickets, look no further. As the national train operator in France, you can expect the best from SNCF wherever you travel with them.

At Trainline, we’ll show you what exactly is on offer, from luxurious seats to complimentary meals and much more. Don’t be put off by the thought of paying more than you would in Standard either, as there are ways to find cheap First Class train tickets too! Read on for a complete guide to travelling First Class with SNCF.

First Class vs Second Class on SNCF trains

	Second Class	First Class
Luggage space	✓	✓
WiFi	✓	✓
Extra comfort seats	X	✓
Solo, duo or private cabin	X	✓
Power sockets	✓	✓
Quiet areas	X	✓
At-seat meal service	X	✓

Find out more about First v Second Class on European trains.

If you're travelling in First Class on SNCF's TGV trains, you'll get to enjoy a range of dishes by star chef Michel Sarran, which will be served to your seat. This at-seat meal service is available at mealtimes, Mondays to Fridays (excluding the summer/Christmas holidays and bank holidays) on the busiest TGV routes (Paris to Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Nantes, Rennes, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg).

SNCF have a number of First Class lounges in France where you can relax before and after your train journey with a First Class ticket. Use these modern, comfortable spaces for work, enjoying a hot drink or just chilling out, with WiFi and phone chargers available in all.

SNCF First Class lounges, also known as Grand Voyageur lounges, can be found at the following stations:

SNCF First Class seating plan

On SNCF trains, First Class seats are more spaced out than in Second Class, although they follow the same arrangement on either sitting at a table of four or two seats next to each other.

If you're travelling with SNCF's TGV train, you’ll be able to choose between the following types of seating arrangements in First Class:

Solo – a seat on its own, window side
Duo side by side – two seats next to each other, corridor or window
Duo opposite – two seats facing each other, window side
Club 4 – four seats facing each other, corridor or window
Lounge – a separated cabin with six or eight seats.

Paris to Lyon

Departs from	Paris Gare de Lyon
Arrives into	Lyon Part-Dieu
Fastest time	1h 56m
First Class lounge	Paris and Lyon

Find out more about travelling from Paris to Lyon by train.

Paris to Marseille

Departs from	Paris Gare de Lyon
Arrives into	Marseille St-Charles
Fastest time	3h 2m
First Class lounge	Paris and Marseille

Find out more about taking the train from Paris to Marseille .

Montpellier to Paris

Departs from	Montpellier St-Roch
Arrives into	Paris Gare de Lyon
Fastest time	3h 26m
First Class lounge	Paris only

Learn more about travelling by train from Montpellier to Paris.

Buy in advance

SNCF tickets (and train tickets in Europe in general) are usually at their cheapest price when they first go on sale, normally around three to six months before the date of travel.

Travel Off-Peak

Train tickets tend to be more expensive during rush hour (mornings and early evenings Monday to Friday). If you can, be sure to look for tickets outside of these times to see if you can snap up a lower price.

Look out for train deals

There’s a wide range of train deals and discounts in Europe that can help you save money on your journey. Deals can vary based on the country and train company, but if you’re travelling with children, in a group, or fall into a certain age category, you can benefit from discounted ticket prices.

What is included in SNCF First Class?

As well as more spacious and comfortable seating, First Class tickets on SNCF trains include lounge access at the station (where available), at-seat dining and individual power sockets.

Are food and drinks included when you travel First Class with SNCF?

No, the cost of food and drinks is not covered with a First Class ticket. You can, however, order from the onboard restaurant and you'll be served at your seat.

Do I get access to SNCF's First Class lounge?

You can use SNCF's First Class lounge if you hold a valid First Class train ticket and there’s a lounge available at either your departure or arrival station.

So, now you know all about what SNCF's First Class has to offer, whether you’re ready to book, or want to find out more about train travel in Europe, we’re here to help.

Start a search for tickets in our Journey Planner at the top of the page or check out some of our guides to travelling with SNCF, where they can take you, and train travel around Europe in general.